Choosing a school for Hope wasn’t a last-minute decision—it was something we considered from the time she was a baby. We wanted her to grow up with her brothers, to feel included, and to have the support she needed to thrive. When we found a school that didn’t just accept her but truly wanted her, the decision became clear. Now, a few weeks into the school year, we know we made the right choice. Hope is growing, learning, and—most importantly—she is welcomed and loved.
Hope started school this week—but she wasn’t the only one. Alexander started too, yet somehow, it hasn’t always felt like it. Why? Because my focus has been split, my attention constantly bouncing between making sure Hope is settled and worrying if Alexander is getting enough from me. The mum guilt has been real, but as I reflect on the first few days, I realise something important—maybe it hasn’t been as bad as I thought.
Hope had her first orientation visit into big school this week. I could probably share a post on all the feelings that go with that, but I’ll save that for another day. Instead, I want to share another little poem…
Exciting news! Hope will be starting kindy next year. In this blog post, we share our journey of enrolling her, deciding on the right school, and preparing for this big step. Follow along as we navigate the extra steps needed for a child with Down syndrome.
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.
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.
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.