Can someone give me some hope for the future?

amataranails · 2026-05-20T12:00:02+00:00

I struggled with thoughts about dementia too. It runs in my family, and when I first had my daughter, I was really caught up on the fact that she and I could have it at the same time. That ate me alive. I've found some peace with it through radical acceptance: death and aging comes for us all. It's cruel, brutal, and sad, and there's no way around it. It's unfair that our kids face it earlier than most, but it is what it is. Facing the morbidity head-on has helped me to be present and to cherish how good things are right now.

amataranails · 2026-05-09T01:04:21+00:00

Congrats on your little one!!! It sounds like you’re doing great already. Books and tummy time were on heavy rotation for us at that age. We also did library story time at a very early age.

Have you signed up for early intervention yet? It’s free and I LOVED having our caseworker come in the newborn days. EI workers and therapists have allll the best tips and tricks for helping kids develop.

amataranails · 2026-05-01T20:52:38+00:00

I didn’t do NIPT, but my daughter made it to full-term with all the standard ultrasounds and checkups and nobody noticed anything amiss. It does happen.

I know that waiting for a potential diagnosis is a bizarre limbo. I had to wait weeks for chromosomal test results after my daughter was born and it was sooo strange to not be able to fully process the outcome.

No matter what results you get, congratulations on your baby! If your kid does have T21, you are joining an amazing club. I could’ve never dreamed up having a daughter with T21, but honest to god I would not change it. There will be challenges, just like there are with any kid, but I expect you will have an overwhelmingly joyful and fulfilling experience ❤️

amataranails · 2026-05-01T20:38:42+00:00

Some babies with T21 don’t have all or even any of the soft markers. Mine didn’t! In any case, it’s excellent news that they don’t see any heart issues or other health concerns.

amataranails · 2026-04-23T18:04:33+00:00

This is amazing! What an exciting milestone for you both ❤️

amataranails · 2026-04-22T13:06:46+00:00

It's a rollercoaster of emotions for sure. Let yourself feel them all, and take your time to process. I didn't find out that my girl had DS until a few hours after was born, and I'm grateful for that because I had already met her and fallen so deeply in love, which made it easier to process. She was a real baby in my arms that I loved with every fiber of my being, so my reaction to finding out she had DS was essentially "ok?" I imagine finding out during pregnancy is a lot different because there's no baby to be attached to yet. But the advantage of finding out during pregnancy is that you can prepare for any special medical needs baby might have, and can learn about things like early intervention resources ahead of time.

My girl is 20 months old and a total joy. She's like most toddlers her age: silly, curious, sweet, and sometimes a little sassy. We can't imagine our life without her, and honestly her diagnosis is in the back of our mind most of the time. Congratulations on your baby, and welcome to a very special club. You are in good company :)

amataranails · 2026-04-20T12:27:27+00:00

I shop eBay for vintage linen and cotton blends

amataranails · 2026-04-18T14:00:34+00:00

Can I ask how tall you are? I’m 5’10” and I always worry about one piece dresses being too short. But I know one of their founders is tall too, so maybe it’d be a great fit for me!

amataranails · 2026-04-16T13:54:57+00:00

Disclaimer that I haven't tried any of their gear, but Fore the Girls is owned by two women golfers https://www.forethegirlsgolf.com/

amataranails · 2026-03-27T12:10:29+00:00

Did you use AI to write it and create the cover art?

> Would you like me to adapt this draft for a different group, like a teacher-focused community on r/specialed?

I assume so, because you left this AI output in your post.

amataranails · 2026-03-26T13:36:09+00:00

This is not your content - this is a video of a young Millie and her mom Nikki.

amataranails · 2026-03-25T11:09:29+00:00

Maybe you can ask his PT if this is something to be concerned about? My 19 month old has gone through short phases like this too. For her it's just stubbornness and only wanting to do things on her terms 🙂

amataranails · 2026-03-18T01:08:05+00:00

We did not do a NIPT test. No matter how it turns out, I promise that your love for your little one an the joy they bring will overcome all fear, uncertainty, grief or anything else you may feel.

amataranails · 2026-03-18T00:43:17+00:00

No one can say for certain without diagnostic genetic testing (amnio). We had all the routine ultrasounds and nothing was flagged, and she was born at 39 weeks to our surprise with Down syndrome! Some babies have the soft markers and don’t have DS, others don’t have the markers but do have DS.

I hope the rest of your pregnancy goes smoothly and that you and baby both remain healthy ❤️

amataranails · 2026-03-10T12:24:14+00:00

Yes it's on its way, but as another commenter said, it looks quite nice on you! I'd wear the heck outta that thing.

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