OH MY oh my oh my
Normally when I sit here typing that I’ve got tears running down my face, it’s usually through exhaustion or joy at Hope’s latest achievement, or latterly when I’ve read a post on one of two remarkable blogs, Edspire or DownsSideUp. This time I’m sitting here because I’ve just found out I have been shortlisted for the “Inspire” category in the Brilliance in Blogging awards run by BritMums (known as the BiBs).
Not only have I been shortlisted (which means that I was nominated in the first place), but I have been shortlisted in the “Inspire” category … how can I, a geriatric, chaotic, shell shocked, older mother of 48 inspire anyone?
Well, by some miracle it seems I have, since I started writing this blog I’ve been contacted directly by numerous other ‘older mums’ and people wanting to become ‘older mums’ and told that I’ve helped them on their journey by sharing mine … one lady had given up and recently had a baby. That is humbling indeed, the blog started as an outlet for my anxieties and waffle when I was scared that I’d loose all my ‘real life’ friends if I kept on wittering on to them about everything that terrified me about pregnancy … I never dreamt that through my writing I’d make new online friends that would be come very real real life friends or that I could possibly help anybody in any way.
Wow … humbling indeed … and even more so because I’m nominated in the same category as my two writing heroines Jennie and Hayley from Edspire or DownsSideUp – they really are inspirational.
So … I sit here a very chuffed, tearful and slightly snotty (to say nothing of the smudged eyeliner … I don’t wear it much these days but had to go to the bank earlier and wanted to make a good impression) geriatric old crone … I fly the flag for older mothers, for those undergoing IVF against the odds, for those considering adoption, surrogacy or donor pregnancy, and those who by somehow fell pregnant against the odds as they advanced through their years.
Look what happened to me … dreams can come true, anything is possible if you set your mind and body to it, have faith and stay positive.
Sending a HUGE and very emotional hurrah from the two of us in the land of Hope and dreams and a huge thank you to whoever nominated us …and to those of you that might even vote for us now!!
OH MY WORD : )

Humble, delighted and proud here in the land of Hope and dreams
Congratulations on making the shortlist. Hope is beautiful x Thank you for the lovely things that you said about me too x Thank you x Good luck x If you are at Brit Mums it would be lovely to say hello x
Jennie I said them from the heart : ) I am proud to be shortlisted alongside (well miles behind but alongside) you x
Ladies, I am so happy we are in this category together. I will never forget my snuggle with Hope last year 🙂 Thank you for being so very complimentary of my blog, but I am just a novice. Group hugs soon x
Hayley she may be at BritMums yet … still not walking so technically still in arms!!! thank you looking forward to catching up with you in June … and huge congratulations on your three shortlistings – so well deserved
Wonderful!!! And so very well deserved! And yes – you are inspirational every day.
Sent from my iPhone
thank you my friend … I have a great role model
Many congratulations, Ellie. We should celebrate. Are you in London anytime soon or should I come to Cambridge?
Thank you Roger … yes we MUST meet up sometime soon and thank you : )
Well done lovely lady! X.