06/07/2026
Maggie helped Momma plant new flowers today (she’s hopeful Mommy will keep them alive😅)
If you didn’t already know, this is Magnolia AKA Maggie, MJ, Mags and (mommy’s nickname for her) banana!
She’s the little girl behind MJ’s Sweet & Spicy pizza, which perfectly describes her personality❤️🔥
Maggie has Trisomy 21, more commonly known as Down Syndrome. She was born with structural markers indicating DS but, what most people don’t know is that people with Downs look more like their family members than anyone else. The moment she was placed in my arms I knew. I didn’t love her any less. In fact, I felt more compelled to protect her, to serve her and to ensure she would receive everything this world has to offer in order for her to be the best Maggie she can be!
There is a lot of misinformation being spread about Down Syndrome and we wanted to make an effort for be a part of the crowd who educates society about Trisomy 21. While we won’t get into all of that now, we wanted to stand in support of any and all downs people who have felt like they are a burden, not a blessing, or host a “sh*tty life from a healthcare perspective”.
What we will say is this:
A “typical” child can be born with heart defects
A “typical” child can be born with or inherit poor vision
A “typical” child can have learning disabilities and developmental challenges
A “typical” child can have dysmorphic features
The point is, Down syndrome is an amazing adventure full of ups and downs like raising ANY other child. It can be nerve wrecking, it can be unknown but, most of all, it can be beautiful. To say that babies with Down syndrome would be better off unborn due to health challenges is like saying any child with unexpected health issues shouldn’t be born.
Maggie has never been a burden, she has never not been worth it, and she certainly has never not been a blessing. She was always our baby and we were always going to carry through our pregnancy. No matter what came along with it.
I am honored to be a part of the amazing group of people who have birthed and those of us who are raising a child with Down Syndrome.
Without Maggie the world is less bright, the days aren’t as magical and this heart would be missing a little something. To experience the presence of a person with Down syndrome is a privilege and one I do not take lightly.
If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about Down syndrome, we highly suggest the following for more info:
Down Syndrome Society of RI, Inc. (DSSRI)
World Down Syndrome Day
National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS)
