03/23/2026
The moment she said, ‘Mommy, I know what I want.’
I remember it vividly because it will stay with me forever.
We were driving home, she was still using the kids' car seat, and she just said:
"Mommy, I know what I want to eat, what I want to wear, and what I want to do. So please don't tell me what to do."
It came as a shock, first of all, because she used a full sentence! That is something many children with Down syndrome often take longer to develop.
But then the way she said it, so clear and strong, as if she took time to shape her thoughts, had them ready for a long time.
Like she knew it all along, and it just took her time to express it.
Because I also knew. It was pretty clear from the start how independent, decisive, curious, and strong she is.
And today she is turning 16. 🎂
Teenage years are tough; teenage years with Down syndrome probably feel like an earthquake.
I see so much maturity in her, developed in such a short time. And she understands it, she feels her world changing.
Sometimes she says, 'I don't know why I feel this way; it must be my hormones,' after giving me the attitude.
The bond between us is so strong that she just picks up whatever I'm feeling; she’s reading me better than anyone else.
I used to observe my moments of struggle, happiness, joy, and challenges through the lens of a mom with a special needs kid.
But I was wrong.
My moments of struggle never came from Nina’s difficult days; it was Nina’s days that came from my not showing up as my best self, rested, content, and calm.
Nina became my internal mirror, reflecting my stress, low energy, and whatever I felt and tried to suppress.
And when that clicked in me, it changed everything.
My self-care is how I care about her.
Because the energy I bring is like a gift she takes and blooms on.
And that’s the lesson Nina taught me.
So here we are, 16 years around the Sun, as unique and as strong-headed as ever.
So much so that she decided to come to this world weeks before planned and even picked to be born only a day after World Down Syndrome Day.
I can’t wait to see what lessons she’s gonna bring me this year.
Happy Birthday, Nina. ❤️