Good news.

It has been a pretty busy weekend as they always are.  Yesterday we went to Cambridge to see Verity Steve and Jackson.  Coralie had organised a baby shower for Verity as she has missed out on all the normal new mummy stuff.

Baby showers are not something that we really do here in the UK.  I mean, a few people might but the average Joe Bloggs doesn't.   Coralie just thought it might be nice so she organised for all of us to go to Verity and Steve's.   We were all there except Saskia.  We had balloons and presents and yummy cake.   I had made some bunting but forgot to take it!.   I will post it out to them tomorrow.

Once all the present giving and cake eating was over we went on mass to the hospital to see Jackson,  I have fantastic news.  He is totally off his CPAP, breathing on his own and has been moved out of intensive care on to the special care unit.  How wonderful is that?   He is a little fighter.  Only 11 days old and out of intensive care.

We took turns to go in and see him as it is only one person at a time with Mum and Dad.   He is still very tiny but has regained his birth weight of 3lbs.   Thank you so much to everyone that has been sending prayers, good wishes , positive vibes

I will keep you updated.

Update on our boy

Thank you for all the kind messages and comments of support.  It has been a worrying few days.  However I am really pleased to be able to tell you that both Mummy and baby are doing well.  Oh and Daddy too!

Verity was actually discharged from the hospital late yesterday and so she has had her first night at home without her little one. She coped well.  It must have been very hard to leave him behind.  I think it will be easier once she establishes her daily routine of visiting.

Little Jackson is now 5 days old and doing really well. He is still 3lbs but hopefully that will begin to increase slowly.  The amount of milk he is given has increased slowly from just 1ml up to 5.2ml's today.  He has that every hour and it is Mummy's milk so it is good stuff.

They have now turned off his blue lights and they have also stopped 1 of his antibiotics.  He continues with the CPAP. Yesterday they were both able to have their very first cuddle with him.  A really magical moment for them all and one that I am sure they will remember always.

We had hoped to go to visit today, in fact Coralie had organised a baby shower for her.  This is not something that ordinary girls do over this side of the pond.  I think it is still very much a Merikan thing but Coralie thought it would help Verity as she is missing out on so much.  Sadly it didn't happen due to the weather. IE. SNOW!  

The forecast was for heavy snow across us and the south east right across Cambridge starting at 11am.  In fact the snow didn't start here until about 5.30pm but it was snowing in Cambridge pretty much all day.  It was the right decision not to go as the roads are pretty treacherous when it is snowing.  We were all very disappointed though and just hoping that the beautiful cakes made by friends of Coralie will last until next week.

I have balloons and bunting and they will be fine.  We hope to rearrange it for next weekend.  Simon and I are hoping to visit tomorrow as it is his day off but in reality I think it is unlikely.  We have now had about 4 inches of snow and it is still going.  The weather forecast is showing snow until around midday tomorrow.  If we can't go then I shall try and go on the train on Tuesday assuming that they are running because a lot aren't right now.

I bet my Merikan and Canadian friends roll around laughing at how our little old country gets it's knickers in a twist over a bit of snow.  The telling point is that we talk in inches and they talk in feet!  They accept that it is winter and there will be snow we are constantly surprised by it and consequently caught out.  To be fair we don't get the same quantity over here and until recent years my little corner often didn't see any.  They say this is how it is set to be so I guess we should start getting used to it.  Funny, I though the world was warming up!

I will post more photos as we get them.

The birth of Baby Jackson

Well  you may have noticed that I haven't been around for the last week.  Some of you know why.  Actually if you have read my previous blog post then you will all know why!  Yes we have a new little grandson.  A teeny, tiny, unbelievable small grandson.   It has been a very worrying week. 

It began last Friday with a phone call from Coralie telling me that Verity's waters had broken and that she was on her way into Addenbrookes hospital in Cambridge.  I was out of my mind with worry.  This was way too early she was only 30 weeks.   We soon had word that she would need to be transferred elsewhere as there was no NICU (Neo Natal Intensive Care Unit) cot available at Addenbrookes, the unit was closed because it was full.  At that point they were thinking that she would be moved to Norwich, some 100 or so miles away.  

Luckily they spoke to Coralie who was actually working that night and she knew there was cot on her own unit in Peterborough so eventually an ambulance transfer was arranged and Verity arrived at Peterborough City Hospital at 3.30am.  When she arrived Coralie was free having delivered twins a few hours before so she was able to take over her sisters care which was wonderful for all.  It also meant that Coralie was updating me on the situation right through the night. 

They  were not initially sure sure if labour had started or not.  She was given drugs to stop labour plus the steroids  to mature the babies lungs.  They also gave her a massive dose of antibiotics because of the risk of infection. 

At that point Coralie told us that if labour didn't start it would probably be in the next 48 hours.  However providing labour didn't begin the protocol would be antibiotics until it does and visits to the hospital every 2 days for blood tests in the hope that they could get to 37 weeks. 

Saturday was pretty much the same and we went to visit her in the afternoon.  Both her and Steve were very calm although they must have been so worried.   On Sunday she was having some cramps but only every now and then.  There was still no sign of labour beginning and we were beginning to think  she was safe and would hang on.    Coralie must be a good midwife because she told us that it would be very soon.  She kept saying that even when a different consultant discharged Verity on Monday afternoon.   At that point the consultant was hoping to be able to get her to 34 weeks.

It wasn't to be.  Labour began around 3am and she went back into Addenbrookes where fortunately she was allowed to stay as they now had the necessary NICU cot available.   Baby had gone from lying transverse to being breech (bum down for those that don't know) and he was sort of wedged in her pelvis so they decided to prep her for theatre.

The poor girl had such a traumatic time.  It took 3 attempts to get an epidural in and by the time they had they suddenly realised that not only was she fully dilated but he was half way out! So long story short, she had someone pushing him back up the way he had come and someone else pulling him from the other side!  This resulted in a baby black and blue with bruising and a very, very nasty incision for Verity. 

But we must be grateful that they are both OK.  Little Jackson is a strong little man.  He came out breathing on his own and was very quickly moved to NICU which Coralie told us was good news as they don't move them until they are stable.  Coralie was there having caught the train at 5am.  Once again it was wonderful to know that she was there with her sister and was able to keep us updated every 15 minutes or so.  Thankfully it was Simon's day off so we got up and just waited for news.

Jackson was born at 6.36am and weighed  just 3lbs.  A decent size actually but he looks incredibly tiny when you see him.  Simon and I went  that afternoon and after having 20 minutes with Verity which was ten minutes longer than they said we could have,  Steve took us up to the unit to meet his son.  I went in first as only 1 person can go in at a time with a parent.  I held it together, didn't cry, not then.  I wanted to be strong for Steve.  He is SO SMALL.  I have never seen anything as small.  His arms are the size of Steve's fingers.  Simon made a joke that the chicken we had for dinner the day before was bigger and he was right!

So here we are 3 days later.  How can he be 3 days old already?  Verity is doing well but is in quite a lot of pain. She will probably be allowed home soon. Maybe tomorrow or the weekend.  Jackson is doing great so far.  He is on CPAP ventilation but is continuing to do well with his breathing.  All other signs are looking good so far.  We are all very aware of the roller coaster ahead.   At this point in time it is very early days.  They have been told to expect around 10 weeks before he can go home.  The general rule of thumb is the due date but they must also weigh 5lbs.  Some babies do well and are home sooner and some take longer.  

I would like to thank those of you that knew what was going on and kept our family in your prayers right over the weekend and beyond.  I think it goes without saying that little Jackson could use all the help he can get right now so whatever it is that you do, prayers, good wishes, positive thoughts,  all will be more than welcome right now and in the coming weeks and I thank you for them in advance.  As always I know that all of you will be there as a constant support. 

Special announcement

I am pleased to announce the birth of our 5th grandchild,  a little boy called Jackson Youngs.  He was born at 6.36am on Tuesday the 15th of January 2013.  He weighs 3lb.  This is the only photo that we have so far and the blue light  makes it hard to see him.

He was born 10 weeks early but both he and Mummy are doing well.  Congratulations Verity and Steve.

Baby Youngs, Nala puss cat, plus some show and tell.

Yes, I am back again. There is family stuff here and more Show and Tell time.   In an attempt to work some blogging time into my day I have gone back to my old "half hour system". Haven't used that since we moved here.  You remember how that goes?  Half an hour of "work"  then half an hour of "me" time.  You get loads done and of course I will probably finish  the house work a little later than normal but I will still get lots of time to do what I want.

So...... "Show and Tell".  Here we go again..........
I am making a cot quilt for Verity and Steve's baby.  We went to  Leicester two weeks ago to visit Saskia and of course to go to the Fabric Guild where they have the most amazing selection of fabrics and notions and oh, so much more.  I love it.  Could spend a fortune there.  Hang on.... I did spend a fortune there!

We had a lovely time with Saskia who is also getting into sewing and she actually got some fabric to make some Christmas presents for her friends.  We had lunch out and then paid a quick visit to her house to meet her new baby.  Nala the puss cat.  She is gorgeous.

Where was I?   Oh yes, baby Youngs quilt. I got a lemon fabric with sort of small splodgy spots.  A mint green polka dot fabric and a multi coloured patterned fabric.  The quilt is made up of 15 blocks. Every other square is appliqued with either a bird or a squirrel. The middle square has a heart.  I am at the stage where the top is all sewn together and it is now awaiting the wadding and backing and then quilting.  I may get on to that this afternoon.  I will show it to you when it is completed. Here it is so far.

It isn't perfect but I am quite pleased with it and I think the new grandbaby will be happy.

That reminds me.  I haven't yet shown you all the latest scan pics have I?  Here we go, they are truly wonderful.

Baby Youngs 22 weeks.  Do you see the heart there?  how cool is that?  Everything is just fine and perfect.  We are all so thrilled.

Ok, back to Show and Tell.  A birthday card for Pete.

I made 3 tiny little felt brooches in the shape of strawberries.  They were a free magazine giveaway.  I will keep them for the craft stall in aid of the doggies next year.

I think I mentioned that each summer the Three Counties Dog Rescue have a dog show to raise money.  They have a few stalls there too.  Remember back in the summer, the gazillion cakes that I made for the cake stall?  Well they didn't have a craft stall so I am making bits and bobs so that we can have one next year.  I will be making small things.  Brooches, soft toys, peg bags, shopping bags, bum bags, cushions, that kind of thing.

Now, Three Counties dog rescue...........It is  a very special place that does the most amazing work and is staffed by volunteers and runs on donations and any money they can raise by any means. They are always desperate for funds.  That is why I have no shame in once again  reminding you all that my daughter Coralie is doing a sponsored cycle ride of 100km around the Isle of Wight on the 2nd of December.   If you are able to spare even just £1 or $1 then you can sponsor her here:

http://www.justgiving.com/CORALIE-HUSON/

Thank you.  A big thank you also to those of my friends who have already sponsored her.  To the person that told me it was not appropriate to ask for sponsorship on my blog, I have one thing to say.......  GO AWAY!

I am sorry if anyone finds it offensive but it is my blog and I can do what I like.  If you could see the poor creatures that are rescued  and see the work done then your heart would melt.  I have no shame in trying any which way I can to raise money so that this work may continue.  That means promoting it here.  You of course have every right to just skip right over this part and no one is holding a gun to your head.  We all give what we can where we can and we all have our favourite causes.

Ok, I'm off my soap box now. Time to do half an hour of housework.

Last lot for now and other news..

You can breathe a sigh of relief as this is the last lot for now.  I am working on things so there will be more to show next week.

My Dad asked me to make a cushion for his brother, my Uncle Derek.  This is what I came up with.  It is all made from scraps.

Last time I went to the fabric warehouse in Leicester I got a printed panel in lemon and green with baby pictures printed on.  They have a huge selection of these pre-printed panels and some of them are lovely.  They don't cost much either so I couldn't resist.

The idea is that you layer them with some wadding and backing and then just quilt how you like.  It seems a bit like cheating in a way as there is no cutting and piecing.  Anyway, it was quite large so I cut off some of the panels and I have used them to make yet another wall hanging.

I love this design and have now made it 4 times.  It is incredible how different they all look with the different colours and embellishments.  This one is for a baby's room and I think it has turned out quite well.  I have used buttons rather than beads on here.

The rest of the panel I am in the process of quilting and it is going to be a play mat.

You will notice that there are 2 baby items there. A wall hanging and  a play mat.  Do you remember that I said a few weeks back that I had a secret?  Some of you know it already but for those of you that don't the cat is now out of the bag............... we have grandchild number 5 on the way.

Verity and Steve are expecting their first baby.  It is due on the 18th of March.  We are all incredibly excited.  These are the first photos of Baby Youngs.

This is at the embryo stage, approximately 10 days.

This is at 7 weeks.

She has, of course, since had her 12 week scan but I am still waiting on those pictures.  All is progressing well but as some of you know this has been a very long and hard journey so we would very much appreciate your prayers, good wishes, positive thoughts etc...