We have adopted a 17 1/2-year-old girl with Down syndrome into our family.  Turns out that it was the best thing we could have ever done.

We adopted Juliana Grace two weeks ago, and although she is still quite shy, Juliana is slowly starting to open up.  She came to us from Louisiana and has the prettiest orange-red hair and big brown eyes.

Juliana has the mind of a six-year-old child.  She loves anything pink (or purple), loves anything to do with princesses or fairies, loves to watch the classic Bugs Bunny or Tom and Jerry cartoons on the Boomarang Network on television, look at picture books, and go out to eat (or to church) every week.  She also loves to go to work; she works at a sheltered workshop every Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. and loves getting her "dollars".

Juliana is quite healthy, but she does have some heart issues (and has had several open heart surgeries, but thankfully is doing much better now).  She has to see her pediatric cardiologist every few months to make sure her heart is doing its job (and it is); he is pleased at how far she has come since her last surgery five years ago (when she was twelve).

Juliana is learning to live with two younger brothers and with a family.  She does have a temper to be reckoned with, but most of the time she is very sweet and loving; we couldn't be more pleased to have her in our family.  She is a blessing from God and we thank Him for bringing Juliana into our lives!