MLB Jake Burger and his wife Ashlyn have always been committed to loving their children unconditionally.

On Friday, October 25, the Miami Marlins third baseman and first baseman, 28, and his wife Ashlyn welcomed their second baby together, a daughter named Penelope, share the news exclusively with PEOPLE.

Before their baby was born, Penelope was diagnosed with Down syndrome, but the couple tells PEOPLE the news didn’t worry them.

“Our initial thoughts upon learning of his diagnosis were simple, we just looked at each other and I said to Ash, ‘Okay, what?’ ” remembers Burger. “Life isn’t supposed to be easy, it’s supposed to be fulfilling and that’s just how God does it.”

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Rather than becoming an obstacle to overcome, Burger and Ashley explain how learning of Penelope Syndrome’s diagnosis became one of their “greatest blessings.”

“The grief for us was not about his diagnosis, but about our belief that Down syndrome should not limit anyone’s abilities in life,” they share.

“What seems like an insurmountable obstacle usually becomes one of the greatest blessings, but it’s hard to see that in the midst of all the ‘differents’, the way she navigates the world will be different, the way she looks will be different , her needs will be different, the way we help her become the best version of herself will be different, the way she makes friends will be different, all those little things that the two of you don’t usually think about. times.

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“Different seems scary or intimidating, but it’s what makes us who we are. That’s when we realized God blessed us with it so we could help others see the Down syndrome in the same way,” they told PEOPLE.

In a sentimental post on Instagramthe proud parents revealed that Burger is “the only active MLB player with a child with Down syndrome.” Regardless, they insist, “her diagnosis is not what defines her life, it’s what makes her who she is, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Although they already knew about Penelope’s diagnosis before she was born, the couple didn’t expect to find such an “amazing” community of parents who also have children with special needs.

“The love and support we felt from our family and those in the community with children with special needs was overwhelming and made us feel a sense of purpose,” they say. they. “We know our journey is just beginning with our sweet Penelope, but knowing the love and support around us makes it easier.”

“Our mission is to help as many families as possible as we journey through this beautiful girl and her beautiful life,” Burger and Ashlyn tell PEOPLE. “God has given us a beautiful soul and a beautiful daughter, and we can’t wait to watch her grow up and achieve everything she wants in life.”