I am the lucky mother to a gorgeous 3-year-old boy with Down syndrome. His name is is Brendon. I gave birth to my bundle of joy at 17 years old on July 28, 2009, after 20 hours of labor and an emergency c-section. Neither the doctor nor the myself had any clue what would come after they got him out. The doctor informed my mother of their findings and allowed her to tell me due to my age and how fragile I was. The three days that followed were very rough. Any mention of the diagnosis sent me to tears. At 17 I didn't think I could do it, but here we are - three years, five surgeries, two primary doctors, 10 therapists and my baby is in preschool. He is the light of my life. His favorite phrase is "Thank you Mommy." Hearing that and "I love you" are the sweetest words a parent could ever hope to hear.