Just recently, it has felt like Hope has just started “getting” things and one of those things, is understanding her name. Hope not only knows what her name is, but she can spell it, sign it, and even write it and while it’s something that she’s been working on for some time, it felt sudden and unexpected when I realised that she could actually do it all.
After a busy day, I noticed something unexpected that made me smile. It was a small moment, but it showed me just how much Hope is growing and understanding her world.
“There is a high risk of Down syndrome in one or both of your babies.” It was just over 4 years ago that we first heard these words said to us after about 4 weeks of uncertainty. It’s 4 weeks that we will never forget.
Life has been busy, and it’s been a while since I’ve written. Between family, work, and everything in between, finding the time hasn’t been easy. But here we are—back to sharing the ups, downs, and little moments that make life what it is. Hope continues to grow and surprise us every day, and while things have been chaotic, there’s always joy in the journey.
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.
“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.
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!