The summer holidays are nearly over and we have really enjoyed spending this time with each other and our family and friends. Like all other families, these final days will be spent getting ready for a brand new school year. New books will be contacted, stationery will be labelled, uniforms will be ironed and bags will be packed. This will be the same for Chloe but in addition to this, I will be … [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...]
Choosing a school for your child with special needs
Selecting a school is one of the most important decisions you will make for the future of your child. It can be daunting and overwhelming for some parents - especially those who have a child with special needs. As parents, we want our child to have every opportunity to grow up to be the best they can be and their school plays a very big role in this. We are currently deciding on a primary … [Read more...]
Our bubble
We are now nearly three and a half years into our journey with Chloe in the world of Down syndrome and special needs. As time has gone on, our family life is completely normal. Chloe's annual pediatric and specialist checkups and weekly early intervention are all just part of our routine. We are in our safe and happy bubble where life is easy and happy and everything works. Progress is being … [Read more...]
Three things I love about daycare… and three things I don’t
Chloe recently started attending daycare once a week as I will be taking on an extra day of work when school goes back. She handled her first day like a pro - no tears, was happy and excited all morning, ate all her lunch and slept for two hours. I on the other hand found it hard to leave her and burst into tears when I signed her in. While Chloe has been at daycare, Emma and I have been … [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...]
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...]
Things I have learned about Down syndrome
To follow on from a previous post about October being Down syndrome awareness month, I wanted to share what I personally have learned about Down syndrome. Prior to having Chloe, I was completely ignorant to the world of special needs - Down syndrome in particular. Sure, I knew what the condition was but I realise that my perception was completely off the mark in comparison to the reality. I … [Read more...]