Tuesday 19 March 2013

MAD March!

March is always full-on in our house as all three of our children celebrate their birthdays (yes yes I know...don't ask!) as well as numerous other family members and friends so our feet never get chance to touch the ground. As far as the kids birthdays go we are two down with just Joe to go! Our eldest, Harry has now hit double figures whilst Rosie celebrated her second birthday last Friday.

Then to add to the March MADness I received the amazing news that The Future's Rosie has made it down to the last five in two categories for the MAD Blog Awards 2013. This came as a complete surprise to me, especially considering the remarkable writers I'm listed amongst. There have been no less than 65,000 nominations which may help explain my shock! The blog sits in the final for 'Blog of the Year' (chosen by a panel of judges) and 'Best New Blog' (down to public vote)...

So I guess this is the point where I put my head in my hands, peep through my fingers and cringe a little whilst requesting your vote in the 'Best New Blog' category. If you feel you'd like to vote (whether for myself or somebody else) you can do so by clicking on this link: www.the-mads.com Voting closes on March 26th with the winners being announced in September at a swanky do somewhere in London.

Making the finals alone has helped raise the profile of The Future's Rosie tremendously which in turn increases the chances of it reaching those who can benefit from reading an honest real-life perspective on raising a child with Down's syndrome (thinking anxious new parents) – I feel content with that as my 'prize' regardless of whether I take home an award or not and I would like to thank each and everyone who nominated and helped push The Future's Rosie further out there.

Now back to the real star of the show...

...Budlington has finally shrugged off her lingering cough & cold and is back to her mischievous best. Just the other day I came into the living room to find her investigating the mock coals on the gas fire, unsure how to react for the best I abruptly said, "Rosie no! You musn't touch those", she spun around in a flash, tossed the evidence aside and proceeded to try and babble her way out of the situation (see video below). It's taking us a while to adjust to the reality that Rosie doesn't stay put anymore since truly mastering the art of the bum shuffle. Time to reassess the house for potential hazards and install the fire guard again!

I still can't believe that Rosie turned two on Friday, so much has happened in her short life which has made the time fly by so quickly. With myself being at work and the kids at school we decided to celebrate properly on the Saturday by inviting close friends and family over and as per usual Rosie was on top form spearheading the entertainment – at one point she had all of us completely captivated with her rendition of 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star' – a real moment to cherish!

Finally, March 21st (representative of Trisomy 21) is now officially recognised by the United Nations Assembly as 'World Down Syndrome Day' and this year people are being encouraged to wear lots of brightly coloured odd socks to raise awareness and get people asking questions, so I sign off by wishing you all a very Happy World Down Syndrome Day for Thursday!

Oh and erm yeah – please don't forget to vote :) x
www.the-mads.com




6 comments:

  1. I just found your blog whilst deciding who to vote for in the MADS. I think your blog is beautiful and I shall look forward to meeting you at the awards (I'm a finalist in baby category). Xx

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    1. Hi Emma, thanks so much. Congratulations to you for making it as a finalist! Looking forward to meeting up! Also enjoyed finding your blog :) x

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  2. Hey Tom, I actually found your through the MAD's also. Great to find another dad who blogs and you have my vote in the best new blog.
    Oh and that video is fab, such a little cutie.

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    1. Thats great and thank you for your vote - surprisingly few dad bloggers, although the numbers seem to be increasing which is great. Which blog do you write?

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  3. What a beautiful little girl Rosie is. That video is so sweet. I've found your blog through your nomination in the MADs. Well done and very best of luck. I'm now following on GFC and look forward to reading more of your posts. Nice to find a new read through things like the MADs. I grew up not too far from where you are, in Bramhall. I miss it down there. Such a lovely place. Good luck again!

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    1. Hi Laura, thanks for your message - Bramhall is a stones throw! MADs have been great for me also, finding new blogs and already making contact with some great people. Thanks again for your message :)

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