"We think your baby has Down syndrome" may not be the words a mother wants to hear hours after giving birth-at least I didn't. I went from that beautiful new-mommy feeling to feeling cheated of the experience the other moms who'd delivered that day were having. What did this mean for my baby? For me? For our family? How would my future play out?

At a time meant to be joyous, I found myself undergoing a whirlwind of emotions, my head and my heart battling with each other. In my head, that tiny chromosome overturned my world, wreaking havoc on all the dreams I had for this little life I had created. In my heart, I felt an intense, unconditional love when cradling my precious new baby.

Soon thereafter, I realized I would have to take it one day at a time, which is all anyone can do when faced with an unexpected diagnosis.

My head and heart eventually became one, and the journey I have been on, although unpredictable, is one I wouldn't trade for anything. Our lives have been filled with challenges, yes, but also with lots of love, happiness, and a ton of free stuff. Seriously! Everyone my son interacts with is impacted by his outgoing, fun-loving personality.

In reading our story, you'll experience my transition from shock and fear to extraordinary joy. Mostly, you will see that living with an extra chromosome is a nonstop party.