Congratulations on your beautiful little fighter
I have a son with Down Syndrome. Not detected until birth, pregnancy was completely typical, no problems or warning signs.
You'll probably find yourself feeling a range of emotions right now. From high highs to extremely low lows. It's important that you let yourself feel all of these emotions, they are what are going to get you through it eventually. You'll never be positive all the time, but neither will you be negative. Embrace all your emotions, they are what make you human
I can tell you from experience, that my sons 'birth day' was the best and worst day of my life. It's hard to explain why, but I'm sure you understand what I mean. He is a wonderful, sweet natured, cheeky and smart little boy. He's all the things I never thought he'd be that day. But there isn't a day that goes by I don't worry about his future. You will probably also find, like myself, your worry will be mostly about the unknown. Living in the here and now, watching your sweet baby grow will give you the confidence that everything is going to be different for you, but it's not going to be worse.
Children with DS now are given a huge boost in life. My son gets Physiotheraphy and Early intervention which helps keep him on par with his peers. This has never been available before. I found it comforting to know that my son was born into a generation that had all the tools to help him grow. There's not a single adult person with DS in the world that's had the helping hand our children have, so it's impossible to compare them. Every single child is different, and will have strengths and weaknesses, regardless on the 'type' of DS they have.
Our children aren't less than typical children, their brains are just wired differently. Our children learn by repetition. Whilst their brains don't cope well with mathematical things, they absolutely excel in certain fields like Music. My son can shake a Maracca in time to any musical beat. I don't know any other 1 year old that can do that! Find your babies strengths and focus on those.
I think I've rambled on loads! Sorry about that
I just want you to know that my life with my son is just wonderful, full and full of happiness. I never thought it would be at the beginning. You will learn and grow so much in your time with your baby, as much as she will
If you need any more info you can PM me anytime.
Hope you get your wee fighter home soon x