From the minute you find out, you know nothing will ever be the same.
You're not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing, you just know everything is about to change.
You don't know what to expect and you're definitely a little (or a lot) scared about what this means for the future of you and your family.
You've seen other kids with Down Syndrome but you're not sure how similar or different your new sibling is going to be compared to them.
You don't know how different your sibling is from other kids or if other kids will accept them.
At first, you're not even sure how to interact with them because you're afraid you'll do something wrong. The first few weeks are full of these uncertainties as you try to figure out what your life is going to be like from now on and you try to establish a "new normal."
And then, slowly, it does become normal. You get used to the new terms, the appointments, and the books on "How to Raise a Child with Down Syndrome."
You start to see how your new sibling develops and learns differently from other kids and you realize that it is not a bad thing.
Instead of scared, you become excited about the future and you can't wait to see your sibling grow up and go through life with them.
As they continue to get older you realize that you can't imagine them any other way and that they are perfect just the way they are. You also realize that growing up with them has changed you for the better.
You've become more accepting, caring, and compassionate and you can't imagine your life without them.
What once scared you and filled you with uncertainty is now one of your greatest blessings and you wouldn't have it any other way.