Weekend shenanigans

Had a brilliant weekend with a trip to the zoo and walks to the beach. Alex is learning to push herself backwards too and very much enjoying all the new toys everyone has sent over. We are also getting used to the comments from other kids. Thanks so much to Jens mum for helping us through that difficult first week. There is a swing in Cornwall park with a strap to hold her in so she can swing by hetself again. Would be good if all Parks had these. Must be loads of kids who need a bit more safety on a swing for one reason or another.

Next scan on Thursday with specialist appointment on Monday.

Getting there..

Over the last couple of days Alex has adjusted well to her cast. She now just points where she wants to go and we become her legs.

Still sad seeing her immobilized but we're having fun and keeping her entertained feeding the birds, playing at her new table and going out for walks in her stroller.

She's happy enough on her tummy for a while now. The odd pillow here or there is required but she's started trying to shuffle along too.

She's been getting loads of attention and has returned to her old self of trying to be the centre of attention wherever possible.

Eating and sleeping is pretty much back to normal.

Now if we could just Saskia to sleep at the same times we'd be in business!

Santa's workshop

This morning wasn't so great. Alex refused her medication and had a meltdown, as did we.

This afternoon went a lot better as we all got stuck into making a few pieces of bespoke furniture for the spica. Bespoke makes it sound like something posh. In our case it was a bit more Fools and Horses but time was of the Essence.

Alex loved being towed around on her new trunki style seat and playing on her "bespoke" play table.

Great to see a few more smiles on her face and cheeky grins coming back.

What a beautiful day

We've had an amazing day. Despite having spent a few days in the hospital I got totally lost leaving and nearly locked myself into a stairwell.

The contrast of Auckland waterfront with the sea glistening on a wintry Saturday contrasted markedly with the hospital situation.

With not an afternoon to lose we headed down to the beach and alex was in heaven.

Managed a swing and a slide. She has to do these things sitting on me but she still enjoyed the playground and had lots to stay about everything which is great.

We made a high chair for the kitchen island from a chair, toolbox and a couple of pillows and roof rack ties and she ate dinner at the table in her stroller.

She's eating normally and back to all her normal tricks so we're very happy.

So glad to be at home.

Happy travels and speedy recovery Jo and Sarah!

Our next scan is in two weeks to see if hip is still in correct place.

Leaving Ward 24a

Alex has made it clear that she's had enough of the ward so they're letting us go home!

Great to get out and start getting back t normal. Alex is pretty chipper about seeing outside of her room.

Through another day :)

I've read that the first three days in the Spica are the hardest. Probably on both the child and the carers.

Alex has been so stuffed full of drugs this last two days that now her little body spasms every time she starts to drift off and she wakes up with a jerk and a fright.
We have taken her off the IV morphine and she is just on IV fluids. If she can just get a good nights sleep she will feel much better.

She is comfortable and not in any pain.

I am feeling more confident managing the spica and moving her around. It is heavy though.

Once we get through this week I am sure we will get a routine going and the time will fly by.

She did manage a couple of smiles today too and wanted a cuddle from saskia which cheered things up.

Observations from day 1

So I think I fed her way too much for breakfast as she was sick all over the place this afternoon.

They wrap the nappy area of the spica in tape to stop it getting wet but not the chest bit.

So I would advise that the vistim should wear a bib in the first days post-op to avoid the spica smelling of sick for the next six weeks.

Anyway.. car seat and stroller both fit the spica which is great so she will be used to these.

Also if your going to put your kid in a spica avoid doing it at the same time as dealing with a three week old baby as it is complete mayhem.

Auckland hospital coffees are getting me through the day and we MAY be able to home tomorrow. Cant wait.