About this blog
My purpose in creating this blog, The Upside, is to share my unique story with anyone willing to read
it. I decided that I would “pay it forward” to all the other mothers and families
going through similar situations. When I
first learned that my son had Down Syndrome, I felt lost and alone (yes, even
with all of the amazing family support). I remember going online and searching
for endless hours to find something, anything, that could help me through such
an emotional time. In my search for answers, I came across a few blogs that
gave me hope. These blogs were created by families that had experiences that
seemed to mirror my own. I read these
stories, and they helped me to come to terms with how I was feeling. I soon
realized that I was anything but alone in this journey. These blogs became an
inspiration to me. I wanted to start writing down Anthony’s birth story, and sharing
everything that we went through as a family in hopes to reach someone else searching
for answers as I once did. I welcome all
readers to my blog, because I want to raise awareness. I want my readers to
realize the absolute joy and happiness that children with Down Syndrome bring.
Down Syndrome is not something to be scared of, it is in fact the complete
opposite. Anthony has shown me that Down Syndrome is a blessing, a beautiful
gift that my family was given. This blog is my story. It is the journey of our
family finding the beauty in the unexpected.
A little background on my family
My name is Kelsey Mango. Currently, I am a stay at home Mom
to my son Anthony, and I have been loving every moment! I am 25 years old and have a dual degree in
Elementary and Special Education from Towson University. Before Anthony, I was
a teacher. I have taught pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, and first grade. Aside
from my love of teaching, I also love writing. I dream
of one day becoming a published children’s author.
I met my husband, Joseph Mango, for the first time in High
School Spanish. We had our first date
when I was in my last year of college, and he was one year graduated. Everything about our relationship has always
been amazing. Joe quickly became my best friend and we were engaged eight months
later. After a two year engagement, we
were married on June 30, 2012. It wasn't long after that I found out the most
amazing news, I was pregnant. Our precious baby boy Anthony was born July 25,
2013.
I believe in fate, everything happens
for a reason. Anthony was meant to be our son, and enrich our lives. The "funny" thing is, I think fate really played a part in placing Anthony with us. I have a degree in Special Education, and Joe has worked in a Special Education classroom as a one-on-one paraprofessional for five years. While we do not claim to be experts in the area of special education, we are confident in our abilities as both educators and parents to be able to give
him all of the opportunities and tools he needs to be successful. But, above all else, we are going to shower Anthony with all of our kisses, hugs, and love! :)
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| Our honeymoon to St. Lucia |
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| My baby shower |
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| Anthony's first weekend home after the NICU |
Your story is amazing. I was wondering if you have ever read this blog http://www.kellehampton.com/ Keep up the good work guys :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful story, beautiful baby, beautiful family. Thanks for sharing Anthony with me. Be sure to stop by and say "hi" next time you are in the office!!
ReplyDeleteAngela
Hello,
ReplyDeleteI stumbled across your blog and started reading it. I have a daughter who is six months old. When I was pregnant, my husband and I were in a restaurant and there was a child with severe disabilities also there. I remember turning to my husband and saying, "I really hope that those children have especially good families who will love them for them!"
I strongly feel that these special ones were sent to Earth to teach us love and tolerance, and I have learned that with Down Syndrome especially, those tend to be the sweetest people. What an honor to be your little boys momma.
Your blog is beautiful. What a wonderful family. Thank you so much for sharing about your life. Your little Anthony is just perfect. I feel like you are someone who I would totally be friends with! And thank you for showing the world how to love. That warms my heart.
-Tara
hi kelsey,
ReplyDeleteI was going through Down syndrome therapy videos and saw one of your video. I somehow able to look at this blog link. What a amazing blog you have written. I haven't read much but I am sure, this is going to help many people around the globe.
I am from India. My daughter name is "Amika". She is 15-Sep-2016 born. she is 4 months 15 days old. She was diagnosed with Down syndrome in November. Me and my wife didn't have so much idea about it but it was pretty much sad and frustrating for us. But somehow we managed it. But Now, all we want that our beloved daughter grow at a normal pace in phycical and mental manner. I don't know from where to start. Can you show some way to us. How do I start her physical and mental therapy. My email is -amitchauhandon@gmail.com
Please let me know if you can tell us something. In the meantime, I will be going throug your blog. Thank you so much for creating this blog.
Such an amazing couple. I am so glad to visit this wonderful blog. Will surely subscribe to it. Well, I also started a personal blog and my first post was on our first anniversary party that we had hosted at the most beautiful roof top event locations in Los Angeles.
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