M is for...

...the month of March (obviously)

It is also for...MORE.

I have more teeth.  This month I have sprouted 3 more making 6 in total.  I tend to produce teeth quite covertly and these were no exception.  Mum noticed this time when I was a bit grumpy and then I nibbled her arm leaving more teeth marks than she expected!

I am putting on more weight.  I now weigh 9.5kg, more than 10 times my birth weight!  Apparently, you are supposed to double your birth weight.  That wasn't such a challenge for me but if you count the weight I was when I went home last April (around 4kg) then I'm doing well.  This weight gain has meant M+D cannot carry me in the Baby Bjorn anymore and carrying me in their arms is cuddly but they go all puny and get tired far too soon.  My friend and namesake Arthur, and his Mum recommended a backpack type carrier and I've been nice and comfy in that. M+D can both carry me around for ages now!  Thank you Artie!

M is for Mauritius!

We (M+D and I) went on holiday this month.  None of us had ever been to Mauritius and in celebration of one year since my early arrival and Dad's birthday and Mum having been at work for nearly 6 months, off we flew.  Mauritius is MARVELLOUS.  The sun shone everyday.  I went swimming everyday. I tried lots of new foods including curries, rice crispies and sorbet, everyday.  I got lots of hugs from the lovely staff at our hotel and from many of the guests too.  We went to the 7 Coloured Earths and saw giant tortoises.  Whilst we were there, several honeymoon couples from India came up and asked M+D if they could have a cuddle and picture with me.  I tried to be as accommodating as I could be and didn't complain too much.  Apparently, it is good luck to cuddle a baby on your honeymoon and they thought I was super cute (naturally!!!) and so wanted a hug.

M is for minus too.  (I know it's a bit tenuous but bear with me!)
This week the oxygen concentrator and the cylinders that I needed when I was first home from hospital were finally removed.  The doctors thought it best I hung on to it over the winter in case my lungs didn't cope well with chest infections in the cold weather.  I have managed to survive the winter without a single admission to hospital and I've not needed steroids or oxygen.
I also have less hair having had my first haircut.  Dad had become slightly distressed by the hair growing over my ears and so took me along to meet his barber, Vic.  I watched Dad having his hair cut and then it was my turn.  I only had a little take off the back and sides but M+D both think I look more grown-up for it.  I'm not so sure.

First haircut in a special chair

M is finally for mimicking.  I am now starting to copy facial expressions when Mum pulls faces at me.  I also copy her when she claps at me.  This amuses her no end.  Along with this, I am babbling away and saying 'da da' and 'ga ga' and 'doh-doh' (in honour of our trip to Mauritius).  Still no 'ma ma' yet but that hasn't stopped M+D trying to teach it to me.

So, another month has been and gone and I am approaching my second first birthday at the end of April.  More hospital appointments to come so I'll let you know how they all go...

love to all

Arthur xxx

Fantastic February

Hello to all!

I hope everyone has had as good a February as me!  It looks like many of you have been busy checking out my blog.  Over 100,000 hits since my musings began last year.  Thank you.  And thank you to George from the Nursery for my birthday card and thank you to PJ for taking an interest in my story too.  I hope you continue your training to help Mums and babies out there.

I've been very busy with nursery, swimming, visiting friends and family and more hospital appointments.

Splish splash

I've settled in well to 'Blue room' at nursery and I have established my sitting so I can play and reach for things.  M & D are beginning to learn that my reach is further than they think.  Hee hee. The staff at the nursery have helped me make M&D a Valentine's day card and also managed to make sure I wasn't covered in as much glitter as the card.  Dad and I also made a card for Mum too.  Dad couldn't quite manage full handprints but my thumb prints were super cute!

I had another hospital appointment on February 14th.  My kidney doctors say I am thriving and I keep getting heavier and longer and my head is growing too.  It is still a bit behind my length on the centile chart but getting bigger nonetheless.  Mum says that she and Grandad P don't have enormous heads so may be I'm just taking after them.

Another appointment followed the following week.  This time with the Community Paediatrician.  My lovely physio thought it would be a good idea to get me 'in the loop' for community follow up so I, and M&D, can get help with planning my schooling and possible occupational and speech and language therapy.  She said I was 'spot on' with my social skills for my corrected age of 10 months but that my gross motor skills were a bit behind at 8-9 months. Nothing too horrid and she was pleased I wasn't showing any signs of abnormal movements or asymmetry so that's good.

I have started another term at swimming and now we are swimming through hoops and gliding underwater (with the help of Mum).  Apparently, we will do a Mexican push and glide at the end of term when all the Mums and babies push off from the wall underwater, one after the other.  Sounds cool!

We have been busy driving up and down the M1 too.  Firstly, we spent the weekend with some of Dad's oldest friends in Leicester.  It was very pretty with the countryside covered in snow.  I managed to avoid a snowball fight but Dad got beaten by the other children.  It was so nice to see M+D and their friends enjoying themselves and having some time to relax and do nothing.  And I got snuggly hugs and playtime with 5 different new young friends.

Me and snow!  Wrapped up snug as a bug.

Another weekend, we drove back up the M1 to Mum's old school so she could give a talk to students there about being a medical student and junior doctor.  They seemed to like her talk and I got to see where she went to school and to see Granny W and Grandad P and Nana.  We all headed a bit more north the same weekend to Hebden Bridge to visit more friends for the night.  We went for a walk in the Yorkshire hills and I had a bit of roast beef.  Generally I chewed it and spat it out and dropped it on the floor.  I'm still learning how to let go of things in a controlled way and I've only got 3 teeth but I'll get the hang of it soon enough. Then over 4 hours on the M1 home again. But now I have a big car seat which lets me see where we're going so I was able to talk to M&D all the way!

Nice and warm inside after snowball fight

Granny W came down to babysit one day too.  The nursery had a training day so she came to look after me so M&D could go to work.  She brought me some new toys to go with my electric xylophone.  I got a drum, a laptop and a mobile phone.  I like playing with Mum's computer and phone so now I have my own.  They don't seem to let me Skype to people like Mum's but the buttons are easier to press and they all play music and have flashing lights.

Dad earned some man points by demolishing the enormous headboard/shelf thing in their bedroom.  It was attached to the wall by more screws than most people would deem necessary and Dad managed to remove it without taking the bedroom wall down too.  Well done Dad.  The room looks so much bigger now and there is room for more pictures of me on the wall.  Fab. Next task is the garden which has a non-Arthur friendly pond.  Watch this space....

I've now met some of Mum's new work colleagues too.  She and I went to a party in West London for the 40th birthday of one of her Consultants.  There were lots of people and it was quite noisy but I took it all in my stride (and lapped up the attention) and everyone thought I was super cute (naturally).  Mum was very pleased I didn't scream the place down but she did realise that I am now over 9kg and holding me for a while makes her arm ache!
 
I've had a slight eye infection, probably as a result of rubbing snot from my nose into my eyes.  I've battled on (as usual) even when M+D have had to clean my eyes as my eyelids were stuck together.  To thank them, I have kindly given it to Mum so now she has sore eyes and can't wear her mascara or contact lenses.  This is apparently a big deal in Mum world!

1st March 2011 - times (and weights) have changed

As for me, I've got over my third cold of the winter and my eyes are less gummed up. Still, plenty more bugs at nursery if you look hard enough!!

love to all,
Arthur
xxx

Happy Birthday to Me!

Well ladies and gentlemen, who'd have thought it? It's been a whole year since my unexpected arrival into the world and I am now officially 1 year old.  Of course, I still have 13 weeks and 4 days until my 'biological' 1 year celebrations but I, and M+D, like a good excuse for a party so I get 2 birthdays.  Lucky me. Just think, this time last year I had just travelled down the A40 from Northwick Park to Chelsea and Westminster and was settling in to NICU for the long haul with M+D following behind in the car not knowing how the next few hours let alone 12 months would pan out. 

January 2011 (26cm, 990g)

 

January 2012 (69cm, 8900g)

I have been busy since my last post.  I have learned to sit without any help, I have moved up into the Blue Room at Nursery with the 12 month olds and I now go to Level 2 classes at Gymboree!

M+D were a bit worried about my moving up into the older class at Nursery as I am only 9 months old corrected but my lovely physiotherapist visited me and my Nursery nurses and said I would be fine and that are doing a good job of helping me learn to roll and improve my co-ordination and independence.

Watching bubbles

M+D went out with friends to see a play so I got to spend an evening with my Godmother, Sherifa.  I only had a little strop and then settled down.  

To celebrate my first, first birthday we had a party.  Mum tried lots of cake recipes for my party.  Regular readers will know what I'm about to say...I didn't get to eat any of it!  Although I was given a small bit on my birthday.  Thank you M+D!  I think I need to keep trying more cake just in case I turn out not to like it though. And now I have teeth to help me eat it too!  I have taken the sprouting of teeth in my stride.  So much so, that M+D didn't spot what was going on until I nibbled on Mum's finger and surprised her with a bit more than the usual gummy bite! Now she is threatening me with a tooth brush and tooth paste.  My Grandad P and Aunty Lizzie will be proud!

Arthur 'McSmall' with his Mr. Small cake

Today we went to the Science Museum with M+D's friends, Ben, Sam and their 3 children.  We saw lots of clever stuff including the original model of DNA made by 2 blokes from Cambridge and engines from lots of different motors and a piece of the actual moon!  Very cool. I think Dad and Ben could have stayed there all day.

Me and DNA

When we got home, it was present opening time.  I'd already opened my cards and thought that was over the top but the presents were something else!  Gosh, I feel very special indeed.  I got plates with Peter Rabbit on them, and plates with my name on, and a train set, and a big cuddly dog, and a musical elephant, books, a rattle and monkey.  Thank you to everyone!

Me and my presents.  I really liked the tissue paper! Oh, and the laptop is Mummy's.

Well, I hope my second year is slightly less hospital orientated but just as exciting as I learn new tricks and get bigger and more mobile!  Watch out M+D...

Me? Cause trouble?!

love to all,

Arthur xxx

We Wish You A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Wow, my first ever Christmas and Mum and Dad's first Christmas as a Mum and Dad. They haven't got used to this. Dad even handed my pressie for him (labelled to Dad) to Grandad; but I'm sure they'll learn. We all travelled down to Grandad and Granny E's for Christmas Day and Boxing Day and my cousins, my Uncle and Aunt and Granny W also came down to help us celebrate.



Eccles x3

 Granny E is getting much stronger after her hip operation but M+D did the cooking on 25th and Uncle Toby and Auntie Julia cooked on Boxing Day so she could have a rest.

I can't quite fit a whole camera in my mouth

December has been fairly peaceful really.  No more A and E visits but a physio appointment and a developmental appointment.  I am not doing too badly overall and certainly there is no obvious difference between my right and left arms and legs and I can now sit on my own for a little while.  The doctor did say that my head circumference is falling behind my weight gain and my length which may be indicating that my brain isn't as big as it should be.  He did say it's quality, not quantity that matters but it is something M+D were well aware of following my MRI way back in May.  We will know a bit more in April next year when I have my full 1 year check.  In the meantime I will put up with M+D helping me roll, sit and get stronger. My physio says I am developing slowly but steadily but the good news is that I'm not doing anything 'abnormal'.



Slow but steady progress with important tasks of daily living!


I am still enjoying nursery and starred in the Nativity Play as a star!  M+D came to watch but I heard Dad talking and when he didn't pick me up I made it very clear that this wasn't on so then M+D had to take turns in holding me so I didn't disturb the rest of the play!

We have been to lots of Christmas parties too.  The usual food issues applied - M+D ate all the cake and mince pies, I had milk and my usual mush!  This is going to have to change by next year!

Finger food

We have been given lots of cards and presents - thank you very much indeed.  Personally - I rather enjoyed the wrapping paper - tastes lovely!  I've now got a train set, clothes, boots, xylophone and teddies just to name a few things.  I've got more animals for my Ark too.  I'm turning into David Attenborough but without the fake footage!


Not all of these presents were for me!


A slightly worrying development  is that I am having 'night terrors'.  This involves me going to sleep then about an hour or so later, screaming and crying inconsolably for a few minutes before falling back to sleep. This is very disconcerting for M+D who find my crying very distressing especially when their cuddles and kisses don't settle me.  Apparently I'll grow out of it and I don't remember the episodes but it's not very nice for M+D.  Sorry.



Mine!


So we are heading into 2012 and I am approaching not one, but TWO birthdays, though both to celebrate my being one year old!  I think M+D have some celebrating to do.  It's been a long year but we are still going strong and we are looking forward to a new year and more adventures!

Love to all and wishing all a very happy 2012

xxx

November musings

Well hello again,

November has been pretty eventful! It's been Mum's first month back at work. So it's been all change here. I'd already got used to my lovely nursery but now M&D have to be rather more organised to get me there and back on time. Only one episode of running up the road so far but it's early days! I've also got a new buggy - a Maclaren.  Apparently it's THE buggy for hip young things.  Or it's easy to fold so it doesn't take up so much room at the nursery.  Hmm.
Mum's new job is at a new hospital so she's had the joy of Occupational Health (two jabs, big bruise and a sticking plaster an inch away from the injection site!) 

Out for brunch

Settling in for Mum has involved new machines and computer systems but same old requests. She has survived her first on call; everyone agreed it was a busy one but at least she has experienced most on call scenarios in one hit!

And I've started new swimming lessons.  I still like going underwater and now I reach out for the toy fish.  I'm still not entirely sure why I have to kick my legs; well Mum holds me and guides me through the water so why should I do it myself?

The other big news from the grown-ups was that Granny E broke her hip on holiday and had it fixed in Turkey. They were very glad they took their iPad with them or they might still be there: huge troubles getting my Granny and Granddad back again. Cue much running around. We needed to get M&D, me, Granddad and Granny E with her leg out straight, all back from Heathrow. I was as good as gold and we managed it despite the fact that Mummy really wasn't well. Now that I'm at nursery I've been catching all sorts of viruses and bringing home to share with M&D.

SJAE, JASE and me (AJSE)

There have been more tests for me. This time I had a special kidney test. I had to be injected with special radioactive stuff (eeek). They were lovely and managed to get a drip in first time. So I got radioactive wee and they got special photos of my kidney. Sadly not kidneys. They only saw one, because my left kidney is not working at all. One is enough but it's one more thing for M&D to worry about.

We have had yummy dinners with friends and M&D went for a quiz without me so I got babysat by James and Cat.  I was fairly well behaved and Deliverance provided an awesome Thai green curry for James and Cat!
We also had a lovely afternoon tea with the NCT Mums and Dads and their children.  All of the babies are growing up fast and some are moving fairly quickly around the floor too.
We went to my first fireworks display.  I wasn't all that bothered really.  M&D were very pleased I didn't cry.

notice the fireworks are behind me! 

My physio is coming along.  Still no real independent rolling or sitting but I'm getting stronger so hopefully it won't be too long.  Other parents have said that M&D should enjoy my immobile phase - it doesn't last long enough!

Last week wasn't quite so fun.  I wasn't very well and Mum had to come home from work and pick me up from nursery as my temperature was high and I was sleepy.  She took me to the GP who was able to see me the same morning.  A medical student saw me first, then the GP.  He said it was best Mum took me to A and E as I was breathing very fast and might have a nasty infection.  Mum sped me to the hospital (via the supermarket for emergency nappy and wipe purchase).  I was seen in the same cubicle as the last time I went to Tommies and was seen by the same doctor.  I had blood tests, a chest Xray, urine tests and I was stripped to my nappy and given lots of Calpol as I was so hot.  Mum was very anxious and the doctors did their best to reassure her that I had a virus and didn't need to stay in hospital.  I did my best too by smiling lots (except when I had my blood taken) but Mum said that smiling and giggling when I'm poorly  makes it harder to tell when I'm sick.  Thank you again to all the staff at St. Thomas' Paediatric A and E.  I have a feeling this won't be the last time I see you!

I'm back to my usual smiley-self and back at nursery although M&D are still watching me very closely - not much change there then really.

So all in all, a productive month.

I know, I'm adorable

Love to all,

Arthur xxx

Boo!

Happy Halloween!

The countdown for Mum going back to work continues and that means more nursery for me and more paperwork and online modules for Mum.  I turned 9 months last Saturday and 6 months old corrected on Tuesday.

I have been doing some work myself. I did my first unaided roll from my front to my back and I can sit up on my own for several seconds without falling over.  This is a big deal apparently - something to do with milestones and my brain being able to tell my body what to do in the right way. My physio will be pleased!

Sitting on my own.  Clever me!

I have also been developing my voice.  Spending time at nursery with other babies has encouraged me to talk and now I'm making all sorts of new noises. M+D say I like the sound of my own voice.  Truly my father's son then!  Granny W and Grandad and Granny E have been Skyping with me and listening too.

On Thursday, Mum and I went to Northwick to see her old work colleagues and friends before she starts her new job.  I got lots of hugs off lots of people who all said how much I'd grown and how well I looked.  I showed off my new 'glasses grabbing' skills but also did my usual super-cute smiling and chatting.  Mum says she is going to miss Northwick but it might be easier not to go back to work there right now considering it's where my journey began in such stressful circumstances!  I have a feeling we will go back to say hello fairly soon!

Saturday was my first childrens' birthday party for Ozzy and Maddy.  The invitation came through the post addressed to me but it did say I should bring M+D too.  I got dressed up in my skeleton baby grow to fit in with the Halloween theme.  There were pumpkins to decorate, a magic show and Punch and Judy.  M+D picked up tips for childrens' parties for me when I'm a bit older.  Mum will be getting the recipe for the yummy cake!

Giving Dad careful pumpkin decorating instructions

Not sure how closely he listened!

Today I got up at my usual time.  M+D didn't seem too pleased.  No one had told me that the clocks went back!  It did mean I got snuggles with them in bed though and I did more rolling practice and sitting. We all went to lunch at The Black Dog on Vauxhall to meet up with Lucy and her son, Toby.  M+D bumped into another friend, her husband and her son, William too.  He looked really well and is clearly enjoying being at home after his long stay at Tommies.
Toby is getting bigger too.  He can sit up with support and can support his own head.  He smiled and chatted too but we both got a little fractious by the end of the meal as it got quite loud in the pub.  Sunday lunches at the Dog are obviously popular with families!

My bony body suit

Weekends are also DIY time and Dad earned more 'man points' by fixing a light and painting the kitchen window that has been looking a little sorry for itself.  Well done Dad.

Now I know many of you are quite addicted to reading my blog and catching up on what I get up to but once Mum is back to work, my weeks will be fairly quiet so I think it is a good time for me to reduce my blogging activity to once a month.  I'm sure you understand.

Bye for now - next installment will be later in November.

Preparing to crawl; well, may be...

Love to all,
Arthur
xxx

Nursery in earnest

Evening all.

I settled in so well at nursery last week that I spent even longer there this week so Mum could do stuff around the house and get her paperwork updated for her return to work.  Apparently she hasn't needed to complete so many forms since she first started work so getting all the stuff together is taking her a while!

Thursday was a busy social day for me and Mum.  We headed south to Dulwich for morning coffee with Sophie and her daughter, Rose.  She is 12 weeks old and Mum says she is a light as a feather in comparison with me.  I showed her how to eat solids and drink from a bottle.  She showed me how to practice standing on Mum's knee.  Mum and I then headed further south for afternoon tea with my swimming buddies.  Mum had baked scones (lots and lots of scones) and other Mums had made yummy sausage rolls, cupcakes, gorgeous little finger sandwiches, brownies and Dutch fruit cake.  I'm sure you've already guessed what I'm going to say next but once again, none for me!  I tried so hard to look extra cute in order to get even a crumb but nothing!  Humph.

On Friday afternoon M+D and I headed down to Herefordshire for a weekend in the country with Simon and Cathrine.  It took us over 2 hours to get out of London and only a further 2 hours to get to our destination.  We had to go into Wales and everything!  I tried very hard to keep cheerful but the situation and being in my car seat got the better of me and I had to voice my unhappiness on the M4.  Mum coped very well and fed me and chatted to me whilst Dad drove.

Saturday was glorious sunshine and we went for a walk, a pub lunch and another walk.  Sunday wasn't so bright and I was a bit below par so Mum, Cathrine and I drove to the Sunday lunch destination whilst Dad and Simon and his friends walked.  Simon took me for my own little walk and showed me sheep and hills and countryside.  We then headed back to London - more time in the car seat for me.  This time it was Dad's turn to feed me whilst Mum drove.  The journey home was a lot quicker than the way out which was a nice end to the weekend.

Speedy journey hone!

love to all,
Arthur xxx