Well Ashling is finally smiling and getting used to being at home. It took longer than we'd expected for her to figure it all out! But she's a lot more relaxed now.
A quick update on her wellbeing since we got home: Unfortunately when we went in for an appointment with the Orthopedic team, they decided that Ashling would benefit from a few more weeks of casts as one knee wasn't as straight as the other so she's back in the full leg casts - poor little thing cause it's very hot here in Auckland at the moment. Only a couple more weeks hopefully. The team in there are fantastic though and couldn't be giving her better care.
The biggest challenge since we've come home has been her feeding. She has developed very bad reflux, which apparently is quite common for babies who are predominantly fed by tube. This means that her feeds are taking ages and she's pretty uncomfortable during them so we have to take frequent breaks. We're hoping things will improve though as her Dr has prescribed something which should help.
In relation to her oxygen, she seems to be more comfortable and doesn't seem to be working as hard with her breathing so the home care nurses have started trying to gradually wean her down or off the oxygen. So fingers crossed over the next few weeks.
Otherwise, she's gaining weight and looking good - we just need to get rid of the bloomin' tubes!
Sorry that I haven't been in touch, it's been really busy. Ashling has been getting excellent home care with almost daily visits and she's getting her casts changed weekly as well so I haven't had time to do anything, besides take care of her. I've decided to stop expressing milk though and start giving her formula (very tough decision!) so hopefully that will give me some bit of time. Feeding has been taking well over an hour, then I express and then have about a half hour before it starts all over again. Pure madness! Things should start to ease up now hopefully. Bring it on!!!
Thanks again for reading this. Will put some more photos up in the next week or two. xxxxx
WOW!!! 3 and 1/2 mths, almost time for school.
ReplyDeleteCaroline, it is hard to put them on formula for the first 2 feeds, then it's like, bring it on. Ashling will also probably put more weight on in a more steady progression. Then it's time for solids. Yeeha!!!
We think of you all constantly and would really love to visit. However, I am onto my second cold, Matt has had one and Olivia is teething therefore she also has a cold. No chance of us coming near the little munchkin yet I am afraid.
If you need anything just let us know, we are available for laundry duties etc, etc.
Love you all
The Fells
xxx
Hey there duckie's
ReplyDeleteSorry for the slack contact, glad to see all is going well and Ashling is improving cant wait to see the update photo's i could image she's getting so big now. Thats hard decision going to formula but you know best and at the end of the day its what you feel is right.
We must skype again cant wait to see you guys.
Look forward to see ye soon (on Skype). ye so good for keeping the web page going good for ye.
Well ye all take care of yourselves now chat to you soon
Love to ye all
Big hugs and kisses
teasie xxxxxxxxxx
Hey guys, wow can't believe time is going by so fast and how brilliant Ashling is doing, she'll be in Ireland before we know it beating up her new cousin!
ReplyDeleteCan relate somewhat to what you're going through Caroline giving up the feeds, it is tough and you're very much torn, but believe me it will get better and you'll be fine. Put Ger on formula mixing duty and it'll be great!!
We're thinking of you all the time and praying all is well. Our munchkin is a year old in two weeks, now that's how quickly it flies :-( Lots of love from Karol, Brian and Emma