Apologies for the lack of blog recently! I've been busy; firstly, getting my head around so many facts and information about Cleft Lip and Palate, attending hospital appointments, dealing with family life, planning my son's 2nd birthday party, as well as organising a charity event! The charity event will raise money for Cleft Lip and Palate Association, more commonly known as CLAPA.
It's to be held on 25th May, so a little after the awareness week (Awareness Week is 10th-17th May). Therefore, we've more time to gather further prizes and plan ahead to make it an amazing event for all who attend! Already, we've had so many offers of donations for raffle prizes from local businesses and from friends and family. Raffle prizes include; several restaurant meal vouchers, multiple hairdressers, local bakeries, as well as individuals offering alcohol and toiletries for hampers.
My friends and family have been a real support; especially two special people, Michelle and Elle, who've been wonderful in supporting the cause, gathering numerous prizes, keeping me on track and securing many amazing things for the evening!
There seems to be a lot of people willing to help out to support the cause. We've already got a wonderful room decoration company lined up to provide chair covers and table centres; Totally Reem Chair Covers will have the room looking amazing in no time! We have been offered the services of a local photographer Graeme Stark, who will once again provide us with some amazing images of the evening; these will be available to purchase online after the event! A local cake shop (and a favourite of mine; yes, a girl's got to have good shoes and cake!) Cake My Day has kindly offered to make us some mini cupcakes for the evening. Thanks Carla Gray! The venue, Tavistock Retro, South Shields has been amazing in so many ways; Sean Kilmartin has been incredibly supportive and we are all looking forward to celebrating this evening in his fabulous establishment!
We're busy sourcing entertainment for the evening and have confirmed the beautiful Grace Davison to open our evening with her amazing voice and Terry Slesser, a well known local singer, will entertain us as the evening progresses!
It's shaping up to be a great night. Tickets are selling fast, there's only 30 remaining! So I'd advise you to preorder ASAP! Now, the greatest task of all ensues; sourcing a suitable maternity dress for the event! Wish me luck!
Saturday 22 March 2014
Saturday 8 March 2014
Happy International Women's Day!
Today is International Women's Day. In honour of this, I'd like to celebrate my own wonderful mother!
My mother, Lynne hasn't always had it easy in life; she's had many stumbling blocks and challenges along the way. She's experienced the loss of loved ones, divorce and ill health. However, this has not broken her; it has merely moulded her into the strong, beautiful and family orientated woman who I have the pleasure to call 'mam'.
She's been a great support throughout a problematic pregnancy with my first born, Noah and continues to be a key part of his life. They adore each other and bring out the very best in one another. Even if he does leave a trail of mess throughout her meticulously cleaned house!
Throughout this pregnancy, my mam has been an amazing support and is a ray of positivity. Even in uncertain and worrying circumstances, she continues to see beyond the worry and stress and is always there to listen. I am truly blessed!
Who is your inspiration?
My mother, Lynne hasn't always had it easy in life; she's had many stumbling blocks and challenges along the way. She's experienced the loss of loved ones, divorce and ill health. However, this has not broken her; it has merely moulded her into the strong, beautiful and family orientated woman who I have the pleasure to call 'mam'.
She's been a great support throughout a problematic pregnancy with my first born, Noah and continues to be a key part of his life. They adore each other and bring out the very best in one another. Even if he does leave a trail of mess throughout her meticulously cleaned house!
Throughout this pregnancy, my mam has been an amazing support and is a ray of positivity. Even in uncertain and worrying circumstances, she continues to see beyond the worry and stress and is always there to listen. I am truly blessed!
Who is your inspiration?
Thursday 6 March 2014
Baby Number 2 is a BOY!
Having a baby brings a multitude of things to consider; how will I feed baby? How will baby travel? What will baby wear? How will baby bond with siblings? Where will baby sleep? The list of questions is endless! But what if it isn't plain sailing and complications and challenges arise?
From the happy moment of a positive pregnancy test, to a 12 week scan and seeing a little baby shaped blob on a screen, it can be so exciting! However, 20 week scan fills me with fear and trepidation. With my son, at 20 weeks, we were informed that he was incredibly small for dates; this could suggest IUGR (growth restriction) or chromosomal problems, such as Down's Syndrome. A worrying time followed, until a healthy, yet small, beautiful baby boy was born at 37+2. Noah was all we imagined and more, a picture of health and dainty features. I loved all 4lb 10.5oz of him with every ounce of my being and since then, this cheeky monkey has become my world.
This time, I approached a 20 week scan with caution. A beautiful baby, wriggling around on screen showed that he/she was measuring perfectly, cheekily playing with the chord and not showing us their gender. However, the look on the sonographer's face suggested that there was an issue. Calmly, she informed us that baby has a cleft lip.
My world and images of a 'perfect' baby crumbled around me, and for once; I was truly lost for words. She went on to explain that it was unilateral (one side of baby's lip) and that we'd need further investigation via a 4d scan. Baby will need an operation to correct this at around 3/4 months old and may have a multitude of issues due to the condition; feeding issues, speech and language, facial scarring, the list is ongoing.
At 21+3, we were asked to attend a 3d scan at Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle. This confirmed the diagnosis; baby does have a unilateral cleft lip on the right side of the face and possibly the palate may be effected. We'll be returning in a few weeks in order to find out more. A great positive occurred at this scan though, baby's sex was confirmed; we are having a boy!
Now, this is our baby and we know that we'll love him regardless; however what fills me with dread is the reaction of others to our new bundle of joy. Explaining to family, friends and strangers on the street to why my child looks 'different' and the pitying faces when you tell them what's 'wrong' with your baby. Currently, I'm asking the questions, "Why me? Why my child? What did I do wrong?" It hurts to think of what my child will have to endure at such a young age.
While I write this, I have a very active baby wriggling and letting me know how much he needs me and his love for me. A mother's love begins while baby is in the womb. I just hope that I can come to terms with it and be confident and that my beautiful baby is accepted as he is; a fantastic new addition to our family.
From the happy moment of a positive pregnancy test, to a 12 week scan and seeing a little baby shaped blob on a screen, it can be so exciting! However, 20 week scan fills me with fear and trepidation. With my son, at 20 weeks, we were informed that he was incredibly small for dates; this could suggest IUGR (growth restriction) or chromosomal problems, such as Down's Syndrome. A worrying time followed, until a healthy, yet small, beautiful baby boy was born at 37+2. Noah was all we imagined and more, a picture of health and dainty features. I loved all 4lb 10.5oz of him with every ounce of my being and since then, this cheeky monkey has become my world.
This time, I approached a 20 week scan with caution. A beautiful baby, wriggling around on screen showed that he/she was measuring perfectly, cheekily playing with the chord and not showing us their gender. However, the look on the sonographer's face suggested that there was an issue. Calmly, she informed us that baby has a cleft lip.
My world and images of a 'perfect' baby crumbled around me, and for once; I was truly lost for words. She went on to explain that it was unilateral (one side of baby's lip) and that we'd need further investigation via a 4d scan. Baby will need an operation to correct this at around 3/4 months old and may have a multitude of issues due to the condition; feeding issues, speech and language, facial scarring, the list is ongoing.
At 21+3, we were asked to attend a 3d scan at Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle. This confirmed the diagnosis; baby does have a unilateral cleft lip on the right side of the face and possibly the palate may be effected. We'll be returning in a few weeks in order to find out more. A great positive occurred at this scan though, baby's sex was confirmed; we are having a boy!
Now, this is our baby and we know that we'll love him regardless; however what fills me with dread is the reaction of others to our new bundle of joy. Explaining to family, friends and strangers on the street to why my child looks 'different' and the pitying faces when you tell them what's 'wrong' with your baby. Currently, I'm asking the questions, "Why me? Why my child? What did I do wrong?" It hurts to think of what my child will have to endure at such a young age.
While I write this, I have a very active baby wriggling and letting me know how much he needs me and his love for me. A mother's love begins while baby is in the womb. I just hope that I can come to terms with it and be confident and that my beautiful baby is accepted as he is; a fantastic new addition to our family.
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