Holidays and Hospitals - 5 May 2009

It has been an eventful year so far.  Probably too much to list and certainly too much for my frazzled old grey matter to recall.

We went on holiday again!  Same place as last year - Mitchelland Farm in the Lake District.  We went with a couple from church and had a really lovely time.

A key feature of this holiday was the fact that we were able to go in the van!  This meant that on trips out, all six of us could travel in the same vehicle.  There are more economic benefits to this arrangement than you might think.  Free parking with our blue badge (parking is expensive almost everywhere in the Lakes) and free trips on the ferry across Lake Windermere.  It was sort of like being on the school minibus, only with more singing!    I'll probably put some photos in the gallery at some point, but not had time yet.

As I write this, I'm in hospital.  Mobile internet is a handy thing!  Morgan is in for some routine procedures.  It has gone well.  It'll be an overnight stay for him, but he should be able to come home tomorrow.

The modifications for Mo's needs trundle on.  We have done a lot of work in the front room downstairs; there is a hoist installed, extra electrical points and Sharon's done some decorating.  We've also restored some of the original 1930's features to the room - picture rails and coved ceiling.  It looks really nice!  Sharon is already calling it her favourite room in the house. Nothing but the best for our Mo!

The rest of the adaptation work - well that's a very long, tedious, drawn-out process.  We've chose the style of the kitchen (half its present size - gah!) and there's a chance that work will begin in the last quarter of this year, giving us a downstairs adapted bathroom and a tiny kitchen.  *sigh*

We're also looking forward to James starting school this September.  I know that's a way off yet, but I may not post another blog before then.  Hah!  That's also quite a complicated process.  Meetings to attend, forms to fill out.  He has a place in an ideal mainstream school with excellent support for special needs.  We feel very optimistic about his prospects there.

James really has come on so much.  He is still functionally operating at about half his age in many ways (communication and play especially) but he keeps demonstrating that he has an amazing memory for people, places and events.  The light is definitely on!  We suspect that he is starting to find his communication difficulties quite frustrating, poor chap.

Unfortunately James has recently been diagnosed with stones in his bladder.  Ouch!  We're awaiting further consultations in respect of treatment but it may well mean surgery and another trip to Alder Hey, where I am today.  This problem is interfering with his sleep - it's very painful.

In the meantime, Mo is sleeping considerably better.  Not up very often or for very long, as a rule.  Eventually there may come a time when both boys sleep through the night - we're not holding our breath!!!

Fundraising!  That's something I must mention.  Hannah, Laura and Dave have done great things to raise money for some of the boys' needs.  See more on the fundraising pages.  Hannah deserves a special mention.  We are so grateful for all the organization and the massive time commitment that has been involved.  It is wonderful to have such amazing friends.  We are doing our best to spend the funds raised wisely!