Heidi, Author at Raising Hope Designs

A Different Kind of Report

Last week, we shared the emotional experience of receiving assessment results that compare Hope’s development to typical children. But this week, we’re looking at a different kind of report—one that truly highlights Hope’s progress and abilities. Her daycare report wasn’t about measuring delays; it was about celebrating her growth, friendships, and personality. From her empathy and turn-taking to her love of dress-ups and puzzles, this report reminded us that Hope is thriving in her own way.

Heidi

July 22, 2022

Our Physiotherapy Session

Helping Hope walk has been our big focus lately, and every session brings new challenges and triumphs. This week at physiotherapy, she tackled stepping stones, side-stepping, and her favourite game—escaping down the hallway! We worked hard, took breaks, and ended the session with dancing. Progress may feel slow, but every step counts. And now, at home, we’re making little changes to encourage her to walk more. It’s all about making walking feel natural for her. She’s getting stronger, and we won’t stop cheering her on!

Heidi

July 1, 2022

Then and Now

Decades ago, children with Down syndrome were often placed in institutions, hidden from society and denied basic rights. Parents were pressured to give up their babies, and little was known about their true potential. Fast forward to today, and we see incredible progress—better healthcare, education, and support services allowing individuals with Down syndrome to live fuller, more independent lives. But with medical advances also comes a heartbreaking reality: a drastic decline in birth rates due to high termination rates. Have we truly reached acceptance, or is there still more work to be done?

Heidi

June 25, 2022

Education… Support or Mainstream?

As we search for the right school for Lincoln, we’re also thinking about Hope and Alexander. The big question? Should Hope go to a mainstream or support school? For us, inclusion is key, and we want to give her every opportunity to be part of the world around her. But we also know the challenges. In this post, we share our thoughts, fears, and hopes for Hope’s education.

Heidi

June 17, 2022

Barking Coughs and Runny Noses

No one likes being sick, and when all three kids go down one after the other, it feels like there’s no break. For Hope, a simple cough can turn into something more serious, so when her temperature spiked and her oxygen dropped, we knew it was time for the hospital. A night in emergency, a pneumonia scare, and some unexpected positives—this is our latest hospital journey with Hope.

Heidi

June 10, 2022

Running On Empty

Cars don’t run on an empty tank… and neither do we. In this honest and vulnerable post, I share what it’s felt like to realise I’ve been running on empty as a mum. Snapping more easily, feeling exhausted, and not quite being myself. From floods and sickness to the everyday busyness of life, it all adds up. Sometimes refuelling isn’t a quick five-minute break,it’s giving yourself real time to rest so you can come back fuller, calmer and ready to love your kids well.

Heidi

May 27, 2022

Pregnancy For The Fathers

There’s still a stigma that says men shouldn’t cry, shouldn’t stress and should just “be strong.” But dads feel everything too. In this deeply personal post, Ben shares the fear and heartbreak he experienced during pregnancy complications, the night he broke down begging for his child’s life, and the reminder that fathers aren’t superheroes—they’re human. If you’re walking through pregnancy uncertainty, this is your reminder to check in and ask each other, honestly, “Are you ok?”

Heidi

May 20, 2022

She Has Friends

As parents, we all worry about whether our kids will fit in—but when your child has Down syndrome, that worry can feel heavier. Will she have friends? Will she be included? In this post, I share our fears about Hope starting to form friendships, and the beautiful daycare moment that reassured us she is seen, included and valued. Sometimes, the smallest stories bring the biggest relief.

Heidi

May 13, 2022

Playtime Growth

Life has been busy, noisy and a little chaotic lately—but in the middle of it all, I’ve been reminded just how far our kids have come. Watching Lincoln step into his role as big brother has been one of the greatest joys. From crawling beside Hope so she can “race,” to helping her practise walking and singing songs she loves, his patience and love are simply beautiful. The bond between siblings may look different at times, but it is powerful, natural and full of heart.

Heidi

April 29, 2022

Finding The Joy

Some days as parents are heavy. The kind that leave you exhausted, touched out, and wondering how you’ll do it all again tomorrow. When another mum shared her honest “one of those days” story, followed by a beautiful Patty-Cake breakthrough, it was a reminder we all need: even on the hardest days, there is still joy to be found. Sometimes we just have to stop and look for it.

Heidi

April 15, 2022