My little Kenny has always been a mover and a shaker. He LOVES music. Because of having loose ligaments  and low muscle tone, it took him some time to be able to stand to dance. (It was once described to me as walking on a wobbly bridge, you can do it but your footing is not stable) You could see how frustrated he would get trying to dance to the music. He felt it, it made him want to move...  so he got to a point where he would  just scootch around. It made you both happy and also a little sad that he didn't have the strength to stand. He wiggled his booty, he scootched in circles, he kicked his feet. But he always felt the joy of music. Today, now at three Kenny can stand, he can walk, he can "run"... we are still working on goals like jumping and standing on one foot but Kenneth still feels the music, he still loves to dance, it still brings him so much joy...as it does us.

What does Trisomy 21 mean to me?

It’s two beautiful grey, slanted eyes peeking out of a bundle of blankets trying to
get bearing of this new world around.

It’s soft pink lips ready for all of the kisses you could possibly give.

It’s two tiny hands ready to hold yours until the end of time.

It’s a gummy smile bigger than you could ever imagine, taking up one’s whole body
and giving you a feeling of joy you never imagined.

It's two little feet with a silly space between big toe and pointer that curl when tickled and kick with fit.

It’s a fuzzy little head that rubs against a cheek or chin, comforting the one lucky
enough to hold them.

It’s the softest skin you’ll ever feel, not even comparable to silk.

It’s a soft coo in the morning sun.

It’s unconditional, pure love.

It’s determination, through and through.

It’s an appreciation that is sought after in this day and age.

It’s bringing joy to a little girl who waited 9 long months for her "little birdie".

It’s never looking back.

What does Trisomy 21 mean to me?

It’s one extra chromosome to love.

Angela Valdez-Tucker
January 13, 2009