On 11/12/12, two months early by emergency c-section, I gave birth to my fiancé and my third child, Xander Parker McPherson. He was born at 12:57 pm, 1.5 pounds and 11.5 inches. The memory of his first glance at me has left an everlasting mark that can never be replaced or forgotten: our baby blew me a "kiss" - he puckered up his lips, sucked in, waved his little arm over his mouth and made the sweetest popping noise. I knew then that our son was something special, some kind of wonderful. XP was diagnosed with trisomy 21, Down syndrome, not too long after he was born - the blood vessels to and from his heart were leaking, he had kidney and liver problems, he had bowel issues, he had many blood transfusions and the list goes on and on. Though he was two months premature in spite of all of these issues Xander pushed on and stayed strong, he proved so many wrong about him, even myself. The doctors told us that they were amazed by his strength and his willpower to live. Xander taught me to hope for the impossible and to keep pushing forward with life, no matter the obstacle and the people who might not believe in you. He truly showed me just how precious life is, and to never take the things I cherish and love for granted. I think the thing about Xander that has left an everlasting mark on my heart, other than the first time I laid eyes on him, would be his many facial expressions. I've never seen such a young tiny baby have so much personality, and boy did XP ever have it! Even when I would hold him, he would try his hardest to look up at me and around at his surroundings, he was so curious. He brought smiles to everyone, even people who have only seen him through photos or who only heard of him. He had so many visitors and people asking about him. That boy was loved by all. Our baby boy passed away, early morning, on 12/8/12. For two days he fought his hardest, but his kidneys couldn't keep going, his little body failed him. Though it still hurts us, more than words can ever describe, we are more than thankful that we got the time we did with our baby boy. I believe things happen and come to you for a reason, and XP gave us a reason, a most wonderful beautiful reason - life! "Though he be but little, he is fierce!"