This time last year little Archie decided to make an early appearance in to this world, 10 weeks early.  We were far from ready to meet Archie. Prior to this I had never known anyone to have a premature baby. 

Luckily for us, Archie is a strong fighter. You really wouldn't know that he was premature now. 

Zac has been the best big brother. It's a shock for any child gaining a sibling. But when a sibling arrives unexpectedly, it throws them a little. For 6 weeks Zac was shipped around the most amazing family and friends while I spent my days on hospital and Mark had to continue working. Yet Zac took this all in his stride. And wanted to be involved with his brother and to hold him when he could. 

Returning home from hospital with Archie was an incredibly difficult time. My mood was low following a a stressful unexpected birth and subsequent weeks spent in hospital with Archie, I needed to express milk for Archie, feed Archie, Archie had severe reflux and couldn't be put down, he had medications needed throughout the day, many more issues. I then had Zac, the guilt of not being able to play with him, telling him I will when Archie has fed but then Archie needing further attention and zac not getting mine. 

As for housework. Everyone says how the housework can wait. But when I feel stressed, a clean tidy house will help calm me. It was an extra stress. Especially when I felt the house needed to be super clean for Archie who could pick up any illness or infection easily. 

I felt like I couldn't cope. My health visitor then referred me to Home Start. I was given the most wonderful volunteer I could ever wish for. My volunteer came once a week for a couple hours, sometimes more! This enabled me to feed Archie and express stress free, have some play time with Zac while she cared for Archie, do bits of housework, take Archie to the dr, get medications without dragging the boys out, sit down and actually eat my own lunch, and much much more. Once a week doesn't sound much but it sure got me through the week. 

Then in November my father passed away. And again, having my volunteer during this time, who had a real understanding for what I was going through, helped me immensely. 

Of course I had family and friends. But during the working day was a time I needed help and support. 

My volunteer got me through a difficult time. I am truly grateful to Home Start. 

When thinking about what charity to run for, Homestart came to mind straight away. The volunteers help families for many different reasons. This charity deserves recognition for what they do and Ibwoukd like to help raise funds to keep the charity going. 

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