In this episode I speak to the fathers... I can't Control Everything. I couldn't control the situation, but I could control my thoughts, prayers, and actions. I CAN do this! I was wondering how and why we were chosen for Genevieve. It was one comment that reminded me that we weren't "special"but we do have so much love to give. This is an Adventure! If I can see my life through the right lens, I will find adventure. experiences have led to memories I'll cherish forever.

Big families are great!  Kelsi couldn't predict their future when they started having kids, but never did they imagine seven little lords and ladies running around the house.  When their sixth, Colt, was diagnosed with Down syndrome they full on embraced their adventure.

With their eyes and ears open to where God could lead them, this family's adventure headed into adoption.  They found themselves in Ukraine adopting a little boy, Nick, with Down syndrome.

This episode is especially great because Colt and Nick's siblings are featured right at the end, answering a couple questions about loving their little brothers who have Down syndrome.  Watch for a special piece that will feature more of this conversation in the coming weeks.  Enjoy the episode!

If your little one, or a little one you know is facing heart surgery; have faith!  It’s ok to feel anxious.  Remember that the entire team loves what they do and care for that little one a whole lot.  And that sweet day when you go home, will be one you will remember and cherish forever.

Previous episodes on Genevieve's heart story available here:

Preparing for Surgery

Lessons Learned from Heart Surgery

Taylor and Brienna share wonderful insights about becoming part of an upside down extended family.  Being an uncle and an aunt is fun!  And if you listen well and strive to understand, embracing a new niece or nephew who has Down syndrome can be fun too!

We had a great time interviewing Tay & Bri, and I know you'll love their conversation.

It was open heart surgery without opening her chest!

Ariel was the very first American patient for a groundbreaking heart repair procedure.  Her heart defects were present at birth, and her unique situation postponed her surgery until age 2.  Her family, including her twin sister waited anxiously, and were very happy with her quick recovery.

What makes this amazing story even better?  Ariel has one up on her twin sister... One Chromosome.  Ariel has Down syndrome.  Her mom, Krystal shares about her diagnosis and heart surgery in this interview.  Enjoy!

A heart surgery is a big deal.  Our daughter was four months old when they opened her chest and repaired her heart.  Genevieve has Down syndrome, and 50% of babies with Down syndrome have heart defects.

Every surgery has story... but we're not telling that story here.

We pulled out three impactful lessons we learned as Genevieve recovered from her heart surgery.

Listen in as we share some perspective on our daughter's heart surgery.

Brooke  shares openly about their diagnosis, birth, and heart surgery stories.  Brooke has had a heart for the special needs community for most of her life, so when she learned that her son had Down syndrome, she knew she could be happy!  Listen in as Brooke shares her perspective on becoming an Upside Down Family!

Megan is Erin's older sister and she may have the most unique perspective of our family becoming an Upside Down family... Megan was there when we recieved our diagnosis from the doctor. Her words immediately brought back joy into the room, and we're so happy to share her with you!