Blog #Raising a child with Down Syndrome

My next blog was going to be on toilet training but I’ve been noticing how involved Maisie wants to get in everything her siblings are doing, particularly when it comes to sport. Besides I don’t really want to write about cleaning up another accident for the umpteenth time. There is no magic wand and what it comes down to is patience and praise, hiding any frustration and knowing that she and I are doing our best and there will be a time when cleaning up pee will be a thing of the past. Then I know it’ll be the right time to get a dog so I can start doing it all over again! Maisie’s dad says going into see her in the mornings is the same exciting feeling he has on Christmas mornings. She is always so happy to see us and says and signs Good Morning, it’s so cute. Se also asks for chocolate buttons so maybe she thinks it’s Christmas morning too?! For me despite the challenges toilet training brings and the emotional and physical impact that comes with being a parent of young kids, those joyous moments with her really count for a lot.

It’s almost Christmas and as well as being a most exciting time for our kids, it will be Maisie’s birthday during the holidays. The Big Four and there’s no denying just how far Maisie has come along in recent months. A proud mammy that’s me, she’s a daddy’s girl too, and not just a cute little sister but one who can stand her ground with a shove or a shout but also shower them with loving cuddles and tickles. It hasn’t been the easiest few months parenting wise (and that’s with all three mind) but that’s the reality of bringing up kids these days. They need us so much, and whenever I feel emotionally and physically depleted one foot must still go in front of the other. Just making sure even twenty minutes every day is time spent looking after myself and I’ll feel the better for it. For the first time in years I am sleeping better too. I’ll always look back with rose tinted glasses when I look at their baby pictures but I’m very glad to be out of the sleep deprived era!