Our family chose Down syndrome. When we decided to add to our family through adoption, we choose our boys because they had Down syndrome. Xander joined our family from Ukraine in August of 2007. He has Down syndrome and bilateral clubbed feet. His feet were surgically repaired in October of 2007 and he's now learning to walk. He was extremely delayed and he's been through months of therapy and hard work in order to help him to start learning and growing. He just celebrated one year of being a part of our family and the transformation is incredible!

Grifyn joined our family from Serbia in April of 2008. He is an active and energetic little boy. He is so smart and is picking up english very quickly.

Both of our boys have added such joy to our family. They are both using sign language, starting to talk and learning new things every day.  They both have some delays, but nothing has stopped them from enjoying life and being active members of our family. They are both going to school and we're excited about what the future holds for both of them.

What my boys have taught me is to to stop and enjoy the moment. Sometimes we have to take things slower. But, we always get there. They remind me to celebrate the little things in life and that there's always time to stop and have a silly moment. They make me smile and laugh every single day. Their big hearts and generous spirits challenge me to be a better person. I believe with all of my heart that they have much to teach the world.

What our family would love to share with the world is that children with Down syndrome are just children. They can learn. They can achieve things. They can grow up and be contributing members of society. Their journey to reach these goals may be a little different and it might take a little more time, but they have something to offer this world too. We are so thankful that we chose children with Down syndrome and we invite you all to Experience the Joy!