The 2012 Inspire! BiB Award Finalists

Are you ready for some inspiration? Well, we have eight amazing bloggers who are truly exceptional and if you’re ever in need of a breath of fresh air in the blogging world, these bloggers and their wonderful stories will most definitely tick that box.

The Inspire category bloggers have a healthy attitude toward life and their enthusiasm encourages everyone around them. They are seen as leaders in their field and their inspiration is felt through the community.

Prepare yourself for some simply amazing writing…

A Boy with Asperger’s

In her own words:

When I first heard them words, “Your son has a Aspergers syndrome, a form of autism”, I felt like my world had crumbled on top of me, I felt so alone. I read everything I could read, I tried desperately to learn all there was to know! Once maybe twice, I convinced myself they had got it wrong!

 

Then it hit me! He was no different from the child he was a month ago (pre diagnosis), he was the same little boy, who still loved trains and buses! Only now we had a name for his difficuilties, we had reasons for challenges we had faced and would likely face again. Would I rather live not knowing? What good would this do? None at all. You see, It was from this day on that I decided that I would no longer cry the tears of dispear, I would no longer ask god why! I was blessed to have this amazing quirky little guy in my life. Yes I was proud to be his mummy!

Claire’s most recent posts include a wonderful piece on Helping a child with Autism communicate with the world they live in, Summer Dreams and Why Mummy? Why? Claire’s blog is an amazing look at the journey a family takes when faced with an unexpected challenge. Claire has also taken a real pro-active stand with Asperger’s and is doing an exceptional job at educating and inspiring all around her.

You can follow A Boy with Asperger’s on Twitter (@clairelouise82) and on Facebook.

Crystal Jigsaw

In her own words:

Twelve years ago I was blessed with a beautiful daughter. She’s called Amy and is, without a shadow of a doubt, my whole life. Amy has autism. We found out when she was three and our lives have been considerably richer ever since. Many of my blog posts are about her progress, some of the crazy things she gets up to and how my unconditional love for her continues to grow.

 

I love writing posts about blogging, and I especially love having a good rant. This is the place I get stuff off my chest. You may not like what you read or you may not agree with it, but I welcome your comments and encourage debates. So long as they don’t get too heated. I’m a wuss you see, and walk away from confrontation.

You simply must read CJ’s latest, A Milestone. What an amazing accomplishment for Amy and CJ! We also love to have a glimpse into CJ’s Heaven where you can breath in the fresh air and enjoy nature and farm life. Please have a good read of Upset My Daughter, Feel My Wrath. We’re right behind you CJ.

Please follow Crystal Jigsaw on Twitter (@crystaljigsaw) and on Facebook.

Doing it all for Aleyna

In her own words:

I am a 39 year old Mum of Aleyna (6) who, years after oxygen starvation at birth, was diagnosed with Global Developmental Delay (often another term for we haven’t got a bloody clue) and more recently with Microcephaly. Physically she is super, mentally she is about half her age. Aleyna started mainstream school last year and has now been kept behind a year. She is often in her own little world.

 

Since both my husband and I have climbed out of a rather dark hole, we have injected the comedy back into our lives as a coping mechanism and I tell you what. It bloody works. What’s the old adage? Laugh in the face of adversity. And laugh we do. Like drains.

 

We don’t want pity, hell no. We want Aleyna to be included. We want to help stop the stigma STILL attached to people living with disabilities. I am not talking about laughing at people. I am talking about laughing alongside them. These people have a sense of humour too. Quite often, and definitely in Aleyna’s case, a better sense of humour than some neurotypical people.

We’re loving Alex’s Good and Bad News in her most recent post as well as Alex’s ONE Voice campaign. But you’ve really got to read Our Riding Champion…WELL DONE ALEYNA!

You can follow Alex on Twitter (@allforaleyna) and on Facebook.

Downs Side Up

In her own words:

I am a former language teacher, a busy homemaker, wife and Mum of 2 beautiful girls. I make a mean baked cheesecake, a fairly decent curry and can often be found pottering around with our chickens or amongst the veg beds. I love people, travel and a glass of good wine. But I am also an expert in Down’s Syndrome. I was thrown onto a crash degree course in the subject 5 years ago when our youngest child was born… My mission is now to inspire new parents, show the world that most things are possible for our children, and that Down’s Syndrome truly is wonderful.

The post What to Say When a Baby is Born with Down’s Syndrome is moving and beautiful and conveys so much hope and inspiration. And you simply must read Mia’s Mini Blog about having a sister with Down’s Syndrome. Make sure you have a tissue…simply gorgeous. Finally, check out Natty-5 Model with Down’s Syndrome and revel in Natty’s accomplishments!

Please follow Down’s Side up on Twitter (@DownsSideUp) and on Facebook.

Mummy Whisperer Blog

In her own words:

I’m a ‘Mummy Whisperer’; someone who helps Mums to enjoy being a Mum more, regain their confidence and sparkle, and listen to themselves. I’m not a parenting coach, I help Mums build their own confidence and where necessary teach them about human behaviour, but not parenting techniques. I have a few 1to1 clients and used to run workshops and do online coaching, but that has been delayed whilst my daughter is still young.

I don’t believe there is any ‘one’ way to raise a child.

I think we should all agree to disagree as Mums, and be strong enough to accept our differences.

I’m also just ‘me’; someone who loves sparkly stuff, chocolate, walking the dog, trashy TV, Zumba, and my kindle. I’m a pretty rubbish cook, and tend to be pretty grounded whilst being half tree-hugger and half geek.

Lately the Mummy Whisperer has been chatting on the radio, teaching us about Exhaustion and has been accused of being a Yummy Mummy!

Please add Mummy Whisperer to your Twitter list (@MummyWhisperer) and on Facebook.

Not Even a Bag of Sugar

In her own words:

Hi I’m Kylie, an older mum to Joseph and wife of Corey. I started Not Even A Bag Sugar in 2010, following the birth of my son Joseph at 27 weeks gestation due to severe pre eclampsia. You can read our story here.

 

I started blogging as therapy, as I was being treated for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder following our experiences. As I continued to write, I found that there was a gap in information for pregnant women, and for those who have had babies too small, too sick, too soon, that is information by parents for parents on premature babies and problem pregnancies.

Recently Kylie took part in the Bupa 10K for Tommy’s charity…well done Kylie! We love the post PTSD- The Elephant in the Blog which speaks for so many women. We were really inspired by Hold your Preemie- Kangaroo Care Awareness Day.

You can follow Kylie on Twitter (@kykaree) and on Facebook.

Was This in the Plan????

In her own words:

Until Daisy’s arrival I was a driven, ambitious, marketing professional, working full time and worrying about childcare, global warming and the best route to get to work…. This all changed when she came into our lives. Daisy was born prematurely and soon afterward was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition – Costello Syndrome. At the age of 3 she developed intestinal failure and since then has to receive all her nutrition directly into her bloodstream via a central line into a main vein near her heart.

Suddenly I was confronted with a situation which was not in the plan, my career went out of the window and I found myself a stay at home mum of a small, vulnerable girl with very complex needs. If that wasn’t enough, not long afterwards my eldest son was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome and we found ourselves on yet another special needs learning curve.

My life has been turned upside down and I have had to question and and confront so many things about my life and the situation I have found myself in. This blog is about my rollercoaster parenting journey and how I (just about) manage to hold it all together……..or at least try to!

With all of the challenges that Stephanie has we’re amazed with Volunteering…It’s a Two-Way street. You have to read I Have Costello Syndrome…It Doesn’t Have Me and you’ll see why Was This in the Plan???? is nominated for the Inspire Category. We really loved How I Got My Groove Back and commend Stephanie on her efforts!

You can follow Was This in the Plan??? on Twitter (@stephnimmo) and on Facebook.

Walking with Angels

In her own words:

I am a happily married mom to four amazing girls, who are growing up to soon for my liking. Raising my children and loving my husband is one of life’s blessings.

I never imagined I would have children, being the oldest of five and playing a big part in raising my siblings, I had a life planned full of adventure and no dirty nappies. Amazing how meeting Mr Right changed that. Alan and I have been together for 15 years, married for 14. While you will occasionally find me moaning about him, this man saved me. He taught and showed me that I deserved to be loved. He took a wild lost child and turned her into a woman that I am slowly learning to be proud of.

Life hasn’t been easy for us as a family we suffered the terrible loss of Livvy our third daughter. In 2008 she lost her battle with Rett Syndrome. Our hearts are forever broken. Livvy changed who we were, she showed us how to love life and create memories. Losing her nearly destroyed us. I thank God every day for his never ending strength.

We love that Sarah is inspired by other people as well like in The Encouragement I Needed. She’s also written a touching post entitled Am I Still Part of This Tribe? There’s so much love in the post My Children Are Out to Get Me…we just love the photos as well.

You can follow Walking with Angels on Twitter (@Livvyssmile).

Phew…what a category! We hope that you have been Inspired as well…these 8 Inspire Finalists make the blogopshere a pretty amazing place. Best of luck to all of them and be sure to add them all to your reading rota.

Happy Blogging!