Let me introduce myself. My name is Máire (pronounced like soya, but with an M). I am a mother of two boys, currently on maternity leave.
When I was 35 weeks pregnant with my second, I found out that he was rocking a little extra genetic material. When I found out the diagnosis, I was absolutely devastated. A million things ran through my head; what sort of life would he lead? Was I burdening his brother with a sibling with a disability instead of a playmate? Would I ever be able to go back to work? Would we be able to go on holiday again? Should I still call him the name we had lovingly picked out when we thought we were having a typical baby?
Before Aidan was born, I had met people with Down’s Syndrome. However, I had never really known anyone with Down’s Syndrome. I had an image in my head of Down’s Syndrome which was based on outdated stereotypes.
Whilst we waited for his arrival, I searched the internet for stories which would give me hope. Information on what living with Down’s Syndrome was really like. I have learned so much new information about Down’s Syndrome in the first few months of Aidan’s life and how wrong my initial misconceptions were.
I started this blog to write about my experiences of raising Aidan and the things I’ve learned about Down’s Syndrome along the way. I want to dispel some of the myths about Down’s Syndrome, perhaps to help some other parents who are struggling with a diagnosis, to raise awareness and to advocate for inclusion.
Me and The Little Fire 