Morning Jules,

Was just wondering how you got on when you visited your Mum this week, and also how your daughter got on at hospital?  I do hope things are not too stressful for you and that you can try and have a relaxing weekend.

I'm waiting for my eldest to come home, he has spent somewhat of Freshers sleeping on fellow pupils floors after social events - latest was a toga party last night!  I'm off to my counsellor this morning, had originally been thinking I wouldn't need to see her for too much longer but have been so emotional this week so will talk things over with her.

The weather is forecast to be nice this weekend but is looking a bit gloomy at present.  Here's hoping it brightens up and the sun shines on us all.  Take care  Hope x

Hi Hope

Hope you visit to the counsellor was helpful and its good for you to be able to talk things through and this should last as long as you need it.

I have just returned from visiting Mum and she was ok though I am sure a little concerned at how long she will be able to stay where she.  She has amazed the staff at how forthright she was when social worker 'interviewed' her and they are left in no doubt as to what she wants. All the care staff came to see me whilst I was visiting to make sure I was okay too - very sweet.  I stayed until she was due to go into lunch and we even managed a bit of a laugh when I showed her latest photos of her great grandson.  He has really enjoyed his first week in Reception and keeps telling his mum that his teacher is the most beautiful one in the school!!

Hubby and I picked him up from school on Friday as my daughter had to return to hospital for a second day of tests and monitoring.  Specialist blood tests with regard to her liver function have been sent off and unless she hears otherwise she returns to clinic next Friday.  The last set of bloods were borderline but all readings for the baby were good.  If the new blood tests show certain 'rises' she may have to be taken in and possibly induced (she is now 37 weeks and would probably welcome is being over and done with!!).  Anyway so far so good.  I have an overnight bag ready and waiting and she has several friends on standby to get her to the hospital if her hubby is at work.  Mind you she is still driving herself at present!!

When we met our grandson at school (its only 10mins to his home) he told Grandad that he could meet us there as it was healthier to walk!!!  My hubby's face was a picture as he drove off and I walked the little tyke home!!

Life's stresses seem to come and go but having the forum to offload certainly helped me to see things in perspective this week though I think my mood swings are more due to hormones than current circumstances.

Sounds like your eldest having a great time during Freshers but will no doubt be looking forward to some home cooking.  Have a great weekend with the family and will catch up again soon.  All the best and look after yourself. Jules xx

Thanks Hope,  I am back to work tomorrow (have already rung them today to arrange leave from the 23rd (when son in law has to return to work). It will mean I can do the housework for my daughter and school runs if necessary (we are so lucky that they are only 20mins walk away!!).  My son and his girlfriend have half term week as holiday and the plan is to treat 'big brother' to a day out (providing he wants to go,of course).  Suspect all will be bedlam for a bit but if my daughter is anything like I was she will just fit Zack's routine around his older brother - she can't wait to show him off to the school Mums - there will be a new addition to the morning coffee club!!

Hope you are doing okay - not doubt work keeping you busy.  chat again soon.  Jules xx

Well CONGRATULATIONS GRANDMA. !!!!!

Wishing all your family the best of happy times and lots of celebratory moments.

So glad to hear all went well . So happy for you all.

Best wishes

Annabel.xx

Thanks Annabel

Just had a call to say daughter being kept in overnight due to heavy blood loss.  Under observation but in good spirits.  Son in law just bought our grandson home for later than usual bedtime but will go back up hospital after he has taken him to school in the morning.  Hopefully  they will be allowed home tomorrow if all settles down ok.  Chat again soon. Jules xx

Congratulations Grandma! What lovely news!

From all the Cancer Chat team

Thank you- I feel like I have gained a whole new virtual family and its wonderful to share the good news especially as I have received so much support here over the past year.  Jules x

Congratulations on the new grand baby! Somehow babies and children tend to really lift our spirits and I think they give us hope for a better future. I know you will really enjoy both grandchildren and they will make you smile even on the days when you may not feel like smiling. They do worm their way right into your heart without even trying. Have fun!

Lorraine  

Thanks Lorraine for your kind words.  If things have settled down with my daughter I am hoping she will be allowed home later today. Suspect if will depend on whether the canula can be taken out and they have been able to slow the bleeding(up to last night they did not feel she warranted a transfusion). I amgoing into work today to book few days off once our son in law goes back to work. This will give her an extra pair of hands through the half term week and also that's when hubby's next check up is due, too providing the manager agrees.

How are you keeping?

Take care Jules x

Morning Jules,

I know you'll be at work now, hope you manage to book your leave okay.

I know when we first started to discuss our pregnant daughters you will have told me what you are called but being me I have forgotton

so what is it, Grandma, granny, Nan, etc. Let an old person know will you,LOL.

Annabel. xx

Hi Annabel

I am a granny but have just replied to Garf on the amazing quotes thread about same thing.  My grandson has called me Gingy since he was little and it has stuck- so sort of have a special pet name.

Just got back from visiting the new family at the hospital.  Unfortunately my daughter had to have emergency surgery for blood clots this afternoon and is now having blood transfusions so will be in hospital a little longer.  All a bit emotional for her as the new baby was feeding really well but has had to be switched to the bottle because of the drugs my daughter has to take  Having said that the little one is happy as long as someone is giving him food and she is flat on her back full of tubes at present so it was like pass the parcel as we all took our turn with the customary cuddle.  Son in law in his element and doing a great job looking after both of them during the day. My daughter is being 'specialled' tonight so that she can sleep of the effects of today and the baby has its own dedicated nightnurse.  God bless the NHS.

Have our first photos so can take them into work tomorrow.  I am on holiday from next Wednesday (when my son in law goes back to work) and do not go back for 2 weeks so can help out during the half-term week too. Hubby has been doing the afternoon school run and all in all we are managing quite well (feel a bit shell-shocked at the turn of events, especially as she had a really good labour/delivery.

Still they are in the best place for now and we are keeping our grandson busy tomorrow so that his Mum can have a complete day of rest.

Will chat again soon.  Hope all is well with you?

Jules xx

Hi jules,

Lovely to hear from you. What a strange coincidence that both our girls had a post partum bleed and transfusions after a good birth.!!

It's funny how we all react when things don't go quite to plan, but with child birth and children thats often the way isn't it? As for feeding the baby have they not given her a breast milk extracting machine.? She could still feed the baby later . Emotionally this would be a big bonding action for her and baby which is a positive thing.

Glad to see you got the time off. Hope you sleep well tonight so you have the energy for the next few days/ weeks.

speak again soon

Annabel.xx

Hi jules,

Lovely to hear from you. What a strange coincidence that both our girls had a post partum bleed and transfusions after a good birth.!!

It's funny how we all react when things don't go quite to plan, but with child birth and children thats often the way isn't it? As for feeding the baby have they not given her a breast milk extracting machine.? She could still feed the baby later . Emotionally this would be a big bonding action for her and baby which is a positive thing.

Glad to see you got the time off. Hope you sleep well tonight so you have the energy for the next few days/ weeks.

speak again soon

Annabel.xx

Hi Annabel

Yes quite the coincidence and must say I drew strength from knowing how well your daughter recovered.  Unfortunately my daughter not allowed to express (she already had the equipment herself as used if with first baby for a while) as she on heavy duty drugs which would pass through and not be good for baby.  Far better that she gets well (they had to do quite a repair job on her insides and the bad tear aswell as dealing with the blood clots).  She was on oxygen when we got to the hospital but they were able to remove this just before we left.  Hopefully following the transfusion and a good night's rest she will feel stronger.  She said that the last 12 hrs had been a bit of a blur but baby was quite happy laying next to her on the bed. She more fed up with being prodded and poked (and has a needle phobia).  Our grandson took it all in his stride but not impressed at the baby's cry (covers his ears) but very much hands on helping (so gentle).  Was a bit bemused when helping Daddy to change the nappy - wondered why the baby had a 'klippit' for a tummy button.

Well off to work shortly and then we will have our eldest grandson after school (he not visiting hospital today) and Dad will pick him up on his way home (well thats the plan at the moment!!).

As to sleeping, managed 4 good hours before tossing and turning began so not bad at all.

Have a good day.  Jules xx

Hi Jules,

Just to say I hope your daughter is feeling better, and hope new baby continues to do well.  I laughed at your grandson not being impressed by baby's cry  - when I brought my youngest home, eldest decided to help with bathtime, as I took baby's clothes off he naturally screamed and then eldest started crying and saying "put his clothes on"!  It's one of those little things I'll always remember.  Have a good day.  Hope x

Morning Jules,

Hope your daughter is soon feeling back to full strength and able to come home again. I loved the part of your thread where your eldest grandson wondered why Zack had a klippit for a belly button! Priceless! One to remember for the archives

Glad you managed to get a few hours sleep last night . . . I managed almost a full night, only punctuated by the mandatory stoma bag check that will be part and parcel of my nocturnal routine for the forthcoming future!

Hope work is not too taxing today . . . Your mention of work and how you are moving stock round ready for Christmas, has inspired me to make this a 'Book Christmas.' Going out shopping is not going to be easy with upcoming treatments etc, so, inspired by you, everyone will be getting a book this year!

Who knows, maybe next year they'll get a book written by me! Highly unlikely!

Take care, Jo xx

Hi Jules

Just heard the wonderful news and congratulations to you and hubby on becoming grandparents for the second time.  Hope baby and mum are keeping well.  I can relate to your daughter and the blood loss.  It happened twice to me and is can be a scary moment but they will get it under control for your daughter.  Poor thing she will not have much time to think about herself as she will have two kids to run after.  I never got the chance to think about what happened because I had to get up and get the eldest one ready for school and do you know something it was best thing I could have done.

Hope hubby and mum are keeping well too.

Take care and chat soon

Mickied

Hi Hope, Jo, Brian, Mickied

Hope you dont mind a joint response but life has been a bit hectic and and routine all over the place! 

Hope;  Expect you are looking forward to catching up with your eldest over the weekend.  Any  more football matches to go to?  Hope you feeling okay.

Jo  Glad you caught up on the sleep. Cant believe I only woke once last night and then overslept till 7 this morning (thankfully no work) so was late getting to launderette which threatened to mess up the whole day but am  now back on track having visited Mum and hubby met me afterwards to do the weekly shop.  Waiting to hear if we need to do school pick up this afternoon and then hopefully will get out this evening (need a game of bingo to switch off in).

Brian

How are  you feeling; hope that  nasty cold is getting better so you can tuck into the remainder of your nut hoard!  Also trust Mrs B is getting over her tumble, so painful and can really knock your confidence (I currently have muscle problem at top of one leg and it keeps giving way - a reach pain in the a...) .  Read that your grandaughter has been doing well with her writing again (she definitely a 'chip of the old block'.  Maybe we will see both of you in print in the literary world  or you can become 'virtually famous'.  Hope you and all the family have a peaceful weekend.

Mickied

Good to see your post, had been wondering how you were. Sounds like you have had a lot on  your plate familywise and do hope things pick  up soon for you. You are due some good news and a bit of peace and goodwill.

Thanks to you all for your post re my daughter and the new baby.  Very much appreciate being able to share.  My daughter is still in hospital and we are hoping she will soon be allowed home.  Baby is doing very well and  big brother is already helping with feeding changing cuddling etc.  He is such a pleasure to watch; so gentle and taking everything in his stride and thoroughly enjoyed telling his friends at school all about his new brother.  Long may it continue.  His only complaint so far is that he does not like hearing the baby cry (walks around with hands over his ears) but we have explained this is the baby's only way of talking so he will get to know what he wants.  Apparently its 'just as well the baby has a special bed in Mummy and Daddys room (Moses basket) so that when he comes home  he wont keep him awake' - he has much to learn about the capacity of a baby;s cry.

My Hubby is a very proud and emotional grandad and it has given the whole family something positive to focus on for now which can only be a good thing.

Chat soon and thanks as usual to listening to this 'old girl's ' ramblings.  Jules xx

Hi Rambling Granny,

I hope all the family are doing well tonight and that includes you and I have my fingers crossed that you have a good win, it's about time you did. It was lovely to read that your husband is chuffed with the new addition, it's a lovely feeling when the men get involved. Good for you all to have something nice to think about. It sounds like your bigger grandson is going to be quite a character now he's an older brother, funny how they do that.

Well hope to hear how your evening went,

look after yourself Jules.

Annabel. xx

Hi Annabel

Quick update before I go to the shops to get the things I forgot yesterday!!  Picked up our grandson from school yesterday and gave him tea and played 'crashing cars' whilst having my brain numbed by CBeebies!! for an hour.  Then the doorbell went and there was my daughter, son in law and of course of new baby all on the doorstep!!  After a few arguments and lots of instructions on what not to do she had been allowed to come out of hospital.  Her iron levels are still causing some concern and they were considering a further transfusion but she was getting very stressed which was affecting her heart rate and so they have given her iron tablets instead (and a load of laxatives to help with the resulting constipation!!).  They stopped long enough to fill us us, have a drink and pick up their eldest and then were dashing back home to sterilise the bottles ready for the baby's next feed.  Am sure she will feel loads more relaxed being in her own home and she has the midwife coming in today.  The main advice to her was to act as though she has had a ceaserean and take things very easy,  no lifting, short journeys by car ok and slow walks but absolutely nothing strenuous thus giving her body time to recover.  She has asked us round later today as she wants our rocking chair (baby really liked the one in the hospital!!) so we are going to take it round. We will ring first to make sure she is up to it, of course.  Hubby is great at cooking so they wont need my efforts in that department (thank goodness as its my pet household hate!!) but once he goes back to work I can do her housework and the school runs where necessary and my hubby is currently happy to play chauffeur.

Hope all is well with  you and  your family. Sounds as though work is keeping you on your toes.  I am dreaming of Tuesday next week as thats when my time off begins!!  Chat again soon.Jules x

P.S.  No luck at the bingo but enjoyed a glass of wine with my friend afterwards to 'wet the  baby's head'.

Hi Jules,

So glad you hear your daughter is home and also that hubby is such a proud granddad.  Hopefully this wonderful event has done you all good.  Have a good weekend.  I'm nursing a cold/virus that I've had for over a week and now hubby has got it, so having a quiet weekend with family. Hope x

Hi Hope

Just wanted to say get well soon. So many colds and coughs around at the moment. We have had several people go down with bugs this last couple of weeks at work. Doing my best to steer clear as would rather not catch anything to stop me helping my daughter in the coming weeks.  My leave begins next Tuesday so I will be able to help with her housework and the school runs unti she is given the all clear by the midwife.  She is not one who enjoys sitting about at the best of times and having it forced on her at present is causing some frustration!

Do take care and really hope you feel better after resting up this weekend.  Jules xx

Hi Jules,

It's great to read that your daughter has been allowed home. What a lovely surprise to have them turn up on your doorstep like that!

I think everyone recuperates more quickly back in their own homes with familiar things (and people! ) around them, plus, hospital routines don't exactly aid recovery!

It's good to read that the arrival of Zack has boosted your hubby's spirits too. Babies always hit the spot when it comes to lifting spirits

Hope, sorry to read that you're nursing a cold. One of the delights of working in a school no doubt! I'm glad to be missing out on the annual October bug fest that blights our school as soon as the ancient heating system is fired up! Hope you'll soon be feeling better! Can I prescribe a little hot toddy? But don't let Jules' hubby know as I know he wouldn't approve of any tampering with a scotch

Enjoy the rest of your weekend, hugs to you both, Jo xx