Being a regular viewer of the BBC One drama ‘Call the Midwife’, I noticed last week during the preview for this weeks episode that there was to be a character with Down’s Syndrome appearing. I was intrigued and a little … Continue reading →

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Pizza dough recipe Something a little different from my usual content but as it’s a new year, there are new things to share and new directions to explore! After being repeatedly asked for the recipe whenever I’ve made pizza for … Continue reading →

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Yesterday saw the official launch of the Mencap ‘FamilyHub’ – A new online community for parents and carers of children (young and old and yet to be born!) with a learning disability. This will be a great resource for people … Continue reading →

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A letter for Ella…To Ella, our wonderful girl, today you are 6!Six years since I missed my own baby shower because you decided to show up three weeks early. Six years since our journey into the unexpected started. Six years … Continue reading →

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I have fond memories from my childhood of my time as a Brownie and Girl Guide…   Drinking my first cup of tea at Brownie camp, first time away from my mum and dad (a whole 3 miles down the … Continue reading →

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In the weeks since the BBC documentary A World Without Down’s Syndrome? there has been a great deal of discussion around the subject. As with any good debate there have been many opinions shared, however there was one comment I read … Continue reading →

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I’m still getting used to the double drop off and pick ups on the school run, with Ella and Lucy being at different places for this school year. Wednesday to Friday, Lucy is in pre-school which means I drop off … Continue reading →

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I will write more about ‘A World Without Down’s/NIPT soon – I need some time to gather my thoughts first (and I’ve got a poorly Ella to look after at the moment!).  The following post is cobbled together from my … Continue reading →

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Well that was quite something…I  hope those of you that tuned into watch “A World Without Down’s syndrome?” enjoyed it as much as I did. A quote that struck a real chord with me came when the Icelandic geneticist spoke of the manger … Continue reading →

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Some of you may have noticed (many of you won’t care!) but it’s almost a year since I posted on here. Not something I’m proud of nor ashamed of but it has made it harder each time I approach the … Continue reading →

+131

  

I’m still struggling with getting back into the school routine.  Mornings particularly are a hectic and stressful time of day for me – as they probably are in most houses where school age children live. Ian leaves for work at … Continue reading →

+112

  

When Ella was a baby, one of many things we were told (that subsequently turned out not to be the case), was that as she had Down’s Syndrome she would teeth later than other babies and when they did start … Continue reading →

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This was our last time ever through the big blue doors…   Five years ago, I carried Ella through these doors in her car seat as a little baby, when life was still so full of worry and uncertainty.  The … Continue reading →

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We are almost half way through our summer holiday.  We’ve had some lovely family days out, seen family and friends. There have also been days where we’ve had nothing planned and just spent some much needed time at home and … Continue reading →

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That’s it! Reception year is finished… School is finally out for summer… Wow, that year went fast. The once pristine book bag is now looking well used, the hem on her dresses is much shorter and I’ve been praying for a … Continue reading →

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I can’t believe that Ella only has two more weeks left in her reception year at school. This time last year I was so full of anticipation, hope and worry at the thought of sending her to school…     … Continue reading →

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I look at these photographs and see so many things…      I see my little artist drawing – one of her favourite things to do. I see her concentration and focus on the task at hand. I see a … Continue reading →

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It’s been 5 years since Ella had her heart surgery at Alder Hey. We celebrated her ‘heart day’ just a few weeks ago with a bit of quiet reflection, lots of thankfulness and of course, cake… Today we went back … Continue reading →

+135

  

We have recently spent two lovely Saturday afternoons visiting Salford Museum and Art Gallery.    Our reason for visiting was the recent opening of the ‘Heart & Sold‘ Art exhibition. This unique and special art collection was previewed in London … Continue reading →

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The Celebrating difference  I don’t think about or see Ella’s Down’s syndrome everyday. I used to, but not now.  On the face of it she is like many typical 5 year olds. She goes to school, has lots of friends, … Continue reading →

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This is Ella at 2 days old, snuggled with her daddy. Loved and protected. All that she knew and all that she needed.       And in so many ways, I wish we could keep her just like this. … Continue reading →

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I always enjoy writing these end of year posts on the blog.  What we’ve done, where we’ve been, who we’ve met and what we have learnt. It’s always lovely to be able to look back and see where the year … Continue reading →

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I was sorting through Ella’s school book bag on Sunday evening, getting ready for the week ahead. In and amongst the parent governor nomination letter, her communication book and the many drawings she comes home with on a daily basis, … Continue reading →

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Today was wet! And we can’t complain too much as the weather has been quite dry of late. But I guess it’s that time of year when the days are just going to get darker, colder and wetter. After I’d … Continue reading →

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You may have picked up from my last post that little Bud is becoming much more demanding at home and as a result much harder work for us. It’s not so much the behaviour as the relentless need for attention. … Continue reading →

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Ella’s been in school for 3 weeks now. She has settled well, is participating activities and learning along side her peers. She loves her teacher, giving her a big hug as a greeting each morning.  She knows where her peg … Continue reading →

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There’s a lovely little thing that happens every month in the ‘Future of Downs’ Facebook group.  We celebrate our children’s milestones and share what’s made us proud. We do this on the 21st to represent the three copies of chromosome … Continue reading →

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No sooner did Summer come and it’s already gone. For those of us living in the North there would be a strong case for questioning whether it ever came at all. Thankfully we were fortunate enough to manage two weeks … Continue reading →

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On Monday, Ella’s next adventure begins…   The Education Health and Care Plan has been finalised, the school uniform bought and my head is fit to explode with equal measures of pride, worry and love. My big girl is going … Continue reading →

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‘Three teds (Dotty the Cat, Olive the Lion and Frank the Monkey)  travelling the world visiting real families who want to share their lives – each is lucky to love a person with Down Syndrome’… Our visit from Dotty the … Continue reading →

+172

  

Ella very much lives for the moment… I love that about her, but it does bring with it certain challenges.  And this is in no way meant to be a negative post, just an honest one. I am finding it … Continue reading →

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Some of you may (or may not) have noticed but it’s been a fairly epic break since I last wrote a post on here… I decided to take a little break to spend more quality (less distracted) time with my … Continue reading →

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There’s a lovely little thing that happens every month in the ‘Future of Downs’ Facebook group.  We celebrate our children’s milestones and share what’s made us proud. We do this on the 21st to represent the three copies of chromosome … Continue reading →

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It has been kindly brought to my attention this morning that an image of myself and Rosie is being used in the USA for a ‘pro-life’ article fiercely campaigning against abortion.I’d like to state that if you see any articles … Continue reading →

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These are my two babies at their 20 week scans…                                   Look very similar, don’t they? Both loved, wanted and unique.  However, one of … Continue reading →

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A couple of years ago, I nursed a lovely old lady. I’d not met her before and while helping her to have a wash, we got talking about her and her family. She told me about her husband, their two … Continue reading →

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I often wish I could get inside Ella’s head…   I wonder what the world is like from her perspective, what she sees, how she thinks and how she feels.   I’ve had a challenging time with her recently – … Continue reading →

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As with a lot of families across the country, this week we received our offer of a place at Primary School for Ella.  We did our research and ended up choosing our local, mainstream school that we live in the … Continue reading →

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There’s a lovely little thing that happens every month in the ‘Future of Downs’ Facebook group.  We celebrate our children’s milestones and share what’s made us proud. We do this on the 21st to represent the three copies of chromosome … Continue reading →

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There’s a lovely little thing that happens every month in the ‘Future of Downs’ Facebook group.  We celebrate our children’s milestones and share what’s made us proud. We do this on the 21st to represent the three copies of chromosome … Continue reading →

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Friday was an inset day for Ella, before her half term break starts. With Lucy at her nursery as usual, I had a rare day to spend with just my big girl. A quick google search for local days out … Continue reading →

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Wow what a few weeks we’ve been having with little Budlington! Those that follow on Facebook will be aware that her recent jaunts with her walking aid have reached a whole new level after we walked all the way to … Continue reading →

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There’s a lovely little thing that happens every month in the ‘Future of Downs’ Facebook group.  We celebrate our children’s milestones and share what’s made us proud. We do this on the 21st to represent the three copies of chromosome … Continue reading →

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My East Coast American cousins will wonder what we’re all so excited about this side of the pond… But we’ve had SNOW!! Not as much as they’re used to but enough for a snowman (or two) and a few snowballs. … Continue reading →

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This weekend I got to spend some time with just Ella while my mum looked after Lucy. An adventure with my big girl… Her nursery had organised a trip to see ‘We’re going on a bear hunt’ at The Lowry … Continue reading →

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This is a very quick post to share the amazing achievement of Rosie over the festive holidays. It’s been a wonderful break for Rosie and family – so much has happened and I have no idea where to begin. The … Continue reading →

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I used to think I was a pretty organised person. As the years have progressed and I now have more responsibilities (and less time) I am slowly coming around to the realisation that how organised I think I am and … Continue reading →

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Thought I’d start off this years Living Arrows project with some pictures of both girls, so I can look back at the end of the year and see how they have grown and changed. Here’s my biggest girl who just … Continue reading →

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The presents have been opened, lots of food eaten and lots of fun with family has been had. Now the decorations are down as we say farewell to Christmas and await the beginning of a new year…  A good time … Continue reading →

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There’s a lovely little thing that happens every month in the ‘Future of Downs’ Facebook group. We celebrate our children’s milestones and share what’s made us proud. We do this on the 21st to represent the three copies of chromosome … Continue reading →

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This is likely to be the last post of this year before it’s tools down and chilling out for Christmas. Two fairly major events have happened since I last wrote and seeing as they are both really positive it seems … Continue reading →

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Happy Birthday Ella! For some reason, 4 seems so much bigger and older than 3 to me. I feel as though she’s grown up so much, more than the passing of just one year…     3 to 4… A … Continue reading →

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I’m not sure why or for what reason but at this particular moment in Rosie’s life she is very much all about ‘Daddy’. This is not to say no-one else gets a look in but we just seem to be … Continue reading →

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There’s a lovely little thing that happens every month in the ‘Future of Downs’ Facebook group. We celebrate our children’s milestones and share what’s made us proud. We do this on the 21st to represent the three copies of chromosome … Continue reading →

+254

  

Last month I was kindly invited by Viv Bennett, Director of Nursing at DoH to partake in their current ‘Week of Action’ by writing this post outlining the power and importance of parent blogging and what motivated me to start ‘The … Continue reading →

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So after a few days without my family I sit here babysitting my Godson Marley and his sister whilst his Mum and Dad go out for a well earned meal – it feels a bit like a busman’s holiday to … Continue reading →

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Through the recent sleepless nights, two poorly girls, temperatures, tears (including mine!) and snot there have been lots of (mostly) lovely moments between my little ladies.  Seemingly small, trivial and fleeting things that don’t mean very much on their own … Continue reading →

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There’s a lovely little thing that happens every month in the ‘Future of Downs’ Facebook group. We celebrate our children’s milestones and share what’s made us proud. We do this on the 21st to represent the three copies of chromosome 21 … Continue reading →

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We are already 3 weeks into Ella’s first term at pre-school.  Time is flying by! And I’m happy to report that she seems to be loving it and has settled in really well.  I was able to drop her off … Continue reading →

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This is my last Monday with only Ella while Lucy is in nursery. Then it’s back to normal from next week. So today I thought we’d do something that would be nigh on impossible with both of them and that … Continue reading →

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*WARNING* This post contains countless clichés! So apologies in advance for a post likely to be packed full of obvious statements but I just can’t find the words to express my total shock at coming away from Friday night’s 2014 … Continue reading →

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There’s this lovely little thing that happens on the 21st of every month in the ‘Future of Downs’ Facebook group. We celebrate our children’s milestones and share what’s made us proud. We do this on the 21st to represent the … Continue reading →

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So last Wednesday the day finally arrived for Rosie to begin nursery school. It’s a day that three years ago we could only dream about. This time in 2011 we were two weeks away from signing the medical forms that … Continue reading →

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To cut a long and rather boring story short, for the next few weeks Lucy is going to nursery on a Monday meaning I get a day a week with Ella by herself.This Monday was our first day together.  After … Continue reading →

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Just a quick post.  Ella had her yearly cardiac review today. It soon comes around! I know I’ve said this before, but it’s still the appointment I worry about the most and the one I lose sleep over. I doubt … Continue reading →

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I apologise for beginning this post with an age old cliché but seriously, where does time actually go? Another couple of weeks (and more) have passed since I last wrote and suddenly I find everything happening at once. No sooner … Continue reading →

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3 years ago this week, I started a blog. A blog about my baby daughter Ella. A lot had happened since her birth and I wanted to capture her milestones and achievements and to share our journey. I wanted to … Continue reading →

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Well we’re now back from our Summer holidays and I thought it was about time I wrote a post, so here goes…A week and half ago we packed up our car filling every single available space with camping equipment and … Continue reading →

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Today was Ella’s leavers party at nursery. Saying goodbye to all the children leaving to go to school or pre school. They had a great day, with bouncy castle, games and party food. There was still very much a party … Continue reading →

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I suddenly seem to have a little girl by my side, no longer a toddler… She’s very independent, chatty, pushing boundaries and generally growing up way too fast.   Over the last few weeks, the biggest change in her has … Continue reading →

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Well I promised in my last post that I’d let you know how the talk went… It’s been three weeks and I’ve just not managed to find the time for one reason or another. So I apologise for taking so … Continue reading →

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I think I’ve just broken my own record for the longest time between posts! During this time Rosie has been unwell with a chest and ear infection (for over two weeks). It’s been a long time since she’s been under … Continue reading →

+268

  

To celebrate this years learning disability week, Mencap have chosen ‘firsts’ as their focus topic. Wonderful stories of first days at school, first dates, first homes, jobs and other milestones have been shared by people all week.  It’s made me … Continue reading →

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When I was little, my parents would often find me asleep on the landing outside their bedroom door when they got up in a morning. I have vague memories of doing this and seem to remember taking my blanket with … Continue reading →

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Well what can I say about yesterday?I’ve tried thinking of suitable words; Proud, emotional, humbled, grateful, tearful… but nothing comes close to explaining how I really felt seeing everyone, runners of all abilities, in their green Running for Rosie & Friends 2014 … Continue reading →

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In true Rosie fashion any worries and anxieties raised in last weeks post were swiftly put to one side (for a short while at least) when she walked across the room for the very first time with the aid of … Continue reading →

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…”Might be a bit of a struggle in your case Tom!” I hear you say. However for Rosie things are a bit different. To be honest with you this post doubles up as a cry for help/advice/reassurance as much as … Continue reading →

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Last week we received confirmation of Ella’s pre-school place… Can’t actually believe I’ve just typed that. Pre-school?! Where have the last 4 years gone?!  I’m already an emotional wreck about it.  She will be leaving the wonderful nursery she’s been … Continue reading →

+288

  

It’s been a busy but brilliant couple of weeks since I last posted an update on here. The long Easter weekend was spent with Uncle’s, Aunts, Cousins and grandparents as we descended on the London branch of the family. On … Continue reading →

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The time, place, family and story behind the picture may be different. But if you look back through many a baby photo album there are certain scenes that get re-enacted time and time again.  A brand new, pink baby in … Continue reading →

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Today was mostly wet and miserable. This afternoon while Lucy napped, Ella and I cuddled on the chair and watched some TV.  It’s very rare these days that it’s only Ella and I – makes every little snuggle more important … Continue reading →

+270

  

Ella just loves drawing. She often asks for ‘paper’ and will sit and draw at her little table for ages. It seems to be the one activity that holds her attention and calms her inner whirlwind for a time. Her … Continue reading →

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Well I’m happy to say we’ve survived March again – without doubt THE most chaotic month of the year in our house. Thankfully all birthdays passed off without too much trouble other than the obvious dent in the the monthly … Continue reading →

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After a couple of weeks of illness and teething, our happy girl is back… +241   

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After a couple of weeks of illness and teething, our happy girl is back… +266   

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So, breaking with the norm a bit here.. A video rather than a picture but it’s World Downs Syndrome awareness week and this sums it up nicely xx http://youtu.be/ssGqVO6BBBM +306   

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So, breaking with the norm a bit here.. A video rather than a picture but it’s World Downs Syndrome awareness week and this sums it up nicely xx http://youtu.be/ssGqVO6BBBM +246   

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As you may remember from last year March is a truly crazy month in our household with all three of our children celebrating birthdays! Rosie turned three this weekend and we celebrated at home with family and friends, all of … Continue reading →

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This week is Down’s Syndrome Awareness week – there couldn’t be a more appropriate time for Ella to be featured in the powerful and emotive photo campaign entitled ‘Lose the Label’… It took a long time, but I don’t think … Continue reading →

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This week is Down’s Syndrome Awareness week – there couldn’t be a more appropriate time for Ella to be featured in the powerful and emotive photo campaign entitled ‘Lose the Label’… It took a long time, but I don’t think … Continue reading →

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Lovely afternoons in the garden with my girls this week.  Lets hope this lovely weather continues! +261   

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Lovely afternoons in the garden with my girls this week.  Lets hope this lovely weather continues! +307   

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So here’s this weeks living arrows. Better late than never, can you tell I’m back at work now?…  Here’s Ella with my two younger brothers at Fountains Abbey last weekend. I love them as my brothers, but love them even … Continue reading →

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So here’s this weeks living arrows. Better late than never, can you tell I’m back at work now?…  Here’s Ella with my two younger brothers at Fountains Abbey last weekend. I love them as my brothers, but love them even … Continue reading →

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Ever since Ella was a tiny baby there has been huge emphasis on supporting and helping her development.  Over the last three years she’s had medical and developmental input from physiotherapy, speech therapy, dietitians, paediatrician, specialist nurses, cardiac team, feeding … Continue reading →

+262

  

Ever since Ella was a tiny baby there has been huge emphasis on supporting and helping her development.  Over the last three years she’s had medical and developmental input from physiotherapy, speech therapy, dietitians, paediatrician, specialist nurses, cardiac team, feeding … Continue reading →

+261

  

Last week we had a visit from Rosie’s physio who said she’d noticed a big difference in her, which is so encouraging to hear, especially from a professional as I often lose sight of how well she is doing – … Continue reading →

+410

  

Since becoming a mum, I’ve taken hundreds (possibly thousands) of photos. Early days, baby firsts, special days, family, friends, funny moments, milestones. They are a lasting reminder of both our daughters time in this world. Looking through them the other … Continue reading →

+387

  

Since becoming a mum, I’ve taken hundreds (possibly thousands) of photos. Early days, baby firsts, special days, family, friends, funny moments, milestones. They are a lasting reminder of both our daughters time in this world. Looking through them the other … Continue reading →

+442

  

On valentines day, Ella bought a friend home with her from nursery to stay for the weekend.  He came with a list of likes and dislikes, a diary for us to write in and he seemed to be a well … Continue reading →

+443

  

On valentines day, Ella bought a friend home with her from nursery to stay for the weekend.  He came with a list of likes and dislikes, a diary for us to write in and he seemed to be a well … Continue reading →

+375

  

I’ve had a tough week with Ella, she’s been stroppy, defiant and shouting when she’s tired, frustrated or things aren’t going her way. Learning how to handle her when she’s like this and trying to decipher what’s wrong has been … Continue reading →

+403

  

I’ve had a tough week with Ella, she’s been stroppy, defiant and shouting when she’s tired, frustrated or things aren’t going her way. Learning how to handle her when she’s like this and trying to decipher what’s wrong has been … Continue reading →

+399

  

Remembered at the last minute that the blog is two years old today, seen as I haven’t prepared anything to mark the occasion here is a little ‘off the cuff’ and if I’m honest ‘pretty naff’ poem: 

Roses are Red
Violets … Continue reading →

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I’m happy to say that Rosie’s biting and face grabbing has subsided quite considerably. Whilst it hasn’t stopped altogether it’s certainly a step in the right direction and we anticipate it disappearing completely in the coming weeks – wishful thinking … Continue reading →

+442

  

Loving watching Ella and Lucy’s relationship develop. Ella at times can be bossy, reluctant to share, rough and there’s a little jealousy creeping in now too. Lucy is beginning to assert herself when Ella removes her toys or is too … Continue reading →

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Loving watching Ella and Lucy’s relationship develop. Ella at times can be bossy, reluctant to share, rough and there’s a little jealousy creeping in now too. Lucy is beginning to assert herself when Ella removes her toys or is too … Continue reading →

+444

  

My brother and sister in law wrote a book for Ella a while ago. It features her as well as some beloved family pets (Max the dog and Gordon the cat).  My brother has spent many hours and lots of … Continue reading →

+404

  

My brother and sister in law wrote a book for Ella a while ago. It features her as well as some beloved family pets (Max the dog and Gordon the cat).  My brother has spent many hours and lots of … Continue reading →

+458

  

Ella…a million and one things before she is a child with Down’s syndrome.  Sister, daughter, friend, mischief maker, banana fiend, puddle splasher, bookworm, hairbrush hater, Mr Tumble’s No 1 fan, trampoline jumper, climber, cat lover and makeup artist… My Ella … Continue reading →

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Ella…a million and one things before she is a child with Down’s syndrome.  Sister, daughter, friend, mischief maker, banana fiend, puddle splasher, bookworm, hairbrush hater, Mr Tumble’s No 1 fan, trampoline jumper, climber, cat lover and makeup artist… My Ella … Continue reading →

+395

  

This weekend we decided to move Ella out of her cot bed (which we need for Lucy) and into a proper single bed.  I had no worries about the transition (other than she’s growing up too fast!), Ella’s been sleeping … Continue reading →

+296

  

This weekend we decided to move Ella out of her cot bed (which we need for Lucy) and into a proper single bed.  I had no worries about the transition (other than she’s growing up too fast!), Ella’s been sleeping … Continue reading →

+305

  

This last week, Ella has moved up to the over 3’s group at nursery.  She left the baby room 18 months ago and has continued to flourish since then.  And suddenly, she’s become a real little girl now, certainly knows … Continue reading →

+304

  

This last week, Ella has moved up to the over 3’s group at nursery.  She left the baby room 18 months ago and has continued to flourish since then.  And suddenly, she’s become a real little girl now, certainly knows … Continue reading →

+296

  

Thanks to our very generous family and friends Rosie has been well and truly spoiled again this Christmas time. She has plenty of new books and a whole array of new toys to help her move on with her development. … Continue reading →

+327

  

This weeks pictures are of Lucy. I’ve been told she doesn’t feature enough on the blog, which I guess is true being that Ella has dominated this space for the last 2 or so years…  So Lucy and I have … Continue reading →

+295

  

This weeks pictures are of Lucy. I’ve been told she doesn’t feature enough on the blog, which I guess is true being that Ella has dominated this space for the last 2 or so years…  So Lucy and I have … Continue reading →

+362

  

Watching Ella develop and grow into the independent, defiant, funny child she is today has been one of the best things about being a mum. Along the way, we’ve always been more appreciative of the little things she achieves. Small … Continue reading →

+318

  

Watching Ella develop and grow into the independent, defiant, funny child she is today has been one of the best things about being a mum. Along the way, we’ve always been more appreciative of the little things she achieves. Small … Continue reading →

+296

  

Living Arrows – A portrait every week of what having children is all about.  Some weeks it will be Ella or Lucy, others a favourite toy, place, meal or just something that has caught my eye that wouldn’t neccessarily have … Continue reading →

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+294

  

I know it wont be the same for everyone, but for us, on the whole 2013 was a good year. This time last year, I was announcing my pregnancy, Ella was just taking her first steps alone and the house … Continue reading →

+313

  

I know it wont be the same for everyone, but for us, on the whole 2013 was a good year. This time last year, I was announcing my pregnancy, Ella was just taking her first steps alone and the house … Continue reading →

+255

  

Christmas is nearly upon us! I have one more day left in work then it’s feet fully up for the festive period – as much as three children will allow anyway! We really look forward to this valuable family time … Continue reading →

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They say that having children re-kindles the magic and innocence of Christmas.  And this year, Ella’s 4th Christmas, I have had my first glimpses of that ‘magic’ in action. On Tuesday there was a special Christmas visitor to the opportunity … Continue reading →

+277

  

Ella often asks to *cuddle Lucy… *(replace cuddle with ‘hold in a headlock and generally manhandle’ which is actually a more accurate description).  Lucy has always tolerated this interaction with her big sister really well – she really seems to … Continue reading →

+315

  

Ella often asks to *cuddle Lucy… *(replace cuddle with ‘hold in a headlock and generally manhandle’ which is actually a more accurate description).  Lucy has always tolerated this interaction with her big sister really well – she really seems to … Continue reading →

+267

  

So, now she’s 3… How did that happen?!  She has achieved so much this last year and shows no signs of stopping.  She’s gone from taking one or two solo steps just after her 2nd birthday to now running round … Continue reading →

+246

  

Those of you that have followed the blog from the start will know how much Rosie loves the Tom Petty tune ‘Freefallin’ (see The Tom Petty Effect). It has become a firm favourite of hers since we discovered at about 11 … Continue reading →

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