Evening friends

Arthur is currently having a nap so I thought I would take the opportunity to do a quick blog.

So, our baby is 6 weeks on Monday. It’s a strange feeling because on the one hand it feels like it’s gone quick but then again it feels like he’s been here forever! This might be because we were in hospital for so long.

We have been busy going on days out which have included Longleat Safari Park, Tinton Abbey, and a nearby farm to name just a few. We have also been out for lots of meals.  Arthur is so good, he just sleeps in the sling. The farm had some bumpy paths but he really doesn’t care bless him, we just get the odd grunt to remind us he’s still there.

One thing that I hadn’t really thought of as being a difficulty for us was changing tables out and about. I managed to change him by myself in one public toilet (only to realise he hadn’t done a wee or poo) but I struggled in another toilet. Louie had to help but the only issue was that the changing unit was in the ladies. Oh well, the other ladies didn’t seem to mind.

The Health Visitor came today and is happy with us and no longer needs to visit. We are still measuring Arthur’s head to ensure his enlarged ventricle isn’t causing any issues. All is fine. We will continue doing this weekly until he is 3 months old. We had a letter to say one of his kidneys has an additional tube going into it but the doctor is confident this will not cause any problems and 1 percent of babies have this extra ureter. His kidneys will he scanned again at 3 months of age.

The Heath Visitor commented on how advanced his head control is for his young age.  The consultant said she has seen this before with babies of Mum’s in wheelchairs. This is because they sit in slings on their Mum’s lap and look up which strengthens their neck muscles. Only a good thing.

I have been to the stables twice to groom my favourite pony and left Arthur with Louie. It was a strange feeling. I start riding again next week and Arthur is coming to watch. I can’t wait to feel the relief riding gives me. My muscles will feel much looser.

I am still managing to express breast milk and Arthur is now latching on for a few minutes a day. I hope to build  this up gradually as he gets stronger. I just need to make sure he keeps gaining weight. He has grown out of his tiny baby grows now. I feel a bit sad but again I know this is a good sign.

We have had so many lovely cards, presents, and visitors. Arthur still has lots of people he needs to meet but he has been spoilt so far. We are very lucky.

Louie is off work until mid-October so we are looking forward to more days out in the next few weeks. We also plan to have a night away in the Cotswolds and in Plymouth next month. Squeezing a wheelchair and baby stuff for an overnight trip into the car will be a bit of a puzzle but we will get there and will keep you all updated.

We are lucky that most nights Arthur only wakes twice. He never screens even when hungry. The Health Visitor suspects he is used to the fact it takes me a bit longer to get to him and pick him up as she says this is often the case with babies and Mums with additional challenges.

I plan to contact a few charities such as the Neuroblastoma Society to raise further awareness of pregnancy and disabilities. My consultant thinks I am the first Mum to have had a baby following neuroblastoma. Hopefully the first of many.  I also plan to start working with a charity to design some equipment to help me and other disabled Mums. I will keep you posted.

Anyway, lots of love to your all. Xxx