My wee boy is 3 months today and weighs exactly a stone. He was born with Down's Syndrome which came as a huge shock to us as we were considered "low risk" when we underwent the tests. There was something like a 1 in 1180 chance and unfortunately we were it. We were told around 15 minutes after he was born that he had certain characteristics indicitave of a chromosomal condition. Looking back it did seem that the paediatricians had him over at the weighing station for longer than seemed necessary, however it was a bit of a traumatic birth (forceps) and he is our first child so we didn't know any better.
When we were told our world just caved in on us. I nearly fainted, had to go to the toilet to compose myself and only came back so soon because my wife was in tears. We didn't really take anything in that we were being told. Because it was a night birth we were taken to a room and then left in the darkness, confused, scared, angry and helpless. What should have been the happiest night of our lives turned out to be the worst.
Because my wife was so upset I had to be strong for her, even though I didn't feel it, and I suppose this helped me come to terms with it a lot sooner. I had two choices - collapse in a heap of tears and self pity or man up and look after my family. When I looked at him I realised nothing really mattered apart from the fact he was here. He was so small and helpless and had never harmed a soul in his life so any bad feelings I had were soon replaced.
As for the future - who knows? We'll just have to take things as they come. He is such a good baby and is no hassle at all. He smiles away and laughs occasionally and has just started making all the baby talk noises which is good. I just hope we can do enough for him so he can lead as normal a life as possible.