Eivind Ertesvag 
Charlie and Milo, twin brothers born with Down syndrome, are showing the world what life is really like for their family.
Their parents, Dan and Julie McConnel, are dedicated to portraying both the challenges and the joys of raising two children with the condition.
Sharing Their Journey
Dan and Julie hope to reach out to families expecting children with Down syndrome, offering a glimpse into their own experiences.
«My hope is to attract families who are expecting children with Down syndrome because it can be very intimidating,» Julie said to Today.
Julie emphasizes the love and happiness that their twins bring into their lives.
«I hope people find us and see what this is like and how life can be. It can be fun, it’s full of love, it’s not scary. We’ve never regretted it, and there’s so much joy in our lives, and I hope people get to see that,» she added.
Building a community
Julie is passionate about creating a supportive community for parents of children with Down syndrome, where they can share experiences and learn from each other. This initiative is crucial for fostering understanding and acceptance.
Julie highlights the importance of celebrating the milestones, no matter how long they take to reach.
«They take a little longer to reach milestones, but when they do, we celebrate like no other parents do,» she said.
The family organizes parties and celebrations, rejoicing in the achievements of their children.
Raising awareness
Dan McConnel reflects on the broader impact of sharing their story.
«It’s great to show everyone that we are here, and these children are part of our community. We hope that people will see us and remember us, and that things will continue to change in the world so that we meet more acceptance,» he said.
Dan also acknowledges the progress made by previous generations of parents and sees this as an exciting time to raise children with Down syndrome. «
We stand on the shoulders of other parents who have paved the way for all these changes, and it’s an exciting time to have children with Down syndrome. I want to see them grow up and do everything they want to do,» he shared.
Embracing life
Charlie and Milo are happy children who love life and playing. Through social media, Dan and Julie share the joyful and positive sides of their lives, inspiring many around the world. Julie hopes that by sharing their story, they can reach families with children diagnosed with Down syndrome, showing them that life can be fulfilling and joyful.
«We hope people read about us and see what life can be like,» Julie concluded.
Now, let’s share their pictures and celebrate everyone who is different!
