My Life, My Son, My Way

What do you buy for father's day?...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 11 May 2015 15:34:00 +0000

I was chatting to a few mums at playgroup recently about fathers day traditions and what they bought for their OH's from their babies. It turns out a lot of them just get beer... that sounds like a perfectly lovely present to me. One lady said she bought him some e-cigs last year, those flavoured ones. She said she bought them as a joke as she'd been bugging him about giving up smoking but he's bought them regularly since as he loved them. I think she said they were soft drink flavours, Dr Pepper, Fanta, Coke and Sprite I think. Sounds perfect.

I have been debating Hoff's present as I think I've exhausted the beer route now. I thought I'd ask the bloggers for some inspiration.

“Nothing!! We’ll make him a homemade card instead!”

— Carolin from Mummy Alarm

“A variety of Ales or a Computer game usually.”

— Laura from Tired Mummy of Two

“New DC trainers here”

— Sarah from Boo, Roo & Tigger Too

There were loads more but I've lost the thread. I think that the differences of presents is quite amazing, personal, useful and random was the end result. I love that people buy e-cigs though, it's a massive hint but it obviously paid off.

Why it is important to complain about Medical Negligence

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 08 Sep 2014 20:39:00 +0000

I have had a completely bonkers few years health wise.

I feel like I'm still broken really, like I can't seem to get the real me back health wise, I just feel exhausted with it all.

This was a result of many different mishaps and incidents occurring in and around my pregnancy with Rocky and also the trauma of the birth and what happened after. There was nothing I could have done to prevent it and nothing, when I look back, that I could have changed myself but there is definitely something that others could have done, others being the professionals of whom I was in the care of, of whom should have known better, of whom let me down.

I haven't really gone into detail about the true facts behind my health issues on my blog and I won't until we have cleared up all the facts and the hospital have agreed that they are at fault.

What I have found is that it is hard to make a complaint about a hospital and have it taken seriously. It can take a long time to even get a response from them... as I've found out myself recently with a remarkable 5 month wait for a response... but just because it takes time, doesn't mean you should let them get away with it, it doesn't take away from the original complaint... in fact it could make it much worse for them in the long run.

If you don't complain, stomp your feet or even go as far as take them to court, they are free to do it again, nobody learns anything and others might be harmed. If you don't seek compensation for the harm they have done due to malpractice or negligence and you are left with long term effects from their mistreatment... you are the only one paying for their mistakes and really they should be... really nobody should be and no mistakes should have been made in the first place but this is life.

Complaining or claiming compensation won't take away the damage they've already done, mentally and physically, but it can help with the long term effects not just for you but for the whole family. The time taken away from your family will never be able to be claimed back but the time left with them will be able to be spent with a smile with that bit of financial help if you win your fight.

We all see so many adverts on the TV about compensation companies, my advice to you is to shop around not just with these but with local firms too also ones you've not necessarily heard of can be your best bet sometimes, like Leo Claims for instance. Ask about and see if anyone you know has been through the same and ask them for advice. Look into reviews and statements of others dealing with that company. If you feel comfortable about their practice go ahead and ask them whether they think you have a case. Don't be disheartened if one says no, it is often the case, just try others.

**Remember you have 3 years from the time of the incident, so don't wait too long but don't feel rushed... if you know what I mean. Try to gather as much evidence and as much info as possible about your illness, accident or issue with the hospital involved in the mean time as the companies involved often won't understand the full content of the issue without it and it might help your case.... just thought I'd add that little nugget of advice in there for you!

Most big companies will have a ring back service so it won't even cost you the cost of the call, so what is there to stop you enquiring?

If I have learnt anything from this situation it is that these things take time and take patience. If you've been wronged tell them so, it's not about the money it is more so that they don't do the same to someone else and their family.

Good Luck to those who are starting their journey.

This post was brought to you by Leo Claims but written in my own words and about my own story - Click here for more information on my disclosure policy

Top tips on caring for your puppy

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 20 Aug 2014 20:15:00 +0000

Just as people have basic needs, so too do puppies, and some of them aren’t that different. Their five basic needs (which are called ‘welfare needs’ by the experts) are described below. In fact if you own a puppy or a dog, you must provide them to your pet by law.

Environment

Your puppy should be provided with a suitable environment. This includes the following:

Ø Bed – you puppy needs a comfortable dog bed which should be in an area that is free from draughts, dry and quiet.

Ø Exercise – you should give your puppy the right amount of exercise which means not too little and not too much. This will depend on the age and breed of the puppy, so it’s best to ask your vet.

Ø Toys – just as babies need toys to play with and help them develop, so too do puppies. You should also spend a fair amount of time playing with your pet which of course is one of the main reasons for having one.

Ø Care when you aren’t there – you shouldn’t leave your puppy alone for any longer than four hours. If you have to be away, then arrange for somebody to call in and take care of it for a while.

Food

Obviously you will need to feed your puppy, but you need to take care of how you do so.

Ø Your puppy requires a healthy diet. It needs to be balanced and to meet its nutritional needs. The amount of food that you should give it depends on its size, so again you can take some advice from the vet.

Ø Never feed your puppy on scraps from the table, and never overfeed it. Obesity in dogs is as serious a problem as it is in humans and can shorten their lives considerably.

Ø Your dog should always have access to fresh clean water; and we mean always.

Behaviour

You should allow your puppy the opportunity to behave as a puppy should. This has a number of elements which include:

Ø Socialisation – the more you allow your puppy to socialise with other dogs and people the better adjusted it will become. But, apart from its own mother, it shouldn’t associate with other dogs until it has been properly vaccinated.

Ø Training – You should start house training your puppy as soon as you can and then continue its training using rewards and never punishments.

Ø Identification – when in public your puppy will need to wear a collar and identification tag. Micro-chipping is also recommended which increases the chances of your puppy being returned to you should it ever get lost.

Health care

You will need to look after the health of your dog and protect it from pain and suffering

Ø Vaccinations – your puppy will need to be vaccinated when it is 8 to 9 weeks old with a booster jab a few weeks later. It will then need annual boosters on an ongoing basis.

Ø Worming and fleas – you should worm and de-flea your dog as recommended by your vet.

Ø Grooming – you should groom your puppy regularly, though be very gentle. Increase the amount of grooming as it grows.

Ø Regular checkups at the vet are recommended. It is also advisable to take out dog insurance so that you aren’t faced with any unexpected vet bills.

#Travel - Manchester: What's on at the Theatre This Summer

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 06 Aug 2014 11:03:00 +0000

Manchester is home to several world class theatres offering a huge array of shows, musicals and events throughout the year. So why not book yourself in to a Travelodge and head to Manchester to take in a show or two this year? Some top picks are:

War Horse

The moving story about a boy and his horse. Based on the novel by Michael Morpurgo, it follows the story of Albert and his horse Joey as they overcome many an obstacle, both together and apart. It's an amazing story in its own right, but the stage production really is something else. Full scale horse puppets are brought to life, galloping, trotting, breathing and all. It really is an amazing sight to behold and one you're never likely to forget.

Swan Lake

A wonderful tale of romance set to the well known music from Tchaikovsky and danced by the English National Ballet. This stunning ballet is always worth seeing, no matter if you're a seasoned ballet goer or it's your first time. You're guaranteed to fall in love with the story and this beautiful and graceful dance form.

An Evening of Burlesque

Whether you're a burlesque show fan, you're a dab hand at it yourself or you've never seen it before, you won't be able to help but tap your feet to the music as the sexy seductresses shake their thing to the beat. It's a great show to watch with the girls on a girls’ night out and you're pretty much guaranteed to sign up to a burlesque class together the following day.

Only Fools and Boycie

Fans of John Challis aka Boycie from Only Fools and Horses, or the show itself, will absolutely love this show. You'll get to know both Boycie and John himself a little better as he lets you in on a few secrets from the Only Fools and Horses set and shares a few laughs and stories from his acting past. Guaranteed to be a laugh a minute.

Joan Rivers

Guaranteed to have you laughing all night long, the ballsy, multi talented comedienne, actress, writer, tv star and talk show host is heading to Manchester this year for a night of quick talking and hot opinion.

The Big Reunion Boy Band Tour

This one's being held at the Phones 4 U Arena, rather than in one of the theatres, but it's sure to be a huge hit. Fans of 90's pop stars Five, Blue, 911, A1, Damage, 3T and the newly formed '5^th Story', featuring the likes of Gareth Gates, Dane Bowers, Adam Rickitt, Kavana and Kenzie, will absolutely love this concert, which promises to transport them back to their teenage years. With songs like Ghetto Romance, Take on Me, Freak Me, Crossroads, Everybody Get Up, Bodyshakin' and All Rise, you'll be in for a night of dancing and singing like no other.

It's clear that in terms of entertainment, Manchester has it all. So why not book your next break to this vibrant city and see for yourself what it has to offer you?

This post is in association with Travelodge

5 Things To Read Before Travelling To London With Kids

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 30 Jun 2014 00:59:00 +0000

London, some people see the hustle and bustle and think 'With kids?? No Way', well I say 'yes way'. We go to London all the time and it's all about the preparation of the journey that makes it go as easy as a trip up the road.

So for those of you who are biting the bullet and taking the kids on a trip to the big city for the first time, here are my Top 5 things people need to read before Travelling to London with kids.

1: Pre-Plan Your Day Out In London...

With Rainy Day Back Up Plans

When travelling to London with children it is really important to know where you're going or at least what is on and what times things are open.

To avoid disappointment and tantrums, plan your trip in advance with some google research and jot down what is on and where. Don't forget an activity inside too, you just can't trust the British weather, so always have a back up plan.

Also make sure to put the opening times of the places you'd like to visit on your plan too. You don't want to spend 30 minutes on a sweaty tube and then get there and it's closed causing a huge disappointment for all, this is often a rooky mistake when travelling to London with kids.

Speaking of the lovely British Weather, don't forget to check the weather forecast before you go. You don't want to be dragging soggy kids around for too long, that's never fun for anyone.

Planning your trips to London in advance will reduce the likelihood of the day being a disaster and is better for you all as a family, no stressy parents, no frustrated kids... just bliss.

2: Plan Your Route Around London

Travelling in London isn't as scary if you know what you're doing in advance. Kids can make life really hard when you're trying to read a tube map, keep track of them and understand which tube goes where, with you getting more and more confused and frustrated in the process.

ALWAYS PLAN YOUR ROUTE.

After planning where you're going, find the directions to each destination and write down the route underneath each one, including how to get from one place to another. There is a tool that does this for you on the TFL website (click here for details). Don't forget to check the time of the last tube and how often they come. This just lessens the chances of being stranded at the cost of a pricey taxi ride.

Always check for planned engineering disruptions and tube closures on the dates you're going too, this can be found on the Transport for London website.

3: Travelling By Tube

The tube can be quite a scary place to go with children but here are a few handy tips when travelling with children on the tube, which I have picked up over the years of travelling to and from London with Kyd and Rocky.

Keep Left at all times in the tube station or they'll get stood on.
Keep safe on the stairs and escalators, hold their hands or carry them also keep in front of them on the way down and behind them on the way up, so you can catch a stumble or fall before it becomes an injury.
Stay away from the platform edge and keep hold of small children on reins to prevent runners falling on the tracks.
Go right down to the end of the platform for the quieter carriages.
Pushchair access is limited so you will need to carry them at times. Take reins for safety when it comes to toddlers and a sling for smaller babies, this will free up your hands to carry the pushchair. Again go to the end of the platform for more space in the carriage.
Whilst on the train make sure they're holding on even if seated, the train can be very jolty and so injuries can happen. People may not offer a seat to a child, ask for one nicely and they may let them have their seat but be prepared to be ignored.

4: Safety For Kids In London

So this is an important factor of a trip to London with kids, SAFETY FIRST.

Before you go, explain what it is they are likely to expect. Busy crowds and roads, high escalators and stairs, jolty tubes and quick tube changes. Explaining to them prepares them for what they're about to see and so the hustle and bustle won't shock or panic them.
On the day, come up with a strategy as to how you're going to manage the crowds, who holds who's hand and how you'll find each other if you get separated.
Write your number on their arm in felt tip. I find that this gives you confidence that if lost they'll know who to call.
Wear distinctive and sensible clothing, this way you can spot them in a crowd and they won't be losing their shoes or hats in the gap of the tube. If they have laces be aware that many of the accidents caused on the escalators at tube stations are caused by laces being caught in the bottom step. It can lead to nasty falls and injuries.
Traffic and crossing it, don't cross without the little green man and holding the hands of the child. They can change really quickly so be sure to get across in good time as London drivers are a little erratic at the best of times.

IF LOST: STOP, STAND STILL and RAISE THE ALARM (to a policeman or a shop assistant)

I would advise that you explain to them regularly on the day that if they're on a London street, stand still for a while so you have time to find them, stand against a wall so not to get in the busy peoples way and find a member of the police if they can see one or go into the first shop they find and ask them to phone the number on their arm. Tell them to NOT ask a stranger to call for safety reasons. It is safer to ask a working member of staff and will be easier to find them in a particular shop than it will if they walk the street.

Writing your number on their arm won't help on the tube though as you have no signal, so make sure you discuss that if they get lost at a tube station they need to stay still, find a member of the tube staff or police person and not speak to strangers. If they do get lost look for them yourself, alert a member of staff asap and then go to find signal just in case.

If left on a tube carriage tell them to always get off at the next stop, alert a member of staff ASAP, they can get a member of staff to the next stop quicker than you can get there. They will alert the train staff also and stop the train until they find them.

5: Eating With Kids In London?

Save Money, Pack A Picnic

OK so you have a family of 5, 2 adults, 3 children. It costs £4.99 for a child's meal and £9.99 for an adults meal, that is a grand total of just under £35 just for lunch. Double that for dinner and then add in snack money.... on top of the price of the activities, that is quite an expense. So how do you cut that cost down.

PACK SNACKS Bottles of water, crisps and biscuits will keep their little bellies at bay for a while. Walking around London is hungry work and buying snacks at events or attractions can be stupidly expensive.
PACK A PICNIC LUNCH: If you are just doing regular tourist attractions then it's easy to sneak off and find a beautiful place for a picnic. There are many grassy areas for nice days and Hyde Park is just a tube ride away from all the main tourist attractions and that is a great place to have a family picnic. Some indoor places have picnic areas too but do check with their website before you go that your own food is allowed to be eaten on their premises.
HAVE A JUNK FOOD/TAKE OUT DINNER: It's only one day and there is a McDonalds on every corner in London. For a cheap, quick, on your way home dinner, nip into somewhere like McDonalds or Marks and Sparks and grab some food to eat on the way home. You'll be too tired to care what you're eating and the kids will love you for letting them eat junk.
EATING IN: If you're clever you can pre think your dinner and find vouchers online that reduce the cost. Make sure the vouchers are accepted in that particular restaurant as sometimes they have restrictions on popular areas. Check that you don't need reservations too as London restaurants get busy. If you know you're going to be in a particular area for dinner at a certain time, then ring and book a table. Better to be safe than sorry.

Top 10: Budgeting Tips For A Family Holiday With Tweens

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 25 Jun 2014 21:52:00 +0000

You do know when your baby gets bigger and not so much a baby any more, holidays get more and more expensive to go on, don't you? No?

Well, I hate to break it to you but it turns out that when they hit 12/13/14 with some airlines and holiday companies they're classed as an adult when it comes to holidaying abroad.

Adult appetites. Adult activities. Adult prices.

We all know about booking a holiday on a budget, it is a widespread Top 10 phenomenon across the internet, but what about preparing for a holiday on a budget and entertaining them when you're there? What can you do to save money entertaining a tween when you're thousands of miles from home, away from playing out with friends and something that is classed as cool, other than the pool of course?

Depending on where you're going, it is a hard job keeping a tween entertained all day every day and in clothes they actually like and want to wear without breaking the bank, so here it is...

Before You Go

1: Buy Holiday Clothes In The Sale The Year Before/Borrow Them...

An essential part of holiday planning is buying suitable clothes for the climate, this can prove expensive, especially if you have more than one body to clothe. Try thinking ahead and buying next years swim wear a size up from this years in the sales at the end of the holiday season. Put it away for next years holiday where the tweens have no idea you got it 75% off 12 months ago, they just see new clothes where you see a bargain. Same goes for summer clothes and accessories, see it, buy it big, store it, use it later on.

Failing that, if you have friends with children of a similar age and size who have just been on holiday, why not do a swap shop. Lets face it, they'll only be wearing it for one week out of the 52

Borrow those all important summer must haves she/he so desperately wants for holiday, from the Smiths down the road. Make an afternoon of it, a tea party clothes show for the girls and their mums or a surf pre holiday water fight for the boys. If you are close to the families your kids are friends with, this could be your answer... and theirs.

2: Ask For Spending Money For Presents...

To save some of your own cash for food and essentials, why not ask Nan & Grandad for some spending money for the sprogs instead of their usual birthday/Christmas presents that they only play with for a week. Put it away in their bank and either give it to them in foreign currency or put it on a Pre Pay debit card like a Caxton FX Currency Card, to make them feel that little bit more grown up. Obviously, it is just to spend ever so wisely on the pointless holiday tat all kids love and parents hate.

3: Save Up Pocket Money By Doing Chores...

Q: How to bribe your kids to do the housework?

A: Holiday spending money.

Kids hate asking for money all the time because they're always told no, so what better way to both eliminate this and teach them the value of money at the same time, than to setup a pocket money chore system for a period before the holiday. Whilst on holiday they can have a budget of a certain amount each day knowing they've earnt every penny and they can spend it on whatever they like and when it's gone, it's gone.

Have your kids got a target amount they want to save? Well why not create and print off a cool savings chart that they colour in each time they earn a little more to put in their holiday fund.

4: Bring Entertainment With You....

Pack their favourite games, toys and books and bring them with you. There is nothing worse than a whiney tween telling you their bored when you've spent all your hard earned cash paying for them to be privileged enough to be there. Get them to sort out what they want to take a week before going and then whittle it down to what is a sensible amount. Pack some in the suitcase and some in hand luggage and that is holiday and the flight sorted. It is great back up for a rain storm too.

When You Get There

5: Create A Collage Memory Book Of The Holiday...

One way of keeping the kids busy in the evenings is to get them doing a little collage of what they've done that day.

Pack a little box of paint, glue, pens and crafty things together with a large scrap book, big enough to fit several photos on each page and decorate the front page with the family name, date and where the holiday is.

Every day gather small mementos of where you've been and what you did and stick them to each page with an explanation of what they are.

It'll keep them busy for hours and you can have some peace and quiet on the balcony with a glass of vino.

6: Find Free Things To Do Around The Area...

Before you go, research the area via the tourist board website about what there is to do in the area which is free. Some of the most beautiful parts of a country are often the free trails you find on the tourist information.

Most hotels and holiday companies have reps at the hotel at least once a day. They are there to answer all your questions and know all about the area you are in. If in doubt ask the experts. It is best that you speak to them on the first day as there are lots of markets, museums and street fairs to visit but they are often on specific days so make sure you pre plan if you don't want to miss out.

Warning: Research what parts of the country are safe to roam. Some can be very dangerous and it is not advised to go without a guide or suitable equipment.

7: Daily Challenges With Postcards From Home...

If you plan enough in advance you can create a lot of fun indoor activities that don't take up too much room in your suitcase. Simple things that surprise or shock the kids are often the ones that are most effective and the ones that create the most memories..

Why not get Nan, Grandad, Aunt Sally, Uncle Bert or even their friends and teachers to secretly write them a little postcard/letter challenge from home. A little note to say

'Today you will be going to ??, why don't you find me a pretty rock for my garden to bring home. Love Nan'.

Get creative, make them rhyme, think of cool things for them to find, you can even make it look like they've posted it and have it addressed to them. It will get them up and out of the hotel and eager to complete their challenge. You don't have to do them for each day either, just save them for when they're needed.

8: Go Exploring The Wildlife With A Camera...

Inspire that little photographer in them, get them looking at nature and wildlife on the beach or even on a walk in the woods and taking beautiful photos they will love forever. It is a free way of getting them interested in their surroundings and teaching them something about the country they are visiting too, so win win.

I wouldn't give them your £1000 camera to play with though, unless suitably supervised by you... you don't want any accidents.

9: Find A Market To Try New Types Of Food For Free...

Markets are a great way of finding local produce to try and buy. Whether you're self catering or not, make sure you visit the local markets and ask the market sellers to try the produce before you buy it, it's free and fun for all to do. Set challenges to try 1 new food a day or even find a gift for Grandma handmade by the person they bought it from (it helps the local economy too if that makes you feel any better about buying tat).

To avoid an overload of 'I want that one mummy' set an amount of money they can spend and only take that with them, once it's gone, it's gone.

10: Do A Daily Family Selfie Challenge...

This one is easy to do and will make a great addition to your family photo book. Every day, at the happiest point of whatever you're doing, take a family selfie to capture the moment. Try and get in the background what you're doing and don't take life seriously, pull a face, create a shape, do whatever you want just as long as you smile!

Perfect memories for any age.

My Top 5 Tips: Booking A Holiday Abroad For A Child With Special Needs

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 24 Jun 2014 09:30:00 +0000

When you have a special needs child a jet setting lifestyle isn't as simple as packing a bag and boarding an airplane. The truth is you have 1001 things to think about before you even choose a destination, then another 1001 things to do before you book or pack your bags but you soon become an expert and each holiday brings to light a new thing to remember for next time.

We've packed our bags and jumped aboard an airplane a fair few times since Kyd was born and so we've compiled a few do's and don'ts of holiday planning along the way.

Here is our top 5 things to think about before you book...

1: Research your destination

Research is everything for Special Needs parents throughout all aspects of life so this shouldn't come as a surprise. There are many different things to research whilst planning a holiday with an SEN child, some of which you'd not really think about unless you've fallen foul or heard stories of situations best avoided.

There are so many questions to ask about the destination before booking a holiday but it all depends on YOUR own child. Only you know your child and what they can or can't do, will or won't cope with, will or won't enjoy. Here are some questions to think about when looking for your destination...

Length of flight AND transfers to and from the airport. Are they going to deal with a long haul flight? Short haul flight? Coach journey?

Is the area safe for 'runners' (children with a habit of running off)? Are there lots of high walls, large drops or unsafe areas?

Is the area flat or hilly? Wheelchair/buggy accessible? The area you are planning to go to may be all hills and long walks to get anywhere, will your child cope with that? Can they walk that far or are the rest of the party OK to push them in a wheelchair or buggy?

Is it a busy area? Lot's of large crowds and people? Will they cope with that? Is there a quieter area you could go to that would be more suited?

Different countries have different views and acceptance levels of SEN children. This may sound like an odd thing to have to think about in this day and age but a lot of countries are still quite behind the times with equality and so it pays to know their thoughts and ways if you want to avoid the strange looks or hurtful comments. I say this mainly because people can be cruel and sometimes it's best to avoid them than confront them in their own country full of like minded people. It is only a few places I think, but it is worth thinking about and asking if anyone has been there and what their experiences were, failing that if you're brave... google it.

2: Pick the right Holiday Company

Some holiday companies and hotels look amazing in the pictures and promise the earth but fail to deliver, make sure you think about that before you book.

Again it is back to research and recommendations. Ask people who have children with similar needs which companies they would recommend and have actually used themselves. Check out TripAdvisor for general recommendations but always put your SEN spin on it and take it from there.

Phone and ask both the company and the hotel ahead of booking, hear it from the horses mouth so to make sure each story matches. This is not paranoia, a parent needs to know their family is in safe hands, so check, check and check again.

Inform them well in advance of your needs where possible, you're more likely to get the best help and not miss out if you're organised and cooperative. Companies appreciate your organisation too as it means they can make your stay as amazing as it should be. If you don't tell them in advance, don't expect as good a service as it could be, they aren't mind readers and it is always first come first served. You snooze, you lose and all that.

Look into what each company does for Disabilities and the exceptions and adaptions they make for different abilities. Some companies have discounts for certain disabilities so don't forget to ask before booking.

When you're looking into picking a company you may find your head is hitting a brick wall for a while but they are out there, I promise. Companies like Mark Warner have a great reputation for Special Needs and Disability holidays for all ages, so take a look at what they offer, you might not need to look any further.

3: Look Into Childcare and Entertainment Available

SEN childcare abroad is very different to SEN childcare here. Here we would expect some kind of help or equality, abroad that isn't guaranteed. Although they are lovely and willing to give your child the best holiday ever, there is the small/huge detail of the language barrier and training getting in the way.

Before booking a holiday check whether it is English based childcare, what their view on SEN children joining in their activities are and what, if any, training they have for your particular disability. Knowing this will help you decide which holiday company is best for you.

It isn't the be all and end all to have children's entertainment that they can be included in though. Knowing all about it and researching will help you plan your time away properly. If necessary you can just avoid particular times by the pool when the other children are getting involved so not to cause an upset. You can create your own holiday entertainment and discover shows and entertainment elsewhere.

Mark Warner is one of the only Holiday Companies that offers one to one holiday childcare at some of their destinations when booked in advance. This is with an English SEN trained nanny and can be for all ages. It means that children can join in all the activities offered for their age range or their ability range with the satisfaction that you as parents know that they are in safe hands. It makes their holiday and your holiday as parents much more relaxing.

4: Booking with a good Airline

When booking the flight make sure you read the airline's disability policy and see what they offer as special treatment on the big day. Some things need pre booking but others are a general disability guideline which applies to all automatically. If in doubt ring the airline directly and ask for their help.

Don't be offended if you are asked to prove it, it is mandatory in some companies so keep your DLA award letter on you or your Blue Badge will do if you've got one.

At check in, many offer a quick queuing system for disabilities, this means SEN children too so find a member of staff and ask for Disability check in, they'll direct you to the right place. This avoids queues and crowds so can really help anxious SEN flyers or just really keen ones.

When checking in remember to outline and explain properly the help that you need on the flight, so they can try and help you if they can. Remember that they want a peaceful flight as much as you and so a good airline will always try and help with this. This includes extra leg room so not to feel claustrophobic and gives you space to play or calm them, although these are first come first served so get to the airport early to avoid disappointment. Also think about sitting near a toilet if you have pads or catheters to change and wheelchair services and access, which they'll bring to the door before you get off to make life easier.

5: Read the Insurance Small Print and Save Some Emergency Cash

I know, this is an obvious tip but so many forget to even get Holiday Insurance whilst going away, let alone take time to read what it is they are and aren't insured for.

When buying insurance for an SEN child with medical needs READ THE SMALL PRINT. Some companies don't cover existing illnesses, loss of medication and so on. If your child has any existing or reoccurring illness it pays to make sure they are covered.

On top of this, order and pack, double the amount of medication needed and place it in both your hand luggage and your suitcase. The chances of you losing both is next to none but losing one that has everything in it, is just too much to risk for me. On top of that, if that does happen, being able to find the specific medication needed in a small foreign pharmacy is a gamble I wouldn't want to take myself. Plus they'll be rather pricey to buy over there too.

Speaking of money, don't forget even if you do have insurance if you need any medical attention you will need to pay excess, unless you've paid a higher insurance premium. It pays to have a prepaid card with money on, a few hundred pounds in whatever currency needed should do it, JUST IN CASE. Don't be tempted to spend it if you start to run out of money, you'll be tempting fate, pretend that card doesn't exist. You can always go on a spree once in Duty Free and out of danger... a big bottle of perfume or Gin is a lovely treat for yourself to end the holiday on a great note... a girl can try can't she?!

I hope this has given you a few ideas as to what to look for when booking a holiday with your special needs child.

I hope you have a lovely holiday. If you need anything else don't hesitate to ask.
I'll be back with My Top 10 things to do with tweens on a budget holiday and My Top 5 Packing Tips for a child with Special Needs soon.

Discover London, Take A Wrong Turn

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 23 Jun 2014 11:00:00 +0000

London is such a beautiful city in the sunshine, the rain, snow or even through a storm and for me a day wondering the streets of London creates a calming factor to the madness of my life.

It sounds daft really doesn't it, how can London be calming with all those people and traffic?

Well for me, walking the streets of London sends me into a little Zen like trance. Watching the hundreds of people going about their world, some smiling, some not, reminds me that others exist outside my dismal existence and that they're probably as lost in a trance as I am.

Exploring London streets with no map and no agenda makes me feel almost complete for a short time. Turning down a side street to find all the beautiful buildings, venturing further and finding small hidden gardens, history and art work you'd never have seen if you'd not taken that turn.

For me this is something that makes my heart that bit calmer, my head that bit clearer and allows me to breathe that bit deeper. I might be breathing in the foggy fumes of the city but for me it gives me an odd sense of understanding of myself and time to think about what I've been avoiding thinking about.

You see to me, London represents life, you can be busy and fast paced on the outside, yet if you venture just around the corner, explore and be brave, you can find tranquil and calm, happiness and peace.

Obviously London has it's rough side, it's horrible side, it's own realty, but for me as a 'tourist' this is in the far distance and so although it's there, it isn't in my eye line, because I'm blinded by the beauty that is London.

'If one is tired of London, one is tired of life.' Samuel Johnson

I love getting lost in London.
My advice to anyone is, take a wrong turn and discover the real London.

#BritmumsLive14 - Life, Learning and Blog Loving!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 22 Jun 2014 22:53:00 +0000

Britmums Live, the annual blogging conference I look forward to from the moment I leave the doors of the previous years event. You get to see old friends, make new ones, learn a whole load of important blog stuff and come away with new and important contacts from the incredible sponsors. It is a lifeline for some bloggers, a place they learn to love their blog again, a place they learn to earn from their blog and make it work for them, a place where they can talk geeky blog stuff without being stared at with that glazed look of no interest. Most importantly for all, a place to be amongst like minded people for those 2 short days a year, people who probably know you better than your family and who can pick you up when you need them most without even knowing they're doing so.... Your very own Internet world, brought to life in the centre of London Town.

This year has been an odd one already for me, huge highs and sinking lows that have hit me like a fly on a car windscreen and I've not really dealt with it all that well. I have had a complete identity crisis in both real life and in the blog world which has left me quite unsettled, anxious and completely drained.

Some knew this before this weekend, some didn't, and this made it really hard to act 'normal'. I have no 'normal', I don't know who 'normal Alice' is any more and so I knew I'd hit panic mode. In these situations I have a habit of painting on a smile and acting out like a hyper toddler after a fist full of Skittles. I end up talking faster than the speed of light, often saying things that offend, shock or confuse anyone who comes into my path by accident and it can cause so much distress to me and them, I can't help it, it just falls out of my mouth. I tend to do this to disguise my shaking insides and the crippling dread of being caught in an awkward silence or being asked too many questions. I wish I didn't but I do.

I know I'm god damn annoying to be around when I'm like this and knowing that made it worse. Having a small handful of people who know how anxious I was about just being me really helped. It meant I had someone to catch my eye and whisper 'it's ok' when I was staring into space, smile at me when they knew I was flagging, to tell me to calm down (without patronising me) when I began to act out, to hold my hand when I cried at a keynote and come with me when I needed to escape.

I really needed to escape at times too, whether it be to get some fresh air or to hide in the toilet just to be on my own to pick myself up and give myself a talking to.

I'm not on my own in this taking a breather thing during events. Many people were seen to be taking time out in the new and beautiful 'garden' area at the venue (The Brewery). It seemed that I wasn't alone in feeling a little over whelmed and that made me feel a lot better in myself.

Hannah from A New Addition was one of them. She, like me, had begun to feel a little trapped and enclosed on such a beautiful day, full of lovely people. As much as the sessions about blogging, our friends and talks with the sponsors were lovely, we both just needed to escape for ten minutes. So we did.

We escaped to find some lunch, so whilst the rest of the bloggers scoffed their way through some
posh nosh, we hunted down a Maccy D's (classy). The walk turned into a deep talk about our odd habits and how people perceive our behaviour. It was great to talk to someone who really understood how anxious it can make you when you are aware of how annoying you can be. Sometimes it just needs that mirrored understanding to make you feel less alone. In turn that makes you less anxious and more likely to enjoy whatever it is you were doing. Within a few mouthfuls of my burger and being stared at by people whilst sat on the step of a little art ridden area, we were ready and fighting to get back to it.

HELLO KEYNOTES.

I purposely missed the keynotes in the morning, although I was desperate to watch them and listen to the amazing people talking, I knew for me it was a bad move emotionally and mentally. I am not a Britmums Newbie and so I knew that tears would be shed. I needed to try and keep a smile on my face and I was frightened with that one move I'd lose it and that would mean home time.

I did however stay for the wonderful keynote speakers in the afternoon.

Some of my dearest Blogging friends opened their hearts and soul on stage and read posts they'd written over the past year. Some moving, some funny and some that made me melt into a mess of tears. So many were read and so many familiar faces spoke but some really hit me in the heart and took me on their journey with them.

Sarah from Grenglish is a blogger I have known for a very long time. When she first wrote the post 'We need to talk about the M word' I had to read it in 5 line blocks. Knowing how much this post had taken to write for Sarah I knew that I was going to struggle watching her read it to the crowd. It struck a cord in everybody's heart and those who had suffered a miscarriage sat nodding whilst tears rolled down their faces. Before Rocky arrived I suffered several early miscarriages, I have pushed those memories into the black hole of obis in my mind and pretended they didn't effect me, brushed them off when they're mentioned like it was 'one of those things'... it's not, it does hurt and I haven't dealt with that pain yet, so this particular post rung true and stung like a bee. I love Sarah and I know that reading that post was really hard for her but she has helped a lot of people in the room by putting out there what it is to lose a baby before you even have them. I didn't have chance to hug her tightly after she spoke but she knows how much I admire her strength and honesty.

Sandy from Baby Baby is another lady I have had the pleasure to have known for some time now. She spoke about her friend with cancer and there wasn't a dry eye in the house. I'd like to say that I heard every word whilst being a supportive friend but after some recent news about my own friend, my brain seemed to shut off what she was saying and replaced it with silence as I stared at her teary face. I have read the post in the past and so I know what was said, it is just something else to hear it read with the pain in her voice, especially when it is all ringing so true. Sandy is a really strong lady who I hold very dear, her friend would be very proud.

Laura from Tired Mummy of Two, who I've mentioned a few times recently on this blog, read aloud a post she wrote about her daughter Alison's take on her sister Elizabeth's journey through Leukaemia. Now this was hard to watch, to hear and to take in. You often forget the siblings of children with illnesses like this. You often forget that they too go hand in hand with their much loved sister or brother. You forget that when so young they don't understand why all of a sudden their fun play buddy has suddenly been taken away and into hospital and is bed ridden, attached to wires and drips. You forget that they too are grieving for the sibling they once knew because that sibling isn't likely to re appear the same way they were back then, often returning fragile and easily tired. You often concentrate on the child who is sick, she reminds us of the children who are living with this illness alongside those most effected. Again I cried. Again because for me, seeing Laura with a tear rolling down her face talking about her amazing children, got me. At that moment I turned and stared at the picture on the big screen of them both with huge smiles on their faces and that reminded me how happy they both are, all the time and it puts me to shame.

Finally, although there are so many I could write about and mention, I will mention this one last Keynote Speaker....

Mary from Keynko read aloud a post in which I've read a fair few times when I need reassurance that it isn't just me this happens to and that life turns good in the end. I shared my Brtmums Live experience with this amazing lady this year, we shared a room and all that jazz. I watched as she walked up to that stage her heart in her mouth and speak to the hundreds of bloggers about a time long ago but not forgotten. A time in which for me is now. I was so proud of her. She spoke about what is a regular occurrence for me, an old lady makes a comment on a bus which hurts so much it makes a huge impact on your life, you think of nothing else and those comments make you bitter yet determined. In fact it makes such an impact that 20 years down the line you are speaking about it to hundreds of women and smiling because you know that you've beaten the crap out of what they assumed you'd be and turned it into dust. What I took from this post is to actually stand up to the bully on the bus, as that is what these old opinionated ladies are, bullies, and prove their wrinkly ass wrong. You can give me the I'm a bad mum because I'm young and in your words 'have only done it for the money' and you can take my happy marriage, well turned out children and the house I own and pay the mortgage for and you can shove it up your..... annnnnnnyway... Mary and I have a lot in common, albeit she is a lot more sensible than I am, she really is my Blog Mum. I love her lots and thank her for keeping me safe and not making me sleep in the bath this weekend.

Anyway, tears aside, this weekend was a great big anxious bundle of loveliness. I learnt a lot, didn't cry or offend anyone and bar drinking a few to many glasses of wine and sexually assaulting Elmo I think I was rather well behaved.

I'd like to thank Mark Warner for buying my ticket and giving out a Holiday to one of my beautiful bloggers at the event.... good luck folks, can't wait to see who's won!

Bingo videos capture my favourite parenting motto: Rise and shine!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 16:35:00 +0000

All parents have mottos and phrases which they use to maintain control over their household. More often than not you hear yourself repeating the same things your parents said to you when you were younger … “if a job’s worth doing then it’s worth doing properly” … “cheaters never prosper” … “night night, don’t let the bed bugs bite” … and, my personal favourite … “rise and shine!!”

The perfect way (in my opinion) to start the day, this was a phrase which I love to hear – even if I did groan a little with dismay back in my youth.

Not everyone seems to have adopted my old knee-jerk reaction though, with the star of this clip exceptionally happy to “rise and shine”.

The video itself is actually really interesting too. It’s only a few seconds long but it is part of a much wider selection of clips which are mapping the bingo lingo for everyday people like you and me. I never realised that each number had its own unique bingo call and thanks to these videos – which are available on YouTube – I’ll soon be able to shout the calls with the best of them!

Although the whole thing has been organised by Costa Bingo, the videos are actually created and filmed by people like you and me. Perhaps that’s why little memories of our childhood – like rise and shine – seem to come flooding back.

For me, number 29 (the clip featured in this post) will probably remain one of my favourites but I’ll be keen to see what else everyone has come up with. Although you can view a number of the clips already, the rest will be published over the next 5 weeks so it’s important you stay tuned and keep an eye on the latest offerings from our bingo buddies!

This post is in collaboration with Costa Bingo

Click here for more information on my disclosure policy

Thorpe Park: Fun with the Angry Birds in 4D

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 16 Jun 2014 21:19:00 +0000

ANGRY BIRDS AT THORPE PARK

At the end of May we attended a fabulous premiere screening of the new Angry Birds 4D in the new Angry Birds Land at Thorpe Park. We were surrounded by the special VIP guests that included Jonathan Ross, Sara Cox, Stacey Solomon and my new girl crush, Amy Willerton.

We got insanely wet that day, like drowned rats, but that lovely Amy Willerton, who happened to have been following us around all day, still looked amazing. It was like she was an alien with special weather/ride proof hair! I was not happy that I looked like a drowned rat and she still looked like a cute hamster. Anyway turns out the fact that I was wearing that bonkers Angry Birds hat made her admire me from a far... that's not exaggerated, she told me as much herself, I have witnesses.

Anyway at 6pm they closed the park off to us special people and we got to mingle and ride the rides with no queues. I mean who wouldn't want to ride the rides constantly without even getting off when it was torrential rain. Every ride was a water ride that night. We looked amazing by the end of it *sarcastic look*. Turns out not even alien weather proof hair can cope with that and so poor Amy looked like me by the end of it... Jungle life is nothing compared to rain on a rollercoaster. We gave her a hat in the end because she was lovely and I wanted to fix her hair. I know, I know, I have a new girl hair crush so it was my duty... that is not weird at all... is it?!

Angry Birds Land

The official premiere screening event - hosted by DJ and Angry Birds enthusiast Sara Cox - was attended by a flock of special feathered fans as high-tech special effects and rumbling chairs catapulted the audience through a fast-paced adventure featuring the Angry Birds attempts to get their precious eggs back from the dastardly King Pig.

Kyd has been to several 4D experiences recently, most being in Orlando, Florida, and so he knew what to expect but he wasn't expecting what he got.

When you arrive into the 4D studio you expect your usual 4D cinema experience, maybe a few rumbles of the chair and a bit of wind in your face. Angry Birds 4D is WAY more than that. Angry Birds 4D is an actual ride, you're thrown about in your seat like you're really being put onto that slingshot and flying through the air with the wind in your face whilst coming down to earth with a bump. It was brilliant. They did spray us with water a few times which we weren't expecting and all I can say is I am glad the 4D glasses protected my make up.

Not only do you get a whole new 4D experience you get the classic Bumper Cars and a whole new look to the Detonator too.... which is the only ride I actually panic about when I get on it, belly in mouth ride Kyd calls it.

Thorpe Park Is For ALL The Family

When you think of theme parks like Thorpe Park you think of huge rollercoasters and height restrictions. The truth is Thorpe Park really IS for all the family. With rides for the little ones in your life too you really can have a fun day out with all the family.

Younger theme park fans can grab their adrenaline apprenticeship as they ride on a wave of light and sound on X, before enjoying rides like the gravity defying Zodiac and magic carpet ride of Quantum. There are also five water rides to excite the whole family including Tidal Wave, Storm Surge and Logger’s Leap. (Younger thrill seekers at least 1m tall and older 1.4m tall)

The Thorpe Shark Hotel

Guests can now stay at the newly formed Shark Hotel, so when you've tired yourself out screaming you can kick your feet up and rest in your own on site room. There's entertainment during the evening in Bar 360 too, it is the perfect way to enjoy the park to it's entirety with some perks along the way.

Staying in Park, THORPE SHARK Hotel also has exclusive benefits enjoy a hot buffet breakfast at Bar 360 before heading into THORPE PARK Resort for your FREE 2nd day. You'll also get exclusive First To Ride time so you can enjoy some of your favourite rides before other guests.

We've yet to stay at the hotel but watch this space, we will tell you all about it as soon as we can but until then here is a write up by a few of the other Thorpe Park 2014 Ambassadors -

Family Four Fun - Angry Birds Launch in 4D

Prices and Tickets

On the door day ticket: £48pp

Online Advanced Purchase: from £24.99 adults, £19.99 children (under 12 years)

(over 40% saving when you book 2 days in advance)

Group Purchase: For year-round group savings and benefits, including free group leader tickets, go to Merlin Groups (merlingroups.com). Group sizes start at just 10 people and bookings can be made online or by calling 0871 663 1673 (calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras)

Annual Ticket: From just £58

Shark Hotel: From £39.99 per night

Merlin Pass: From just £119

Next stop.... Summer Nights at Thorpe Park...

Enjoy your ride, don't scream too loudly!

Let me know what you think about your time at Angry Birds Land below, I'd love to hear about it.

This post was written as part of my Thorpe Park Ambassadorship. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not paid for this post but I was given a Merlin Annual Pass for my time as an ambassador.

#DownSyndrome - It Just Takes Them A Little Bit Longer... (poem)

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 20 May 2014 11:24:00 +0000

Just a little note from me

I often get asked 'When will he...?' there is no answer to that question, Kyd works at his own pace and so do all kids especially those with Down Syndrome, it is what it is.

We have learnt that you just go with the flow in this life, live life as and when it happens, not as and when a book says it should.

I learnt not to look to the future too much, as if you don't expect it, they'll shock you with all they do.

They will ALWAYS achieve more than you had ever expected if you don't put a schedule to their development. If you dwell on what the future may bring and when it'll bring it, you'll only be disappointing your own expectations... and that is never fun.

Chill out, relax and enjoy the rollercoaster that is parenting a child with Down Syndrome.

Oh and don't forget...

Celebrate EVERYTHING, nothing is too small to celebrate with over exaggerated praise and a slice of cake!

(maybe a gin or two after they're in bed too... obviously)

Down Syndrome – Inside Door 21

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 14 May 2014 14:12:00 +0000

Sometimes in life you take a chance and walk through the door at the end of a route you wouldn’t usually take. When it closes behind you, you realise it’s leading you to a place that you weren’t expecting, one that you’d never even dreamed of before…. a place in which, once there, your life will never be the same again.

They say ‘when one door closes another door opens’ but in some cases the hunt for that other door is never ending and that middle ground of unknown is fresh, fierce and full of crazy circumstance.

I walked through door 21 when I was 16 and I never looked back but realising that there wasn’t a door to open on the other side just many paths to walk down instead, was the scariest but most important lesson I ever learnt.

Some doors just open and shut behind you so that you can start a never ending journey in life, door 21 is one of those doors.

Life is a funny old game though and it really can throw you under a dark cloud on a sunny day, being pregnant at fifteen was definitely unexpected, what was to follow, that was a little bit more… well… off the wall.

Some babies are born special…

After a blissful pregnancy and perfect scans, at 16, scared and completely unprepared mentally and physically, I gave birth to a 9lb bouncing baby boy..

He was beautiful, slightly bigger than I was expecting and with the biggest hamster cheeks I’d ever seen on a newborn but he really was perfect, I was instantly in love.

Twenty four hours later, I was called into the doctor’s office, with a weird feeling of dread in my stomach oddly knowing something had to be wrong, I sat down and took a deep breath. Then he spoke those words. The ones I’ll never forget.

‘Some babies are a little bit more special than others… some babies have Down Syndrome’

He stuttered and struggled to tell this fragile new sixteen year old mum that her world had just been turned upside down and that she had just walked through a door in which isn’t usually seen to be entered by one so young, but the path behind it was one so many had walked down before. He struggled to get his words out. He struggled to break my heart.

My New Life…

Door 21 had just closed itself behind me and locked me out of my old world, throwing me into this brand new land of the unknown.

It was dark.

It was scary.

It was my new life.

The following years are a blurred memory of wrong turns and hospital stays but the journey was harder for me than my beautiful new creation it would seem, he just took it in his stride, fighting every battle with a smile.

With me failing to realise that by opening this door and not being able to run back through it with my hands in the air screaming, that it would lead to more than just being a mum, I battled both depression and motherhood behind a fake smile and practical parenting. Failing dramatically at a lot of things along the way, I muddled through and made Down Syndrome, and all that came with it, ‘the norm’ in our life.

He had his fair share of ‘the norm’ throughout his early years too, well ‘the norm’ for a child with Down Syndrome that is. He struggled with several medical issues that come with that extra chromosome, yet nothing as serious or dramatically life threatening, as I had first thought it would lead to when the news broke.

To find a rainbow there must first be rain...

When you read about children with Down Syndrome, you read about either the butterflies and rainbows of how amazing they are or the darker clouds that appear just before those rainbows grace us with their presence.

Those black clouds can represent the vast amount of medical issues that seem to ride alongside that extra chromosome 21. The heart issues. The mobility problems. The thousands of little things that go hand in hand with that tiny little thing that sets them aside from people who don’t have it.

He didn’t have any of the heart issues. He hasn’t developed any life limiting illnesses that are what scared me so much at the beginning.

He was just him and I was just me and WE were just we.

Life for us changed the day I realised that far in the distance of this dark and scary new world I now lived in, was a perfect blue sky filled with butterflies and a beautiful rainbow but that to get to it I had to make my way through the brambles and rain and even when I got there it would just be leading me to new and adventurous paths to walk down, a new rainbow in the distance as such.

Following the butterflies…

The day I walked down the path towards the rainbow in the distance, hand in hand with my little creation, chasing the butterflies as they flew along the blue sky. I turned and looked back at the long and winding path and that door with the little number 21 on it seemed to be so far away now, hidden under that black cloud of the past. I gave it a little smile, after all it had taught me so much. That smile seemed to make the door and the black cloud above it, fade further into the distance and as I turned and glanced back, it had gone. The old life that I knew had led to the life I have yet to lead and I’m still on that path and learning every day. It still brings with it the odd black cloud and the odd shower but with the experiences of the path now behind me and the door I walked through all that time ago, it makes them much easier to deal with, like we’re holding an umbrella and a map as we walk.

That rainbow ahead makes for a much better view along the path as you walk too. It makes it a journey that I’m now excited to be on. A journey with no guaranteed path but with guaranteed great company.

There has been no map as to how to get to the rainbow on this parenting journey, nor has there been a clear view of what is ahead, whether it be dark clouds or butterflies. There is however, a wealth of information out there for those who are walking that path behind me and thanks to the journeys of others and the internet at our fingertips, many get to skip along their paths hand in hand from the very beginning.

The Future of Downs...

Future of Downs is an online support network made up of parents and run by parents. It has been the lifeline, getting so many down their path with a helping hand when needed and it has been a pleasure to watch and be involved with where I can. In the very short time it has been around, I’ve seen the lives of so many change for the better and the smiles of so many light the way for the future.

It has parents of all ages with children of all ages offering advice and knowledge about a subject we all have had a life crash course in. You see Down Syndrome has no specific journey route. It has no specific starting point or finish line either. It does however have a very specific extra chromosome which does make for a little extra work along the way.

Life has a funny way of creating dark clouds on what seems like a sunny day, especially when you walk through a new door… don’t let that cloud make the decisions for you, because if you just look behind it, you’ll find your rainbow.

I've been shortlisted for this years Brilliance in Blogging awards alongside some amazing names and blogs.

If you like this post please vote for me, I'd really appreciate it and I may even share my gin if I get through to the final 6...

*disclaimer* may, I said 'may share my gin' #justsaying

My baby has Pubic Hair... dies a little inside

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 08 May 2014 21:17:00 +0000

Photo by +Annie Spratt

OK lets talk about the fact that Kyd has hit Puberty....

*grabs a large glass of gin*

How the hell do you deal with that???

I knew it was coming, it was inevitable and that in the case of a child with Down Syndrome, they can hit that stage running and early... as young as 10 or 11...

How do you explain to a child of that age that they will now get 'THOSE' feelings? Or 'THAT' hair?

Because I hadn't really thought about that. Kyd was my baby he was never going to get hair, you know, down there. He was never going to think about 'THAT' or be touching 'THAT' or do 'THAT'.

*I know you know what I mean with each 'THAT'*

So how do I have 'THAT' conversation with a child that has only really just come to terms with the fact he has one and I am not sure would fully understand what I was talking about.

He is only 11.

He is not ready...

OK, OK... I'm not ready!!

When the Paediatrician said to me last summer she thought he was hitting puberty and does he have hair yet... I was sick in my mouth!

What do you mean PUBERTY?? He was only 10 and he'd started getting spots on his back and I asked what she thought it was...

'the start of Acne probably puberty' she said

'Has he got hair too?' she said

'WHAT?? I, ummm, I dunno, I haven't looked that closely for ages' I said dazed and in shock

'He's been a lot more modest recently, so I have no idea' I said

She chuckled and told me to just 'look out for it' next time I get a glimpse.

A little piece of me died inside in that moment.

Oh WOW, ummmmmm NO WAY!

My baby!

My teeny tiny baby!

He can't be growing up that quickly!

NOPE, I'm not having it!

He shouldn't be doing this for a few more years yet and so I am going to ignore it... FOREVER!

Denial is a great place *does a little denial dance whilst downing more gin*

Photo by +Jenny Smith

I was actually sick a little more in my mouth the day I saw 'a hair' in fact there were a few.

I know, I know, TMI (too much info)

That was the day denial became reality and I had to come to terms with the fact he is growing up and is now a fully blown pubetic young man.

So how do I tell him that?

We have been through the 'Underwear Rule' but I'm not sure he understands it fully. I have made it clear nobody is to touch it apart from him and that he must tell me if they do...

What if he takes that literally and starts telling me if his 'girlfriend' touches him when he's older?! I don't want to know about that *shudders*

How do I distinguish between the two?

How do I explain sex?

Oh my god *gulps down a big mouthful of Gin* I want my baby back, it was much simpler then.

I need to explain his new hygiene routines, trimming *pukes in mouth again*, appropriate behaviour, times for touching and times to ignore that feeling.

Let alone the fact he is going to get erections

*gulps down more gin*

Masturbation

*takes a bigger mouthful of drink*

Ejaculation

*starts crying a little whilst drinking a bit more*

I know that school will do a lot of this during this year, but I need to prepare myself for the questions and actually have answers.

I think next week will be my week to read up on

'How to explain puberty to a child with Down Syndrome?'

I'm hoping that the Down Syndrome Association have some info for me to read.

I need all the help I can get...

*downs the last bit of gin and refills the glass*

Wish me luck!!

My mate Elizabeth.... Kicking Childhood Leukaemia's butt with sparkly pink nails

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 08 May 2014 11:02:00 +0000

Leukaemia.

The word that I have been scared of since Kyd was born.

Kids with Down Syndrome have a higher chance of getting Leukaemia (I won't go into why, the science stuff will take too long, google it) and so it is one of the many things that have been floating around the paranoia level of my parenthood for what seems like forever.

I read posts around this subject a lot about children with and without Downs but non have hit home as much as Tired Mummy of Two's journey with her daughter Elizabeth. I think it is because in the past few months I have gotten to know Laura and her family really well but on Saturday I made a really special visit to the Manchester Children's Hospital (in between setting #BlogOnMOSI up that is).

Elizabeth, 5, who has been fighting Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia since 2012, is one of those children who never fail to fascinate me. She is upbeat and happy all the time. She is obsessed with princesses but not the spoilt ones. She laughs in the face of anything painful and she gives the Dr's hell.

She's my kind of girl.

Elizabeth has developed Shingles this week, with probably the most awkward timing ever, what with her mum and dad running a conference for 120 bloggers that weekend, she has been admitted into hospital for 5 days minimum. The thing is, if they'd caught it at the start on visit one not three, all she'd have needed was medication she could take at home, instead she's now hooked up to her 50 millionth IV drip and stuck in the four walls that she might as well call her second home.

This is normal for her though.

This is life for a cancer patient.

BUT

She just smiles on and jumps back on the bed... and when I say jump, I mean bounce.

That rash was so obviously giving her pain but she just said 'I'm fine I don't need any pain killers' as she bent over awkwardly with a wince on her face whilst picking something up avoiding the pain getting worse.

I looked at Laura and she looked at me, we knew it was something a little bit more but no, little miss princesspants just smiled and carried on with her princessness.

You don't know how much pain a child that is used to being in pain is really in, until that pain is gone and you see them at full levels of themselves.

I get that.

Kyd, gets that.

Elizabeth is just 1 in millions of children, who GET that.

For these children, the small things matter the most.

Laura said that Elizabeth loved all things girly so I had an idea.

On Saturday, I made my way to the Hospital with Pink Sparkly nail varnish and make up in hand. I princessfied this little princess and put a bit of sparkle on that smile.

As I painted those teeny little nails, toes and all, my whole body filled up with an overwhelming emotion that I can't pinpoint, as I could see just how much she was loving the moment we were currently in. She was laughing and joking and talking all things Frozen and then blowing on her nails to get them dry and at that moment I had to take a deep breath not to cry.

She is so lovely and she has been, and is, going through so much.

I put some eye shadow on her and then found my fairy dust (a pot of sparkle body powder)... it went EVERYWHERE including all over Laura and Joy from Pink Oddy... they loved it! *whistles*.

She wasn't too impressed with my fake eyelashes though as they do look a little like spiders when they're not on my eyes and she asked a very good question...

'Why do you buy eyelashes when you already have them yourself?...'

I had no answer because trying to tell a girl who lost all her beautiful hair not so long ago through Chemotherapy that they were my way of hiding from the bits of me I don't like and my stupid anxiety... how stupid would that sound. How pathetic I should say.

She just laughed at me when I said
'do you know what?.... I have no idea'.
I left her my old lashes to play with whilst I sprayed her with my perfume and then made her monkey do the zip wire across the room... as you do!

She made my day, week, year just being herself that day. We've come to the conclusion that it might have a little to do with the fact I was desperate for a daughter so I could do that type of stuff with her. Elizabeth has agreed that I can borrow her for that stuff if I want because she loves it and mummy doesn't and I am 100% going to take her up on that.

Speaking of Mummy, do you know what the greatest part of that day was?

Seeing the smile on her face when she saw her mummy walk in the room just in front of us. She stopped mid bed bounce and glowed with love as she walked in the door it made me melt inside.

Oh and in joint best moment... when we walked in on Sunday evening and found Daddy picking glittery nail varnish off his nails!! #Priceless

Get Well Soon Elizabeth aka Princesspants

See You Soon

I've been shortlisted for this years Brilliance in Blogging awards alongside some amazing names and blogs.

If you like this post please vote for me, I'd really appreciate it and I may even share my gin if I get through to the final 6...

*disclaimer* may, I said 'may share my gin' #justsaying

Brilliance in Blogging Awards - Inspire? Shortlisted? ME? Really?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 05 May 2014 23:17:00 +0000

I tried my best to capture the look on my face when I read that I was shortlisted for the Inspire category in the BiBs... I don't think you can draw the 'You f-ing what??' look if I'm honest.

I've been SHORTLISTED for the

BiB's INSPIRE category.

I am still shocked at the fact that my name was on a list with so many amazing people and blogs all of whom are very worthy of being there.... then there's little (tall) old me.

I didn't put out a 'Nominate Me' post beforehand.

I didn't tweet that I wanted to be nominated.

I didn't facebook it either.

I did nominate several of my fellow bloggers however and I did discuss it a few times with others because I wanted to make sure people I believed deserved to be in there, were in there.

I didn't do any of the pre nominations stuff because I didn't think I was deserving of a nomination above so many who I admit to being inspired by daily...

I didn't think I was fit for such an amazing category.

So for whoever nominated me...

THANK YOU

I am still shocked.

I struggled last month to even open my laptop because I was under a dark cloud, the past few weeks have seen me go from a dark cloud and heavy rain, to heat waves and light showers. I couldn't have gotten there without some of the bloggers also in these category's.

I couldn't have gotten there without YOU.

I don't have a niche as such. I flit from Special Needs to Lifestyle, Mental Health to Reviews, with the odd bit of Food and Fashion thrown in for good measure.

I really didn't think I had a category, but it seems I do.

So please raise a glass to myself and all the other amazing blogs shortlisted across the categories.

VOTING...

AND if you have a spare few minutes and you enjoy reading my posts please take time out and place a vote for myself in the INSPIRE category and all the amazing other folk you love to read in the BiBs, I'm sure you'll recognise a few names on there to vote for.

6 blogs from each category will make it through to the final.

Voting Ends 23rd May

Click the badge to get to the voting form...

Thank You again for the nomination and in advance for the vote.

FINGERS CROSSED.

I really do appreciate it.

#MorrisonsMum - Welcome to your NEW cheaper Morrisons

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 05 May 2014 20:50:00 +0000

I was recently chosen as a #MorrisonsMum alongside some lovely other parent bloggers (Mums & Dads). We were sent £80 in Morrisons vouchers and asked to do a shop over the bank holiday... easy really as we shop in Morrisons anyway so we were happy to take this challenge on.

A bit about The New Cheaper Morrisons

From 1st May, Morrisons have cut the prices on over a thousand of your favourite products. Not temporary reductions or supermarket smoke and mirrors, these are new every day low prices on the things you buy every week. So you’ll notice the difference with every shop.

And although they’re cutting prices, they’re not cutting corners. You can check their pricing at www.Morrisons.com/pricecuts.

You’ll still get award-winning meat and fish, still get trained butchers and bakers, still get the best of fresh on Market Street and still get friendly Morrisons service.

Look out for the yellow markers when you shop in store and online at morrisons.com. If it says I’m cheaper you know it’s staying cheaper.

So this morning we put our vouchers in our pocket and off we went.

As you walk into the store in Reading you are greeted by a very colourful Market Street you'll find all the fresh fruit and veg you will ever need in the Greengrocer.

Next door to the veg is the Fishmonger.

We love seafood. I am very much an 'it has to be fresh, not frozen' type of mum and so having a Fishmonger in store is perfect for our weekly shop.

The fishmonger has a great selection of different seafood and always has some kind of 'Special Offer' on.

The Best Bit....

They can package your fish up in a 'ready to cook' packet with the seasoning of your choice,

Wait for it.... FOR NO EXTRA COST!!

A fillet of fish from the Morrisons Fishmonger with a knob of seasoned butter can cost under £2 each person, takes 15mins in the oven and is a perfect quick and healthy lunch for growing kids. We love it.

Then there's the Deli, Butcher and the Bakery... and lets face it, who can't resist the smell of freshly baked bread?!

Value for money...

As you walk around the store there are so many offers on that it can be difficult to pick between which you actually need or which you just think 'oooooo that's a great offer I must have it' so you have to be quite strict with yourselves if you're on a budget. I'm like a child when shopping according to Hoff, so I have to be watched, I am known for randomly putting a packet of doughnuts or Mr Kippling's in the trolley when he's not looking.

They have some fantastic offers on this Bank Holiday and actually we find that their weekly offers never fail to impress us so the news that they've marked down so many of our normal buys is brilliant for us. Check out the link at the top for more updates on their offers.

Our Buys...

I was so looking forward to lunch, Kyd wanted fish so we bought all this for just over £14...

(we won't use all of each item today and doing the rough maths makes this lunch £10.40 which is only £2.60 per head)

4x Seabass Fillets - £4

1x Vici Seafood Sticks - £1.29

1x Freshly cooked French Stick - 50p

1x Baby Potatoes - 99p

1x Spring Onions - 49p

1x pack of Peppers - 99p

1x Twin Pack Buttertip Salad - £1.29

1x Coleslaw - £1.59

1x Strawberries - £3.00

and for today's Dinner we bought all this for £13.43

(minus the rest of the Balsamic bottle is only £3.17 per head)

4x Rump Steaks - £7.66 (1/2 price offer)

4x Sweet potatoes - £1.28

1x Morrison's Balsamic Vinegar - £2.99

1x Broccoli - 49p

4x Morrison's Mint Choc Ice Cream Cones - £1

For a bit of fun for tomorrow...

1x Gingerbread man kit - £1.69

1x Cookie Mix - 95p

We spent our £80 wisely, lots of fruit and veg, meat and fresh goods and it was definitely cheaper than our normal weekly shop even without really trying... Kyd even sneaked in a few treats, consisting of a Pannini World Cup sticker album and stickers, a Monsters Inc magazine for Rocky and some cat and dog treats for the Fur Babies.

We even snuck in a few treats for ourselves.... Welllllll, what is a Bank Holiday without a little Pimms?? (£13 was £20)

Thanks Britmums for making me a #MorrisonsMum it has been tasty!

***Although I was compensated by Britmums and Morrisons for writing this review all opinions and experiences are my own.***

I've been shortlisted for this years Brilliance in Blogging awards alongside some amazing names and blogs.
If you like this post please vote for me, I'd really appreciate it and I may even share my gin if I get through to the final 6...

*disclaimer* may, I said 'may share my gin' #justsaying

Depression: Behind the masked smile...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 02 May 2014 17:58:00 +0000

Depression is one of those things that people pigeon hole, stereotype and think they know all about.

Most would say they are great at spotting when someone's sadness is turning into that little bit more.

When asked who they would say had depression, these were the most common responses...

The sad, crying, miserable one in the corner of a busy room (who may have lost a loved one) who obviously doesn't want to be there but has to be.

The addict.

The one that is harsh, rude and cold hearted because they are clinging on to the pain inside, who doesn't leave the house, cuts off all communication to people and speaks very little.

Are you nodding? would you say these were stereotypical signs of a person with depression?

Well you're not wrong, all those stereotypical symptoms are in fact relevant and very real and can definitely be put down to depression in most cases (remember, some people who are rude, are just rude and only karma can help them). The reason these are your common responses is because these things can also be easily spotted by your average caring eye...

But depression is so much more sneaky and conniving than that...

Depression comes in so many silent, secret and 'unknown to others' ways and these can often be the most severe cases of this horrible disease because they don't get the help they need and often when people work it out, it's too late.

You see, depression comes in all shapes and sizes, in lots of different forms and with lots of triggers and coping mechanisms.

It is just like us humans really, every one is different in their own way.

Depression is a huge problem in the lives of so many and, scarily, to the majority it will go unnoticed and fester until it becomes more than just a sad, empty feeling inside.

Depression went unnoticed in me for years.

It still does.

I'm the girl with so much to say, always laughing, joking and playing the fool.

I'm the girl with a smile on her face, who loves to meet new people and make sure everyone is put at ease.

I'm the girl who will help others before she would help herself, give up something so someone else could benefit from it.

I'm the girl who to so many has so much and who has the ability to stick two fingers up at all that is thrown at her and deal with it in her stride.
I'm the girl with depression

I'm also the girl who when the door closes and when alone, loses the ability to smile at all.

In fact, I often lose the ability to even move, speak or look at anything other than the floor.

Until someone walks in the door, that is.

Then I smile, laugh, joke and go about like everything is normal, like everything is as they'd expect.

My ability to hide behind a mask of a smile is incredible and I often shock myself, I can go from crying to bright eyes and laughter within one deep breath.

That has come with years of practice and fear of people's attitude towards depression and the ability to parent a child with it.

It has also come from years of practice worrying about losing the people around me by depressing them with my depression, lets face it, it can get boring for those on the outside if you are constantly crying, that is never fun for anyone even the best of friends. Sad but sometimes all so very true.

You see, for years I've pasted this mask of a smile on my face when around others. I've shrugged it off and lied when asked if all is okay, when really, I'm struggling inside.

Sometimes my smile is quite genuine though on these occasions, sometimes I just can't help it, you know, like when you watch a funny cat video on youtube or your child's first steps. Genuine happiness shines through.

But sometimes even those times are tainted by a genuine rock bottom empty feeling in your heart, head and stomach and not even Ninja Cat can crack a smile on your face. I can't actually pin point where that emptiness feeling actually exists but it's there and it's real and it often physically hurts as well as mentally.

Anyone can get depression.

Even the people who have the most in life, actually ESPECIALLY those who have everything in life, like celebrities and professionals.

Money does not get you out of this one.

In fact it can taint it to the point of disaster.

In the few days before the death of Peaches Geldof she was seen to be 'happy and loving life' by those who surrounded her. She, like me, had perfected the painted smile mask and knew how to use it. In her case she had much greater demons than myself and she used her mask to defeat the worlds media and trick them into thinking she was back on track. She had that little extra hurdle in which I think I'd hate, having to front the people who could make or break you all day everyday and knowing they can make your life and demons so much worse in one headline. She was happy and loving being a parent, or so she would have had us believe. She was in fact crying inside, fighting for the life that everyone thought she had but not quite getting there. I see it in so many. I see it in myself.

This makes her no less of a good mum to those children whilst she was alive. You could see the love for them was stronger than ever and it makes her love for those children no less than any other parent with or without depression. It doesn't mean she didn't appreciate her life and what she had any less than what we would if we had all her riches and fame. It doesn't mean she was selfish and/or self absorbed.

It means she was ill and screaming inside for the help and understanding of what had taken over her mind.

There aren't very many differences between myself, Peaches and many others (apart from the obvious fame, fortune and obviously the heroin addiction) I and many other people have been battling our own fight inside for years and we battle everyday to have, and live, the life so many think we already have...

It's hard and I often find myself staring in a mirror wandering what I bring to this world and whether I'd be missed. Yep, it gets that bad quite regularly and I know I'm not on my own, actually I'm in good company as some of the worlds most amazing people have depression and often have suicidal thoughts on a daily basis but have learnt to deal with them in their own way. They have learnt the hard way. Sadly some don't make it through and they find that their way out of this pain is by leaving the mask behind them and letting themselves succumb to their demons.

Depression isn't something you just get and then fix and it's gone. It is an underlying problem that even when you think you're free, you're not and at some point it will show it's ugly fat head and you'll start that fight all over again.

Learning the signs of depression...

If you're lucky you can fight it early and it can become the norm to work out when and where the pain begins to set in and then getting the help you need.

It is all about learning YOUR signs and triggers not what google says they should be.

It is all about learning what YOU respond to and what YOU need to do when it strikes.

It is all about seeking help and believing that you can make it through
(harder than it sounds).

IT IS ALL ABOUT YOU AND YOUR DEPRESSION!
YOU AND YOUR LIFE!

Your depression may not add up to those stereotypical symptoms but it does not mean it is any less important. It just means that your battle has it's own individuality and will take it's own path...

Just like you!

Dressing To My Own Shape... A Pear Shape

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 21:13:00 +0000

Hi my name is Alice and I am PEAR SHAPED... that was harder to say out loud than you'd think!

Sometimes in life you look in the mirror after you have spent ages getting dressed and still think...

'Bleeuughhhh'

Actually, I do it quite a lot at the moment and I'm struggling to find the me I want to be in, well, any clothes I own, because nothing I have fits anymore, if it ever did in the first place. It's no secret that I've never been comfortable with my body shape but I am desperate to change that, feel good about me and regenerate that confidence I used to have. As lets face it, I'm never going to be any other shape but pear, having kids has set that in stone.

So I have set myself a challenge and with a small budget I am planning on dumping all my old clothes that fit badly and invest in some that suit me and my 'pear' shaped body.

I have already started and I have 3 bin bags of clothes going to the charity shop.... eeeek!

I may be doing a bit of a Gok Wan on myself

If only I had Gok Wan's wage to do it with.

I found this really cool website about how to dress for your shape and look good in it. It's the first one I've read and said 'right I get it now' so hopefully you'll find it as helpful.

www.youqueen.com

This is what I learnt whilst reading about dressing a pear shape:

The pear-shaped woman, also called triangle body, has more weight in the lower part with the hips and the backside wider than the shoulders. It is actually the most common body shape and many celebrities such as J. Lo, Beyoncé and Alicia Keys are categorized as pear-shaped women

Emphasise the waistline and broaden the shoulders to balance the body.

Always wear dark colours on the bottom half and bright colours on the top half NEVER the other way round. Bright embellished tops are a must and big statement jewellery can draw the attention to the right part of your body.

A-Line is basically the key to a happy pear.

Wear dresses that accentuate the waist and don't wear clingy materials or pencil skirts, just floating material that skims your hips and bottom half. If your thighs are the problem part of you (like mine are) then try and avoid short skirts that stop at the part you dislike the most as it brings attention to it and you'll be happy with that when you don't feel uncomfortable when you realise in the mirror half way through your night out like I used to. This is difficult for me as I am 6ft with long legs so what is long on most of you, is a mini on me, finding skirts that are the right length is a challenge.

With trousers, avoid big jazzy pockets and embellishments on the bottom half of your body and NO SKINNY JEANS (damn I only own skinny jeans). Floatier trousers such as wide hemmed cut ones are much more flattering for a pear. ALWAYS wear trousers with a high waist, it brings your hips in and there is nothing worse than a muffin top on a pair of lovely jeans (again, damn it, I only own low rise jeans *hmmmmph* this is going to be harder than it seems).

With tops, try and avoid those that sit at the hip, including jackets, wear longer tops that elongate the skinny part of your beautiful self. Shorter ones cut off your figure and brings attention to the bottom half of your body. Layering is also a good way to balance out your figure, a blazer/cardigan over a t-shirt can do the job really well. Peplum tops are also great as they will create an optical illusion and make the hips look narrower. Go for tops with sleeves, especially reinforced and cap ones, that will add volume to the shoulders making them more proportional to the hips.

To summarize everything in just one phrase Gok styley,

Anything that brings the eye towards the top half of your body, shows off your small waist and conceals the width of your hips will look great!

Where can I shop?...

ANYWHERE...
as long as you know what you're looking for.

I always shop onlne now, easier without the kids in tow and all that, but I think that is where I'm going wrong.

I need to go shopping.

I need to even get myself a personal shopper to show me what's what, how cool would that be?!

But I need to do it on a budget... a tight budget.

So I researched some nearby Designer Outlets, ones that I could get to without the kids in tow, for a 'me day' where I found my way in the fashion world again. I found this little beauty.

London Designer Outlet, in Wembley, is home to over 70 outlets, restaurants and cafes.

It is the destination for outlet shopping, eating and entertainment in the capital - open seven days a week, morning to night. Get bargains from leading high street names, aspirational labels and lifestyle brands at outlet prices of up to 70% off RRP.

I love a good designer outlet and I'm often at Wembley for either football, gigs or a trip to Ikea so I am quite excited about making my way there at some point soon.

Now to window shop what styles I like now that I'm a twenty something mum of two, with a pear shaped backside... rather than a teen still free to wear what she wanted even though she was a little baby pear then too.

If I had my way, I'd be living in the 1950's as a cool upper class lady, with a nanny to deal with the children whilst I did my victory rolls and perfect make up with my lovely fitted A Line dress....

I love the vintage look, if I could get away with it I'd dress like this every single day, even when gardening (not that I do the gardening).

Maybe that can be where I get back to.

Maybe that is the new/old me...

I'm quite looking forward to getting it right. I'll try and keep you updated on my finds over the time.

Wish me luck...

I wasn't paid to write this post but I did receive a voucher from LDO as a thank you for mentioning their outlet. for more info find my disclosure policy here.

I couldn’t cope in your shoes…

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 21:23:00 +0000

The moment you find out you’re pregnant,

Is the moment that the unconditional love for that child begins.

The moment you receive a diagnosis,

Is the moment that your unconditional love for them becomes your strength.

It guides you on your everlasting journey as a parent.

You’ll never lose that strength,

Because it’s powered by that unconditional love you’ve had from the beginning…

And unconditional love is just that….

UNCONDITIONAL

You may think you wouldn’t cope in those shoes,

The truth is,

Once you’re in them…

You just do!

After a lovely chat with a very good friend, of whom is as mental as me with a similar situation but much busier than mine, about how people often say to us...

'I don't know how you do it?!'

and

'I wouldn't cope in your shoes'

or even

'you've coped so well considering, how do you do it?'

Each said in a lovely way that means 'you're doing a great job for what life has thrown at you' which is lovely... but when you live the life of a parent with a child (or children) with any sort of additional need you just do what needs to be done, no fuss, just gets done because it has to.

When I say

'Anyone would do the same'

I mean it.

Unconditional love isn't just something parents with children who may need a little extra attention have... it is just simply a parent thing, something we all hold.

So yes, you could cope in my shoes because it is just as natural as tucking your child into bed at night with a kiss to the forehead and a 'sweet dreams'.

You should think more of your abilities as a parent, you'd be fine.

We are all amazing.

Jenny from cheetahsinmyshoes.com, who also took these amazing pics, has written a piece about how she does 'IT'

Read all about 'IT' here...

I Don't know How You Do It...

How to brighten up your home tastefully this spring

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 01 Apr 2014 15:23:00 +0000

courtesy of www.cheetahsinmyshoes.com

At last, the weather has started to get a little warmer, the sun is shining and there are daffodils everywhere. For many, a change in the weather means a change in the home.

I'm getting the decorating itch again and I am desperate to brighten up my house as the décor has become quite stale.

So where do you start when you begin to brighten up your house? I asked the masses...

Here are the answers I got...

Pick a colour scheme

Courtesy of LauraAshley.com

Instead of diving head first into your design project, take a minute or two to consider a colour scheme. If not, you may end up with an overly eclectic look as opposed to a tasteful revamp.

Tick those repairs off your to-do list

courtesy of Google images

We’re all guilty of leaving household repairs to the last minute. They just seem like too much of a chore in the winter months. However, come spring, we often feel a little more energised, which means we can finally begin to tick a few tasks off that endless to-do list.

As the weather begins to get a little warmer, this is also a good time to make a few structural changes if they are needed. Investing in the likes of double glazing for sash windows is a great idea. Cleaning up any tired-looking window sills and window panes will allow the sunlight to enter the home more freely, brightening the entire area up.

Create a mood board

courtesy of RatedPeople.com

If you’re planning on redecorating an entire room, it’s important to create a mood board. This will allow you to plan a colour palette, a floor plan and a style. Collecting cuttings from interior magazines, gathering printouts from the Internet and accumulating fabric samples will help you to do this.

Bring the outdoors in

courtesy of houzz.com

Nothing quite says spring like a colourful floral display in the home. Investing in various vases and filling them with beautiful flowers will instantly brighten up a drab space. Keeping the flowers similar shades or opting for arrangements that boast colour opposites is a great way to brighten up any room in a tasteful manner.

Create a feature wall

courtesy of pinterest.com

If you’re on a budget yet wish to add a dramatic look to a bedroom, a living room or a dining room, creating a feature wall is an easy and cost-effective solution. You can either paint the wall a vivid hue or use stencils to add typography. Alternatively, you can invest in just the one roll of snazzy wallpaper to liven up your room. Apart from taking little time to complete, such a technique will quickly transform the look and feel of an entire room at a fraction of the cost.

Paint pot at the ready, I think I am set to start my revamp....

I may even let Hoff help!

*Featured Post* Click here for more information on my disclosure policy

My Memorable Mother's Day Wish with Johnson's Baby

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 26 Mar 2014 14:33:00 +0000

What would your Memorable Mother's Day Wish be??

Mine isn't quite your average mummy thing to want for this special day is it?! I know football isn't quite your average mothers day tradition but this year it falls on the same day as the Johnstone's Paint Trophy final at Wembley and this is a big deal to some friends of mine as they work for one of the teams playing, Peterborough Utd (or The Posh if you like). I am really excited for them and as Kyd has quite a soft spot for them now (thanks for that Phil) he is excited for them too. We are going to put a bet on for them to Win... if they don't I'll invoice Phil for the price of the bet... No pressure boys!

Football is a big thing in all of our families lives. Kyd has become a huge footy fan and it gives us some 'Us Time' away from tornado Rocky and Hoff when we go together, which is really important to us as mother and son. We have had some great and some horrible memories at Wembley and we would like to go along and be (semi) neutral and just enjoy the football.

It was just Kyd and Me for so long and now we have a whole rabble of family surrounding us and sometimes I think that he just needs some time for us to regroup and relive the peace and quiet of our early years. It is important for him to know that we are still the same Kyd + Mummy duo that we were back then and football was always OUR thing... so football is where I'd like to go for our me time this year.

I haven't dismissed that it is important to spend time with Rocky too but we spend all day everyday together and so if he wrote his own voucher it would probably say 'spend some Rocky + Daddy time in the garden' because time apart is equally as important as time together... especially when they're as boisterous as Rocky. We will have our own special Mother's Day moment and that will no doubt involve food, as we all love food in this house.

Memorable Mother's Day Wishes with Johnson's Baby...

The makers of JOHNSON’S® Baby are asking mums to share their ‘Memorable Mother’s Day Wishes’ on their Facebook page, and are offering them the chance to download a special note that they can share with their family ahead of the big day. The JOHNSON’S® Baby brand knows that mums cherish special moments with their children, and the ‘Memorable Mother’s Day Wish’ will help them to create a new memory they will remember for years to come.

The new survey, which has been commissioned by the brand to help make ‘Memorable Mother’s Day Wishes’ come true, has produced a list of the top 10 things that will make mums happy this Mother’s Day.

What Mums usually get	Their Memorable Mother’s Day Wishes
1. A Bunch of flowers	1. Having lunch together as a family
2. A hug from their children	2. A hug from the children
3. A box of chocolates	3. More time together as a family
4. Having lunch together as a family	4. A bunch of flowers
5. A handmade card	5. A handmade card
6.More time together as a family	6. Voucher for my favourite shop
7.Relaxing bath products	7. A bottle of my favourite perfume
8. A bottle of my favourite perfume	8. Making me breakfast in bed
9. A book	9. Homemade gift
10. Making me Breakfast in bed	10. A book

As the leading baby skincare brand, the makers of JOHNSON’S® Baby knows that precious moments with your children are the best part in any parent’s life. They’re fun, they’re special and they’re worth sharing. The JOHNSON’S® Baby brand encourages all mums to celebrate and enjoy the Big Little Moments which make being a mum special – from their first smile to playing during bath time.

Mums who would also prefer family time over chocolates this year can download and share their own ‘Memorable Mother’s Day Wish’ by visiting the JOHNSON’S® Baby Facebook page.

I was not paid for this post but I did receive a 'Me Time' hamper from Johnson's Baby for sharing their campaign.

That Loud Naughty Toddler... Is Mine sigh

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 22 Mar 2014 23:37:00 +0000

I never thought I'd have to write a post like this.

My children were always going to be angels and all sweetness and light in my head.

I've always prided myself on the fact that being strict with Kyd over the years has made him the well behaved child he is today.

He may kick off for me at home but take him out of the house or give him to someone else for the day and he really is perfectly behaved, I have never had to worry about that because he knows with just one look that he needs to stop. I was proud of him, and me, for that.

As for Rocky...

Oh, Rocky, Rocky, Rocky...

I don't know what to do with him anymore.

He's not even 21 months yet and he seems to have me and everybody around us stumped with his behaviour as it is slowly getting worse.

He's not naughty as such, loud and curious and a bit hyper maybe but when you put all those together at once it can come off as naughty.

He has always been louder than you'd expect from something so small but that is gradually getting louder as he grows and it doesn't look like it will stop any time soon.

At three months he began to do this high pitched squeal, I can't quite put into words how high pitched it really is but it has been described of as 'Out of this world'.

He'd sit in his jumperoo at that young age and break our ears with glee whilst bouncing but because he was happy we were fine with that.

'I'd rather that than screaming in pain' I said

'But I hope he doesn't do it all the time, it is ear piercing' I said

'Ignore it and he'll stop' they said

'He'll stop doing it soon if you don't make a big deal out of it' they said

'It's a phase they all go through it'll pass' they said

LIES!!

I Think I've Cracked...

Today he started a small toddler football class in our local area, a whole year and a half since starting the 'squealing phase'.

All the other children, all his age so I couldn't blame it on that, sat nicely with their parents on the floor as they were told to by the coach... Rocky had other ideas.

He doesn't do sitting.

He doesn't do still.

He doesn't do quiet either.

Rocky, however, DOES, do loud and mischief quite well!

As he walked in he screamed at a pitch that only dogs should be able to hear but it's so loud that everybody in the room and local area winced and grabbed their ears in shock and pain. All this whilst struggling, kicking and throwing himself around to escape out of the arms of Hoff who was sitting on the floor looking mortified, it being the first time he'd taken him to a group and all he wasn't used to it.

This happened every few minutes for the entire 45 minute class.

Even when they were doing the running around games he did THAT noise out of glee rather than distress.

THAT noise that you as a parent can deal with for a few times but after the third or forth you begin to lose your hearing as the noise and the feeling of helplessness and parental failure is left ringing in your ears.

You can feel the other parents start to stare as you sit there desperately trying to reduce the noise with your hand softly over their mouth, awkwardly grinning and apologising for them.

You know inside what they're thinking though as you have done the same yourself.

'If that was my child I'd....'

You know that the first few times are forgiven and brushed off as part of toddlerness but after that it is just seen as bad parenting and not being able to control your child.

But I've tried.

We ARE trying.

So please don't look at me like that when he screams, I really can't help it!

We are taking note of all the expert advice we're given, when asked or in passing, we are doing what they say...

Today I felt like I cracked, it might have been the hangover but whilst sat there watching I broke down inside and a tear rolled down my face.

Why can't he sit still like the other girls and boys?

The Honest Bit...

I feel like burying my head in my pillow and staying there. Not just because in there I can't hear him as much but also because I have come to the point that I can't cope with the fact I'm now one of THOSE mums that I and everybody else, used to automatically judge without meaning to judge.

I try so hard to keep him happy in public to protect the hearing of those around us that I have started just letting him do the things I would never let him do at home... therefore making a rod for my own back in a freaked out attempt to save other people's sanity and ability to hear.

There is an element of selfishness in my actions too.

Without the noise and the bad behaviour, the people around me won't stare at me like I'm a bad parent and I won't go home and cry.

I cry at home on a daily basis at the moment as I feel so useless. I really am trying to fix him and his habit of being so god awfully loud and I really am trying to not make it worse by trying to fix it temporarily whilst out.

I have gotten to the point where I am giving up inside and I hate that!

I would rather just not take him out into public places which is something I have always gotten so annoyed at when other parents said similar.

To take them out and teach them how to behave in different situations is the best practice for adult life...

I used to say

I've lost the will to believe that though, somewhere between having Rocky and losing my hearing, I've lost my ability to parent my child successfully enough to practice what I preach.

Is this really a phase?

It's a long bloody phase if it is. I am praying he grows out of it though as I may have to gag him soon (I joke obviously).

I love him so much, his smile will never stop breaking my bad days and making them good. I waited so long for him to be here and I am so grateful for him being here
BUT
This is something I would change about him at the drop of a hat!

Has anyone got any helpful advice that isn't 'He'll grow out of it, bear with him'? Because I would bite your hand off for some 'it was the same for me' stories right now just so I don't feel like a mentalist when I sit and cry into my Dr Pepper.

World Down Syndrome Day 2014 - Health and Wellbeing #lotsofsocks

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 21 Mar 2014 12:14:00 +0000

Today (21/03/14) is World Down Syndrome Day.

This year's theme is

Health and Wellbeing.

Children with Down Syndrome have more health issues than your average child, that is well documented, but it isn't set in stone as to what they have and when. They can have completely different timescales for their health issues, milestones, education, puberty or adulthood journeys.

There are some common traits of children with Down Syndrome and being more prone to health issues is one of them. It doesn't mean they will get everything that others with Downs have had in the past but it can be a similar pattern of life events... in the same way we have similar life event patterns to others in this world, it really is no different.

They do like to keep people on their toes though and make you think in a different way to your average parent, or person in general for that matter. They make us think about what is important in our own lives and what really matters... but all they really want is for people to accept that different isn't necessarily a bad thing and that they can do whatever you can given the chance and sometimes a little extra helping hand.

Children with Down Syndrome are as individual as you and me.

This is a fact of life.

No two children are the same, not even identical twins...

Not even two children with Down Syndrome!

You'll probably see an influx of pictures of odd socks on your timelines via all social media outlets today, this is a campaign for World Down Syndrome Day 2014, this is to show the individuality, diversity and to represent the extra chromosome present in people who have Down Syndrome.

Get involved and send us your socksie pics using the

#WDSD14 and #lotsofsocks

You can also help us raise money for the Down Syndrome Association by joining our Text Campaign set up by the lovely DownSideUp and check out her linky where fellow bloggers are linking up to share their stories there are some great reads!

Myths and Misconceptions about life of a child with Down Syndrome

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 21 Mar 2014 10:35:00 +0000

Sometimes I hear things in passing that I think 'actually you're wrong' but I feel like I can't correct it and find myself biting my lip to be polite because they 'mean well'...

This is mainly through misconceptions and ignorance (not nasty ignorance just general ignorance) and so until someone does say 'WELL ACTUALLY...' they will never learn and this will go round in circles.

I'm not on my own with this, parents across the country and even around the world have the same problem with the misconceptions of the general public.

I would like to just set a few things straight today...

In a polite way that you can read at your own pace...
That doesn't make things awkward for any of us, mainly because I can't see you or your awkward facial expressions and you can't see my ongoing frustration...

So here goes, these are some of the common misconceptions of Down Syndrome we've come across in the past 11 years...

Not ALL children with Down Syndrome have heart defects...

In fact a large number of children with Down Syndrome have completely healthy hearts and live their life to the full and until old age with no heart issues at all... Kyd included *touch wood*.

Not ALL children with Down Syndrome progress at the same time...

They take their time to roll, sit, walk, talk or learn but once they get it, you can't stop them! This is usually because of poor muscle tone and joint flexibility which can be connected to Downs but they'll get there when they want to, they all do it eventually and when they do it is the greatest feeling in the world.

Patience is the key.

Not ALL children with Down Syndrome have hearing problems...

Children with Down Syndrome are prone to hearing issues like Glue Ear and hearing loss, just like hundreds of thousands of other children in the world without Down Syndrome. It doesn't mean they ALL have issues, they just have smaller ear canals and so their treatment is slightly more complicated to others for some things. Hearing problems can play a role in anybody's life, at any stage, just like people who have Downs, it isn't exclusive to them you know.

Not ALL children with Down Syndrome have speech issues for their entire life...

OK so most of them struggle with speech and language at some point in their childhood, that is well documented but most will catch up eventually and some don't even need any help at all... in fact some don't ever shut up, its just natter, natter, natter... just like other kids!

Not ALL children with Down Syndrome are over weight...

It is a fact that many people with Down Syndrome gain weight faster due to some metabolism changes as they hit puberty and it is, as you can imagine, difficult to lose. This isn't something that effects 100% of people with Down Syndrome though and is something mums of children, like me, get really scared of as they begin to leave childhood for their teens.

I have been working on fitness and health with Kyd throughout his childhood and hopefully he will remain at a healthy weight but if he doesn't we will try our hardest to help him be as healthy as he can be.

Please be aware of this before you say 'they gain weight really fast don't they' to a parent, they know this, they will do their best to control it... sometimes they can't though and it hurts them inside to hear people say their children are going to be fat and so those comments don't help... #JustSaying

Not ALL children with Down Syndrome wear glasses...

Some do, some don't.

My Dad does, I don't... same thing.

There are connections to more serious eye conditions but again that is a lottery, they may have the issues, they may not!

(Are you getting the theme here yet??)

Not ALL children with Down Syndrome attend Special Needs Schools...

In fact many children start at a mainstream school and stay in a mainstream school throughout their education. It can depend on both the child and the school. Kyd has just moved to a SEN school but mainly for medical needs. He loved his mainstream school but he equally loves his SEN school. Sometimes kids can do half a week at both too by the way, that is called 'duel placement' and is at the discretion of the local council.

Not ALL children with Down Syndrome struggle with their education...

In fact I read more and more stories everyday about teens with Down Syndrome passing their GCSE's and graduating high school or even College and University. They have their own pace for doing things and it may take them a little longer sometimes but actually they can achieve as much as we can.

Don't underestimate them!

Not ALL children with Down Syndrome don't understand instructions...

They understand a lot more than you think. They are more intelligent than you give them credit for. In fact, they often play on the fact that you think they don't understand you. Some children struggle a little more than others and their ability to understand instructions can take longer to tackle but actually if you make those instructions simple and clear they'll get it eventually, even if you have to show them a few times. Kyd is a little monkey, if he doesn't want to do something or is with someone new, he'll play on the fact that they don't think he understands it. He will play dumb, so to speak. He's hilarious with it but I'm very wise to his antics now!

Not ALL children with Down Syndrome are stubborn...

All children are pretty stubborn when they want to be, aren't they, lets face it, so when people say to me 'they can be so stubborn can't they' it doesn't half grate on me, I just reply with 'can't we all' and smile but inside I'm like 'you wanna see stubborn...' hahaha.

Not ALL children with Down Syndrome have bad dress sense...

This is an odd one isn't it, but I often get told in a shocked voice that Kyd has amazing dress sense for a child with Down Syndrome... why wouldn't he want to wear what he looks good in?... I get it though, as a kid I thought all people with disabilities wore hand knitted jumpers and joggers, I soon learnt they don't as I grew and that it was just an 80's thing. I did however over compensate for this and have created a mini Gok Wan/Fashion Monster.

Not ALL children with Down Syndrome like Mr Tumble...

Hahahaha I had to add this in. Kyd loves him but I know that it is a misconception that he is a must have accessory in the Down Syndrome world. He's not. However he did teach me everything I know about Makaton and so I thank him for that.

Not ALL children with Down Syndrome have bladder & bowel issues...

Although common, due to muscle tone issues, shockingly they actually wee and poo as much as we do, amazing huh?!

Some, including Kyd, have issues tied to Downs but are actually issues any one of us could get too. They tend to take longer to toilet train but that again is due to muscle tone and understanding of the feeling of needing to... but again some do it quicker than others.

Kyd has an ACE tube due to his chronic lazy bowel. This was 11 years in the making and is something that has changed his life for the better after just a few short months.

Not ALL children with Down Syndrome will need help with everyday life as an adult...

In fact, more and more adults with learning disabilities are living independently in the big wide world and they cope incredibly well... better than most first time uni students or adults in general for that matter!

Not ALL children with Down Syndrome are 'So loving and good natured'...

No I'm serious... they really AREN'T!

Look, I am not being funny but yes they may like to smile sweetly and make you think they are all sweetness and light but you try and get Kyd to give you a 'Oh so loving' cuddle or kiss and he will shake his head and run away just like any other 11 year old boy. He can be a brat when he wants to be and he can also be mean, just like any other kid in the playground.

He is as loving as any other child of his age, this is standard across the board and if anybody tells you otherwise they are not a parent of an older child with Down Syndrome, we as parents to older children know otherwise... they'll soon learn.

He is loving, he is cute sometimes, he takes things to heart sometimes, he is quite a calm soul really, he may even kiss you... but only if he wants something!

He has the same feelings, emotions and ways of expressing them as any other child, he is no more loving than the average child... in fact Rocky is way more cuddly than Kyd ever was.

As I am writing this he is giving me daggers because he lost his PlayStation rights whilst being naughty on Tuesday morning... see just like life with any other child.

Most importantly... and annoyingly...

Children with Down Syndrome ARE NOT ALWAYS HAPPY!!...

Seriously, the most frustrating thing for me is when people say

'ahhh they are always happy aren't they!'

no, no, no, No, NO!

You live in my house for a week and then say that without your nose growing.

They are not always happy, they have the exact same feelings as anyone else and are prone to frustration and tantrums just as much, if not more, than any other child or adult, especially when you accuse them of always being happy.

Kyd is happy when he wants to be happy,

Sad when he wants to be sad,

Angry when he chooses to be angry,

Excited when he chooses to be excited...

Just like us!

#FACT!

Hurrah!

Now you have the true facts about living with a child with Down Syndrome.

Sorry if any of that has shocked you, worried you or patronised you in any way, but I tell you what it was great to get that out there and be completely honest, so thanks for reading. I know many will be nodding at all this, some may not, but all in all I hope you realise that you can't put all the currents in the same plain bun, they can go with so many other cakes too you know and are pretty versatile.

Life is a lottery of health losses and wins...

Even when you have an extra chromosome added to the mix.

Happy World Down Syndrome Day!

If you want to read more about Kyd and our journey with Down Syndrome please visit the page in the menu above named Down Syndrome for all the relevant links.

My Life, My Son, My Way

What do you buy for father's day?...

Why it is important to complain about Medical Negligence

Top tips on caring for your puppy

Environment

Food

Behaviour

Health care

#Travel - Manchester: What's on at the Theatre This Summer

War Horse

Swan Lake

An Evening of Burlesque

Only Fools and Boycie

Joan Rivers

The Big Reunion Boy Band Tour

5 Things To Read Before Travelling To London With Kids

1: Pre-Plan Your Day Out In London...

With Rainy Day Back Up Plans

2: Plan Your Route Around London

3: Travelling By Tube

4: Safety For Kids In London

5: Eating With Kids In London?

Save Money, Pack A Picnic

Top 10: Budgeting Tips For A Family Holiday With Tweens

1: Buy Holiday Clothes In The Sale The Year Before/Borrow Them...

2: Ask For Spending Money For Presents...

3: Save Up Pocket Money By Doing Chores...

4: Bring Entertainment With You....

5: Create A Collage Memory Book Of The Holiday...

6: Find Free Things To Do Around The Area...

7: Daily Challenges With Postcards From Home...

8: Go Exploring The Wildlife With A Camera...

9: Find A Market To Try New Types Of Food For Free...

10: Do A Daily Family Selfie Challenge...

My Top 5 Tips: Booking A Holiday Abroad For A Child With Special Needs

1: Research your destination

2: Pick the right Holiday Company

3: Look Into Childcare and Entertainment Available

4: Booking with a good Airline

5: Read the Insurance Small Print and Save Some Emergency Cash

Discover London, Take A Wrong Turn

#BritmumsLive14 - Life, Learning and Blog Loving!

HELLO KEYNOTES.

Bingo videos capture my favourite parenting motto: Rise and shine!

Thorpe Park: Fun with the Angry Birds in 4D

ANGRY BIRDS AT THORPE PARK

Angry Birds Land

Thorpe Park Is For ALL The Family

The Thorpe Shark Hotel

Prices and Tickets

#DownSyndrome - It Just Takes Them A Little Bit Longer... (poem)

*Just a little note from me*

Down Syndrome – Inside Door 21

Some babies are born special…

My New Life…

To find a rainbow there must first be rain...

Following the butterflies…

The Future of Downs...

My baby has Pubic Hair... *dies a little inside*

My mate Elizabeth.... Kicking Childhood Leukaemia's butt with sparkly pink nails

Brilliance in Blogging Awards - Inspire? Shortlisted? ME? Really?

I've been SHORTLISTED for the

BiB's INSPIRE category.

VOTING...

#MorrisonsMum - Welcome to your NEW cheaper Morrisons

A bit about The New Cheaper Morrisons

Value for money...

Our Buys...

Depression: Behind the masked smile...

But depression is so much more sneaky and conniving than that...

Depression went unnoticed in me for years.

Anyone can get depression.

Learning the signs of depression...

Dressing To My Own Shape... A Pear Shape

This is what I learnt whilst reading about dressing a pear shape:

Where can I shop?...

I couldn’t cope in your shoes…

How to brighten up your home tastefully this spring

Pick a colour scheme

Tick those repairs off your to-do list

Just a little note from me

My baby has Pubic Hair... dies a little inside

Bring the outdoors in

That Loud Naughty Toddler... Is Mine sigh