These last few weeks have been a very stark reminder (as if I needed one) about how fragile Isla’s life actually is. I think we’d entered a false sense of security because she’d been doing well for so long. The fact she can run around and laugh while inside her heart is doing all kinds … Continue reading Little Star →

Disclaimer: Isla is fine!!! This is a flashback! So this isn’t exactly what I’d planned to write about or been working on. I was going through my notes on my phone and stumbled upon a poem I wrote exactly 3 years ago today... so I thought I’d share it. Writing it at the time made … Continue reading My Shame →

I have recent been chatting with one of our ICU neighbours from Alder Hey who are happily (and nervously) expecting a baby in 2019. Huge congratulations and happy days! Like us they didn’t have the ‘normal’ journey into parenthood. When talking about it, we came across some common feelings... it would be like being a … Continue reading A good dad or a good doctor? →

Many of you will have seen me sharing pictures and stories of some of our Alder Hey stars leading up to the Stars and Stripes Ball to raise money for Healing Little Hearts. We support Healing Little Hearts in recognition of how lucky we are to have the NHS, free healthcare and the expertise of … Continue reading Why Healing Little Hearts? →

If you read my first post about Italy you’ll know what I’m talking about here. This whole journey of being a parent; you think you’re on your way to Italy. You’re all prepared for it: * learned the language - vafanapoli * got the t-shirt * bought a flat above a pizzeria and got your … Continue reading Dutch citizenship – Brexit pending →

What does it mean to be disabled? To not be-able? Able to what? It’s such a broad and ugly term. I’d guarantee that any of the disabled tennis players at this summer’s Wimbledon are able to beat me at tennis. And I’d guarantee that every athlete at the Paralympic Games is able to beat me … Continue reading Blue Badged Girl ♿️ →

There’s lots and lots of posts around about mental health and opening up about issues around mental health. This is me opening up about my mental health. I’m not afraid to admit I went to the doctors last week to seek help about anxiety and coping with Isla’s condition. When Kerry was pregnant with Isla … Continue reading Long Qtie Stress →

This morning on the news there was an article about Sepsis and some poor guy who ended up a double amputee due to a cut gained playing with his dog. If you’ve never witnessed sepsis first hand, I think it’s hard to appreciate how scary it is. Common signs and symptoms of Sepsis can include … Continue reading Sepsis – ‘The rise of the silent killer’ →

We’ve recently come home from after a week living on Ward 1C at Alder Hey. It was only supposed to be a 48 hour stay, but as you know by now, Isla likes to change plans. As we were only going to be there for 48 hours both my mum and I opted for smaller … Continue reading Living at hospital →

So today is Father’s Day. Apostrophe position debatable. To me, the position of the apostrophe isn’t the only problem with Father’s Day. It’s an exclusive day, a Hallmark holiday. Mothering Sunday has some history to it, Father’s Day is made up to sell cards and presents. What do I want for Father’s Day? Nothing. I … Continue reading Father’s Day →