My Birthmarks and Me

When my parents bought me home from the hospital, they were as proud as any new parents could be of their perfect new baby.

After a few weeks though, some red spots appeared on my skin, one on my forehead, one on my fontanel and one on my wrist. As I grew older, they grew bigger, these bright red strawberry patches were called haemangioma.

The start of the marks...

Haemangiomas are raised strawberry coloured marks on the skin, they can occur anywhere and increase rapidly in size for the first six months, before eventually shrinking and disappearing by around seven years of age.

My parents obviously loved me, marks and all but that didn't stop the comments from strangers, the people who looked at me and asked my parents what they'd been doing to me.

Here you can see the marks on my head

Here you can see the mark on my wrist

I'm not sure what people thought my parents had done to me but comments like this hurt, it's partly the reason why I owned the worlds biggest fringe for much of my childhood. My mum trying to give me the best chance of not being picked on.

But why am I posting about this? Well it got better and I wanted to show how better, for those whose beautiful babies may be going through the same thing. Now you can't see much of my birthmarks, apart from a slight indentation and difference in skin.

Back in the 80s there weren't really any treatment options, other than removal at a later date, now though there are several options and I have seen first hand how successful these can be, one of the little girls at my daughters nursery has one above her eye and within a year this had shrunk massively during treatment.

People will always stare at anything that is different, it's human nature, it doesn't make it any less painful, but it can get better, I am proof of this. People who have known me for years don't notice my birthmarks, even those who know I have them, my children very rarely point them out.

I had never thought of writing about my birthmarks before, they are part of me and I love them but I was inspired by Jess over at Lilypod and Sweetpea who writes about her beautiful son who has a haemangioma on his face, I think you'll agree he is a sweetheart and I wish her and Jaspy all the luck in the world with their journey and treatment.

Gumigem Mothers Day Giveaway

We have had our Gumigem for the last couple of years and it is a really simple yet brilliant idea, so I am really pleased to be able to host this giveaway to win not one but two pieces from their range.

Gumigem offers a wide ranging line of award winning, baby proof, mummy jewellery designed to look amazing, but with your baby in mind. Babies love to grab, pull and chew on jewellery and this jewellery collection accommodates this, without damaging the jewellery or harming your baby. Nor does Gumigem compromise on style although it is practical and baby friendly it also looks great with a huge variety of necklaces and bangles.

The creator of Gumigem is Jenny McLaughlan who came up with the idea while on maternity leave with her second child in early 2010.  Jenny's son inspired her to start the company, as he was a nightmare during teething, biting everything in sight! She used to tie and strap teethers to herself until the light bulb moment hit her and she decided to create a teether into a stylish piece of jewellery? Gumigem was born!

The current range includes Bangles & Bracelets

As well as a wide range of pendants and necklaces, as well as bespoke necklaces and many combination deals that offer big savings

The jewellery is made from silicone (like what you would find a dummy teat, teething toy or baby spoon to be made of), so is soft and flexible. It is BPA, PVC, Lead, Latex and Phthalate free, can withstand high temperatures and be easily washed in hot water or placed in the dishwasher. The necklaces come on a long cord, so there is plenty of reach for baby, and for extra comfort and safety, each necklace has a breakaway clasp.

So here is what you could win, this gorgeous bright Squash Bermuda Bangle, perfect to warm up these cold days and a Pepper Raindrop Pendant, wonderfully simple and will go with pretty much anything. Just enter via the rafflecopter form below and one winner will be picked at random next week.

For more information and latest updates you can follow Gumigem on Twitter and Facebook.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

How time flies....blink and you'll miss it.

I have two children, a little boy who is three and a little girl who is eight months on Friday.

I cannot believe how time has flown, in fact I should be going back to work next week but due to having loads of holidays left I have managed to make it so I don't go back until January.

But how quick has this year gone? Am I the only one shocked by the fact it is October at the weekend?

My blog posts will, unless I have an evening free, remain short and sweet as I am all to aware of the fact whilst I am writing this my gorgeous babies are growing up around me.

I spent over a year in PND hell with my son and so have been trying to enjoy the time with my daughter as much as I can, in the hope I can keep it away this time and so far so good.

Nothing would have made me feel sadder than missing out on those first few months with both my babies, after all they aren't babies for long.

This week my daughter has discovered the art of clapping...it is a joy to watch, as is her and my sons love for each other, it makes my heart melt. It is this that makes the growing up easier to deal with, I am sure they will be at each others throats one day but for now I watch their relationship grow and I love every minute.

He is in awe when she does new things and I can see the adoration in her eye's at this person who can do anything and everything.