One year has passed since I learned the fateful news about my unborn baby. On November 1, 2011, I learned my son’s heart had not formed properly, and he would require heart surgery as an infant. Two weeks later, I learned why: my child had Down syndrome. Learning about the heart problem was hard; I felt such guilt, that perhaps somehow I had caused this. I grieved over knowing my poor baby was not going to feel well for a while. I scoured the internet searching for answers. Learning about the Down syndrome was a weight lifted off my shoulders. Yes, I was shocked, and I will admit I shed some tears, but I was not devastated. I had an answer to why my baby’s heart was different. I knew that Down syndrome had its challenges, but I was not afraid; I immediately accepted my son just as he was. Discovering the diagnosis caused me to feel more emotionally bonded to the baby growing inside me, and I loved him even more than I already did. A few days later, my husband and I named our special child Davis. Davis Matthew was born on February 22, 2012 weighing a healthy seven pounds and seven ounces. He spent a few days in the NICU, and I could not wait to get him home! Those first few weeks and months were filled with all the joys and challenges that every new mother faces. I soon realized just how precious, smart, active, handsome, and gifted my son was. Heart surgery to repair his AV Canal defect was September 7th. Davis is such a trooper. He experienced an incredible amount of physical and emotional difficulties but still strolled out of that hospital smiling! The support we received from our family and friends, to whom I refer as Davis’ Fan Club, was absolutely amazing. Davis has inspired countless numbers of people. I think he is an inspiration because of his sparkling personality and ability to overcome obstacles diligently and gracefully. But it goes deeper than that: he teaches us to be more joyful and thankful for this beautiful chance at life with which we’ve been blessed, to live better, and to take pleasure in the simple things. However, you’ll have to ask members of his fan club for their answers; I continue to be astonished by the way Davis touches people’s hearts. Davis recently turned eight months old! His body is healing well from surgery. The repair was not perfect, but he is handling the imperfection well and will hopefully not need another surgery. Davis enjoys music, baths, food, books, people, and the outdoors. He is quite honestly the happiest baby I know, and definitely one of the cutest! His dimpled smile will light up the room, as well as your heart. Davis, you are Mommy’s hero. You can do anything you set your mind to doing. You are an incredible creature and are perfect just as you are. The sky is the limit.