Couple adopts baby with Down syndrome, celebrates her first year

Last May, Live Action News featured a story on Sunflower Mae and the California couple who adopted her.  Andy and Mercedes Lara adopted Sunflower, who has Down Syndrome, three days after she was born, and chronicled their journey with Sunny on social media and Youtube.

While the Laras prayed to adopt a child with Down syndrome, tragically 90 percent of preborn children who are given such a diagnosis are aborted. After working with special needs individuals, Mercedes and her husband sought out such a child. The couple documents meeting and adopting Sunny at birth:

Welcome to the World Sunflower Mae - Our Adoption Story

The couple’s Instagram account, which is devoted to Sunny, also includes a special message to their daughter:

Sunflower, before we knew you, we prayed for you! And I promise to always pray for you.

In a broken world God uses to bring LIGHT! Joy overflows from you and there are no words for how beautiful you truly are!

Always be strong and courageous my darling<3 we love you <3 Mom and Dad

Such a heartfelt message speaks volumes. Sunny is happy and loved. Now, she is a thriving toddler with a new baby brother! The Instagram account and the Lara’s Facebook page, Little Messengers, shows the loving bond Sunny has with her brother.

Photo credit: @Hooray4Sunny

Photo credit: @Hooray4Sunny

Photo credit: @Hooray4Sunny

The Laras are both adoptive and biological parents, but Mercedes and Andy sees the preciousness of each child. Despite their physical abilities, both children are that “LIGHT” in a “broken world.”

Sunflower Mae has been given the opportunity to bring joy to her parents, her brother, and all others she comes into contact with. And through social media, individuals from all over the world can meet this truly special girl.