Hannah was born on 5th July 2002.  We were so excited about having a baby and then when she was born by emergency caesarian we began to worry by the doctors and nurses reaction about how everything was going. Eventually they told us those dreaded words " your child has Down's syndrome"  However she didn't just have Down's syndrome they told us she had a hole in her heart as well and it would probably require surgery.  We were beside ourselves.  All I did for the first 24 hours after my daughters birth was cry and wonder "why did this happen to us?"

All my friends around me were having perfectly normal babies, and here we are with a child with a disability we know nothing about and health issues requiring surgery.  Where did we go from here?

Everything was just a blur in the early days and after the feeling of devestation and thinking no one would want to know us and have anything to do with Hannah, we realised that couldn't have been further from the truth.

Letters and cards poured in, offering help and support.  We had our meals cooked for us for a month from the church and we had a steady stream of visitors all wanting to see our special little girl.

After the initial doom and gloom that was hanging over us, eventually the clouds lifted and we could see this extraordinary little girl that was our daughter and how special she really was.  We had to do alot of caring for her, we had to patient while she took a while to feed ( I even learned how to change a nasal gastric tube that helped with her feeding ) but we realised that she will walk, talk and play just the same as any other child, its just that she's going to do it at her pace and not ours.

She loves playing on the swings and we delight to see her smiling and laughing and she really warms our hearts.  She has taught us the meaning of loving unconditionally no matter what.  She has taught us more than we have taught her. We truly couldn't imagine life without Hannah.

We want to share that with new parents and give hope to you that in those early days when your life has completely turned around, remember that it will turn around for the better and the people that come to know and love your special child, will taste a little bit of that new life journey you are now walking.

Here are a few of my friends with messages for new parents. Please have a read and be encouraged and inspired to know you have a precious special child

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My name is Rachel and my son, Hunter was born May 10, 2004. Though I had no indications of him having Down Syndrome, I wouldn't have it any other way. Hunter has taught me so much as a new parent, the greatest gift he has given me is unconditional love. You will cry and you will grieve, but soon, the absolute love and adoration for your child will overcome any feelings of sadness or self doubt. I love him so much! Congratulations and welcome to a whole new world!

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My name is Connie, my son Alex is 4 years old and has DS. We had know idea that Alex had DS until he was born. The last four years have been an amaizing journey. I have come from anger, shock, acceptance and finally LOVE, patience and tolerance. But most important thing I have learned so far on this journey, is that Alex is the greatest gift God has ever given to myself and our family. Congratulations and Welcome to a journey of a life time!

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Hi! My name is Kiri and I live in Australia. I was 30 years old when my baby boy, Levi Inoi Oliver was born. He has Down Syndrome. I hope you can find the networks around you that can support you in this time - I guess you'll need all the loving friends, family and health workers you can get. Don't be afraid to grieve. But DO spend every moment you can in touching and loving your new baby. Soon you won't even see the DS - you will just see your child. I wish you joy with your beautiful baby!

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Hi my name is Kami, my son is was born May 3, 2003. We adopted him when he was just one month old. Nickolas has Down Syndrome and is a very charming and smart little boy. Between being raised with a special needs sister and raising my son, these two charming individuals and taught me more about the world than any other person without disabilities could teach me. They take nothing for granted, yes they have feelings too, but they learn to adapt themselves to the cruel world around them. If I had the chance to change anything about my life, I would change nothing. I have all I want and will ever need. We are soon to adopt another child that too has disabilities. We are looking forward to the future and can't wait to see the new accomplishments that our children will endure through out the rest of their charming lives. You have been blessed with a wonderful child and you too will learn so much more about this world through your child's eyes. Instead of them thanking you for teaching them, you will be thanking them for teaching you. Enjoy your new little one and if you ever need someone to talk to, find us at http://www.downsyn.com.

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"Congratulations on the birth of your beautiful child. This child will lead you to places you'd never expected to go and introduce you to people you never knew you wanted to meet. From this moment on your life will never be the same, it will be better."

Sharon who has a 15 year old Daugther with DS