Blog - Page 6 of 9 - Raising Hope Designs

My “Well DUH!” Moment

Almost two months ago, I wrote about running on empty. Well, I finally took that break I talked about—and had a major “well duh” moment! Turns out, the way I’d been living and working just wasn’t working anymore. I realised that routines and small changes could make a big difference in my stress levels, my family life, and even the state of my house. Now, with a few tweaks to my schedule and a little help from Jobot (our trusty robot vacuum), I’m feeling more balanced and less overwhelmed.

Heidi

August 12, 2022

Get To Know Hope…

It’s been a crazy, exhausting week with sick kids and no sleep, but I still wanted to write something—so here it is! A little insight into our sweet and sassy girl, Hope. From her early arrival and heart surgery to her love of dancing and chocolate, here are 10 random things you may (or may not) know about Hope.

Heidi

July 29, 2022

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

The Assessment

“Your 3-year-old is currently at the level of an 18-month-old.”
Reading those words shattered me. That night, as I stood in the shower, tears mixed with the rushing water, my mind raced with doubts. Are all the therapies, the endless appointments, the exhaustion—are they making a difference? But then, clarity hit me. If we didn’t fight for Hope, if we didn’t push through, she wouldn’t be where she is today. This journey isn’t easy, but Hope is strong, and we are not giving up.

Ben Jones

July 15, 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