Tell us a little bit about you and your family…
My name is Kristen Behrens, and I have a two-year-old named Juliana & a three-year-old named Jackson.
What is your experience with Down syndrome?
I came into contact with Hudson when he was an infant. I was merely surviving – not thriving as a mom.
At the time, I had a CRAZY 21-month-old boy and a 3-month-old baby girl. I joined a group called Stroller Strides – both seeking a community and an hour where I could work out a few times per week. Hollyce and Hudson joined around the same time as me. Hollyce was on maternity leave, and she came to class with an infant boy in a bright blue stroller.
Honestly, until she told me, I had no clue that Hudson was rocking an extra chromosome. He didn’t appear different to me, and he was MUCH better behaved than my children – so I found myself enamored with the sleeping little angel in the blue stroller.
As I got to know Hollyce, one day she told me about his diagnosis. I had already thought of Hudson as the perfect baby, so obviously, knowing his diagnosis didn’t change a thing.
Now, a few years later, I have had the privilege of getting to know Hudson as he’s grown up and defied the norms of kiddos with Down syndrome. He knows way more sign language than I do, and he’s even working towards potty training this weekend – while my daughter, who is one month older than him, hasn’t even shown a single sign of being ready for such a thing! Above all though, Hudson is a lover of people and music – blowing kisses and dancing through life. What an easygoing joy to be around!
On a different note, it’s been really cool to see Hollyce come into her own as a mom. She leans on the Lord in an inspiring way, and she advocates for Hudson in ways that I haven’t had to do myself…yet.
I am very proud of them BOTH. They’ve come a long way since I first met the sleeping baby in the jogging stroller & his pretty mama on maternity leave!
How can people find you?
Kristen – you are a gem of a human being. My family is blessed to know yours and your children are lucky to have such an incredible mom. Thank you for sharing and for your love and support of people of all abilities!
