Winston & G's conversation-part 2

A Truce??

Winston: Hey little taileater, I'm presuming we've called a truce on the whole 'operation give mother no sleep'?

G: What makes you say that?

W: Well, this past week I've not really heard you much at night, and well I've really quite enjoyed sleeping all night.

G: To be honest windoggy, I've just been finding it soooo hard to stay awake. I don't know why, but I can only really wake up once, and then after 10 mins I'm in the land of snooze again. Then the next thing I know I see mumums smiling face and it's time to get up!

W: Hmm well I think I know why that may be..... I overheard mother and father last week. They said they'd just discovered that a side effect of your reflux medication is insomnia.

G: In-whatia?!

W: Insomnia! It means that it can stop you from sleeping.

G: Well that explains why I had the energy to have a rave in my cot for at least 90 minutes every night, and sometimes 3 or 4 times each night. But what I don't get windoggy is why I'm so sleepy but mumum is still giving me this medicine?

W: Have you not noticed, mother used to give it to you before bed, meaning you were wide awake during the night, but now she only gives it to you at breakfast time!!

G: Oooooooooh, that explains why I'm finding it so hard to wake up in the night.

W: I must admit, I'm kind of pleased that you've given up on the 'stop mother sleeping in the hope that she'll give up work' shenanigans. I do lurve my sleep. Plus mother has been back at work for 4 weeks now, and she's showing no signs of weakness. Maybe we need to accept she's going to be one of the mothers who juggles home and work.

G: Oh don't dispair my furry friend, I haven't given up....just taking a short break. I've given mumum 7 good nights, I'll throw a spanner in the works soon. I've good a new tooth-that'll be amunition for an all nighter!

W: Well give me plenty of notice when you wish to resume this sleep deprivation game. Plays havoc with my routine. 

Oh, by the way, I love that new game you've started...

G:What new game?

W: The one where you throw me pretty much all of your breakfast, lunch and dinner, and let me lick your hands. Scrummy!!

11 months and counting!

Where has January gone?! Between work, hospital appointments, sleep, no sleep, housework (or lack of as Tim would say) and keeping little miss G entertained, the days have flown by. Last weekend saw the dedication of our beautiful babe at my local church. What a lovely service it was, and how fabulous it was to have so many people there that care about G. The bring and share lunch afterwards was pretty amazing too! 

Even scarier than the disappearing days is the fact that we are fast approaching a certain little ladies first birthday. As she turns 11 months on Sunday, we are left scratching our heads and wondering how on earth our little miracle can be turning 1 in just over 4 weeks time! Someone pass the bunting....

Tantrums and teeth

My oh my can our girl scream. She has a scream so ear piercing that she can silence a room. Especially rooms in hospitals and doctors surgeries. Stubbornness seems to be trait of hers that is revealing itself more and more. If she doesn't get her own way then you better reach for the ear plugs. Sometimes we simply sit and laugh, amazed at how quickly she can turn from a happy smilling child to a raging monster (ok, a little harsh I know). I do remember a conversation with Arlene from the Turner syndrome society some 4 or 5 months ago, and her telling me that many girls with TS know their own mind and are strong willed. In Gs case, that's putting it mildly! Admittedly tantrums are always followed by more rounds of giggles and smiles, so she can be forgiven in an instant. Her smile makes me melt :)

Teeth could well be the source of the screaming right now though. With 6 on show and 2 more making their way through, I'd say that could at least be a contributing factor.

Positive appointments

G has had two paediatric appointments this month-one regarding general health and Turner syndrome, and the other regarding her reflux. Both specialists are exceptionally pleased with Her progress, and the frequency of her appointments are decreasing.

We have been told to tweak her reflux medication slightly and reduce it, but it's something I'm considering carefully first. We've only had a settled baby (in terms of reflux) for around 6/8 weeks. The days of hours of screaming and endless car rides at all hours are not far enough behind us for us to dare tamper with the one thing that's keeping our reflux hell at bay. Obviously we don't want her on meds long term, especially the apparently high dose that she is on, but for now we have the battle of dairy reintroduction to face, and that alone won't be pretty.

In terms of Gs Turner syndrome care, we are now being passed over to an endocrine specialist to start discussing growth hormone treatment. Whilst Gs height and weight are pretty stable at the mo, her height is on the lower end of the scale, and over the next 1-2 years is likely to taper off. I don't know enough about the growth treatments to say much more yet, but it's something that will be at the forefront of discussions over the next 12-18 months. 

Any dietary requirements madam?

As G is approaching 1, we have to start reintroducing the foods that she is intolerant to to see if she has outgrown these issues. The main food intolerances are milk, wheat, gluten, and oats, along with rice, apple, tomatoes, pear, mango and a few other fruits causing mild (but still painful) digestive upset. As she has many foods that upset her, we've decided to start with dairy, as that's the one that gave rise to the worst reaction. We are very much NOT looking forward to the weeks and months ahead of reintroducing various foods, but it's got to be done. Fingers crossed that she's outgrown every single one of her intolerances, leaving only me and the dog with our dodgy digestive systems! 

New routines

Since G has started the childminders, she has dropped her second nap. She is so active during the mornings that she simply doesn't have time to nap. So I'm trying to keep that sleep routine going on my days off, but with varying success. G is a tad young for dropping her naps, however in terms of sleep she doesn't conform to the norm. We are lucky if she gets 10 or 11 hours sleep including naps, as opposed to the recommended 12 or 13 hours for her age. I'll persevere with her new routine, and do my best to wear her out during the day in the hope (STILL) that she might start sleeping through regularly.

Speaking of the childminder, Grace has settled really well, loves the other children, and is only screaming for a few minutes when I leave her! Can't ask for much more. 

So out with January and hopefully the rain, and in with February. We've an appointment at the feeding/speech therapy clinic next week, and then for the rest of the months it's work, play and the countdown to THE birthday of the year (mummy's 30th and grandads 60th won't be a patch on little moos day!).

Ooo and not forgetting my very first reflux and food intolerance parent support group tomorrow. I'm a tad nervous but really felt the call to set up a caring, supportive network for local families. If our experience and journey can help at least one other family, then it will be worth it. 

January yellows!

Many of us often feel a little blue come January...back to work, a lovely Christmas being a distant memory, no money and usually a few extra pounds heavier! 

Well this year, I don't have the January blues, I'd go as far to say I'm pretty happy. January yellows I've named it!

Why you may ask, is someone so happy in one of the most depressing months of the year. Let me tell you in a nutshell:

- I survived my first week at work and I have remembered how to control a class of 30 kids

- For at least 3 days a week I get to drink hot tea, eat warm food and go to the toilet in peace

- G enjoyed being at the childminders (except the token screaming when I drop her off and pick her up)

- G is learning lots of new skills: sitting up, pulling herself up, opening and closing doors, hunting out the hidden dog toys, zooming round in the walker

- Daddy is doing well with his new business

- My new parent support group starts soon 

- I will get paid a wage at the end of this month!!!

Ok so we still have our battles-G and windog being in cahoots to wake us up every night at least twice (windog is wearing tired of this game but G isn't!), and I still can't pinpoint which foods are aggrevating Her. But Heyho, you can't have it all. I mean sleep is over rated anyway!

What's next for us?

This month G has two appointments-one with the paediatrician where I will most certainly want to discuss her ears, and one with the feeding and speech therapist. 

Ooo and G has her first ever birthday party to attend, one of our antenatal buddies first birthday. 

Happy January!

Eat, don't sleep, rave in my cot, repeat...

If babes and dogs could talk, I'm certain that my two would be having this conversation right now....

G: Windog we need to up this sleep deprivation business.

Winston: But why? I'm quite partial to some sleep!

G: Because mumum thinks she is going back to work next week, and we cannot let that happen.

W: Hmmm, I see your point. I've enjoyed mother being at home for the past ten months. What's your plan little taileater?

G: Well you know how she likes her sleep, and I don't let her have much, well let's just join forces so that she has none. Plan?

W: I can see how this would work, but like I said, I also like my sleep....

G: Oh don't worry, I'll take the Graveyard shift, couldn't deprive you of both your daytime and nighttime slumber! I simply need you to take over when I need my 20 minute catnap.

W: This sounds doable. Do we have an exact plan so I know what I'm working to? You see I'll need to make up the daytime zzzz's to compensate.

G: Ok, mumum feeds me at 10pm, so you refuse to get off their bed after this, just to ensure she's fully awake. Then around 11:30/midnight when she thinks she's had a good hour, I'll start the grizzles. At this point I'll let her think that my dummy and Ewan have worked and I'm sleeping soundly again.

W: Good plan so far, sounds easy!

G: That's where you come in. You'll howl at the back door shortly after mumum has dozed again just after midnight. Do not stop, I repeat, do not stop until she's let you out for the worlds longest poop.

We'll let her have a cheeky half hour then, and bam, 'waaaaaaaa' I'll start again.

W: Ooh you are naughty!

G: Only this time, I won't stop, I am pretty good at doing a two hour stint. So that should see her delirious by around 3am. Now, given she's decided she needs to wake at 5:30am so we can leave the house by 7, I reckon one more howl by you around 4:30am should seal the deal.

W: Ummm couldn't you take the last call, I'll be shattered by then! 

G: Well contrary to popular belief I do need an hour or two of beauty sleep.

W: Pretty please! You can chase my tail???

G: Ok, so long as you let me suck it? Plan of action 'make mummy think she can't possibly go back to work on so little sleep' starts in t minus 8 hours.... 6 nights should do the trick!

Another ten month old's letter to Santa...

Many of you will have seen the original, it did make us chuckle! Grace needed to tweak the letter a tad though.....

Dear Santa,

I'm also a ten month old baby who writes because her mother has told people to buy gifts that I simply do not want. So I thought I'd send you a last minute wish list. She has asked for books (er hello I can't read yet), stacking cups (I only like knocking things down, not building them) and wooden toys (we have too much plastic apparently). 

Here is my real list Santa. It's pretty similar to that other ten month old, but with a few tweaks. And please don't fob me off with any fakes Santa, I've got teeth and I  know how to use them....

Yours lovingly,

G

1) Keys. Mums keys or dads keys, I don't mind, or even grandads keys! They must be metal, and preferably have a variety of shapes. I also like the plastic car key fob that has buttons to open the doors remotely. If I slobber on them enough they may stop working, or so mother says. And don't even bother with those plastic imitations, my mums already tried that.

2) A mug or glass, preferably with leftover tea or juice in it. My mum has learnt that I will crawl just about anywhere to reach one of those, only for her to cruelly remove it at the last minute. So I try to catch her unawares. I prefer there to be liquid left in there, and of the sweet tasting variety, which I especially love to tip over the carpet. This makes daddy particularly mad as he's obsessed with this pink stuff called vanish. Oo come to think of it I'd like a tall pink vanish canister too!

3) Any part of the dog. I particularly enjoy his feet and his tail, though his ears are a tad softer on the days that my teeth are playing me up. Mum and dad shout at me whenever I try to suck chew or bite Winston, but he doesn't seem to mind.

4) Dog toys. My particular favourites are tennis balls and rubber treat toys. These make amazing teethers. Mum literally jumps out of her skin to take these from me, though she keeps on telling people that baby's who grow up in a household with a Winston will get better immunity. I think that's code for more fun.

5) Mums phone. It has pretty lights and plays sounds.  I've also learnt to accept new friend requests on FB for mummy, so hi if you're new to mummy's  page! Daddy says her phone is glued to mummy's hand. Is that a good thing? I want it to be glued to mine please thank you. 

6) Glasses. Mummy's or daddy's I don't mind. I especially love to lick them and put my grubby paws on them. 

7) Dirty nappies, preferably inside a sweet smelling nappy sack. These make a lovely crinkly sound, and perhaps make mummy go the maddest of all when I head towards them. 

This is all Santa. Much love xx

Merry Christmas!

Happy Christmas one and all!

Gosh, the 20th December, where has the time gone?! This time last year I was nearly 7 months pregnant, and Christmas  for us was a mixture of emotions. Not knowing was the hardest part of all. Deep inside we had the hope that she would be our miraculous 2 percenter, but we knew too that the odds were against us. This year however, we have nothing but joy, love and thankfulness in our hearts. 

So, I just wanted to take a moment before the Christmas madness descends on us all, to wish all of our family and friends (both real and internet based, near and far) a superb Christmas. I also wanted to thank each and every one of you for your words of encouragement, your prayers, your 'likes' and continued support.

My blog is officially one year old this December, and our journey with Turner Syndrome is a tad older. We have cried many a times, we have laughed many more, we have slept very little and we have driven a lot! But the one thing I can honestly say, we would not change ANYTHING. G is our little miracle, and we are very much looking forward to spending our first Christmas with her. Equally I'll be remembering the Christian meaning of Christmas, and having that extra bit of thankfulness to God for what he's blessed us with.

Happy Christmas all!! Tell your nearest and dearest you love them, and remember with fondness those who've passed. 

Sending lots of Christmas love and hugs xx

Ps... The good sleeping didn't last, the commando crawling is causing chaos (G can chase the dog, chew his tail and eat his toys), the teeth are still coming through, and the high temperature is back. We can't have everything can we! 

Tonight I will mainly be bragging

So hello December! The tree is up, the needles are falling off, and we are super excited about Christmas.

I warn you, today's post may be a little smug, I may even brag a little, and it will probably all come and bite me in the bum tomorrow! But here goes....

The babe eats!

For the past ten days or so G has been eating three meals a day. She is no longer spoon averse, so we now offer a mixture of finger food and textured spoon-fed food. I know this won't necessarily be the end of our feeding issues, but for now it's a giant leap forwards.

The babe has teeth!

Gs reflux has gone crazy this last week and initially we put it down to her ongoing ear infections. That was until I spied two more teeth making an entrance. We then got so caught up in the two teeth that we missed a random third tooth appearing along the bottom row. That certainly explains the reflux flare up! The dreaded R word does mean that daily (or should I say nightly)screaming is back, and yes you guessed it, the A14 is our BFF.

The babe crawls! (Well shuffles commando style)

G had her development check 4 weeks ago and passed with flying colours. Well, all except the crawling element. So a follow up check was scheduled for the 12th Dec to assess her crawling progress. We've been on a countdown, and in the end I gave up all hope that she'd crawl by tomorrow. Surprise surprise, this afternoon she has given a glimpse of a commando style shuffle that could be passed as the first stages of crawling!! 

Now I know you experienced mothers out there will be currently laughing away to yourself and telling me 'you'll wish your babe wasn't crawling soon enough' and I'm sure you're right (cue future blog entry!). But for the next few days we'll take great delight in watching her new moves. Might I add that it was a strong desire to get hold of an empty mug of tea that spurred her on. Strange child!

The babe is currently off anti b's!

As you well know, G has been plagued by recurrent ear infections. Well she finished her latest course of antibiotics on Monday. Me and Tim are waiting with baited breath as her infections usually tend to reoccur within 48 hours....or when the weekend is due. Watch this space.

The babe sleeps 7 hours for two nights in a row!

I know, tonight she will wake up a ton of times and I'll be wishing that I didn't brag about this, but we've had two nights of 7 hours uninterrupted sleep. Never does she do this more than one night. Could there be a link between the lack of antibiotics in her system??

What's ahead for us?

Feeding and speech therapy 

Tomorrow we have our first appointment with a feeding and speech therapist due to Gs feeding issues. Yes, they are currently resolving themselves, but as she will most likely have speech problems later down the line it is best to get on to their radar early and stay there. Speech therapy appointments are few and far between. My time as a teacher has taught me that for sure! 

Developmental check

G has her crawling check tomorrow, but thankfully I think we'll be sent on our way pretty quick sharp. 

That's us done for now, we are pretty chuffed parents at the moment! I'll post an update around Christmas. Enjoy December :)