Amelia-Rae turned 3 during lockdown; she enjoyed eating lots of cake and songs whilst playing in the garden with her little brother. The bond they have at such a young age already is so wonderful to see, they seem to be so in tune with each others needs. Amelia will rush over and give hugs, kisses and comfort when Noah is sad – and Noah will sing songs to Amelia when she seems in distress. Often comforting one another when as a parent we cannot seem to. Amelia has very little spoken words, but one of the word she often speaks (and shouts) is her brothers name, Noah!
As Amelia’s mum, she makes me proud every day, often surprises me and definitely challenges assumptions around Down’s Syndrome. She not only walked by 18 months but she is now an avid runner and climber! She has a huge amount of makaton signs that she uses, can count to ten and sign the alphabet.
Amelia enjoyed lockdown, thanks to daddy being home for the duration, her quiet explorations of our local woods and a new trampoline. But the lack of social interaction did take its toll, since coming out she found it hard being around lots of people again, which is where hugs come into play! That first hug with nanny when our social bubble was able to expand was the most excited hug I have ever seen!
A hug means so much to Amelia. She has her quick hugs for her friends at nursery and those she sees not so often. She has her fast and excited hugs for nanny and grandad when they walk through the door. She has her big family squeezes for bedtime time. She has her loving hugs for her brother. She has her compression hugs for sensory overloads. She has her comfort hugs, excited hugs, sad hugs, hurt hugs. A hug is such a simple thing that has endless meanings and needs for Amelia. But don’t be pulled in by the misconception of all people with Down’s Syndrome love to hug; if Amelia doesn’t want a hug she will make sure she lets you know it!
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Photography by
manphoto.co.uk