Pick Me Up! 04-Apr-2019

When my marriage of 12 years broke down in January 2016, I was totally devastated. I felt like crumbling, but my mum Michelle was amazing. ‘Come on girl,’ she said, ‘You’re stronger than this.’ At times it felt so difficult, especially as I’m a mum of five, two of them with disabilities. I felt like I couldn’t cope, but that’s when Mum and my dad John stepped in. Taking over childcare if I needed a rest and generally helping me out. So often I’ve needed five minutes to myself and somehow Mum just knows. She lives nearby and will be round in minutes to help me. ‘You rest, I’ll take care of this,’ she’ll say, rolling up her sleeves. And if I protest... ‘Do as your mum says, you know…

All these toys to play with but Arlo, 13 months, has much more fun playing in a box… typical! Kim Coopey, Cardiff We found the perfect throne for our 8-year-old daughter Grace to sit upon. Joanne Davenport, Radcliffe Here I am taking a pic with the one and only Alfie Boe. Kathryn Milner, Pudsey If I jump into this muddy puddle, how much trouble will I be in? muses my 21-month- old son Jim. Sarah Catlow, Plymouth Paddle away! That’s what my son Martin and daughter-in-law Karen were thinking from their kayak. Annie Davies, Warrington Here I am saying ‘Aloe’ to a friend in the Aloe Vera shop in Lanzarote Airport! Melanie Lodge, Mirfield My 17-month old son Lenny really is the apple of my eye. Gemma Davies, Gloucester There’s…

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Pulling back the curtains, bright sunlight streamed into the room. Perfect. It was a Saturday morning in June last year and I was looking forward to spending the day with my husband Ilabek. He worked long hours during the week as a roofer, so we always set Saturdays aside to do something together. ‘It’s so warm, I’m going to need new clothes,’ I laughed as Ilabek walked into the room. We’d moved to Dublin from Lithuania just a couple of months earlier. It had been a fresh start for us after a couple of years of heartbreak. We’d been trying to get pregnant since we got married in January 2013. Only, it wasn’t happening naturally and an expensive IVF attempt had failed, too. Despite everything, Ilabek and I had supported…

For four months, progress was almost non-existent. But then, Ilabek began to twitch his eyebrows and open his eyes. ‘You’re awake!’ I cried, smothering him in kisses. Due to a tracheotomy to help him breathe, Ilabek couldn’t speak - but I didn’t care. It was the glimmer of hope I needed. After that, my determination to help Ilabek get better was renewed. I did daily exercises with him, gently moving his feet, hands and neck. He’s defied the odds once. I pray that he can again Then, a few weeks later, he finally spoke. ‘Lie,’ he whispered, his eyes flicking towards the bed. Then, ‘I love you.’ He remembered me. Heart bursting, I lay beside my husband. ‘I love you too,’ I said through tears. The doctors were astonished. ‘We’ve…

When my husband James, 38, and I decided to try for a second baby, we didn’t have to wait long. Two months and a missed period later, we were thrilled when, in March 2015, a pregnancy test came up positive. A brother or sister for our firstborn Ned, 23 months, would be due that November. Other than a bit of morning sickness in the first trimester, my pregnancy was straightforward. I noticed some purple spots, like freckles At the 20-week scan, we found out we were having another boy. ‘I can’t wait, Mummy!’ Ned squealed. Of course, I was careful about what I ate. I stayed away from alcohol, soft cheese, pate. And, with just a bit of a cold and cough at around 20 weeks, I sailed through the…