We didn’t know then, nor would we know for another 6 months, but this little human was born with Mosaic Trisomy 21, a rare type of Down Syndrome where only a portion of their cells have the triplicate copy of the chromosome 21.

Since then I have learnt a great deal more about the joys and challenges of Down Syndrome and what this will mean in our family and in the life of my child, but the most important lesson I am still learning is to let go of any definition of ‘normal’. I am well travelled on this journey in the LGBTIQ+ world where I embrace ‘there are no rules’ for the way of being, and I relish raising a gender neutral child, but there are so many expectations placed on this little person about ‘milestones’ and for them this will simply look different. While it may take them longer to do some things and some of those things will be harder for them than for other kids, I do know that they love life and are an absolutely amazing little human who will change the world (actually they already have!).

On World Down Syndrome Day we wear colourful and mismatched socks to start conversations and raise awareness (cause chromosomes are shaped like socks!) and I think is an opportunity to add in a little bit of pride too!

I am in connection mode, and right now I don't know any other queer families with a child with Down Syndrome, nor any little bubs with Mosaic T21, but I am looking forward to finding them and connecting over a shared experience.