April 25th 2005 my little girl was born. All red and messy, but small and cute, the start of the Hall family had begun.

I had already planned my little girl's life out, looking forward to being wrapped around her little finger; warning those boys off when she 'thought' she was old enough to date; arguing because she wanted 'that' dress and not 'that' dress.

Within an hour or so, the news that our little girl had Down Syndrome had shaken and questioned all those plans. Before I knew it the doctor had reeled off so many conditions, so many concerns, that I really had no idea what was going on.

To say I was stunned was an understatement. Did I ask 'why us'? Of course I did; did I wonder how we'd cope with a little girl with special needs? Yes....but then she opened her tiny eyes and tiny hands as I held her and I was smitten. Already she had me wrapped around her little finger.

My first plan, or rather her first plan was in action. I feared for the future and.....my wallet. I already knew that she was going to have 'that' dress in the future; and I was going to have to put up with those boys!

8 days old my little girl was rushed into hospital for an operation that could save her life. That day only confirmed my love for this little girl. If she was going to fight this hard to be in my life, then I was going to do all I can to fight for her.

We take each day as it comes. She babbles away, demanding every toy, every DVD and every one of my 360 games; she moves around quicker then any little person I know. She isn't walking yet and I already fear for my health - time to get into shape!

Isla will have special needs. What will those be? who knows, all I know is that she needs me like any other kid; she'll need me to help with her homework; she'll need me for advice and a hug and most of all she'll need me for 'that' dress and no doubt those posters of good looking boy bands.

We have met some wonderful people over the past 18mths and no doubt we'll meet more in the future.

We have had support from family and friends who haven't judged Isla or commented but treated her like any other kid. And thats just it......Isla is Isla first, she is a little girl growing up in a mad world, the fact she has Down Syndrome just makes her that little bit more special.

Isla is a lucky girl, as I am to have a mother/wife like we do. She has been the support that has kept as from all going mad; the one who travels to most of Isla's appointments; the one who is setting up a local support group (www.steppingstonesds.co.uk) to pass on the knowledge she has gained. I am proud of eveything she does for Isla, and for me.

I am often asked how I feel about the story line on Eastenders and that it is so negative. I think the story is spot on; it certainly highlights how Emma and I felt and the ignorance that is still there in all generations (less so in my generation). Don't be afraid to ask questions. The more you ask, the more you'll understand about Down Syndrome and the less ignorant the next generation will be.

Having a child with special needs was never going to be easy, but then having a child fullstop is never easy. However, each day that passes, each day she manages to do something different whether that be climbing the stairs, signing a new sign, making a new sound or simply eating big girl food amazes me.

This year hasn't got to the best of starts for Isla. Pneumonia 6 days into the year, a 4 day spell at hospital wasn't what the doctor ordered. But having said that since then Isla is like a different girl!

Combined with starting nursery and playing with other kids, Isla has progressed leaps and bounds. Eating like a trooper (even my homemade soup!), climbing the stairs (which took Emma by surprise one day!!), bear walking and I am afraid to say, hitting the terrible twos!

Oh yes, don't we know! Stubborn, determined and an obsession with scratching the sofa have hit us hard. But despite this, that cheeky smile and kiss makes me melt.....Isla REALLY does have me wrapped around her finger.

And guess what, if one little lady isn't enough......Em and I are expecting a second in July! I have a feeling its another little lady.......

Each day she brings me joy, and each day she teaches someone else to see past her special needs and treat her for her.....and teaches me not to take people at face value (sometimes difficult when working in sales!!)

Please email me if you have any comments. dmkhall@hotmail.com