Brianna’s light and spirit motivates me to continue the work that I do every day. I have been blessed to be a part of Brianna’s early developmental journey.

When my daughter told me about her pregnancy diagnosis, I did not know what to expect. When she was born, the doctor told us that she would need heart surgery. This was troubling news to us and we did not know what to think. We knew she was strong but we were still worried. The day of her surgery, I remember waiting in the waiting room.

I love my baby Brianna. Brianna likes to watch videos with me. Bria likes coloring when I give her crayons and paper. When Bria is sad, I play with her to make her happy. When she hugs me, I hug her back and smile.

Brianna and I play together everyday. She makes me feel super happy. When she hugs and kisses me, it also makes me feel happy. I give her hugs and kisses. When my mom plays music, we dance together.

Brianna always does things that surprise me… like when she took her first step. I was so proud, I ran up to her, and hugged her. And one day when I was upset and crying in my room. I came out of my room still crying a little and went to sit in the living room. Brianna saw that I was upset.

When I first found out about Brianna, I was a bit confused as to how she got down syndrome and what down syndrome was. I was worried about how things would turn out, about her future, and how others would treat her.

Brianna is very special and she is the best sister ever. I remember when she was born, I was so happy. Then my mom told me she has Down Syndrome. I didn't really know much about it so I didn't worry. Then I found out she was going to have open-heart surgery and I began to worry. I thought she might not live as I waited in the waiting room, hoping she would come back healthy and fine. When she came out of surgery…

Have you ever looked at someone and thought, “Wow! They are going to make a difference in this world.” Every time I look at Brianna this is how I feel. Sure, she is just two and she was born with Down syndrome, but the most important thing about her is that God created her.

Bria changed my life for the better. She is the reason for what I want to do in life. I have always wanted to work with children. Before she was born, I had decided to be an occupational therapist. When I found out that my sister was going to be born with Down syndrome, I took it as a sign that I picked the right career.

I call her my “La niña de mis ojos.” I remember when she was having some medical complications and the doctors prescribed a medication I was unfamiliar with. Normally I do not like to read, but for my Bria I will do anything! So I read, and read and read and researched and found there were other more natural ways to help her starting with her diet.

I decided not to have a baby shower. This baby growing in my belly would be my 8th child, and upon learning in utero that she had Down syndrome and a heart defect I decided not to do a baby shower. It wasn’t that I did not want her. I did.

Name: Brianna Vargas

Age: 2

Hobbies: Loves to watch videos and play outdoors with her toys or her siblings