(Written by Lili’s parents)

*This post is from January 2016)

One month ago today Lili was born and our little family was created. We had no idea how much love and excitement we would have for our baby girl. Becoming parents has been by far the most stressful and simultaneously rewarding endeavor either of us have ever experienced. We have been surprised by many things including how challenging nursing can be and how much a newborn can LOVE bath time. What didn’t take us by surprise is that Lili has been diagnosed with Down syndrome.

About four months into our pregnancy we were notified that our baby was extremely likely to have Down syndrome. It was during the same call that we learned we were having a girl. It certainly wasn’t the easiest phone call to receive but one thing was certain, we absolutely could not wait to meet this little girl.

We couldn’t be happier to have Lili in our lives. We understand raising a child with special needs will bring unique challenges, but hope the challenges only help us grow as a family as we work through them. We already have such an amazing team of family and friends that love Lili like we do and are eager to help her grow and learn. We post this note as we want folks to know we are not sad, ashamed, or scared for her future. This diagnosis will not define her. We are confident Lili will grow, go to school, make friends, become a Nat’s fan, and do the vast majority of things typical kids do. We are excited parents!
No doubt, if you are reading this post, you will be seeing plenty of posts/pictures of Lili’s milestones in the years to come. We hope she makes you smile like she makes us smile.

Best wishes,
The Luckie Family