This is my family… myself and Andy as the ever-learning parents, my 3 children in the front (l–r: Molly, Blair and Rosie) and Andy’s 3 children behind us (l–r: Paul, Melissa and Scott). This was taken 2 years back, but I love it as it’s the only one I have with us all together — those moments seem to be rare as life is such a rush all the time. They’ve all changed in appearance (all older looking… where does all the time go!!??!!). I’m sure there will be pictures to demonstrate as we write a blog to tell you about our lives as a family, and individuals, trying to support and have fun with Molly who has Cerebral Palsy (CP).

Molly and Rosie are twins… born 3 months early (and I still remember how small and frail they were). They are 10 now, going into P7 this August [2010]. Blair is 13, and a typical teenage boy… but lovable. He is going into S3, and as I keep telling him, “this year and next year are VERY important for your future” (but he rolls his eyes and can’t wait to escape to MSN or the XBox!). Andy is my fiancé, step-Dad to all 3, with us for 4.5 years… our rock. Scott is a DJ in Sunderland (18), Paul is in the Army (17), and Melissa (14) lives with her Mum — they are of course a big part of our lives, and when we’re all together… it’s fun (and each helps Molly in their own way… more about that later  ).

I had difficulties with Rosie when they arrived so early, and to save her, Molly had to be ‘taken out’ first. No-one will ever know if the CP happened before birth, or as a result of decisions that had to be made immediately to save Rosie… but we have them both, and that’s what’s important. Molly’s CP does not impact her mentally (which so many CP children are, unfortunately) and because she is with other CP children who have similar mobility issues… perhaps there is something uniquely helpful there. As one Mum said to me a few years ago… I love to listen to Molly, when she says something is difficult, or she’s especially enjoying something… it’s a way for me to ‘hear’ my little girl talk too [because she can’t]. It’s been a long journey for Molly, and she has gradually got to where she is today (walking with sticks and splints) with the help of some very special/dedicated people, and her own sense of determination.

I have quite a few things to share that I believe other parents will relate to, find useful (fast-track some steps to get what can make such a difference), and hopefully bring a smile to your heart when the days get you down. Molly & Rosie are going to talk about what’s helpful in their lives, what’s not-so-helpful, what they experience day-to-day, and they’re really looking forward to reading other children’s blogs too… and Andy will add the humor… and we hope this all makes a difference to fSDC’s project.

Well… I guess that’s enough of a ‘profile’ on who we are… look forward to ‘blogging with you all’. See you here again soon!

Caroline, Molly’s Mum x