Unfortunately, not every child is born physically or mentally flawless—some babies may be born with some conditions that may affect their development into adulthood. Nevertheless, they remain perfect in their parents’ eyes!

Twins Charlie and Milo McConnel were born with Down syndrome. Down syndrome is the result of a tripling—instead of a doubling—of a specific chromosome. The genetic malformation causes some developmental difficulties, including moderately reduced cognitive abilities, delayed cognitive development, and a characteristic facial appearance, and other related problems.

Instead of lamenting the condition of their children, parents Dan and Julie have chosen to embrace it.

The couple regularly posts photos of their adorable twins in an attempt to show the world the “upside” of the condition. These photos share the challenges, the joys, and the insider’s truth about raising children with Down syndrome.

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“My hope is to attract families that are receiving a diagnosis of Down syndrome for their child because that can be really scary. I hope that people will find us, and see that this is what life can be like,” Julie said. “It can be fun, it’s full of love, it’s not scary. We have no regrets, and there is so much joy in our lives, and I hope that people will see that.”

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While some people may not agree with their actions or that the twins are beautiful in their own way, it is undeniable that they are creating a community for parents of children with Down syndrome—a safe space where they can share their experience, too, and learn more about others’ experience.

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“It takes them a little longer to meet milestones, but when they meet goals we celebrate like no other parents alive,” sid Julie. “We throw a party and we’re so excited for them when they accomplish those things.”

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“It’s big to show everyone else that we are here, and there are all these kids in our community, and we hope that they will see us and remember us and that things will continue to change in our communities with lots of acceptance,” their dad added.

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“We’re standing on the shoulders of other parents that have paved the way for all these things to happen and it’s an exciting time to have a child with Down syndrome…I want to see them grow up and do whatever they want to do.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bt1xbsdHdMl/?utm_source=ig_embed