My name is Magali, I was born in 1979 and I am the proud mother of 3 wonderful little girls called Robyn, Gaelle and Alice (born 2004, 2005 and 2009). We are a blended family since 2007;  my eldest daughters visit their dad and his partner regularly and adore them. John, my partner and Alice's brilliant dad, is also an amazing step-dad to my two big girls and cares for all three children daily after work.
 
Gaelle (4) was diagnosed with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (eczema) aged 4 months, along with a couple of food intolerances, and has a heavy daily skin care routine which involves applying creams three times a day (emollients, steroids, protopics, etc), wearing full body bandages 24/7 and treating recurrent skin infections as well as using antihistamines and pain killers on a regular basis. She is a very charming and popular child who enjoys being helpful and caring with others and has  a special bond with her baby sister. Through the past 4 years, I have worked hard at developing trusting relationships with Gaelle's childcare providers and her future school, which made me realise that parents need to take the lead in co-ordinating their child's special care outside home, as well as doing their 'homework' to find out the latest techniques and medicines available to them.

I work part-time as a Project Manager in the charitable sector, which has included environmental projects, services for autistic children and access to new technologies for vulnerable groups across Scotland. John works full-time in the construction industry. I am passionate about improving services and support for disabled children and their families. I hope this diary will contribute to this goal and I am grateful we have been given the opportunity to take part in the diary project.