So, we have had a bit of a break, and not been here for a while. Why, I hear you all ask - Well, we felt very brave and headed to France for our first summer holiday in 6 years. We stayed on a British campsite in a small french village for 2 weeks. Qasim spent all his time in the swimming pool, watching the birds and roosters, or playing chess with his older brothers. He had a great time!
It was a bit scary to be honest, going abroad with an OI child for the first time. What if we have a break? What if we need hospital treatment and can't speak enough French? We spent weeks planning beforehand, finding out where the hospitals are, how to get to them, and how to say Brittle Bones in french!
We got there in the end, though, and had an amazing time. The campsite, Camping de Courte Vallee, even held a quiz night in aid of the Brittle Bone Society, and raised £100!
We had no problems, thankfully, and we'd love to go there again next year.
Thanks to Jo, Alistair, and everyone at Camping de Courte Vallee for a fantastic break.

What's in a Snowflake??

Many of us who have children with OI call them our snowflakes.  Sounds crazy, I know, but it sums up what OI is in a nutshell (or snowflake!)
Snowflakes are fragile, and every one is unique and different from the next.  The same applies to OI.
There are several types of OI, from mild to severe. OI is caused by a collagen disorder that impacts on many elements of health, including bones that can break from little or no apparent trauma.
Qasim has type III OI which is severe. But two kids with type III can have completely different signs of OI, fracture rates, levels of mobility, etc.
I'm a mum of a type III kid, and can handle him safely, but would never consider handling another OI child without being shown how that kid can be handled.

So that's the boring technical sciency stuff over and done with, now onto real life and fun!
Because our snowflakes are KIDS first and foremost. OI just adds a little spice along the way!