The sun shone and the feeling of summer was deffo felt in the Riley household. Out came the bbq and it was delicious. The kids played out and it was wonderful hearing them laugh and have fun together. Unfortunately I can't post a video but Harry instantly disliked the trampoline. "don't ike it mommeee" uttered constantly until he was off it.
Cannot believe daddy "do you know how many accidents I've been to involving trampolines" stood and watched the others bounce about and laugh hysterically. I love hearing my children laugh. Hope the weather lasts into the weekend.
On a sober note, 7 days til we find out if Harry is still in remission or if the strange patch on his left Eye has manifested into something nasty. I am feeling anxious....
Friday, 31 May 2013
Saturday, 25 May 2013
This time 9 years ago....
I was a mum of none, or technically a mum to be. I wasn't supposed to be in Labour as I still had 6 weeks to go til my due date but in labour I was.
Rewind a couple of days and I had just been to my first parentcraft lesson, labour wasn't really discussed but that didn't matter I still had weeks to go. The next day was my last day at work, I had saved all my annual leave so I was looking forward to catching up with loads of ppl before the baby came. The Sunday aft I went to the pub with Dan and it was really warm ( yes I know may at the mo is decidedly chilly) but I thought euwww I am really sweaty down below. Woke up Monday morn to Dan stating you have wet the bed!
Oh fan bloody tastic, my waters I thought so I rang the hosp and was told to bob down and get checked out. So down I bobbed, they scanned me and said o had plenty of water and go home but ring back next day if I still thought water was leaking. Next day (9yrs ago today) I rang back and said yup, still leaking. Bob down again they said, so down I drove, round the car park a zillion times for a parking space, 3hrs ticket cos I will prob be going home again and in I went.
The midwife was astounded I had driven and was told I wouldn't be going home cos a)my waters were deffo leaking b) my blood pressure was sky high and a c-sec the next day was probably likely cos baby was 6weeks early.
Cue some dragging of other half from ambulance duties to remove my car within the next hour so not to get a ticket, then go home to get my bag (cos I seriously thought I would be sent home again) and the wait.
Well only having the one parentcraft lesson I was a little naive in what the onset of labour would be like. Baby was back to back so the severe back ache that kept coming and going was because of that so I didn't mention to midwife or ask for pain relief, when it started to really hurt round the front I tried to breathe and sleep through cos I knew I would have the baby the next day anyway.
Anyway I gave in and asked the midwife for some paracetamol, ha ha so she politely asked why hadn't I mentioned I was in pain and thought it best to check me over first.
"oh my god you are 7cm dilated and you are only now asking for pain relief" !!!!!
Think she was a little shocked, well I didn't know I was in labour.
To cut the next part short, the time til delivery took ages as baby was back to back and not budging despite mammoth pushing on my part, I was tiring rapidly and 7am the next morning the consultant decided to extract one stubborn baby rapidly, no time for theatre I was for a while an extra in a slasher movie yuk, forceps went in (Danny nearly passed out) baby was turned using said forceps and then yanked out. Our beautiful tiny baby boy Matthew was born. I couldn't sit down for weeks, needed physio cos of the delivery and spent 2 wks in hospital with Matthew in special care but he was here safe.
What was funny, on my first outing into town so I could proudly push my lovely new pram I bumped into a fellow Mum from the parentcraft group who was still pregnant. She was a little jealous as she still had a week to go, I should have had 3.
Having Matthew put me into an exclusive group of special people called mummies. It changed my life and I love every minute of it. Having him so early and in such a horrific way in the end only made me realise how strong I am. I delivered him with no pain relief, had more stitches than a c-sec and had to watch him whilst in special care without being able to hold him. I would have beaten Mike Tyson any day to protect him and I loved being a mummy so much I went on and had 3 more angels.
Little did I know 9 years ago I would have to draw on that strength in the years to come to help one of those angels fight the fight of his life. 9 years ago as I gazed at Matthew something inside clicked into place and I knew that come what may I would do anything for my children. Nothing else in life would matter.
But sadly despite having the strength of an ox and wanting to do anything for my children I cannot take away Harry's plight but I will jolly well help him all I can, I will help all of them. It is my job as a mummy to make sure my children grow and achieve their maximum potential for as long as they need me. And as I still need my mum I don't think my job will stop any time soon.
So this time 9 years ago I was on the brink of accepting my new job, one that has the biggest reward package one that I wouldn't change for the world so I thank you Matthew for starting me on my new career path, and I wish you the happiest birthday you could ever have x
Sunday, 19 May 2013
Just when you thought it was safe to......
Unfortunately I am not talking about a Jaws movie, if only it was just a matter of getting back in the water.
I am talking about Harry's roller coaster ride. Just when you thought it was safe to think Rb had done one. We have had quite a smooth ride for the past few months, there have been no dips or loop-the-loops and I suppose a touch of complacency slipped in. I was so used to hearing the words, all clear see you in 8 weeks. But this time we weren't to hear those words. Instead they have found a patch on his left eye that looks different to last time. It could be the way his eye looks, but why the change? Or it could be something evil and nasty brewing so we will see you in 4 weeks to check.
So the what-if game starts big style. And at the moment I am struggling a little, my heart and mind are in a tug of war, the sensible one is saying it will be nothing but my emotional one is saying it's something new. Why would his eye change? Something must be causing it. I know of a few children who had months and months of stability before it all started again and I pray Harry doesn't follow suit.
I have to spare a moment to ask you to think of Harry's little Rb warrior mate Owen bishop who after 2yrs ish of being stable, this week they found a new seed. Small and treatable but something new all the same. Well Rb you got your last look there cos Owen is too much of a tough little cookie!
But Harry's EUA wasn't the nicest, he played holy hell when we pinned him down to have his eye drops in. The poor student nurse who got the feet end must have been black and blue. I should have removed his shoes, sorry x as we were on the general day surgery ward the ppl in the next bed weren't Rb ppl and they looked a tad alarmed as 3 staff surrounded Harry just to put 4 lots of drops in. He really cried afterwards. Then the fun of putting him under the anaesthetic.
I carried, no wrestled Harry into theatre and along with a few members of the theatre staff held him in a vice like grip whilst they forced the mask over his face. I don't really mind him crying as it helps him breathe in the gas quicker, but the little heart breaker had us all in tears this time as after a few sobs, he took his dummy out pushed the mask away and said clear as a bell "I'm crying" before resuming struggle and sobs.
I can't imagine it will get any easier and now we don't have the luxury of an 8 week break to try and forget the trauma he goes through.
It was fantastic to meet up with macey and alfie, similar in age to Harry both diagnosed with bilateral RB. Macey did fantastic and got another all clear with existing tumours still in remission and her reward for this fantastic achievement, an 8 week break! Fantastic! Alfie however has been struggling to get his right Eye to behave and sadly his mum Rebecca had to make the heart wrenching decision to remove his naughty eye. I cannot imagine how she must be feeling. It is my nightmare and something I fear to the pit of my stomach that I should never have to do it but my love and hope goes to alfie and his family as the outcome is for the better good and the cancer won't be able to do any more harm from that eye any more. His left Eye is still stable and that's fantastic. Big hugs alfie.
So to round up our bad day, it got worse as we passed one junction on the motorway that could get us home and joined an hour's tailback from an accident that had only just happened. Fan bloody tactic!
Something good about May, Matthew turns nine next week. Omg how did that happen? It only seems like 2 mins since that tiny little monkey decided to make a very early appearance. He allowed me the luxury of one days maternity leave. He's been impatient ever since!
Wednesday, 8 May 2013
one helluva update
Je suis tres desolee mais j'oublie de ecrire mon blog pour beaucoup de temps.
In other words, am very sorry again. It has been too long since I wrote a blog entry. Not cause I didnt want to, but for some reason time seems to have slipped away so fast we're in May already.
Anyway I promise todays will be lengthy.
I shall start with Harry. Much has happened since I last wrote. To set the ball rolling here's my little Harry blue eyes. Yes showing a RB trait but still so sparkly blue.
I posted the following on Facebook. It sums up a milestone for Harry nicely...
Omg I never shared this!!!!!!!!! Harry went to Preschool this morning with William. He gets 2yo funding cos of his special needs. His visual impairment teacher wad there as his 1to1 and he loved it. I was so worried about him being safe, but I have to learn to let go and let him find his feet in his own way. It's just hard accepting he may hurt himself but when I am with him I'm responsible for him and not having that control isn't easy to accept. BUT I am over the moon he had a whale of a time and he's chattered non stop about having a nice time at school and playing in the water. I wanted him to go whilst William is still there so he can hear a familiar voice whilst he settles in. They've had to change the whole room layout to accommodate him and they've had training in looking after him which is fantastic. All the other kids smothered him trying to look after him as they've been told he can't see much and they need to look out for him. My superstar Harry is on his first wee road to finding his independence, way to go little man. I am so proud of you xx
Actually its a major milestone for me too. The little girls adored him. Isobel asks daily if Harry is coming today. The school were keen to say he has 15hours paid for and I can add additional sessions. But I think my nerves will only allow the one at the minute. But I have to reiterate how wonderful it was to see him so happy. It would have been horrendous if he cried when I left him. I enjoyed a lovely hot coffee and did my housework in record time before I went to pick him up. It was sort of quite nice not to have to monitor him constantly but I didnt half miss him.
He's really come on leaps and bounds with his development. He seems to be catching up, but sadly not in growth. He went to the hospital for some investigations into why his growth curve resembles something more like a downhill ski run. They put on some magic cream to numb areas to take blood. He was none too impressed and cried.
We then went to x-ray. He went mental as we pinned him down whilst they took x-rays of his wrists and hands. His face was purple, covered in tears and gooey runny nose stuff and he screamed til your ears hurt. The poor radiographer apologised constantly, poor girl I bet she was glad when it was finished. Harry changed instantly back into the litte lady charmer he is at that point. He fluttered his soggy long eyelashes and cooed 'bye bye lady' in his uber cutee little voice. She melted when he asked for nice kiss, and offered his puckered mouth.
That soon changed when we went back for bloods. Screaming Harry again. I am so not looking forward to Birmingham next week. His reaction to all things medical gets worse. I don't suppose I can blame him.
These tests will see if Harry's growth system is working ok, if he has any disease or something that affects growth and I'm quite positive all will be ok, but I can't help feeling that his chemo has meddled with him. Cancer has already robbed most of his sight, if its robbed him of growth too then it better stay away from me!!
It will probably be donkeys years before we get the results. He is back in Birmingham for his EUA next week. It will be 9 and a 1/2 weeks since his last. Something I am nervously terrified about. They postponed his appointment by 10 days so they could accommodate 2 new babies diagnosed and on chemo. Good in one respect as they trust his eyes will have behaved so they could move his appointment, but bad for my nerves. I am already playing the what-if game. What-if there is something new and its beyond the remit of the laser, and 10days could have made a difference? Irrational I know.
I am friends with a load of Rb Moms on facebook, and they are amazing people with a wealth of knowledge having 'been there done that' but what is worrying is the number of their children who relapsed after months of clear visits. I cannot yet get my laurels out and will make do with resting on my holly leaves. A sharp nudge every now and then to remind me that Harry still has a long way to go before we can breathe that huge sigh of relief and rest into the aforementioned laurels and smile away that Harry has well and truly kicked cancers ass.
For now, he's still kicking and I will make do with that.
Away from Harry, we received confirmation that William will join his siblings at Quernmore school. He is very excited and asks every day if he can go. I hope he is still excited in September.
Matthew turns nine in a few weeks, I so cannot believe where that time has gone. He has asked for a real football and wants to got for a pizza with a few mates. Parties are not for him - he's far too grown up. Oh okay, I sorted the grown-up invites/sorry messages for his mates. He really is growing up - until he remarked 'don't forget I want a chocolate birthday cake and party bags' Not so grown up really.
He is really tall, his feet are a size smaller than mine. I've just had to kit him out with new shoes/wellies and clothes.
Madeleine wasn't wanting to be left out so she too grew loads and ended up with some new shoes, wellies and clothes. Ask Rachel, I am not sure where my children (apart from Harry) get their tall genes from. I do know its costing me an absolute fortune. Plus growing children equals larger appetites and my fridge is emptying more rapidly. Our local Asda would go out of business if it wasnt for me!!!
Oh well, I will wind up now. I have so many blogs to catch up on and a house that needs cleaning and oodles of clothes that need name tags stitching in. I may not bother with that, whats the point? They'll only grow out of them in no time at all!
TTFN
In other words, am very sorry again. It has been too long since I wrote a blog entry. Not cause I didnt want to, but for some reason time seems to have slipped away so fast we're in May already.
Anyway I promise todays will be lengthy.
I shall start with Harry. Much has happened since I last wrote. To set the ball rolling here's my little Harry blue eyes. Yes showing a RB trait but still so sparkly blue.
I posted the following on Facebook. It sums up a milestone for Harry nicely...
Omg I never shared this!!!!!!!!! Harry went to Preschool this morning with William. He gets 2yo funding cos of his special needs. His visual impairment teacher wad there as his 1to1 and he loved it. I was so worried about him being safe, but I have to learn to let go and let him find his feet in his own way. It's just hard accepting he may hurt himself but when I am with him I'm responsible for him and not having that control isn't easy to accept. BUT I am over the moon he had a whale of a time and he's chattered non stop about having a nice time at school and playing in the water. I wanted him to go whilst William is still there so he can hear a familiar voice whilst he settles in. They've had to change the whole room layout to accommodate him and they've had training in looking after him which is fantastic. All the other kids smothered him trying to look after him as they've been told he can't see much and they need to look out for him. My superstar Harry is on his first wee road to finding his independence, way to go little man. I am so proud of you xx
Actually its a major milestone for me too. The little girls adored him. Isobel asks daily if Harry is coming today. The school were keen to say he has 15hours paid for and I can add additional sessions. But I think my nerves will only allow the one at the minute. But I have to reiterate how wonderful it was to see him so happy. It would have been horrendous if he cried when I left him. I enjoyed a lovely hot coffee and did my housework in record time before I went to pick him up. It was sort of quite nice not to have to monitor him constantly but I didnt half miss him.
He's really come on leaps and bounds with his development. He seems to be catching up, but sadly not in growth. He went to the hospital for some investigations into why his growth curve resembles something more like a downhill ski run. They put on some magic cream to numb areas to take blood. He was none too impressed and cried.
We then went to x-ray. He went mental as we pinned him down whilst they took x-rays of his wrists and hands. His face was purple, covered in tears and gooey runny nose stuff and he screamed til your ears hurt. The poor radiographer apologised constantly, poor girl I bet she was glad when it was finished. Harry changed instantly back into the litte lady charmer he is at that point. He fluttered his soggy long eyelashes and cooed 'bye bye lady' in his uber cutee little voice. She melted when he asked for nice kiss, and offered his puckered mouth.
That soon changed when we went back for bloods. Screaming Harry again. I am so not looking forward to Birmingham next week. His reaction to all things medical gets worse. I don't suppose I can blame him.
These tests will see if Harry's growth system is working ok, if he has any disease or something that affects growth and I'm quite positive all will be ok, but I can't help feeling that his chemo has meddled with him. Cancer has already robbed most of his sight, if its robbed him of growth too then it better stay away from me!!
It will probably be donkeys years before we get the results. He is back in Birmingham for his EUA next week. It will be 9 and a 1/2 weeks since his last. Something I am nervously terrified about. They postponed his appointment by 10 days so they could accommodate 2 new babies diagnosed and on chemo. Good in one respect as they trust his eyes will have behaved so they could move his appointment, but bad for my nerves. I am already playing the what-if game. What-if there is something new and its beyond the remit of the laser, and 10days could have made a difference? Irrational I know.
I am friends with a load of Rb Moms on facebook, and they are amazing people with a wealth of knowledge having 'been there done that' but what is worrying is the number of their children who relapsed after months of clear visits. I cannot yet get my laurels out and will make do with resting on my holly leaves. A sharp nudge every now and then to remind me that Harry still has a long way to go before we can breathe that huge sigh of relief and rest into the aforementioned laurels and smile away that Harry has well and truly kicked cancers ass.
For now, he's still kicking and I will make do with that.
Away from Harry, we received confirmation that William will join his siblings at Quernmore school. He is very excited and asks every day if he can go. I hope he is still excited in September.
Matthew turns nine in a few weeks, I so cannot believe where that time has gone. He has asked for a real football and wants to got for a pizza with a few mates. Parties are not for him - he's far too grown up. Oh okay, I sorted the grown-up invites/sorry messages for his mates. He really is growing up - until he remarked 'don't forget I want a chocolate birthday cake and party bags' Not so grown up really.
He is really tall, his feet are a size smaller than mine. I've just had to kit him out with new shoes/wellies and clothes.
Madeleine wasn't wanting to be left out so she too grew loads and ended up with some new shoes, wellies and clothes. Ask Rachel, I am not sure where my children (apart from Harry) get their tall genes from. I do know its costing me an absolute fortune. Plus growing children equals larger appetites and my fridge is emptying more rapidly. Our local Asda would go out of business if it wasnt for me!!!
Oh well, I will wind up now. I have so many blogs to catch up on and a house that needs cleaning and oodles of clothes that need name tags stitching in. I may not bother with that, whats the point? They'll only grow out of them in no time at all!
TTFN
Monday, 1 April 2013
April Fools - Its no joke
1st April, a day traditionally spent playing practical jokes and making fun.
1st April to me forever will be the day that our lives changed forever. The day we first heard the word Retinoblastoma.
2years ago today we were told our precious few week old baby needed to go see a specialist centre in Birmingham to check their fears and confirm that Harry had retinoblastoma. And sadly, even though our appointment was before 12noon, it was no joke. Nobody going to jump out and say 'fooled you'
Now I'm not going to dwell and live in the past too much. But there are certain dates and milestones in Harry's life that are extremely difficult to bear. I can still feel the pain I felt as I walked out of our local ophthalmology dept at the hospital, hoping beyond hope they were wrong. It was a surreal feeling, like I was floating above and looking down in on our lives. Not really real as things like that always happen to someone else. And yet we are now that someone else.
This is Harry a few minutes old, and that snuggly newborness sadly didnt last long. The memories of having a 'normal' newborn are hard to muster. There was only a few weeks of blissful ignorance of what lay round the corner.
This is Harry on the 8th April 2011, the day his diagnosis of Bilateral Retinoblastoma was confirmed. One of the most calm and serene pictures we have of him. He looks as if he is praying, he was an angel that day. He moved from life as a 'normal' baby to one of a child fighting cancer. Years of treatment and check-ups will be the life he will know.
Harry today, a beautiful cheeky little boy who brings light to all he comes across. His determination has overcome his massive disability. His extreme lack of eyesight hasnt stopped him and that is why I am not dwelling too much on the past.
Yes, he has made it through chemotherapy and the life threatening illness that came with it. Yes, he has had over 20 general anaesthetics and the risks that each one has brought and will continue to bring for the years ahead but....
CANCER, Harry is proving just what a tough little cookie he is and is ahead on points in the battle. Each visit to Birmingham brings them head to head and 'ding ding' Harry is making a gap in the points between him and cancer. He has had six clear visits now and is at 8weekly visits which is fantastic.
There is no point living in the land of ifs and buts. The 'what-if' scenario doesnt help. Harry has cancer and we have to get on with it. It has moulded him into the little character he is, he is our little Harry superstar and we love him to a million pieces.
So, April 1st, its no joke. Its deadly serious. And unlike April 1st, the joke doesnt end at 12noon, its neverending.
1st April to me forever will be the day that our lives changed forever. The day we first heard the word Retinoblastoma.
2years ago today we were told our precious few week old baby needed to go see a specialist centre in Birmingham to check their fears and confirm that Harry had retinoblastoma. And sadly, even though our appointment was before 12noon, it was no joke. Nobody going to jump out and say 'fooled you'
Now I'm not going to dwell and live in the past too much. But there are certain dates and milestones in Harry's life that are extremely difficult to bear. I can still feel the pain I felt as I walked out of our local ophthalmology dept at the hospital, hoping beyond hope they were wrong. It was a surreal feeling, like I was floating above and looking down in on our lives. Not really real as things like that always happen to someone else. And yet we are now that someone else.
This is Harry a few minutes old, and that snuggly newborness sadly didnt last long. The memories of having a 'normal' newborn are hard to muster. There was only a few weeks of blissful ignorance of what lay round the corner.
This is Harry on the 8th April 2011, the day his diagnosis of Bilateral Retinoblastoma was confirmed. One of the most calm and serene pictures we have of him. He looks as if he is praying, he was an angel that day. He moved from life as a 'normal' baby to one of a child fighting cancer. Years of treatment and check-ups will be the life he will know.
Harry today, a beautiful cheeky little boy who brings light to all he comes across. His determination has overcome his massive disability. His extreme lack of eyesight hasnt stopped him and that is why I am not dwelling too much on the past.
Yes, he has made it through chemotherapy and the life threatening illness that came with it. Yes, he has had over 20 general anaesthetics and the risks that each one has brought and will continue to bring for the years ahead but....
CANCER, Harry is proving just what a tough little cookie he is and is ahead on points in the battle. Each visit to Birmingham brings them head to head and 'ding ding' Harry is making a gap in the points between him and cancer. He has had six clear visits now and is at 8weekly visits which is fantastic.
There is no point living in the land of ifs and buts. The 'what-if' scenario doesnt help. Harry has cancer and we have to get on with it. It has moulded him into the little character he is, he is our little Harry superstar and we love him to a million pieces.
So, April 1st, its no joke. Its deadly serious. And unlike April 1st, the joke doesnt end at 12noon, its neverending.
Friday, 22 March 2013
its snow joke....
I have seen daffodils, I have seen cute little baby lambs (actually that should be baby sheep but everyone says baby lambs, you can't technically get baby lambs) I have purchased my Easter eggs and we are in the second half of March, so in my mind we are in Spring.
This time last year we had a freaky early heatwave, people were sunbathing on Brighton beach. But this morning, I woke up, looked out of the window and thought what the .....?
It was white, completely white. No bit of ground could be seen. 4inches of snow sat smugly on top of my car. Oh FFFFFFFFFS.
I absolutely hate, despise, loathe, abhor, dislike (or any other word with the same meaning) snow. It is cold and dangerous.
I live in a mini microclimate. Its weird, I can have snow yet 1mile down the hill into the village there can be barely any.
So I duly got all the children dressed for school and popped them into the car. I drove very gingerly down the hill, the wind was whipping the snow from the fields into mini tornados and whooshing them over me. My car was buffeting from side to side. I gritted my teeth even harder and thanked the Lord when I reached the bottom and the safety of the always gritted road. My road rarely sees a gritter, ok it never does.
I drove gingerly to school, pulled up outside the gate and Matthew commented, 'Where is everyone?' just as my phone beeped. It was a text message from school saying it was closed. AAAAARRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. I was not best pleased. But as I was going to Asda after the school drop off, all was not lost I suppose, but it meant taking all of them to Asda. Matthews turn now to be not impressed. He hates Asda. So do I really.
So, having done our shopping we made our way home. The roads were clear, although the closer we got to our village the whiter the fields and surrounding area got. I had already decided to take the longer but less steep hill home. My hill was covered on the way down so I didnt like the thought of driving up it. So at the bottom it seemed ok, I set off keeping it steady. The road then started to disappear under a blanket of snow. Keep going I urged the car and all seemed ok. I could see the top of the hill and I was nearly there, when I drove over a mound of snow and it threw my speed and traction and I ended up sideways.
Now excuse the language, and having the children in the car I uttered it silently to myself but f*************************k.
OMG, that was scary, but not wanting the children to be scared, I was very laughy and its ok. Don't worry, I kept saying. Now this was a scenario. I had all 4 children and shopping, no pram for Harry so walking the trek home wasnt an option really. My car was sideways on a hill, covered in snow and high snow drifts so anything else coming the other way could easily plough into me. I got out to shift some snow from behind the wheels to see if I could straighten the car up, stupid idea using my bare hands, cos I cut my finger on something sharp and it was bloody freezing. Oh hell, what am I going to do.
Now what happened next completely restored my faith in mankind. Someone was definitely watching over me. A gentleman who I see walking his german shepherd past my house walked up. He pushed and helped me straighten the car so I wasnt in such a stupid position. A landrover then came behind me. Oh well done I muttered, where do you expect me to go????
BUT, he came up and assessed the situation, and OBVIOUSLY commented 'you're not going to get home in your car in this snow'
Dur I know that now.
He then said (and he'd had a chat with man with German Shepherd and they'd discussed this)I will take you and your children home and this man (who I now know is called Barry)will move your car backwards into a safer position.
I very trustingly left my car and its spare key with Barry and got into a complete strangers car with my kids and the shopping, he did a three point turn and drove me up the impassable Moorside Rd hill way (which I didnt go up). His car drove like there was nothing on the road. Mental note, I must get a landrover.
Danny was a little confused. He got out of bed he is day sleeping in readiness for his upcoming three night shifts) and wondered where the car was.
Just then Barry rang, and said his farmer friend was going to tow my car to his house, which was a little further up the hill from where I abandoned it, and he would keep it on is drive till it cleared. He would then walk round with my key.
What a superstar, my car would be safe.
But 10mins later Madeleine shouted, our car is here. OMG, how did he get it home?? His farmer friend said it was just as easy to tow it home than tow it to Barry's house and voila.
Me, kids, shopping and now the car all safely home.
I cannot thank them enough. They were all brilliant and got me out of an extremely sticky situation.
Now came the next problem, how does Danny get to work? Well seeing as the roads in the village were clear, he arranged to walk down through the drifts and meet his ambulance mate. Brr, slippy, deep snow and cold, but he made it and is now safe at work. God knows how he will get home in the morning, especially seeing as more snow is forecast. But me and the kids are home, enough food for a few days and I have the electric blanket to keep warm.
Now, I just have to say (as the whole country moans about snow blah blah blah) why on earth to people find the attraction in paying thousands of pounds to holiday in the stuff? I just cannot fathom it out.
Now looking back over my last few posts I realise they have been lacking in pics. Harry is never still, so getting a clear, non fuzzy picture is quite hard. Here's one of him taken last week. I think its cute, he loves his dummy and blankey
This time last year we had a freaky early heatwave, people were sunbathing on Brighton beach. But this morning, I woke up, looked out of the window and thought what the .....?
It was white, completely white. No bit of ground could be seen. 4inches of snow sat smugly on top of my car. Oh FFFFFFFFFS.
I absolutely hate, despise, loathe, abhor, dislike (or any other word with the same meaning) snow. It is cold and dangerous.
I live in a mini microclimate. Its weird, I can have snow yet 1mile down the hill into the village there can be barely any.
So I duly got all the children dressed for school and popped them into the car. I drove very gingerly down the hill, the wind was whipping the snow from the fields into mini tornados and whooshing them over me. My car was buffeting from side to side. I gritted my teeth even harder and thanked the Lord when I reached the bottom and the safety of the always gritted road. My road rarely sees a gritter, ok it never does.
I drove gingerly to school, pulled up outside the gate and Matthew commented, 'Where is everyone?' just as my phone beeped. It was a text message from school saying it was closed. AAAAARRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. I was not best pleased. But as I was going to Asda after the school drop off, all was not lost I suppose, but it meant taking all of them to Asda. Matthews turn now to be not impressed. He hates Asda. So do I really.
So, having done our shopping we made our way home. The roads were clear, although the closer we got to our village the whiter the fields and surrounding area got. I had already decided to take the longer but less steep hill home. My hill was covered on the way down so I didnt like the thought of driving up it. So at the bottom it seemed ok, I set off keeping it steady. The road then started to disappear under a blanket of snow. Keep going I urged the car and all seemed ok. I could see the top of the hill and I was nearly there, when I drove over a mound of snow and it threw my speed and traction and I ended up sideways.
Now excuse the language, and having the children in the car I uttered it silently to myself but f*************************k.
OMG, that was scary, but not wanting the children to be scared, I was very laughy and its ok. Don't worry, I kept saying. Now this was a scenario. I had all 4 children and shopping, no pram for Harry so walking the trek home wasnt an option really. My car was sideways on a hill, covered in snow and high snow drifts so anything else coming the other way could easily plough into me. I got out to shift some snow from behind the wheels to see if I could straighten the car up, stupid idea using my bare hands, cos I cut my finger on something sharp and it was bloody freezing. Oh hell, what am I going to do.
Now what happened next completely restored my faith in mankind. Someone was definitely watching over me. A gentleman who I see walking his german shepherd past my house walked up. He pushed and helped me straighten the car so I wasnt in such a stupid position. A landrover then came behind me. Oh well done I muttered, where do you expect me to go????
BUT, he came up and assessed the situation, and OBVIOUSLY commented 'you're not going to get home in your car in this snow'
Dur I know that now.
He then said (and he'd had a chat with man with German Shepherd and they'd discussed this)I will take you and your children home and this man (who I now know is called Barry)will move your car backwards into a safer position.
I very trustingly left my car and its spare key with Barry and got into a complete strangers car with my kids and the shopping, he did a three point turn and drove me up the impassable Moorside Rd hill way (which I didnt go up). His car drove like there was nothing on the road. Mental note, I must get a landrover.
Danny was a little confused. He got out of bed he is day sleeping in readiness for his upcoming three night shifts) and wondered where the car was.
Just then Barry rang, and said his farmer friend was going to tow my car to his house, which was a little further up the hill from where I abandoned it, and he would keep it on is drive till it cleared. He would then walk round with my key.
What a superstar, my car would be safe.
But 10mins later Madeleine shouted, our car is here. OMG, how did he get it home?? His farmer friend said it was just as easy to tow it home than tow it to Barry's house and voila.
Me, kids, shopping and now the car all safely home.
I cannot thank them enough. They were all brilliant and got me out of an extremely sticky situation.
Now came the next problem, how does Danny get to work? Well seeing as the roads in the village were clear, he arranged to walk down through the drifts and meet his ambulance mate. Brr, slippy, deep snow and cold, but he made it and is now safe at work. God knows how he will get home in the morning, especially seeing as more snow is forecast. But me and the kids are home, enough food for a few days and I have the electric blanket to keep warm.
Now, I just have to say (as the whole country moans about snow blah blah blah) why on earth to people find the attraction in paying thousands of pounds to holiday in the stuff? I just cannot fathom it out.
Now looking back over my last few posts I realise they have been lacking in pics. Harry is never still, so getting a clear, non fuzzy picture is quite hard. Here's one of him taken last week. I think its cute, he loves his dummy and blankey
Thursday, 14 March 2013
Fandabeedozee
As the title suggests something fantastic has happened, Harry went to Birmingham and yet again has shown cancer who is boss. He is clear again. Absolutely no sign of regrowth, new tumors or jack-shit. Fandabeedozee.
'Encouraging' the consultant said. Amazing more like.
'He's still very young so we cannot be complacent' he said.
Eh? what was that? I stopped listening after the word clear. I am still smiling the biggest smile. Disney have commissioned me for the new Cheshire Cat.
SORRY ABOUT THE BREAK, FELL ASLEEP ON SOFA (SEE EARLIER POSTS RE THIS LOL) SO AM RETURNING ONE DAY LATER
Ahem, erm where was I? Oh yeah Fandabeedozee. Well I had an extra little guest on our trip, namely next bigger brother William. I knew it would be hard work, as I would be going alone with them both. Danny was at work, so Matthew and Madeleine went to my mums for a sleepover, and now William has outgrown the travelcot and is way too old to sleep in it anyway him sleeping over too would be tricky, lack of beds and it being hard work for my mum as my dad was at work too.
So me, pram, 3 bags, Harry's carseat and 2 kids went to Birmingham. Thankfully the transport provided a carseat for William. Typically it was late, so we didnt actually arrive until teatime. I had promised William he could have his tea in McDonalds (great lol)and he was amazed when his Happy Meal arrived that it was 'exactly the same as at home'.
The novelty soon wore off when back at the hotel. The TV was rubbish, no Nick Jr. The room was like a matchbox, no space to play so at 8pm he declared it was time to put shoes and coat on and go home. I could have easily agreed lol.
Anyway, he awoke in the early hours disorientated, so I snuggled him in with me. Big mistake. I got no sleep and amazingly enough didnt fall out from lying on the 3inches he allowed me to lie on whilst he was spreadeagled. I was such a dur brain I didnt think of moving over to his bed. DOH!
He charmed the pants off all the nurses and was so good, I was so proud of him. He chatted to everyone and made friends with a grandma of another patient. And she bought her grandson some smarties but offered a few to William. I was mortified when he took the packet from her (instead of letting her shake some into his hand) but smiled inwardly when he thanked her.
The play therapists were wonderful with him, and watched over him whilst Harry went about his business. I won't lie, it was both a good and a bad idea him coming. Good in that it provided me with a distraction to what Harry went through and was company in the hotel. Also he got to see what went on each time I disappear off to Birmingham. I don't think he was over impressed really. Bad, in that it was hard work getting everything and everyone to the hospital from the hotel by myself, bad that William was subjected to seeing some of what Harry goes through and that he could see other children enduring cancer treatments. I hope I don't have to take him again, purely for the bad reasons.
So we now have another 8wk holiday til the next visit. Bring it on eh Harry!
My oven has died. Something electrical or other has gone on it. Even my superstar fix everything dad can't fix it. I am fast running out of ideas of what I can cook just using the hob, microwave and slow cooker. The kids are demanding chips! I may even have to buy a deep fat fryer just purely to shut them up.
The heating oil ran out, just as it started snowing again. It took the oil company 3 days to deliver it, despite them assuring us we had been marked as priority as we have young children. I know its not their fault we ran out, and I thank god we decided to put practicality before pride and invest in an electric blanket for the bed. This is something my grandparents had, not us tough it out youngies. But it is heaven, and it is super deluxe with dual controls, a fast 5min heat up, various heat settings with an hour and 9 hour setting and even a warmer part for your feet. GO BUY ONE.
ooh, i am fast falling asleep here and I can hear my electric blanket calling me. Night peeps x
'Encouraging' the consultant said. Amazing more like.
'He's still very young so we cannot be complacent' he said.
Eh? what was that? I stopped listening after the word clear. I am still smiling the biggest smile. Disney have commissioned me for the new Cheshire Cat.
SORRY ABOUT THE BREAK, FELL ASLEEP ON SOFA (SEE EARLIER POSTS RE THIS LOL) SO AM RETURNING ONE DAY LATER
Ahem, erm where was I? Oh yeah Fandabeedozee. Well I had an extra little guest on our trip, namely next bigger brother William. I knew it would be hard work, as I would be going alone with them both. Danny was at work, so Matthew and Madeleine went to my mums for a sleepover, and now William has outgrown the travelcot and is way too old to sleep in it anyway him sleeping over too would be tricky, lack of beds and it being hard work for my mum as my dad was at work too.
So me, pram, 3 bags, Harry's carseat and 2 kids went to Birmingham. Thankfully the transport provided a carseat for William. Typically it was late, so we didnt actually arrive until teatime. I had promised William he could have his tea in McDonalds (great lol)and he was amazed when his Happy Meal arrived that it was 'exactly the same as at home'.
The novelty soon wore off when back at the hotel. The TV was rubbish, no Nick Jr. The room was like a matchbox, no space to play so at 8pm he declared it was time to put shoes and coat on and go home. I could have easily agreed lol.
Anyway, he awoke in the early hours disorientated, so I snuggled him in with me. Big mistake. I got no sleep and amazingly enough didnt fall out from lying on the 3inches he allowed me to lie on whilst he was spreadeagled. I was such a dur brain I didnt think of moving over to his bed. DOH!
He charmed the pants off all the nurses and was so good, I was so proud of him. He chatted to everyone and made friends with a grandma of another patient. And she bought her grandson some smarties but offered a few to William. I was mortified when he took the packet from her (instead of letting her shake some into his hand) but smiled inwardly when he thanked her.
The play therapists were wonderful with him, and watched over him whilst Harry went about his business. I won't lie, it was both a good and a bad idea him coming. Good in that it provided me with a distraction to what Harry went through and was company in the hotel. Also he got to see what went on each time I disappear off to Birmingham. I don't think he was over impressed really. Bad, in that it was hard work getting everything and everyone to the hospital from the hotel by myself, bad that William was subjected to seeing some of what Harry goes through and that he could see other children enduring cancer treatments. I hope I don't have to take him again, purely for the bad reasons.
So we now have another 8wk holiday til the next visit. Bring it on eh Harry!
My oven has died. Something electrical or other has gone on it. Even my superstar fix everything dad can't fix it. I am fast running out of ideas of what I can cook just using the hob, microwave and slow cooker. The kids are demanding chips! I may even have to buy a deep fat fryer just purely to shut them up.
The heating oil ran out, just as it started snowing again. It took the oil company 3 days to deliver it, despite them assuring us we had been marked as priority as we have young children. I know its not their fault we ran out, and I thank god we decided to put practicality before pride and invest in an electric blanket for the bed. This is something my grandparents had, not us tough it out youngies. But it is heaven, and it is super deluxe with dual controls, a fast 5min heat up, various heat settings with an hour and 9 hour setting and even a warmer part for your feet. GO BUY ONE.
ooh, i am fast falling asleep here and I can hear my electric blanket calling me. Night peeps x
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