Friday 19 April 2013

Sunday 21st April 2013

On Thursday Freddie had what should be his last appointment at the Children's development centre at Nottingham City Hospital.

The chunky monkey weighed in at 25 pounds exactly which puts him just above the 50th centile for his age.
This is great, we have really noticed him filling out lately so are very pleased.

His height was also taken and he measured in at 84cm. Again this is on the 50th centile for his age meaning he is roughly of average height. Good enough for me!

The doctor was pleased to see him walking and playing and I explained that he is saying new words every day.

All good on the development.

Then the doctor listened to his heart..
This went on for much longer then I was happy about.
When I say much longer it was probably about two minutes. However the second I realised he was listening for more than his usual 20 I got into a bit of a fluster.

The doctor was listening to Freddie's heart murmur. He asked if the doctors at Glenfield have discussed a murmur with us.

I was sure that in his clinic letters the doctors have always mentioned a murmur but the terminology is always a bit complex.

Anyway, the doc said he would contact Freddie's consultant.
The next day I rang a cardiac liaison nurse at Glenfield hospital. She was wonderful and explained what a heart murmur is and that the doctors who have scanned Freddie's heart numerous times would be aware of it.
She told me I shouldn't be worried which is always nice to hear from a professional.

A reminder, however small, of difficult times past is never very welcome by me.
However, it also makes us appreciate Freddie's amazing development even more.




Monday 15 April 2013

Monday 15th April 2013

Yesterday we had a lovely day at the seaside.
We ventured to Chapel St Leonards and did all of the usual 'seasidey' things.

Crawling is definitely a thing of the past for Freddie these days.
The little star is happiest when he is walking around exploring.

Here are some photos from a day in the sunshine...


Sunday 7 April 2013

Sunday 7th April 2013

It has been a while since my last Freddie update.

Today might not be the best day to write about the little monkey man given on two occasions he has been very naughty and tried to scratch and pinch my face in anger!

I think frustrated is the best way to describe Freddie at the moment.

The problem being of course that we don't actually know what he is frustrated about.

He had a tummy bug a week ago and was a poorly little man for a few days. It has made him very clingy and not in the happiest of moods.

Freddie is at that tricky age where he is in transition from baby to toddler.

I have always said I would try not to rush things on with Freddie. I always remember with Samuel wanting and encouraging him to progress so quickly.
I think because Freddie is our second i like the idea of him being a baby for longer.

Added to that is Freddie's prematurity at birth and his illness. Who wouldn't mollycoddle a child who has been through so much?
However, we can't accept angry, naughty behaviour but it is very difficult to punish him.

A classic example occurred only about an hour ago.
We had arrived home and I went to put Freddie down with his toys and he kicked off. He went for my face immediately and he's a strong little monkey, those pinches bring tears to my eyes .
I sat him down and walked away...
He head butted the floor.
I scooped him up and put him in his cot where he can't hurt himself.

He started working himself up into such a frenzy that Jon came rushing up saying he was going to get him.
We can't help but worry about his blood pressure and his heart when he is getting himself in a state.

I think I actually need to ask the question (which I am already almost certain I know the answer to) of whether or not a tantrum is any cause for concern.

Otherwise we are making a rod for our own backs by constantly cuddling him to calm him down whenever he has thrown a wobbler!

On on lighter note, we have actually had a weekend of nice spring-like weather.
Strike up the band, get the flags out, do a celebratory dance- HOOOORAH!!

It has been so lovely to be outside.
It has been a weekend of, sandpits, trampolines and slides. Football, lightsabers and a spot of archery!