In June 2011, Amy and Chris Calacci stood side by side, exchanging vows and dreaming of the life they would build together. Like many young couples, they imagined a future filled with laughter, shared holidays, and children running through the halls of their home. Parenthood was never a question for them — only a matter of time.

What they could not foresee was how winding, painful, and transformative their journey to becoming parents would be.

During their first two years of marriage, Amy and Chris focused on saving money and laying a stable foundation for their future. Amy, a dedicated teacher, dreamed of one day staying home with her children. Chris supported her completely, believing deeply in the family they would one day create.

When they finally began trying for a baby, hope filled their hearts. But month after month passed with no pregnancy. Disappointment slowly replaced optimism. Confusion followed. Why wasn’t it happening?

They sought medical advice, searching for answers. Test after test revealed no obvious medical issues. Everything looked “normal.” Yet conception remained elusive. Doctors suggested intrauterine insemination (IUI). Amy and Chris agreed, clinging to hope.

They tried IUI four times. Four attempts. Four heartbreaks.

Each failure cut deeper than the last. They explored every option they could — acupuncture, fertility medications, lifestyle changes, endless appointments. Still, nothing worked. The dream they had carried for years felt further away with every attempt.

At one point, they changed doctors, hoping for a fresh start. But one visit left Amy shaken to her core. A nurse shared her personal story of a twin pregnancy complicated by Down syndrome, which ended in loss. The words lingered heavily in the room.

Amy was devastated.

Chris, quiet but resolute, responded with words that would define their journey:
“We would have taken that baby.”

In that moment, everything became clear. No matter what challenges lay ahead, they would welcome their child with open arms.

With renewed determination, they moved forward with a new doctor and eventually chose to pursue in vitro fertilization (IVF). As devout Catholics, this decision was not easy. It required deep reflection, prayer, and emotional courage. But it felt like their best chance.

Their first IVF cycle yielded seven eggs. Only three survived. None developed into embryos suitable for implantation.

The devastation was overwhelming.

Amy began to question everything. Should they stop? Should they pursue adoption instead? The emotional toll of repeated loss felt unbearable. Yet, even in despair, they refused to give up completely.

They made a brave decision: one final IVF cycle — and at the same time, they would begin the adoption process.

In December 2015, Amy and Chris transferred their last frozen embryo. It was their final hope. A tiny chance. A fragile possibility.

Against all odds, that embryo held on.

For the first time, they heard the words they had waited years to hear:
“You’re pregnant.”

Joy, disbelief, and relief flooded their hearts. Their long-awaited dream was finally becoming reality.

But their journey was far from over.

On April 5, 2016, a phone call changed everything. After a routine blood test, Amy was told their unborn baby tested positive for Down syndrome.

The news landed like a lightning bolt.

Amy had declined extensive genetic testing, asking only for information that would affect medical care. She never expected this call. The nurse apologized repeatedly, but the words echoed painfully in Amy’s mind.

Fear rushed in.

Yet, even in shock, Amy’s response was immediate and unwavering.
“We are keeping the baby.”

She declined further testing without hesitation. Her love for her child was already stronger than any diagnosis.

The days that followed were filled with anxiety and questions. Amy researched relentlessly, trying to imagine life for a child with Down syndrome. Would her daughter have friends? Opportunities? Acceptance? Would the world be kind?

With Chris traveling for work, Amy leaned on her sister for support. Text messages flew back and forth, filled with fear and uncertainty. Still, one truth remained constant: this baby was theirs.

When Chris returned home, Amy shared the news through tears. His calm presence grounded her. Together, they reaffirmed their decision. They would walk this path — together.

Amy struggled with how others might react. She avoided many friends and family members, unwilling to see pity or sorrow directed toward her child. She hated the idea of anyone grieving a life she already loved fiercely.

Her parents became her anchors. Her mother’s words, “We can do this,” offered strength. Her father processed quietly, finding solace in reflection and long runs.

A meeting with a genetic counselor became a turning point. The counselor emphasized that love, joy, and fulfillment were not diminished by a diagnosis. Instead, Amy and Chris began to see their future differently — not as broken, but simply unique.

They learned they were expecting a daughter.

And slowly, hope grew.

Amy immersed herself in the Down syndrome community. She met families, heard stories, and witnessed firsthand the joy, challenges, and deep love these children brought into the world. Her fears softened. Her heart expanded.

She realized something powerful: Emmy’s life would be full, meaningful, and beautiful — just like any other child’s.

On July 21, 2016, Emmy was born six weeks early. Her tiny cry filled the NICU, a sound of determination and life. Doctors reassured Amy and Chris that she was stable.

Relief washed over them.

The road ahead included medical procedures, therapies, and uncertainty. But Amy and Chris were ready. Every challenge would be met with love, patience, and resilience.

Today, Emmy is everything they dreamed of — and more.

She is sweet, bright, curious, and full of joy. Raising her is like raising any child, just with a pace that allows her parents to savor every milestone. Emmy has introduced them to a beautiful community and shown them a deeper understanding of love.

Now, alongside her little brother Reese, Emmy completes their family.

Looking back, Amy and Chris know every tear, every setback, and every prayer led them here. Their journey taught them patience, unconditional love, and the true meaning of resilience.

Emmy is not defined by a diagnosis.

She is defined by love.

She is proof that hope endures, that fear can be overcome, and that miracles often arrive in unexpected forms.

Against all odds, Emmy became their greatest gift — a living testament that love always finds a way.