Last year, I spent a lot of time looking at ways to better manage the chaos that comes with life as a working mum. There had been times where I was disorganised and overwhelmed with everything I had to do that I sometimes felt like I was failing on all fronts. I tried hard to break bad habits and build better ones and to overall, become more organised and efficient with my time. Things are a lot … [Read more...]
5 things I’ve learned from having a daughter with Down Syndrome
Today is World Down Syndrome Day, a day where individuals with Down Syndrome are recognised and celebrated. Today's date represents the 3 copies of the 21st chromosome that all people with Down Syndrome have. I myself have so much to celebrate in Chloe. She has added so much dimension and colour and happiness to our lives which I did not expect when I was told of her diagnosis. I have been in awe … [Read more...]
Things I know now that I’m 40
Two weeks ago, I turned 40. Wow. I don’t know how I got here so fast but here I am. I certainly don’t feel 40 and because it seems so unbelievably untrue, it’s not something that I have been stressed or worried about. Age is just a number after all and let’s face it, it’s not something we can control. We all have to turn 40 sometime. This year, I celebrated my birthday like I’ve never … [Read more...]
Four things you might not want to say to a parent of a child with Down syndrome
I don't write much about Down syndrome these days because, from an emotional perspective, it has become such a small part of my life. Writing about Down syndrome in my blog helped me come to terms with Chloe's diagnosis and I can say, for the most part, I am OK with it now and I look back on that time with very different eyes. These days, I don't feel the need to share our day to day … [Read more...]
World Down Syndrome Day: Sisters
Today is World Down Syndrome Day and our family is celebrating this journey of love, acceptance and joy that we find ourselves on thanks to our little Chloe. When I first found out about Chloe's condition, one of my first reactions was sadness for Emma. I had certainly not planned on giving her a sister with Down syndrome and it worried me how this was going to impact her life. Some people … [Read more...]
A letter to a new mum… whose baby has Down Syndrome
Dear new mum Before I say anything about Down Syndrome, I firstly want to congratulate you on the birth of your beautiful, precious baby. Your baby is unique and special and perfect - just like all the other babies who have been born today. Instead of feeling the usual joy and excitement after the birth of a new baby, you may also be feeling a combination of many other things right … [Read more...]
The price of having it all…
I am one of those people who (stupidly) wants to have it all. I want to be the best mum and wife who is fun, attentive and loving to my family; prepares the best dinners and lunches in the world; bakes delicious treats and maintains a clean, beautiful, organised home. I want to be an amazing friend and family member, who remembers birthdays, returns calls and texts promptly, throws great … [Read more...]
A letter to Emma: On your first day of pre-primary
Dear Emma This is it! The beginning of the next chapter of your life as a big girl - full time school! These three little words seem so unassuming as I type them, but they are very big deal because they are the first significant change for both of us. Even though I know how ready you are for school, it's so hard for me because I like things the way they are and I wish everything could just … [Read more...]
And so it was Christmas…
Christmas came and went in a flurry this year. I still can't believe that it's all over and in a few days, our Christmas decorations will be packed away and our home will be back to normal, ready for a brand new year. We had a wonderful and busy Christmas day spent with our families. We really enjoyed catching up with everyone and also the amazing food! We were very spoilt with a delicious … [Read more...]
The last time
While Emma has been growing up, we have documented many of her 'firsts' such as the first time she crawled and then walked; the first time she fed herself; and the first time she slept in her 'big girl' bed. But as time has gone on, Emma is starting to have just as many 'lasts'. On Wednesday, it was Emma's last day of Playgroup. Playgroup has been a big part of our Mothers Group journey and … [Read more...]