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The Pink Roller Coaster~Ultimate Confessions Sponsor Post

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Can’t fight the fact it is indeed the second day of September (Labor Day in fact and Happy Labor Day to all) and as much as I am saddened that summer is coming to an end this month, I also must admit that I am so overjoyed to introduce my newest Ultimate Confessions Sponsor, Brigid from The Pink Roller Coaster for this month  Today, she has graciously agreed to introduce herself and her blog here  for all of you.  So, please so sit back and get to know her just a bit better now in her own words!!

pinkfade

Hi there! I’m Brigid — a special needs Mommy, wife, and amateur blogger over at The Pink Roller Coaster, where, among other things, I write about our journey navigating the ups and downs of parenting our incredible three year old son, Liam, who was born with Spina Bifida. 

Brigid and Liam--Lovely Mother and Son!!

Brigid and Liam–Lovely Mother and Son!!

I started blogging almost a year ago, as a coping mechanism of sorts, after an international move from Illinois to Kuwait. Yes, you read that right. Kuwait. About a month after moving, I found myself locked in my bathroom, hyperventilating, with a toddler screaming on the other side of the door. I was completely overwhelmed. Something in me said, “pick up your laptop and write.” So I did. Writing my frustrations down that day somehow made it easier to breathe. Since then, blogging has become the way I keep myself sane. Oh, and coffee. Coffee keeps me sane, too.

But something else has happened since I started writing. I’ve had multiple people reach out to let me know how much they’ve learned about Spina Bifida, and about parenting a child with special needs, from reading about our family’s journey. And just last month, someone left this comment on the blog:

“Thank you so much for your inspiring story. We just found out that our little boy has spina bifida (myelomeningocele)and his name is Liam (I am 21 weeks pregnant). To be honest, it freaked me out that I found your story just now on facebook (I have the spina bifida association website on facebook). We are first time parents and have never thought in our wildest dreams that we would have a special boy but seeing your story gives us a glimpse of hope that everything will be okay.”

I mean, does it get any better than that?! Who knew one little blog could do all that? This blogging journey of mine has been totally worth it, if only for that one comment. Not to mention, the invaluable gift of discovering such a wonderful community of mommy bloggers, and other special needs parents, in the process.

I think one of the most powerful things Liam has done for our family is change for us the definition of ‘disabled.’ I hope that by writing about our family’s journey — the struggles, the progress, the ups, the downs, and everything in between — I can spread some much-needed Spina Bifida awareness and maybe offer a little glimpse of hope, humor, and inspiration along the way.

The Pink Roller Coaster

The Pink Roller Coaster

And over at Brigid’s blog, she is now celebrating The Pink Roller Coaster’s one year blogiversary and you can her wonderful giveaway in the rafflecopter below

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

Still Time to Join My Blogiversary Celebration If You Haven’t~

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I Love My Post Blogiversary Giveaway~

This week, I am involved in I Love My Post’s Huge Blogiversary Giveaway.  To enter this giveaway, please click here to enter the rafflecopter and also to linkup for the weekly blog hop, too.  Thanks and good luck!!

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Disclosure Final

 

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About Janine

Janine is a published author of the books, The Mother of All Meltdowns and Only Trollops Shave Above the Knee. She has been featured on The Huffington Post, Mamapedia, Today Parenting Team and SheKnows. She also runs her own graphic design company at J9 Designs.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  4. Billybuc says

    No days off for writers, right Janine? I hope you have had a great weekend so far my friend. Smiles coming your way.

    • Janine Huldie says

      Nope, Bill. None that I no of. Even though I haven't written today (and was ahead gearing up for the weekend), I still have been working all morning on odds ends, as well as reading, commenting and sharing others work, too. Happy Labor Day and hope we both can enjoy some of this day at some point outside of work today. And smiles definitely right back at you!!

  5. realhousewife says

    What a beautiful lady and son….I'm so glad blogging has given her a way to connect with many friends and supporters! I do not think I'd have the courage to raise a family in Kuwait!

    • Janine Huldie says

      I know Kelly and totally agree about Brigid. I believe they are finally coming back to the US now, but totally give her credit and then some!!

    • Brigid O'Malley says

      Thank you so much, Kelly. I'm sure I would've been very lonely here, if not for making such great connections in the bloggy world. 🙂 And Janine is right: we're headed back to the states in just a few short days, in order to buy (or start building) our first home, so that we'll be all set to move back in April. I can't wait!
      Brigid
      My recent post Ten Things of Thankful

  6. tamaralikecamera says

    What a story, Brigid. I love that you found blogging, and I love what you've found through blogging. It's a very special bunch of overlapping and wonderful communities.
    My recent post Bust a Move.

  7. Lanaya says

    Liam is such a cutie! Love the curls 🙂

    ¤´¨)
    ¸.•*´
    (¸¤ Lanaya | xoxo
    Raising-Reagan.com

    My recent post Reunited

  8. stephanie2006 says

    Thanks for this guest post, Brigid! Sharing information and experience is always helpful for other parents, thank you for doing it!
    My recent post Monday Lists

  9. tiffanigoff says

    Receiving comments from readers that your blog inspires them is the best compliment in the world. Your Liam is beyond adorable, so glad to meet you here.
    xoxo tiffani
    My recent post It’s your choice, would you rather…

    • Janine Huldie says

      Tiffani, I couldn't agree with you more about Liam and will tell you that I was so very happy to be able to share Brigid, Liam and their story here today!! 🙂 xoxo!!

    • Brigid O'Malley says

      You are so right, Tiffani! Like I said: that one comment made it all worth it, especially since I know first-hand how devastating receiving a prenatal diagnosis can be. And I totally agree that Liam is adorable! 🙂 So glad to meet you, too!
      Brigid
      My recent post Ten Things of Thankful

    • Janine Huldie says

      Nellie, I honestly couldn't agree more and really do hope Brigid has a chance soon and see all the lovely comments she has received here all day long now!! 🙂

    • Brigid O'Malley says

      You are too kind, Nellie! Thank you so much for this lovely comment. I figured since Liam has had such a positive impact on my life, it would be selfish of me not to share him with others. 🙂 And I hope one day he chooses to tell his story as well, which I'm thinking he will because I'm pretty sure he's a writer in the making!
      Brigid
      My recent post Ten Things of Thankful

  12. gigigirl says

    You're inspiring Brigid….keep up the good work. Life will hold many adventures for you and Liam and the family. Try to enjoy the ride….as you are so far. All good wishes…….Janine's Aunt Gloria

  14. ssgannett says

    Hey Janine! Thanks so much for sharing this on This Momma's Meandering Mondays, what a wonderful post! It is wonderful to have you both along for the adventure! Have a great week!
    My recent post September Blogging Challenge – My Favorite Season – Day 2

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