# @childrenscolo on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DQ9lY0AE86z
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/68564217-childrenscolo-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/0416f94781.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-11-12T15:57:29.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Children's Hospital Colorado (@ChildrensColo) — https://gondola.cc/ChildrensColo

## Caption

From AJ’s initial Down syndrome diagnosis through every milestone, he shows us that resilience, joy and love define him — not labels. 

Already having two neurotypical children, AJ’s mom, Veronica, hadn’t thought much about having a child with Down syndrome. As her pregnancy continued, AJ sent her messages. 

“Feeling his little kicks in my belly reminded me that he was a blessing that was sent to our family for a purpose,” Veronica says. “And boy did it all come together during my delivery the moment his beautiful almond eyes locked with mine. He was perfect!” 

With support from the expert team at our Sie Center for Down Syndrome, AJ has continued to thrive, meeting milestones and building confidence. 

Veronica wants other families with a Down syndrome diagnosis to know that they are about to start a beautiful ride. 

“AJ is uniquely perfect,” Veronica says. “He may have a Down syndrome diagnosis, but that does not entirely define him — it is only a part of his beautiful story.”
 
AJ has had a lot of physical and emotional care from our experts and he has shown resilience through every step. Like every other kid, he has dreams and goals. Even though certain tasks might take him a few tries, he repeatedly proves himself to be a rockstar. 

When he’s not in therapy or appointments, AJ lights up when he’s outdoors. Veronica says he’s a “cowboy at heart,” and loves to visit his grandparents’ farm. His favorite part is feeding the horses. 

“He can spend hours outside and just socialize with those gentle giants,” Veronica says. 

AJ's family and our experts continue to help him find the things he loves.

“Inclusion means that our AJ can have the same opportunities as others and be valued for who he is,” Veronica says. “And most importantly, inclusion is just letting AJ be AJ!” 

#HereItsDifferent #ChooseToInclude #DownSyndrome #NothingDownAboutIt #DownSyndromeAwareness

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 293
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- **Comments:** 6

## Tags

nothingdownaboutit, downsyndrome, hereitsdifferent, choosetoinclude, downsyndromeawareness

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