Welcome to Norah’s Hope 321! I’m Rebecca, Norah’s mom. Since you’ve landed here, you likely: 1) know our family, 2) are part of the Down syndrome community, or 3) seek information about what it’s like to have a child with Down syndrome. No matter the reason, we are delighted you are here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Norah<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Our daughter, Norah Elizabeth Hope, was born in November, 2018 with a diagnosis of Down syndrome. We found out early in my pregnancy that there was a high probability this would be the case. To say this news rocked our world would be an understatement. My husband and I were shocked, scared, and completely unsure of what to expect. So we researched Down syndrome day and night for weeks on end throughout my pregnancy. We read every research paper, blog, and book we could find. With research came knowledge, and with knowledge came so much hope for the life that our baby would have. By the time Norah was born, we could not have been more grateful and excited to welcome her into the world. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The First Inkling<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The first inkling that your child may have Down syndrome can be shocking, scary, and even sad. Whether the news comes while mom is pregnant or after baby is born, it takes some time to process and accept. But here’s the thing: a baby with Down syndrome is still a baby first<\/em>. When she was an infant, Norah needed milk, sleep, diaper changes, and love just like all other babies. As Norah grows, we see how she is so much more like her peers<\/em> than she is different. She laughs, plays, cries, and has all the same needs as her 3 year old peers. Norah is a little girl first; a little girl who simply happens to have Down syndrome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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