Natalia, You Make Me Better

At 40 years of age, I had waited so long to have a baby. Every part of me was ecstatic to share the news with friends and family when it finally happened. Then I got the news that our NIPT test was 95% positive for Down syndrome. I chose not to get any other tests, because I knew I wanted and loved this baby more than anything else in the world already.

The pregnancy was an emotional rollercoaster. I did my best to stay positive, but the negative statistics thrown at me made it difficult. Then, in October 2024, this little bundle of joy came to fill my world with pure happiness. She was perfect; the second I held her, all the fears I had melted away, and I promised myself I would do anything to advocate for her and help her thrive.

We decided on the name Natalia Luz (Luz meaning “light”). It fits her perfectly; the second she smiles or does one of her many silly faces, all the darkness and doubts of the day fade away. Natalia teaches me patience and unconditional love every single day. I’m honored and so blessed to be her mom. She truly is the light my life needed.

-Dulce, Natalia’s Mom (Oregon)