Top 25 Most Inspiring Families: 6 of 8

What inspired you to start blogging?

Well, in short, another Top 25 Inspiring Family, Ellen Seidman of Love That Max. A parent I know locally sent me the link to her blog, and then on a whim I put out a Facebook status update that said: "To blog or not to blog?" and a surprising number of people urged me to blog. I was wary of blogging because I felt like I should spend my very little free time on money-making pursuits, but I'm so glad I started it.

What are three distinctive features of your blog?

1. My family is very unique. I have identical twin sons who were born 10 weeks early and, as a result, one, Malachi, has brain damage that led to cerebral palsy. I blog about their twinhood, his disability and my coping with it all.
2. I also have a lot of experience abroad and speak French, Russian, Japanese, Spanish and American Sign Language, all with varying degrees of success. My earliest entries are from my experience living in France and Russia.
3. Finally, I think what sets my blog apart is my professionalism. This isn't a collection of random ideas and funny cat videos, but crafted entries that try to convey a message.

How has blogging changed your journey as a family?

I only started blogging seriously two months ago and it's already made an incredible difference in my life. I have connected with people all over the world who are dealing with disability and it's helped me see how our family can feel "normal" again after such devastating news. My blog has also helped our friends and even close family know better how to relate to us now. They sort of knew something had happened but we didn't know how to talk about it. It's a hard subject to bring up at a cocktail party, you know? This blog gave us a really good entry point.

What are your three favorite posts?

1. "Diagnosis Day: Shattered Expectations" 
2. Jaden, The Superbaby
3. Dear Person at the Grocery Store

What inspired you to start blogging?

When my fiance was diagnosed with cancer, I felt like the world was crumbling underneath me. I knew I had to be strong for him but I had so much I wanted to say that I decided to blog so I could get all my feelings out. I also wanted to share my experiences with others so they knew they were not alone.

What are three distinctive features of your blog?

1. Honest
2. Personal
3. From the heart

How has blogging changed your journey as a family?

It has meant that I can be strong for them when they need me to be, but also get me feelings out which means I am not a sobbing heap on the floor.

What are your three favorite posts?

1. Life
2. Incredible
3. 16 Years Ago Today

What inspired you to start blogging?

My son, Max, had a stroke at birth (yes, babies can have strokes). Doctors told us he was at risk for mental retardation, not walking or talking, and vision and hearing problems. I was devastated. I thought my son would never have a good life — and I wouldn't, either. That first year with my son was the worst year of my life; I was sick with anxiety about what he would (and wouldn't) be able to do. I couldn't even appreciate his cuteness. But Max proved the doctors wrong. Even though he wasn't able to crawl, he'd drag his little body along on the ground, commando style, like a soldier in training. At age 3, he walked. At 5, he said his first word. He was a bright, smiling kid who charmed everyone he met. Eventually, he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. But over time, my fears and anxieties receded, replaced by the determination and laughter of an amazing little boy. I started my blog in October 2008, when Max was 5, because I wanted to inspire moms of young children who had trouble finding hope. I also wanted the world to see that just because Max has special needs, he is not a child to be pitied. He is A Great Kid—not just A Kid With Special Needs.

What are three distinctive features of your blog?

1. That it's a good-humored, sometimes funny blog about having a kid with special needs, and not a depress-fest
2. The lists I often do (e.g., 25 Things That Make Special Needs Parenting Easier)
3. The interviews I do with experts and people of interest (e.g., an interview with the author of Welcome To Holland and one with a teen who started an organization, The Sparkle Effect, which starts cheerleading squads for girls with disabilities)

How has blogging changed your journey as a family?

I started blogging to inspire others but, in return, I have also been inspired — and informed! I've gotten therapy ideas from readers, as well as thoughts on things that make Max's life easier. For example, Max is obsessed with purple; someone suggested I have purple fabric bibs made for him (Max has some issues with drooling) and I did.

What are your three favorite posts?

1. A Word To New Moms
2. Top 20 Reasons Moms of Kids With Special Needs Rock
3. If You Ask People Not To Use The Word Retard