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Whoo it is half term again.  I love being at home with all the children.  Time is passing by so fast and they are growing up so much that I do enjoy having them home.  We try to have regular family nights and games night but it isn’t always easy as they are so busy and have active social lives (far better than mine if truth be told).  This week coke have helped us make time for each other.  Therefore Erin and I went shopping for snacks.  You can see our pictures here.

Erin loves helping me with the shopping and is crafty at adding her favourites to the trolley!  We were tasked with getting some coke and snacks for a family games night.   We bought coke but also popcorn, crisps and dips.  Plus a huge chunk of chocolate.  I am quite good at making sure the children eat a healthy diet so games night is a time to relax the rules a bit!

Chloe and Dylan chose to play cards which is a family favourite.  We take cards when we go on holiday and play them frequently!  It is also a stealth way to practise mental maths as we play games like 21′s.  Playing cards is great fun as there are so many different games and normally we take turns choosing the game. We can play cards when we have put Erin to bed if we are staying in travel lodge for something or other.   Another firm favourite is the ‘logo game’ which as the name suggests involves recognising popular logos.  That game really is a sign of the times and reinforces how important consumption is and how much we are influenced by brands.  There are also similar games that can be down loaded on the iPad.  However for family nights I prefer traditional board games rather than electronic versions.  For me games night is a time to switch of from smart phones and iPads and actually play and talk together. 

I think it is important to remember the power of play for all ages. I think sometimes we forget to play with older children like teens and believe play is for young children.  However if you want to keep the channels of communication flowing between you and your teen this is a great way to do so.

Therefore I value our games nights and I know the children do to.

I feel sick. My head is spinning and I have that knot of fear again. I remember hearing the doctor tell me that Erin has a hip problem. I knew it, but to have it confirmed was heartbreaking. I sat on the floor and cried, alone at home, on my own with my baby. It was a Friday and it was midday.

Today we had an appointment with a rheumatologist and physio. They were very good with Erin and really listened to everything I said. Both were taking notes and setting Erin lots of little tasks. The tasks showed that Erin is more hypermobile than I realised. She is way too bendy and they noticed things that I hadn’t even registered. I know Erin doesn’t look right when standing but today I have begun to understand why. Her knees don’t hold her upright which is why she looks odd when undressed. One leg actually bends the wrong way, it is concave. They commented that her ankles flick, I’m not even sure what this means. She squatted when she shouldn’t. Her fingers bent up and over normal. Her ankles rolled uncontrollably. Even her neck is looser than expected. A little bit of me feels gutted all over again. I just feel sad for her. As if she hasn’t already been through enough. The girl is three and a half. She has had seven trips to theatre. She hurts, she is tired.

However the bit that sticks was the dawning realisation that her legs are different lengths again. We are not sure what this means. I don’t know if it is physical or how she is holding herself. The pyhsio wants to give her a raise in her shoe but needs to have a discussion with her surgeon first. I’m scared, I can see no reason why her legs are different lengths unless her hip has moved again. Has it dislocated again? I have an uneasy feeling but wonder if that is due to the late diagnosis – I’m not sure whether to trust the medical profession. I rate her surgeon but I still have doubts, it is not personal, just the story of a mum who feels that the NHS let down my baby.

Tonight I am a little deflated, a little heartbroken and more than anything sad for my brave, courageous girl. I have held tears in my throat all evening. I feel sick.

My sweetest, pink and purple obessed little girl deserves a room for a princess. She sported purple and pink spica cast for most of last year but now she wants her room adorned in the same sparkly colours.  Laura Ashley and Tales of Annie Bean have set bloggers the chance of winning a room makeover. I want this room makeover! How lovely it would be to have a Laura Ashley inspired and bought room. I have always like white and creams and thankfully Erin is not a grubby child. She wears cream clothes and has lots of pastel colours which suit her. She loves butterflies and being free and so I made  this  the inspiration for the room. My brave girl spent so long couped up, bound from belly to ankles that she loves being free. Like the caterpillar that was in a chrysalis before she broke free, Erin has now been set free to fly high.

Erin’s room is hanging on to her baby days and yet I have to accept my girl is growing up. Spica and DDH has kept Erin young, it kept her dependant on me and as such we forget she is growing fast. One more year and we will be buying a school uniform! Therefore it seems only fair that she has a big girls bedroom.  This is my starting point – yes that is a changing table still in her room and yes she doesn’t wear nappies!  See why I need this????

Therefore I used polyvore for the first time to get some ideas, to design a pretty room. I’m not sure how to use polyvore – but I have tried!

I would love a day bed look, pretty white french style, it looks stylish and delicate. I would use the storage boxes for her special things. I picture her playing with her Sylvanian families sitting on the stripy rug. The butterfly curtains delicately blowing in the breeze. Likewise the bunting giving that vintage feel. Her favourite coat hanging from the coat hooks and the classic wardobe growing with her as her style changes.  All these items are currently available at Laura Ashley  in the children bedroom and accessory section.

Please do leave a comment and what you think of my butterfly inspired room.

We are huge fans of vertbaudet and really enjoying reviewing for them. They have again sent Erin the most gorgeous summer outfit.  This time we are reviewing a short sleeved cotton top that has an embroidered neckline.  I love the detail and it really hangs lovely on Erin.  The sizing is generous and fits Erin really well, it currently costs just over £11 which is a great price.  Erin is wearing it with a taupe tulle skirt also from vertbaudet.  It is zip fastening, has an adjustable waist and is adorned with beautiful flowers.  The skirt costs £21 and is so versatile.  I can Erin getting plenty of wear from this.

I would love to see what you have been buying or reviewing this week so do grab the badge from my sidebar or link back here so I can see what you’ve got!