It took just seven words to change my entire life. Seven words which broke my heart, shattered my dreams and turned my world upside down. Seven words from which I emerged a stronger and more compassionate person. “There’s something wrong with the baby’s heart.” In that moment, I felt fear colder and stronger… Read More
June: another significant month in the heart anniversary calendar for our family. The month in which we were given hope and offered the chance of an in-utero atrial septostomy to give Jessica a chance of being suitable for open-heart surgery after birth. It’s the little things that stand out for me throughout June – little… Read More
May is the month in which our heart journey first began, just over four years ago now. The 20 week scan appointment which turned our world upside down when we found out about our daughter’s congenital heart defect and the devastating appointment ten days later when we were told that she was unlikely to be… Read More
Friday 13th May 2011. A day that was hugely significant for us; a hospital appointment that would change our lives forever. Looking back, I recall it as a series of flashback moments. Walking into the hospital holding hubby’s hand, my legs shaking and a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. Sitting in the… Read More
Since the early days following Jessica’s diagnosis, I have found it helpful to get in touch or chat via social media to other heart families – hearing their stories or sharing experiences with someone else who has travelled a similar path. The sense of community amongst heart families was one of the things that really… Read More
As a parent, I am the expert where my two children are concerned. I know them better than anyone else; their milestones, their likes, their dislikes and the way they deal with things that happen in their little worlds and their approach to life. Since becoming a mother, I have generally parented by instinct and… Read More
Last month saw a big focus on CHD-related posts on my blog to help raise awareness during heart month and included six guest posts from other heart parents who shared their stories. A big thank you to my six guest-bloggers last month – Northumberland Mam, The Hearty Life, Adventures from the Heart, Heart Mummy, Sounding… Read More