Chickens and Bubbles

Big smiles

Time has got away from me again. I can't believe I used to blog almost every day. I'm not sure how I found the time!

Felix saw the Surgeon last week in regards to the possible hernia he has in his groin. This Surgeon was so lovely, and after our awful visit with the Neurosurgeon a couple of weeks ago, it was a welcome relief. From the second we walked through the door of his office, he was all smiles and full of praise for Felix. He even asked if he could take a photo of Felix wearing his "Keep Calm. It's only an Extra Chromosome" tshirt! He thought it was great!

Hello chook!

The Surgeon examined Felix and confirmed what we already know. His testicles rise up into his abdominal cavity very easily; they are always up and down. So, because of this, it's difficult to see if the lump in his groin is a hernia, or if it's just his testicle. He wants us to observe him for the next 6 months and then we'll reassess and see how it's going. He has a slight hydrocele on each side as well which we'll monitor. During the examination, the Surgeon said that if he ends up having to operate, he could circumsise Felix at the same time. It's something we discussed when he was born, but we didn't end up doing it. Once he was discharged from the SCBU unit, we just wanted to go home. We'll definitely take him up on on it if Felix has surgery. It will be one less thing Felix will have to worry about when he's older. As the Surgeon pointed out, Felix may be a pedantic clean freak (like his Mum), or he may be totally laid back and maybe not shower as often as he should. By circumsising him, it will be one less thing he has to worry about it. I must admit, I'm not looking forward to it. He's going to be very sore, and I'm going to feel really mean :(

We met Felix's new Speech Pathologist this week. We had to go through a lot of paperwork, so Felix didn't get too much actual therapy this time around, but he made sure to use a lot of his new words. His new therapist was really pleased with him and is looking forward to working more with him the next time she sees him.

Walks with 'Papa' and 'Ee'

Felix had his second lot of hydrotherapy a few days ago. I was glad to see he enjoyed it as much as the first time. Part of his therapy was balancing, while sitting, on a foam board. He did that really well, but the part that excited me, was when he wriggled to the edge of the board and threw himself towards me, into the water. He didn't wait for me to hold on to him, he just launched himself into my arms. I thought he was pretty brave considering he hasn't spent much time in the pool over the past year.

Bubbles for Blake x x x

We were excited to have my parents come up to stay over the weekend. Felix has learnt to say "Papa" and he says "ee" for Granny (Gran-'ee'). It was so beautiful to hear him wake in the morning and call out, "Papa...Ee" and go wandering off to find them. Felix enjoyed showing them the animals in the town, and taking them to see our new chickens, which he loves. They thought it was funny to see him walking around with the chickens, bobbing his head up and down, just like they do when they peck the ground. He's a funny little character. He is such a Papa's boy, and spent lots of time sitting on Papa's knee, reading stories and giving him cuddles. Mum and Dad both love going for walks so Felix was in his element. One of his favourite things to do is to go for walks, so he had a great time. He giggled his head off when, at the playground, Granny kept following him down the slide!

Lastly........

Sadly, the little boy I wrote about in my last blog, passed away this week in the arms of his Mummy and Daddy. He fought so hard to stay with them, and will be remembered for his strength and his incredible smile. Tomorrow is the celebration of his life. We won't be able to attend, but we will be dressed in bright colours and blowing bubbles, just like his family requested. Rest in peace, Blake, you will always be remembered and your family will always be a part of our special community. Sleep sweetly, little guy x x x