Nic here as Gary is cooking dinner so I thought I can either put my feet up or update blog...How do you relax again??
The 3 of us went through to the hospital today as we decided to take Lucas to the Sick Kids Drop In Centre we discovered yesterday. It is for parents, families and siblings when your child is in hospital and is a wonderful resource as there are lots of art and crafts activities, toys for toddlers, internet access and sky tv with playstation and dvd. It also has free tea and coffee for parents and a sort of living room where you can relax. Gary went in to see Theo while Lucas and I painted and got creative. It was just lovely for me to spend time with Lucas and see him happy but nice to know how close I was to Theo as well and that dad was with him. We then swapped and I visited my boy whilst Lucas and dad built a train set (surprise!) and had some lunch.
Theo was looking well today and his temperature and heart rate had gone down since last night. It was sitting quite high when I left him late last night and they were concerned he might have caught an infection. However, it was probably a response to the surgery and theatre. It was so nice to see him peaceful and content today although his little tummy still looks sore and I'm sure he is very uncomfortable when he moves. He has quite a following in the hospital and there are a lot of nurses who pop up to visit him. I met a few today and it was funny how happy they were and there was definitely an 'air' of positivity from everyone I spoke to. They were all commenting on how much he has grown and how well he looks. We had conversations about him getting bigger and laughing about him in the future with no belly button and an impressive scar to show off. It was the first day since he was born that I felt comfortable talking about him growing up and having a future. I know that sounds like I have been in a rather negative place, but it is hard to explain. When you have a baby so very ill, it is quite strange what the mind does to protect you and I have certainly been holding back from conversations about him growing up as I have had to just be thankful for everyday I have spent with him since his birth(tissues at the ready...again!)
The surgeons came round and were still very happy with how everything went. Mr MacKinlay had been away since last Tuesday and he was really pleased with the procedure, had a smile on his face and didn't use the word 'problem' once. I feel at times I could kiss the surgeons and give them a huge hug as a way of showing my appreciation but have contained myself so far...maybe best to save it for when he is coming home!!
Thanks once again for all your birthday presents for Lucas plus cards and messages for Theo. Gary and I couldn't have got this far without all your love and support xx
Finally, we have been made aware a few people are having problems posting comments. We have now changed the security settings on the Blog so you no longer need to setup an account in order to leave a comment.
The 3 of us went through to the hospital today as we decided to take Lucas to the Sick Kids Drop In Centre we discovered yesterday. It is for parents, families and siblings when your child is in hospital and is a wonderful resource as there are lots of art and crafts activities, toys for toddlers, internet access and sky tv with playstation and dvd. It also has free tea and coffee for parents and a sort of living room where you can relax. Gary went in to see Theo while Lucas and I painted and got creative. It was just lovely for me to spend time with Lucas and see him happy but nice to know how close I was to Theo as well and that dad was with him. We then swapped and I visited my boy whilst Lucas and dad built a train set (surprise!) and had some lunch.
Theo was looking well today and his temperature and heart rate had gone down since last night. It was sitting quite high when I left him late last night and they were concerned he might have caught an infection. However, it was probably a response to the surgery and theatre. It was so nice to see him peaceful and content today although his little tummy still looks sore and I'm sure he is very uncomfortable when he moves. He has quite a following in the hospital and there are a lot of nurses who pop up to visit him. I met a few today and it was funny how happy they were and there was definitely an 'air' of positivity from everyone I spoke to. They were all commenting on how much he has grown and how well he looks. We had conversations about him getting bigger and laughing about him in the future with no belly button and an impressive scar to show off. It was the first day since he was born that I felt comfortable talking about him growing up and having a future. I know that sounds like I have been in a rather negative place, but it is hard to explain. When you have a baby so very ill, it is quite strange what the mind does to protect you and I have certainly been holding back from conversations about him growing up as I have had to just be thankful for everyday I have spent with him since his birth(tissues at the ready...again!)
The surgeons came round and were still very happy with how everything went. Mr MacKinlay had been away since last Tuesday and he was really pleased with the procedure, had a smile on his face and didn't use the word 'problem' once. I feel at times I could kiss the surgeons and give them a huge hug as a way of showing my appreciation but have contained myself so far...maybe best to save it for when he is coming home!!
Thanks once again for all your birthday presents for Lucas plus cards and messages for Theo. Gary and I couldn't have got this far without all your love and support xx
Finally, we have been made aware a few people are having problems posting comments. We have now changed the security settings on the Blog so you no longer need to setup an account in order to leave a comment.
Hi Nic and Gary,
ReplyDeleteGosh, a lot has happened in a short space of time for you all..... It was quite emotional reading through your blogs, especially having a wee one of our own now. We can't imagine what you're going through, although you describe every day so articulately and with such strength and optimism. We're so glad to hear of today's postive steps and pray for lots more. We've been thinking of you whilst away and we're so glad you made use of our place. Please just keep the keys for however long you need them...although we're back now, you're more than welcome to stay or even if you just want to have a cuppa/watch TV/grab lunch or whatever, then feel free to drop by. I don't have to be in, so just come and go as you please. Also, if you have Lucas with you and you want to know of a good place for lunch that is toddler friendly, then the cafe at Marchmont St Giles Church (at the top of Marchmont Rd just beyond the crossroads by 'Toast') is lovely and has some toys for toddlers...they can run about and it's v relaxed there.
Sending lots of love your way and esp to baby Theo. Ang and Alan xx
Heidi and I are thinking of you all the time and are really pleased that Theo is sounding more comfortable after his surgery. Chris and Heid
ReplyDeleteGary and Nic, how great it is to hear that it all went so well, a big step forward for little Theo and a big step forward emotionally and mentally for you guys.
ReplyDeleteHe certainly is a tough cookie and he sounds like he is a bit of a ladies man already with his following of nurses!
You are all doing so fantastically well and it is great that at the end of each day when you must be so drained and tired that you find the time to write such amazing posts.
Helen, Iain and Annaxxx
Dear Nic and Gary
ReplyDeleteSo good to hear about Theo's progress.Thank you for finding the time and energy to keep us all informed. As always, sending lots of love and good wishes. Margot, Neil and Charlotte xxx
Sounds like the surgery went really well. So pleased! Love to all, Jeanette
ReplyDeleteHi all,
ReplyDeleteFollowing little Theo's progress up here in Shetland. It seems like only yesterday I was having to neck all your champagne at Jane's wedding Nicola! Now Theo is here and on his journey to recovery. Thinking of you all. You're doing an amazing job. Hope Lucas enjoyed his party. Fantastic cake!! James would have been really impressed! Love to you all.... Brenda, Kevin and James xx
Gosh, I know exactly what you mean, Nic - both on the wanting to hug surgeons and the not wanting to mention the future.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that Theo has had such a good day and that Lucas is also having some fun. Ella, who was five when Anna was born, actually talks with great fondness of the time when Anna was ill. She didn't get the gravity of things at all, but loves the fuss that was made of her!
Janie xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Great to hear that you all had a good day yesterday. I hope today has also been a positive one.
ReplyDeleteI must admit to shedding a tear when you talked about not being able to think about the future. I remember that feeling so much.
Thinking of you all and continuing to send love and prayers
Claire
xxx
Hey Nicola
ReplyDeleteJeanne and I are following Theo's progress with much love and intensity! Newborns are definitely other-worldly, eminating an energy and will that can't be measured...or described...
I think of Theo every day and take the time to send him happy tummy vibes. Thinking of you too, you're such a great lass.
Thank you for sharing all this with us. Very big hug from Geneva to you three plus a special one for wonder-boy Theo Welsh.
Sophie xx
Grandma and Grandad visited our beautiful little Grandson Theo on Wed 28 and were really pleased to see how well he looks, he certainly is a brave little soldier. He has a long way to go but with the skill and dedication of the surgeons and staff at Sick Kids he will get through this. Just as well he does not know a thing about it!! We as parents would personally like to thank everyone for their support to Nicola, Gary and Lucas, without it I know they would not be able to get through this extremely difficult time. Keep your support coming.
ReplyDeleteGrandma and Grandad 'D' xxxxx
Hi guys, Jon Bourne here. Glad to hear that the little man is battling strong. The Mrs & I start each morning reading of his continuing good progress.
ReplyDeleteSales Conference tomorrow and we thought we would have a quiet toast amongst the team to little Theo to help spur him on. It will have to be guinness of course, and so at 11pm tomorrow there will be a wave of, albeit possibly slightly inebriated, best wishes and prayers heading your way. All being well there should be a couple of cans turning up to your home address tomorrow morning so you can join us (if they don't check the Postie's walking in a straight line).
Thoughts & prayers continue to be with you all...Jon