On Tuesday it was Benedict's tenth birthday ... double digits, where did the time go? It only seems like yesterday, that I was calling the labour unit to contact my midwife.
On that very same day, my mum made a call which I thought was to wish a Happy Birthday, but very quickly I realised this was not the case and Dave had the onerous job of telling me that my Dad had been airlifted to Blackpool Coronary Care Unit, following a massive heart attack. He was playing bowls at the time and apparently went drip white and keeled over. I am so grateful that an opposing team player knew how to administer CPR, he saved my dad's life and kept him going until the paramedics arrived.
Immediately after my mum's call I jumped into the car and made the three hour round trip to collect her and bring her back to our house, whilst we waited for my brother to pick her up and take her to his house in Lytham, which is twenty minutes from the hospital. Despite my having been in chronic pain earlier that day, the adrenaline kicked in and I was able to step up to the challenge as needed.
Wednesday saw me driving on the motorway again, so that we could all visit my Dad on the CCU. Benedict and Pip coped really well with the situation and it was good to see my Dad managing to share a joke with them.
On Friday I was Gracie minding all day as Kathryn collapsed with some sort of flu like virus, I kept her entertained and nappy changed and took her to mummy when she needed feeding. Despite all the chaos around us that precious wee babe is a balm for any weary soul and her smiles, chatterings and giggles brighten the darkest days, I am so grateful to be her grandma.
On Saturday Benedict's pump failed again, arggh!! The motor packed in just as I was instigating a set change, so we were on auto pilot ringing medtronic in America to arrange a replacement via courier as well as sorting a back up system with the insulin pens. Poor Benedict had to miss his planned birthday treat to the megazone, but we hastily arranged an afternoon with our friends and all was well.
So grateful for my lovely friend Debs, organising a birthday cake for Benedict on that Saturday afternoon, complete with candles and a Sparkler letter B, which was impossible to blow out! With a bit of luck I'll eventually post a video of him and the cake as well as the few random pictures from his rather eventful birth day.
We've been up and down the motorway again today to visit Dad. He's had varous tests and is awaiting heart by-pass surgery; he sees the surgeon tomorrow. He's in good spirits but I know we'll all be glad once he's sorted.
I have more driving ahead of me this next week. Benedict has a trip to Leeds for a diabetic appointment and Kath, Gracie and I will hopefully be in Cumbria on Wednesday, packing up her belongings as the two of them are coming home to roost!! God knew what he was doing when that conservatory went in as the downstairs front room as from next week will be their room. If I remember, I'll do a before and after shot. Just think we get to have snuggles with this little miss cutie pie on a daily basis:
Yay for Ergo's, she was on my back when this shot was taken, courtesy of Kath's i-phone. I mean , look at that adorable face, how can any of us be down with her around?!!
Gracie Boo we love you to the moon and back.
