Author: Life with Saoirse

This morning Saoirse had decided what she wanted to wear. We were due to go into town.

When I saw her dressed I was about to encourage her to wear something else…more acceptable to society.

Then I thought do I really care what others think? Will the whole insistence of trying to make my girl fit with society just turn into a battle that neither of us wants.

Pick your battles

I am so pleased i didn’t force Saoirse to change. As she skipped through town all the glances I got were ones of smiles and happiness. It was an unusual position for me to be in. People looking at us with smiles. Usually it’s looks of horror, judgement, and bewilderment at her behaviour.

Two ladies actually stopped and complimented Saoirse on how lovely her outfit was.

#beyourself #beawesome #autism #specialneedsmum #style #havingfun #standproud

Yesterday was an international celebration of Down Syndrome and all the amazing people involved.

We were lucky enough to be invited to a Mayors lunch organised by Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association and the amazing Singing Hands came along. They put on a fabulous show Party time 💙💛

Ailbe couldn’t quite believe his “girls” were no longer in his tablet

We had a brilliant day. We sang, danced, and met friends.

Not everyone is lucky enough to be in this community. However, it doesn’t stop you being part of it.

Later that evening the whole world came together on Facebook to have a live world watch party to celebrate #WDSD19 World party well done #wouldntchangeathing

Thank you to everyone who took part in raising awareness for Ailbe and his tribe.

#portsmouthdsa #wouldntchangeathing #thefabulousworldofmax #singinghands #wdsd19 #wdsd #inclusionrevolution #iamable #abilitiesnotdisabilities #ableailbe #dsa @sallyphillips #changingperceptions #labelsareforclothes #family #friends #mytribe

So here is this years video. It’s beautiful and I am so proud to know a few of the beautiful souls in it.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=W8RQnqu60cs#dialog

Why do they keep producing awareness videos? Because every day someone or some company keeps seeing our beautiful children as a “risk” and that needs to change!

@wouldntchangeathing #wcat #inclusionrevolution #beawesome #wdsd19 #leavenooneout #portsmouthdsa @portsmouthdsa #chancenotrisk #labelsareforclothes #downsyndrome #mytribe #wdsd #family @lifewithsaoirse @fabulousworldofmax @mybeautifuldiversion @iamriver well done in being part of another #amazing video.

Yes Ailbe is in this Video that the amazing WCAT team have compiled.

None of the images you will see have been done by professionals. These have all been composed by parents who are passionate about changing perceptions and making the world a better place not just for our children but for future generations.

Here is the one I did for Ailbe 🥰

Oh and please share share share 💙💛💙

#abilitiesnotdisabilities #luckyfew #inclusion #iamable #senmum #lifewithsaoirse #ableailbe #wcat #downsyndrome #awareness #characteristics #makingadifference

Ailbe is on the move!! He is becoming more adventurous.

However….

Sometimes Ailbe gets in places he can’t get out of. Like tonight. One minute Ailbe was crawling around the living room and the next minute I see these little eyes peering over at me….

#mumofboys #milestones #theluckyfew @wcat #iamable #nodifferent #inclusion #trapped #love #t21 #dsa #skills

When you have really enjoyed your pudding and laughing because mummy & daddy have to try and get you out of the chair without getting covered in chocolate too 😁

❤️💙💛

#chocolate #loveschocolate #lovinglife #wcat #lifewithsaoirse #ableailbe #theluckyfew #dsa #mumofboys #nodifferent #challengestigma

Soon everyone’s news feed will hopefully be flooded with these amazing posters, just in time for world Down syndrome day 2019.

What’s the point? What’s the aim?

When a new parent or parents to be are looking for information on Down Syndrome. We want the internet to be balanced with positive information for them to see.

What better way than to have hundreds of these type posters

Please like and share 💙💛💙💛

I had fun creating this little poster. #wdsd #wcat #lifewithsaoirse #t21 #luckyfew #mumsofinsta #love #littlewarrior #newcampaign #changingperceptions #iamable #ability #abilitiesnotdisabilities #differentabilities #worldchanger #t21rocks #dsa #downsyndrome #poster #positivechange #positive #charateristics #wouldntchangeathing #teamwcat

This morning like every other household. We are in a mad rush trying to get the kids ready for school. Every parent can relate to the stress that this brings. Kids not getting dressed or looking for lost homework or having just remembered they haven’t done homework. All the while the clock is ticking.

During this busy Friday morning I hear a little made up song being sang. Conor is making up a song for Ailbe. In this song he sings “I don’t care about your Down’s syndrome because you are amazing and I love you to the moon and back”

In these special moments my heart couldn’t be prouder.

#proud #inclusion #brothers #love #luckyfew #t21 #dsa #downsyndrome #sing #wcat #mumofboys #iamable #rockingthatextrachromosone

I wanted to share this story I read about a fathers perspective. One day I hope Kyle will tell his story as he is an amazing father to all three of ours.

For now have a read of this by Mark

The website can be found here PADS

#fathersstory #t21 #family #iamable #luckyfew #wcat #siblings #love #abilitynotdisability #changingperception #weareable #dsa #dontcountusout

Ailbe loves his books and I have watched the demise of a beautiful pop up book in less than 30 minutes 🤦🏻‍♀️😂😂

#lovebooks #earlyyearsreading #popupbooks #mischeviousmonkey #iamable #abilitynotdisability #luckyfew #wcat #lovereading #dsa #downsyndrome #love