I’ve been surprised by a lot of things on this journey. But one of the biggest surprises has been how much my perspective has changed and how much I have learned from Hudson.Here are 7 things having a child with Down syndrome has taught me:1. A diagnosis doesn’t define who he is. In fact, a diagnosis doesn’t define anybody. Everyone is their own individual and has their own personality and strengths that they bring to this world. A diagnosis doesn’t negate that.2. Different is beautiful. Every time I look at Hudson’s face I notice two things- his differences and his beauty. I love when people see Hudson’s Down syndrome features and find the beauty in those differences.3. A smile can change the world. Hudson’s smile has this affect on people that I can’t explain. He brings so much joy to this world just through his beautiful smile. I often wonder what this world would be like if more people smiled like Huddy.4. Capability is not determined by a diagnosis. Individuals with Down syndrome have such a wide variety of abilities. That extra chromosome truly affects each individual in such unique ways. There is no way that anyone can determine what Huddy will or won’t be able to do based on his diagnosis.5. Perspective is everything. I’ve come to realize that I can either choose to focus on the challenges or I can focus on the blessings. There are a lot of things on this journey that I don’t have control over and that can be hard. But one thing I can always control is the way I choose to look at things. And sometimes that can make all the difference.6. Advocating is hard but worth it. It takes courage and time and strength. And sometimes it can feel like it’s not making a difference. But it is. Even the smallest amount of advocating for our children is worth it. Changing one mind is still part of changing the world.7. Joy can be found in the smallest moments. Hudson has taught me one of the greatest lessons in life- that there is joy to be found every day if we look hard enough. Every day he teaches me to slow down, live in the moment and notice the small things that bring us joy. ❤️#downsyndrome #downsyndromeawareness | ourhuddybuddy