Photo 365 - 15

Today is a very special day.  Our little grandson turns one year old today.  I can't believe where that year has gone to and I can't believe just how far he has come.  I expect some of you will remember this time last year.  I know none of our family will ever forget.  Little Jackson was born at just 29 weeks gestation and weighed just 3lbs.  This photo is not one that I have taken it is the one that Verity posted on her Facebook page today. The tiny little bodysuit that he is holding in the right hand photo says "I'm a little miracle" It was one of the first things that I got for him.  It was a long while before he was big enough to fit in it.

This is the text that accompanied that photo from Verity.

Happy Birthday my precious boy, one today! I had to wait 5 days to hold you, a week to see your whole face, about 2 weeks (before I dared) to kiss you and 6 weeks to bring you home. But we never felt hard done by, the opposite, we felt very lucky. It was a happy, scary, worrying and joyful time all in one. We love you little man, you are perfect. — feeling blessed

This photo was taken by me but clearly not today!  It is one of the first ones that I took  of Jackson.

 I know Photo 365 is about taking a photo a day but today is different.  Today is our little miracles day. Today is special.

Thankful Tuesday.

Can you believe that baby Jackson is already 2 weeks old?   I lay in bed last night thinking about the last 2 weeks and how much we have to be thankful for in our family. You may recall that I used to regularly do a kind of gratitude blog. Haven't done that in a while.  It is good to remind ourselves of just how much we have and how lucky we are and to remind ourselves to be grateful.

So Thankful Tuesday.  Ten things that I have been thankful for this last week.

1. The safe arrival of baby Jackson and his continuing good progress.
2. The fact that we live in a time and a place that means babies born as early as Jackson are not only able to survive but also to thrive.
3. The prayers, good wishes, positive vibes etc.. that have been sent our way by so many friends and family.
4. I am thankful for the excellent medical care that Verity received which will hopefully result in a swift and full recovery from what was a very traumatic birth experience.
5. I am very thankful that despite a bit more snow on Friday night the weather was OK on Saturday and we were able to go to the baby shower.
6.  We have a warm and cosy house.  As a person who feels the cold dreadfully, I cannot imagine what it must be like to have no heat and to be constantly cold.  Not long now until spring...hopefully.
7. I am amazingly lucky to be able to spend my days at home doing what ever pleases me.  That is usually sewing of some kind at the moment
8.  Denise.  Without Denise and her continuing efforts to teach both me and Coralie I would never have learned to sew.
9. I am thankful that Alfie seems to be on the mend.  The very expensive prescription diet seems to be working.  He will have another scan in a week to see if the bladder stone is breaking down.
10. I am also extremely thankful that we can afford the dog insurance which is paying for Alfie's new food.

Lots more to be thankful for of course but those are the things that come to mind right now this morning.

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.

A pants day

Yep, today has been pretty pants.  I woke up with a headache and had to take tablets.  I didn't get out of bed until 2pm.  I even slept for a while.  It lingered for most of the afternoon.

We popped down to Tesco mid afternoon as we had run out of tea bags of all things.  I don't drink tea so I didn't much care but Simon was beginning to suffer withdrawal symptoms.

As we were out we called into a builders merchant and managed to get a new shower head which was good and I also persuaded Simon to stop so that I could go in the Crafty Patch shop and see if they had the 3 ply wool that I need for Verity's baby shawl.  Good news was they did have it.  Bad news was it cost me £30!  She had better use this shawl until the child is at least 10.  By the way I am not making it, Denise is making it for me.

Once home I gave the new shower head a test run before my bath and am pleased to say that it has made a big difference and we now have a half decent flow.  Might buy another one and see if that improves the upstairs shower.  Guess some of you might be thinking that it is odd to have a shower before my bath but I hate washing my hair in the bath hence the shower but I still wanted to have a bath as I love a good wallow in the bath. I was still feeling a bit grotty and a bath is relaxing.

Simon offered to cook dinner, grilled bacon chops and cauliflower cheese.  I was on the phone to my Dad when there was an almighty crash.  He has broken the inner glass door of my oven.  I had taken it out yesterday to clean as something had got splashed on the inner side.  It took ages to clean as I soaked it in washing soda.  I was very careful with it and had left it on the drainer in the utility room to dry.  It didn't get put back in the oven.

Simon realised that it was missing when he went to put in the cauliflower cheese.  He had the oven pre heating for 10 minutes.  He went to put the glass in, apparently being very careful and then his fingers touched the glass of the outer door which was very hot........you can guess the rest.  So first job tomorrow is to find out where I can get a new glass door. Bet it will probably cost a fortune.   I can't use the oven without it which will be a pain as I use my oven pretty much every day.

We finally had dinner after clearing up all the glass which had gone everywhere and I have a feeling there could still be bits we missed and I walk around bare foot all the time..............

This evening we were out at Gyll and Max's house.  They are the owners of the dog rescue.  They were having a little get together at their house  to sort a few things out.  I am going to take over doing the newsletter that goes out to people who sponsor a dog.   It was a pleasant evening with a few glasses of the red stuff.  

It is now 11.30pm and my head is niggling a bit.  Guess the red wine may not have been such a great idea.  I think it is time to head to bed now. I have a couple of magazines to read.  One of them is my Popular patchwork one and I really enjoy that.  Think I shall go and make some hot chocolate.

Our Christmas

We had a lovely Christmas.  Surrounded by family as always.  It begun on the 22nd when Simon collected Saskia from the station.  We had a lovely afternoon as Coralie came over with the boys and Lisa and Sam with the girlies and we made paper chains.  The children loved it.  They took some home and we hung some up.  We only had a tiny tree this year so the paper chains helped to make it look more festive.  We have taken them down today.

On Christmas eve Saskia and I had a bit of a sewing day.  She made 2 bum bags for presents for Evan and Flynn and a cushion for a friend.  I just pottered in my sewing room.  The evening was spent watching TV and relaxing.

Christmas day began at 8am as we had told Saskia that she had to go down and bring us coffee and biscuits. She was delighted to find the stocking that we had done for her hanging on her door.  She sat on our bed to open her gifts while we drank our coffee.  It wasn't quite the same as the days when all 5 of them would sit on our bed excitedly ripping open presents at 5am but it was still a lovely moment.

We had cooked the turkey on Christmas eve so we only had the gammon joint and veggies to prepare.  We got them ready and then went down to Sam and Lisa's house for an hour.  The girls were very excited and it was lovely to see them open their presents.

We received a house number plate from Sam and Lisa.  Lisa made it herself from mosaic tiles.

We were home by 11.30am and Verity and Steve arrived shortly after. We had a lovely relaxed time before dinner which went down really well. There were only the 5 of us which is the smallest number we have ever had. Verity had made a brownie cake which we had with raspberry coulis and cream for dessert.  None of us eat Christmas pudding.  She is one good cook.

After lunch we opened some presents.  I got a floor standing, day light lamp from Simon for my sewing room.  I also got 2 vouchers from him.  1 for a £100 shopping trip and 1 for me to get my hair done.  Do you think he is trying to tell me something?

Coralie, John and the boys arrived about 4pm shortly followed by Josh and Charlotte.   Sam and Lisa were not with us as they went to Lisa's parents for tea. We all had fun waiting to feel verity's baby moving.

We had a wonderful time opening presents.  The boys seemed to be very pleased with the bedtime buddies that I had made them.  We had a buffet tea as always around 6pm and then it was time for everyone to depart.  I mean every one as Saskia went back with Verity and Steve for a few days. It was the first Christmas night that we have ever been just the 2 of us.  It seemed a little odd not to have anyone staying but we enjoyed sitting and vegging out in front of the TV.

Boxing day we were totally alone as the rest of the family all went to Verity and Steve's in Cambridge.  we couldn't go as we cant leave Alfie for too long.  It was an odd day.  Just like a normal weekend day really.   We spent it relaxing and pottering as we did the following day.

This is me wearing my Christmas jammies that Saskia got me.  I was cold so I had them on over my dress. I hadn't brushed my hair!  Told you we were veging out!

Forgot to show you our present from Coralie, she made it herself and she drew around each grandchilds hand!  Isn't it lovely?

On the Friday Verity and Steve were bringing Saskia back and we were meeting them in Kiddicare in Peterborough to buy the pram/ pushchair for the  new  grandbaby.  Only 10 weeks to go!  We have sort of made a tradition that we buy the first grandchild's  travel system. We took Ellie with us as she wanted to help choose!  It took a long time even though they already sort of knew what they wanted.  In the end they chose a Quinny system.  They chose a french navy pram, black pushchair and sort of grey and purple car seat.  Baby will go in the pram for the first few months and of course the car seat and then they will convert it into the pushchair.  They were really pleased  with it all.

They had to try it out when they got home so here are some more views.  Won't be long until baby is in it.

The following day it was time for Saskia to go home so after dropping me at the dog rescue, Simon drove her back to Leicester.  I think she had a good Christmas but I think she was happy to be back at her own house and I know she was looking forward to celebrating her birthday with her friends the following day.  Happy Birthday Saskia!  27 years old!!!  How can that be possible?

With Saskia gone, we have been just relaxing and gradually getting the house back to normal.  Simon has been busy in his garage and I have done some sewing.  It was a different kind of Christmas.  Quieter. I do miss the old days when they were all young.  Those were magical times.  I am grateful though that we were able to spend time with all of our family.

Next year there will be one more person in our family.  I can't wait.