Hank was born November 8, 2011. I had no clue he would have a diagnosis of Down syndrome, nor did I after he was born. He looked like a typical baby to me. Everything was going as planned, I was holding my new gorgeous baby boy. I was thinking what a miracle he is, I couldn't get enough of him. Feeling his skin against mine, the smell of his milky breath, staring at his pretty little lips, holding his hand, touching his pretty little feet. My life had meaning, I was a new mother all over again, until Dr. McGill walked in our room and told me in a very "no big deal" type of way that Hank was a healthy baby but they think he has Down syndrome. My heart sank to my stomach, I felt like I couldn't breathe. I got very defensive and started asking why she thought that. She said the upward slant in his eyes. Whew, after I heard that I told her all the babies in my family have slanted eyes. They took him down for blood work. I honestly thought the test would come back negative. I didn't want to see that doctor in my room again, I felt angry that she suggested that my baby had Down syndrome. The day I was being released from the hospital Dr. McGill came in my room and said they are positive he has Down syndrome but I would have to confirm it by more blood work at the genetics department at Children's Hospital. I felt like my baby had just died, I got up from my bed, went in the bathroom and cried my eyes out, I could feel the warm tears running down my face. My husband came in hugged me while I cried. My nurse said “are you alright?” I said “no” and she hugged me. I think her heart was broke for me. People just don't understand until it's your child who gets diagnosed. I felt so depressed and didn't know where to turn, who to talk to. It felt like my baby Hank had died. I walked out of that hospital feeling empty. After spending a few days with Hank, it hit me that he needs his Mommy and I was going to love him and be proud of him no matter what. I started a Facebook page for Hank called Down Syndrome Babies are Beautiful, because I was ready to share his story with the world. Over the past year, Hank and I have accomplished so much together, and with every accomplishment, it feels like a miracle to me. Having Hank has been one of the best experiences in my life. Every day when he says Mama that makes all my hard work worthwhile. I believe if your life is better with someone in it, then without, then they are a blessing. I feel truly blessed to have Hank, he makes me smile every day. I love him more than life.