Latest news

We were at the hospital 3 times in the last fortnight.  Ezekiel's hip ultrasound went really well.  His shallow hip socket has sorted itself so no need for treatment.  Malachi has new piedro boots on order.

Isaac had his eye appointment last week.  His operation in June wasn't successful, probably due to his hypermobility so he needs more surgery in October.  Until then he has to wear an eye patch for 3 hours a day.

The bathroom is finally finished.  We have a shower that works and a toilet that doesn't leak!  Next job - fixing the guttering.

Ezekiel currently weighs 4.7kg which is about 10lb 5oz.  We are currently feeding him every 3 hours, which usually involves waking him up to feed and him taking a long time to finish the bottle.  This usually means I have about an hour to get some housework done and play with Malachi before it's time to express and feed again.  I am going to the baby clinic to get him weighed now which is good in a way as I can go when it suits me which doesn't happen so much with home visits.  On the downside we often end up seeing a health visitor who doesn't know Ezekiel and who tries to make "helpful" suggestions when I hadn't actually asked a question.

Although we've had a lot of comments from adults about Ezekiel's lip, some positive, others not so much, children seem to not notice, or not comment anyway.  One of the children In Isaac's class was talking about it yesterday at the end of school and Isaac's friend interrupted him saying "but he's cute and we love him".  Sums it up perfectly and made me smile. 

Lastly I haven't got a date for Ezekiel's first operation.  I'm trying not to think about it which isn't helped by people constantly asking.

Back to school

This year the summer holidays have mostly involved activities at home.  We usually go out a lot in the school holidays but going out with 4 children, a wheelchair and a double buggy is challenging to say the least. 

I decided to take a book or film each week and do activities around the theme.  I also wanted to make sure we did some messy play, to try and encourage Isaac.  I think we did well, considering we have a small baby.

Malachi making paper dolls in hairspray week

 

Jeremiah in the secret passage during famous five week

 

Isaac making snow angels during the lion, the witch and the wardrobe week

 

Playing with spaghetti during harry potter week

 

We even made it on holiday to Wales, where Jeremiah climbed Snowdon

 

Isaac wheeled himself round Cardiff.  Malachi kept trying to make breaks for freedom and Ezekiel mostly slept and fed.

 

So now the older boys are back at school.  We are having our bathroom refitted so mostly I am keeping Malachi out of the way of the builders.  I'm also focussing more on Malachi-centred activities rather than helping him join in with whatever I have planned with the older boys in mind.

 

Ezekiel's needs are still mostly milk, cuddles and sleep.  His weight gain has slowed down so we have been trying various things to help that.  Weigh in tomorrow and then hip scan on Thursday.