Hi everyone!
Well Thomas has his cardiac catheter on 12th November. All went ok although it was awful for us handing him over and when he woke up he was really cross :-( We ended up staying in over night as he spiked a temperature in the afternoon but it was something and nothing and so came home the next morning.
Since then we have received a letter from BCH to say that 'Thomas is on Mr Jones' routine waiting list for surgery in the next 3-4 months'. This is good news - no time is ever going to be a good time for putting your little boy through open heart surgery but by March/April time hopefully the weather will be a little better, he will have had his birthday and hopefully we will be settled in our new house.
It was Thomas' first Nativity at school yesterday. They all put on a brilliant show. Thomas was a soldier and had to count out loud by himself. He did great! We were very proud of him.
Here's a short video of him in action....
Thursday, December 09, 2010
Tuesday, November 09, 2010
Cardiac Catheter
Thomas' cardiac catheter is this Friday. We've been to the pre-admission clinic today where we completed lots of paperwork and went through what is going to happen. We were expecting that Thomas would have an echo, an ECG and a chest x-ray today but all the consultant requested was the usual observations (height, weight, sats, bp) and a blood test. We were still there for the best part of 3.5 hours as we also visited the ward and Thomas went in the play room. A cardiac catheter is usually a minimum of one night stay in hospital but as long as his blood results are ok we will not have to go in until the morning of the cath. It'll be an early start as we've got to report to the ward for 8am and there is always a chance that he might have to stay after he's had the cath done but we are hopeful Thomas will be in and out in the day.
Thomas seems fairly ok with it all thus far. We've been doing some hospital play at home with some real medical bits of equipment and we've been looking at some books to help him understand how his heart is special. It feels quite strange going back in hospital but I think it will be good to help prepare ourselves for his next operation The Fontan. As things stand this is scheduled for next spring but the catheter results are key.
Thomas has settled in really well at school. He's still happy to go in the mornings and
seems to be enjoying the learning. We've had our first parents evening and his teachers are really pleased with how he's settled. As long as he's happy and enjoying it that is all that matters. He had his first school trip the other week to Coombe Abbey to see the changes of Autumn. I went along as a parent helper as Thomas was in a buggy - we had to borrow a big buggy (off Thomas' heart friend Charlie) as Thomas was initially rejected but we have since been granted one by the wheelchair service so he now has his own.
Samuel is lovely, still dotes on his brother (despite the wrestles) and has taken his first step, only one so far but he's getting there.
I'll update again after Friday.
Thomas seems fairly ok with it all thus far. We've been doing some hospital play at home with some real medical bits of equipment and we've been looking at some books to help him understand how his heart is special. It feels quite strange going back in hospital but I think it will be good to help prepare ourselves for his next operation The Fontan. As things stand this is scheduled for next spring but the catheter results are key.
Thomas has settled in really well at school. He's still happy to go in the mornings and
seems to be enjoying the learning. We've had our first parents evening and his teachers are really pleased with how he's settled. As long as he's happy and enjoying it that is all that matters. He had his first school trip the other week to Coombe Abbey to see the changes of Autumn. I went along as a parent helper as Thomas was in a buggy - we had to borrow a big buggy (off Thomas' heart friend Charlie) as Thomas was initially rejected but we have since been granted one by the wheelchair service so he now has his own.
Samuel is lovely, still dotes on his brother (despite the wrestles) and has taken his first step, only one so far but he's getting there.
I'll update again after Friday.
Friday, September 10, 2010
BIG school!
Thomas started school on Wednesday. He was very excited he couldn't wait to get his uniform on and get there. He skipped in and was all smiles when I picked him up a couple of hours later. I asked him how he'd got on and he said 'Well, that was quick am I staying longer tomorrow?'. The last two mornings have gone equally as well so all in all a very good start. He starts full time next Thursday so he has a few more morning sessions before then. We are so chuffed for him - it is so great that he is starting school just like all the others and he looks very smart in his uniform. We're very proud of big school boy :-)
Samuel had his first birthday on 26th August. I can't believe where this last year has gone. We had a little party at lunchtime and a family tea later on. He has started to pull himself up the furniture now and is generally enjoying seeing the world at a different level.
P.s No word from the hospital as yet as to when Thomas' cardiac catheter will be. I keep expecting that brown envelope to arrive on the mat - I guess we will hear soon.
Samuel had his first birthday on 26th August. I can't believe where this last year has gone. We had a little party at lunchtime and a family tea later on. He has started to pull himself up the furniture now and is generally enjoying seeing the world at a different level.
P.s No word from the hospital as yet as to when Thomas' cardiac catheter will be. I keep expecting that brown envelope to arrive on the mat - I guess we will hear soon.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Heart check up
Hi all
We've been to Birmingham today for Thomas' heart check up. His height and weight were spot on and his sats 82 (fine for Thomas). They did an Echo and are very happy with him. As expected they discussed the timing of his next operation (the Fontan). Basically they have no waiting lists and as Thomas is now 4.5yrs 'we could get it all done and dusted by Autumn' GULP! Equally because he is doing well we have the 'luxury' of time so we plumped for the cardiac catheter (the exploratory procedure) in October/November with a view to the operation next Spring. We've always known it was coming but it is still hard. You would never choose to put your child through it but we know that it needs to happen so Thomas can keep up better with his peers.
They did an exercise tolerance test with him whereby they checked his sats at the top of the stairs, he then had to walk down two flights and back up two flights and then had sats checked again. His sats peaked at the top at 87 (yee-har!) and dropped to 70 after exercise. They said that 70 wasn't bad at all for Thomas. It was also interesting hearing the Dr describe children like Thomas at school. He said you will see them running around in the playground, the difference being they will run then stop (to get their breath back) run, stop, run, stop. Whereas the other children have so much more endurance. This is exactly what Thomas is like, he does everything his friends do now just at his pace. This 3rd op will give him much more energy and he will be able to cope better with exercise. We know this has to be better for him.
Thomas just wants to get his heart fixed so he can run faster and get a big present. Oh to be so carefree eh!
He starts school on 8th September - it's amazing to think he's going to school. I'm so happy for him but equally I'm a bit nervous. He is definitely ready for it and seems to be looking forward to it. We've been into see his teachers and go through all the medical side of things. They gave us confidence they will do right by him, the main thing is for us to keep communicating with each other. It's a big learning curve for all of us and it will take a bit of time for us all to get used to things but it's a fantastic milestone!
I'll try and keep the blog updated a bit more often over these next few months. We've had such a busy year enjoying ourselves I've neglected my blog duties ;-) Thomas & Daddy are going camping this weekend (weather permitting) at Wicksteed Park. We're all going for the day with our friends (The Duffs) then the big boys are staying over under canvas, while the Mummy's and the young ones head home and then regroup on Sunday morning.
The next Thursday is Samuel's first birthday, I really cannot believe he is doing to be one. He's such a little treasure, he's crawling around everywhere and spends most of his time trying to get at Thomas' toys. It's so lovely to see them together though.
We're off to Cornwall for the last week in August. We thought we'd get another holiday in before Thomas starts school. So no doubt Rick Steins fish and chips will be on the menu and hopefully a bit of sand castle building as well. Happy times!
I've added a couple of photos above - for some reason I couldn't get them to appear down here - must be out of practice ;-)
Sunday, January 24, 2010
A mega update....
Hi everyone
Life has been pretty manic these last few months so apologies for the lack of news. Thomas has been on form - a little too on form at times - and is still very much into his little brother. Samuel has settled in nicely and is now so much more aware. He giggles, hold things, has found his feet and is generally very interested in the world around him but his little face absolutely lights up when his big brother is around.
Christmas was great, busy as usual, but good fun. We took Thomas to see Santa on the Severn Valley Railway which was really nice plus many other Christmas parties and festive gatherings.
Thomas had a heart check up after Christmas, the usual 6 monthly one, but we were anxious about it because Thomas is coming up 4yrs old and is getting closer to the time of the next operation. They scanned him and are very happy with his heart which is brilliant news. His sats were 84, which again is spot on for Thomas, but as predicted they did start the conversation about the Fontan (the 3rd open heart operation). His consultant said realistically we are looking at the next 12-18 months. It's during these next couple of years he thinks we will really start to notice the difference between Thomas' level of activity and his friends. He's starting school in September and they like to get the Fontan done in Reception or Year 1 'before the real work starts'. Anyway nothing is happening for the next 6 months, he said when we go back in the summer they will do some exercise tolerance tests with Thomas to see how puffed he gets and take it from there. The next thing will be a Cardiac Catheter which is generally a one/two night stay in hospital where they go up through the groin to check the pressures in the heart and generally have a good look at it from an internal perspective. So, the good news is he's doing well and they are happy with him. We've always known about the 3rd op but it doesn't make it any easier. At least we have some time to get used to the idea (if you ever do!).
Samuel has had Bronciolitis so we were in Walsgrave hospital with him a week or so ago as he wasn't feeding. It's taken a little while to shift but he seems to be back to normal now pretty much. He was still very smiley throughout and the doctors and nurses kept saying he looked too well to be in there (plus they thought he was really cute! ;-) Thankfully he avoided having an NG tube and I syringe fed him small amounts of milk until he could take it better himself by the bottle.
It's Thomas' 4th birthday on 2nd Feb - I can't believe our little rascal is going to be 4 years old. We're off to Center Parcs on 1st Feb so we'll celebrate his birthday there but he's having a party next Sunday before we go.
Here's some photo's of the last few months - I'll report back after his birthday and Center Parcs.
Life has been pretty manic these last few months so apologies for the lack of news. Thomas has been on form - a little too on form at times - and is still very much into his little brother. Samuel has settled in nicely and is now so much more aware. He giggles, hold things, has found his feet and is generally very interested in the world around him but his little face absolutely lights up when his big brother is around.
Christmas was great, busy as usual, but good fun. We took Thomas to see Santa on the Severn Valley Railway which was really nice plus many other Christmas parties and festive gatherings.
Thomas had a heart check up after Christmas, the usual 6 monthly one, but we were anxious about it because Thomas is coming up 4yrs old and is getting closer to the time of the next operation. They scanned him and are very happy with his heart which is brilliant news. His sats were 84, which again is spot on for Thomas, but as predicted they did start the conversation about the Fontan (the 3rd open heart operation). His consultant said realistically we are looking at the next 12-18 months. It's during these next couple of years he thinks we will really start to notice the difference between Thomas' level of activity and his friends. He's starting school in September and they like to get the Fontan done in Reception or Year 1 'before the real work starts'. Anyway nothing is happening for the next 6 months, he said when we go back in the summer they will do some exercise tolerance tests with Thomas to see how puffed he gets and take it from there. The next thing will be a Cardiac Catheter which is generally a one/two night stay in hospital where they go up through the groin to check the pressures in the heart and generally have a good look at it from an internal perspective. So, the good news is he's doing well and they are happy with him. We've always known about the 3rd op but it doesn't make it any easier. At least we have some time to get used to the idea (if you ever do!).
Samuel has had Bronciolitis so we were in Walsgrave hospital with him a week or so ago as he wasn't feeding. It's taken a little while to shift but he seems to be back to normal now pretty much. He was still very smiley throughout and the doctors and nurses kept saying he looked too well to be in there (plus they thought he was really cute! ;-) Thankfully he avoided having an NG tube and I syringe fed him small amounts of milk until he could take it better himself by the bottle.
It's Thomas' 4th birthday on 2nd Feb - I can't believe our little rascal is going to be 4 years old. We're off to Center Parcs on 1st Feb so we'll celebrate his birthday there but he's having a party next Sunday before we go.
Here's some photo's of the last few months - I'll report back after his birthday and Center Parcs.
Monday, September 07, 2009
Samuel James Hooks
Thomas is a BIG brother!!
Samuel James was born on 26th August at 2.03pm weighing 7lb 1oz. He came 5 days early - obviously doesn't take after his Mum - but it all went really well and we are totally made up with our boys :-) Thomas is the doting big brother and seemed to instantly accept Samuel, he couldn't wait to get to the hospital and meet him. He keeps kissing him and wanting to cuddle him which is really lovely. He's been a bit of a handful for us at times, which is obviously a reaction and only to be accepted, but he's besotted with his little bro which is the main thing.
Here's a slideshow of a few pics
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
28th July 2009
Hello again
Thomas' heart outpatients appointment went well on 25th June. His sats were 82 (that's fine for Thomas) and after a thorough heart scan the registrar said his heart was 'working well'. We didn't ask any questions this time, we basically just scarpered out of there when he said he'd see us again in 6 months. We didn't want to prompt any discussion about the next stage. Thomas is reaching the age where they could start talking about the next operation and start the ball rolling i.e put him on the cardiac catheter list and we really don't to face this over the next 6 months with the new baby coming along. It would be different if Thomas was struggling in anyway but he's doing very well and having such a lovely time so leave us be for the time being please.
The next day I had another scan to check on the baby's heart and that all went very well too so it was a really good couple of days for us :-) Also 26th June was my Mum's 65th birthday and we'd arranged a surprise BBQ for her at my brothers. This all went off really well (despite a monsoon like downpour in the afternoon) and we even managed to keep it a surprise from her - for anybody who knows my Mum will realise this is no mean feat :-)
Thomas has finished his first term at 'big boy pre-school' for the summer holidays. He's back there for 2 sessions a week in September. He seems to really enjoy it, he's made some new friends and is always coming home with some crafty thing he's made.
I've now finished work - I've taken some holiday before my maternity leave which officially starts on my due date 31st August. So today we've been playing cricket & golf in the garden and playing in the sandpit - this beats work any day!!
Last Friday we went to West Midlands Safari park and met up with Thomas' heart friend Charlie and his mum. We had a brilliant day and despite the hideous weather forecast it was actually really pleasant and sunny for the most of the day. The boys had a ball and the next morning Thomas said ' Mummy I really like Charlie and he's got a special heart like me' awwwwww.....
We've been very busy at home decorating and reorganising the bedrooms in readiness for our new baby. I'm pleased to say the nursery is now ready and the new office/spare room is nearly there. Thomas has been helping (in his own way) he likes to be involved in everything, we've found the best approach is to let him have a go and then he often gets bored and goes off to play.
Daddy's fathers day present was a book called 'Daddy's little boy' in it there is a boy called Tom who does lots of great stuff with his Daddy. One of things they get up to is making a castle so Thomas wanted to do the same. I've added some photo's of it for you - it's been a bit of a project but it's all finished now and the boys are very proud of their creation (especially Daddy ;-).
We've not that much planned over the next few weeks, the baby is due in 5 weeks time so I want to spend as much quality time with my little man before his new sibling arrives. I still cannot quite believe we will have a newborn arriving soon. Thomas is still excited about it - he's been coming to my antenatal appointments and listening to the baby's heart beat. We'll see if he still feels the same when it arrives!
I've added a slide show below of some photo's taken over the last few weeks.
Thomas' heart outpatients appointment went well on 25th June. His sats were 82 (that's fine for Thomas) and after a thorough heart scan the registrar said his heart was 'working well'. We didn't ask any questions this time, we basically just scarpered out of there when he said he'd see us again in 6 months. We didn't want to prompt any discussion about the next stage. Thomas is reaching the age where they could start talking about the next operation and start the ball rolling i.e put him on the cardiac catheter list and we really don't to face this over the next 6 months with the new baby coming along. It would be different if Thomas was struggling in anyway but he's doing very well and having such a lovely time so leave us be for the time being please.
The next day I had another scan to check on the baby's heart and that all went very well too so it was a really good couple of days for us :-) Also 26th June was my Mum's 65th birthday and we'd arranged a surprise BBQ for her at my brothers. This all went off really well (despite a monsoon like downpour in the afternoon) and we even managed to keep it a surprise from her - for anybody who knows my Mum will realise this is no mean feat :-)
Thomas has finished his first term at 'big boy pre-school' for the summer holidays. He's back there for 2 sessions a week in September. He seems to really enjoy it, he's made some new friends and is always coming home with some crafty thing he's made.
I've now finished work - I've taken some holiday before my maternity leave which officially starts on my due date 31st August. So today we've been playing cricket & golf in the garden and playing in the sandpit - this beats work any day!!
Last Friday we went to West Midlands Safari park and met up with Thomas' heart friend Charlie and his mum. We had a brilliant day and despite the hideous weather forecast it was actually really pleasant and sunny for the most of the day. The boys had a ball and the next morning Thomas said ' Mummy I really like Charlie and he's got a special heart like me' awwwwww.....
We've been very busy at home decorating and reorganising the bedrooms in readiness for our new baby. I'm pleased to say the nursery is now ready and the new office/spare room is nearly there. Thomas has been helping (in his own way) he likes to be involved in everything, we've found the best approach is to let him have a go and then he often gets bored and goes off to play.
Daddy's fathers day present was a book called 'Daddy's little boy' in it there is a boy called Tom who does lots of great stuff with his Daddy. One of things they get up to is making a castle so Thomas wanted to do the same. I've added some photo's of it for you - it's been a bit of a project but it's all finished now and the boys are very proud of their creation (especially Daddy ;-).
We've not that much planned over the next few weeks, the baby is due in 5 weeks time so I want to spend as much quality time with my little man before his new sibling arrives. I still cannot quite believe we will have a newborn arriving soon. Thomas is still excited about it - he's been coming to my antenatal appointments and listening to the baby's heart beat. We'll see if he still feels the same when it arrives!
I've added a slide show below of some photo's taken over the last few weeks.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
A mega update!!
It's a ridiculous amount of time since I last updated you about what Thomas has been up to - we've been really busy and having lots of fun.
The first major news (well, it's old news now) is that Thomas is having a new baby brother/sister due at the end of August :-) So far he is very much into the idea of his new sibling, he keeps kissing my tummy and asking 'when's it coming out Mummy?'. Lets hope he shows the same enthusiasm when it arrives and realises it's here to stay! We've had some extra scans and another one due on 26th June but so far this baby is looking like it has a heathly heart, which you can probably imagine is a HUGE relief for us.
Thomas started pre-school for two sessions a week after Easter. It's the one attached to the school that he will hopefully go to. We call it 'Big boy pre-school' and he's settled in really well and seems to enjoy it. It's another milestone for our little boy who is really growing up - he suddenly decided a few weeks back that he didn't want to wear his night time nappy anymore and so that was it, he hasn't since and done really well with it!
He's more into Tom & Jerry and Power Rangers at the minute with Lazy Town and Sportacus taking more of a back seat. He's still very much into cars and balls and loves playing bat and ball.
We went on holiday to Wales at the beginning of May - the weather was OK and we managed to get to the beach every other day. Thomas loves the beach. He loves looking in rock pools, demolishing sand castles and playing football on the beach. We also went on a steam railway and to an Animalarium where Thomas held a snake!!!
We've just got back from a week in Ibiza - last chance for a holiday abroad before number 2 arrives! We've had a great week, the weather was glorious, beautiful sun all week. Thomas was dipping in and out of the pool, the beach was a 2 minute walk away and there was 2 cartoon characters in the hotel called Dizzy (dolphin) and Shades (shark) - which were a big hit with Thomas. There was a children's disco on every evening and he really enjoyed a good boogie to the Dizzy & Shades Shakedown. He's a bit of a mover our boy! :-)
Other stuff he's been up to over the last few months is a visit to the zoo, having picnics in parks (galore) and going to a couple of children's farms. We also had a day trip to Skeggy over the bank holiday weekend which was a really good day out.
Thomas has had a new 'football' bedroom which he's very pleased about. We're changing all the bedrooms around in anticipation of the new baby coming so Thomas has now got a big boys themed room. It was so funny when he was looking through the different designs for his room, dinosaurs, diggers, space, animals, racing cars etc etc but he just kept going back to the football one. He certainly knows what he wants!
Heartwise Thomas is doing well (touch wood, fingers crossed and all that) we are due back in Birmingham for a check up on 25th June so hopefully that will go well. He certainly seems full of life and energy. He definitely can't walk as far his little friends and does get puffed but he is doing really, really well. Looooooong may it continue!!!
The first major news (well, it's old news now) is that Thomas is having a new baby brother/sister due at the end of August :-) So far he is very much into the idea of his new sibling, he keeps kissing my tummy and asking 'when's it coming out Mummy?'. Lets hope he shows the same enthusiasm when it arrives and realises it's here to stay! We've had some extra scans and another one due on 26th June but so far this baby is looking like it has a heathly heart, which you can probably imagine is a HUGE relief for us.
Thomas started pre-school for two sessions a week after Easter. It's the one attached to the school that he will hopefully go to. We call it 'Big boy pre-school' and he's settled in really well and seems to enjoy it. It's another milestone for our little boy who is really growing up - he suddenly decided a few weeks back that he didn't want to wear his night time nappy anymore and so that was it, he hasn't since and done really well with it!
He's more into Tom & Jerry and Power Rangers at the minute with Lazy Town and Sportacus taking more of a back seat. He's still very much into cars and balls and loves playing bat and ball.
We went on holiday to Wales at the beginning of May - the weather was OK and we managed to get to the beach every other day. Thomas loves the beach. He loves looking in rock pools, demolishing sand castles and playing football on the beach. We also went on a steam railway and to an Animalarium where Thomas held a snake!!!
We've just got back from a week in Ibiza - last chance for a holiday abroad before number 2 arrives! We've had a great week, the weather was glorious, beautiful sun all week. Thomas was dipping in and out of the pool, the beach was a 2 minute walk away and there was 2 cartoon characters in the hotel called Dizzy (dolphin) and Shades (shark) - which were a big hit with Thomas. There was a children's disco on every evening and he really enjoyed a good boogie to the Dizzy & Shades Shakedown. He's a bit of a mover our boy! :-)
Other stuff he's been up to over the last few months is a visit to the zoo, having picnics in parks (galore) and going to a couple of children's farms. We also had a day trip to Skeggy over the bank holiday weekend which was a really good day out.
Thomas has had a new 'football' bedroom which he's very pleased about. We're changing all the bedrooms around in anticipation of the new baby coming so Thomas has now got a big boys themed room. It was so funny when he was looking through the different designs for his room, dinosaurs, diggers, space, animals, racing cars etc etc but he just kept going back to the football one. He certainly knows what he wants!
Heartwise Thomas is doing well (touch wood, fingers crossed and all that) we are due back in Birmingham for a check up on 25th June so hopefully that will go well. He certainly seems full of life and energy. He definitely can't walk as far his little friends and does get puffed but he is doing really, really well. Looooooong may it continue!!!
Friday, February 06, 2009
Thomas' 3rd Birthday
It was Thomas' 3rd birthday on Monday - can you believe he is three already??
He's had a great time, he had a party on Sunday afternoon at a local sports centre. There was the biggest bouncy castle you've ever seen plus loads of soft play items and bats and balls. It was really good, and great to see him will all his little friends enjoying himself. There was about 26 kiddies in total but there was no catastrophes or dramas and everyone seemed to have a great time. Thomas' little heart friend Charlie travelled all the way from Cardiff to be there - how lovely is that.
Every birthday is such a milestone for us when you think back to where we were when we first learnt about Thomas' heart. It's easy to forget when you see him carrying on like a typical a 3year old but we never forget how precious he is. He does get breathless and he can't walk as far as his mates without getting tired (esp in the cold weather) but he's done amazingly well in these three years we just hope this is a taster for how the future will be.
Gushing proud Mummy moment over........... :-)
On his birthday itself Thomas woke up to a winter wonderland he went to the window and said 'Mummy, it's snowing because it's my birthday'. It did make his birthday even more magical as after he'd finally opened all of his presents (which took 4 hours!!!) we went outside to build a snowman and play in the snow. It was great!!!
Grandma and Grandad spent the day with us and brought some more presents and then we had our tea out at a local carvery and Uncle Paul joined us there. All in all the little man seemed to have a great day.
The next morning he woke up and said 'who's birthday is it today Mummy'?
Here's a few photo's I'll do a slide show later.......
P.s I must tell you this little story - a couple of weeks ago we had a power cut in the middle of the night which ordinarily you would think would go unnoticed but not in our house as Thomas has a night light and the bathroom light is left on to shine in his room. SO, he woke up in the small hours really upset saying 'Mummy, Daddy my eyes aren't working'....... awwwww
He's had a great time, he had a party on Sunday afternoon at a local sports centre. There was the biggest bouncy castle you've ever seen plus loads of soft play items and bats and balls. It was really good, and great to see him will all his little friends enjoying himself. There was about 26 kiddies in total but there was no catastrophes or dramas and everyone seemed to have a great time. Thomas' little heart friend Charlie travelled all the way from Cardiff to be there - how lovely is that.
Every birthday is such a milestone for us when you think back to where we were when we first learnt about Thomas' heart. It's easy to forget when you see him carrying on like a typical a 3year old but we never forget how precious he is. He does get breathless and he can't walk as far as his mates without getting tired (esp in the cold weather) but he's done amazingly well in these three years we just hope this is a taster for how the future will be.
Gushing proud Mummy moment over........... :-)
On his birthday itself Thomas woke up to a winter wonderland he went to the window and said 'Mummy, it's snowing because it's my birthday'. It did make his birthday even more magical as after he'd finally opened all of his presents (which took 4 hours!!!) we went outside to build a snowman and play in the snow. It was great!!!
Grandma and Grandad spent the day with us and brought some more presents and then we had our tea out at a local carvery and Uncle Paul joined us there. All in all the little man seemed to have a great day.
The next morning he woke up and said 'who's birthday is it today Mummy'?
Here's a few photo's I'll do a slide show later.......
P.s I must tell you this little story - a couple of weeks ago we had a power cut in the middle of the night which ordinarily you would think would go unnoticed but not in our house as Thomas has a night light and the bathroom light is left on to shine in his room. SO, he woke up in the small hours really upset saying 'Mummy, Daddy my eyes aren't working'....... awwwww
Friday, January 30, 2009
Christmas 2008 & Center Parcs Jan 2009
Well, it's been a while since my last update......time flies when you're having fun!
Thomas had his outpatients appointment in mid Dec and all went well. They were pleased with his heart function, his growth and sats so we can breathe again for another 6 months. He was such a good boy while they scanned his heart, lying very still and doing just as the registrar wanted.
Then came Christmas - what a great time we had. Thomas was far more aware this year, he knew it was Christmas time and loved all the lights on the houses and all the festivities. On Christmas morning itself he came downstairs oblivious and casually walked into the lounge and on seeing the mountain of presents he said 'WOW look at all my presents, Santa bring all my presents to my home' ..........priceless!
We've just had a mid week break in Center Parcs, it was great. It was nice to have a few days away in the forrest. It's always pretty relaxing eventhough there's loads going on, we did swimming, biking, bowling, soft play and all sorts. Here's some photo's of our waterbaby.......
In other news Thomas has been to the cinema for the first time. He enjoyed Madagascar 2 just after Christmas and for a first time cinema goer he did really well. It was a good film actually I really enjoyed it myself :-)
He's still very much into playing with his cars, he's a big fan of his work bench (that he had for Christmas) and he's seriously into his marbles. Telly wise he's into Lazy Town (he thinks he is Sportacus), Peppa Pig and The Backyardigans or as Thomas calls it The Backcardigans :-)
We've got a full weekend ahead of us with Thomas' birthday party on Sunday and the big day itself on Monday. I can't quite believe my little rascal is going to be three on Monday. I'll post again soon with photo's of the birthday boy!!!
Thomas had his outpatients appointment in mid Dec and all went well. They were pleased with his heart function, his growth and sats so we can breathe again for another 6 months. He was such a good boy while they scanned his heart, lying very still and doing just as the registrar wanted.
Then came Christmas - what a great time we had. Thomas was far more aware this year, he knew it was Christmas time and loved all the lights on the houses and all the festivities. On Christmas morning itself he came downstairs oblivious and casually walked into the lounge and on seeing the mountain of presents he said 'WOW look at all my presents, Santa bring all my presents to my home' ..........priceless!
We've just had a mid week break in Center Parcs, it was great. It was nice to have a few days away in the forrest. It's always pretty relaxing eventhough there's loads going on, we did swimming, biking, bowling, soft play and all sorts. Here's some photo's of our waterbaby.......
In other news Thomas has been to the cinema for the first time. He enjoyed Madagascar 2 just after Christmas and for a first time cinema goer he did really well. It was a good film actually I really enjoyed it myself :-)
He's still very much into playing with his cars, he's a big fan of his work bench (that he had for Christmas) and he's seriously into his marbles. Telly wise he's into Lazy Town (he thinks he is Sportacus), Peppa Pig and The Backyardigans or as Thomas calls it The Backcardigans :-)
We've got a full weekend ahead of us with Thomas' birthday party on Sunday and the big day itself on Monday. I can't quite believe my little rascal is going to be three on Monday. I'll post again soon with photo's of the birthday boy!!!
Monday, December 01, 2008
Euro Disney - November 2008
Thomas has been to Euro Disney!
We had a great time albeit absolutely FREEZING brrrrr.... we arrived on the Thursday and each day got colder and colder until the Sunday afternoon when we actually had a blizzard. We were well prepared for it though, Thomas was kitted out in a thermal vest, super hero tights under his trousers (well, we couldn't let on they were just 'girls' tights could we) and several layers, so he was pretty snug.
He LOVED all the characters but Mickey was definitely his favourite, he kept kissing him on the nose ahhhhh....
We went to all the family Disney shows, Winnie the Pooh and friends, The Lion King, Animagic, Mickey's Winter Wonderland etc etc and they were just the right length of time for Thomas to be mesmerised with them. The Disney parades were great and the Christmas lights were so well done. He really enjoyed the rides, particulary the Flying Elephants and the Disney Cars ride although once on them he wasn't quite so keen on having to get off them!
It was really busy at the weekend but thankfully we took one of his hospital outpatient letters with us and his blue badge and they presented us with a pass that meant we bypassed the queues. It was brilliant, we would have never have thought about it but some of our Little Hearts friends have been and passed on the tip. We were so grateful for it, at first it felt a bit weird using it but we soon got over ourselves and got into the swing of it.
All in all we had a great time.
We're off to Birmingham on Thursday for a check up so I'll let you know how he gets on. I always get a little anxious when we have to go back but he seems to be doing so well.... we just hope they agree.
We had a great time albeit absolutely FREEZING brrrrr.... we arrived on the Thursday and each day got colder and colder until the Sunday afternoon when we actually had a blizzard. We were well prepared for it though, Thomas was kitted out in a thermal vest, super hero tights under his trousers (well, we couldn't let on they were just 'girls' tights could we) and several layers, so he was pretty snug.
He LOVED all the characters but Mickey was definitely his favourite, he kept kissing him on the nose ahhhhh....
We went to all the family Disney shows, Winnie the Pooh and friends, The Lion King, Animagic, Mickey's Winter Wonderland etc etc and they were just the right length of time for Thomas to be mesmerised with them. The Disney parades were great and the Christmas lights were so well done. He really enjoyed the rides, particulary the Flying Elephants and the Disney Cars ride although once on them he wasn't quite so keen on having to get off them!
It was really busy at the weekend but thankfully we took one of his hospital outpatient letters with us and his blue badge and they presented us with a pass that meant we bypassed the queues. It was brilliant, we would have never have thought about it but some of our Little Hearts friends have been and passed on the tip. We were so grateful for it, at first it felt a bit weird using it but we soon got over ourselves and got into the swing of it.
All in all we had a great time.
We're off to Birmingham on Thursday for a check up so I'll let you know how he gets on. I always get a little anxious when we have to go back but he seems to be doing so well.... we just hope they agree.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Quick update
Thanks to everyone for sponsoring Thomas, he's raised £235 for Little Hearts which is really great. He did his 'toddle', which turned out to be an egg and spoon race, and was pleased as punch with his medal.
We're off to Euro Disney tomorrow so there's lots of excitement in the Hooks house at the minute. Although, we have had to stop talking about it as Thomas has no concept of time and wants to go and see Mickey NOW!!!
So you can see what the little fella has been up to here's a slideshow of some recent photo's. As you can see he gets about a bit! I'll report back soon with all the news from Disney, we can't wait :-)
We're off to Euro Disney tomorrow so there's lots of excitement in the Hooks house at the minute. Although, we have had to stop talking about it as Thomas has no concept of time and wants to go and see Mickey NOW!!!
So you can see what the little fella has been up to here's a slideshow of some recent photo's. As you can see he gets about a bit! I'll report back soon with all the news from Disney, we can't wait :-)
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Thomas is doing a sponsored toddle
Thomas is doing a sponsored 'toddle' on Sunday 12th October, at Shugborough Hall, in aid of Little Hearts Matter. It would be great if you could sponsor him.
I'll let you know how he gets on and post some photo's next week.
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Sunday, October 05, 2008
We've been to Spain!
Hi everyone
We've just returned from a few days in Spain, the first day wasn't so great but then we had 4 glorious days in the Spanish sunshine,Thomas has been building sandcastles, paddling in the sea, swimming in the pool and eating Paella! It was so nice to get a last bit of summer as Autumn definitely feels like it's arrived while we've been away. When we left Malaga it was 25c and when we arrived in Birmingham it was only 10c brrrrr....
Here's a couple photo's of our holiday (I seem to have lost the knack with the slideshows)
Other news is that Thomas is officially not a baby anymore :-( over the last couple of months he's moved into his big boys bed and he's out of nappies. Both have gone pretty well, we bought a bed guard for his bed which didn't fit so we had a couple of nights of him being a bit unsettled but when we finally found a bed guard that fitted (thanks Ann-marie) he was fine. The potty training is going well, we started it about a month ago, he got the hang of it really quickly and by the 3rd day he was dry all day! We've had some accidents since then though, and we don't leave the house without the potty, but overall I think he's done very well.
Thomas is such a typical little boy, he's really into Disney Cars at the minute and he LOVES rough and tumble and wrestling. I seriously don't know where he gets his energy from sometimes, yes he gets puffed but I do think all that he does is pretty incredible considering his special heart. It was exactly 3 years ago today we found out about Thomas' heart condition. It makes me go cold when I think back to that day. I can't believe how lucky we are - he's soooooo precious.
Thomas is doing a sponsored toddle on Sunday to raise money for Little Hearts Matter so I'll be setting up a Just Giving page over the next couple of days - it would be great if you could sponsor him. I'll send you the link when it's all set up.
X
We've just returned from a few days in Spain, the first day wasn't so great but then we had 4 glorious days in the Spanish sunshine,Thomas has been building sandcastles, paddling in the sea, swimming in the pool and eating Paella! It was so nice to get a last bit of summer as Autumn definitely feels like it's arrived while we've been away. When we left Malaga it was 25c and when we arrived in Birmingham it was only 10c brrrrr....
Here's a couple photo's of our holiday (I seem to have lost the knack with the slideshows)
Other news is that Thomas is officially not a baby anymore :-( over the last couple of months he's moved into his big boys bed and he's out of nappies. Both have gone pretty well, we bought a bed guard for his bed which didn't fit so we had a couple of nights of him being a bit unsettled but when we finally found a bed guard that fitted (thanks Ann-marie) he was fine. The potty training is going well, we started it about a month ago, he got the hang of it really quickly and by the 3rd day he was dry all day! We've had some accidents since then though, and we don't leave the house without the potty, but overall I think he's done very well.
Thomas is such a typical little boy, he's really into Disney Cars at the minute and he LOVES rough and tumble and wrestling. I seriously don't know where he gets his energy from sometimes, yes he gets puffed but I do think all that he does is pretty incredible considering his special heart. It was exactly 3 years ago today we found out about Thomas' heart condition. It makes me go cold when I think back to that day. I can't believe how lucky we are - he's soooooo precious.
Thomas is doing a sponsored toddle on Sunday to raise money for Little Hearts Matter so I'll be setting up a Just Giving page over the next couple of days - it would be great if you could sponsor him. I'll send you the link when it's all set up.
X
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Slideshow
Hi everyone
I'm just trying out a new way of sharing photo's with you. Hope it works!
All is well in the Hooks camp, Thomas is great and such good fun at the minute. I'll update again soon I just wanted to share some photo's from the last few weeks with you.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Cornwall Holiday
Hi everyone I just thought I'd share some photo's of Thomas from our Cornwall holiday we had just recently (just before the weather hotted up!). We had a great week, we managed to have 3 good days on the beach, a trip to a steam railway, a children's farm and a trip to the swimming baths. Lots of fun was had by all!
Monday, July 07, 2008
Outpatients update and other bits
Thomas' outpatients appointment on 12th June went really well :-) We saw Dr Chikermane, Thomas' consultant, and he was very pleased with his progress. His sats were 84 (anything over 80 is great for Thomas) and his weight was good so they are happy he is growing well. He spent some time talking to us about Thomas' next operation, the Fontan, which he expects will be sometime between age 4-5 (all being well). It was good to go through it all and confirm our understanding of what is going to happen but at the same time it was scary as hell. So, we decided that we know all we need to know for now and we'll try not think about it anymore until we need to. We are chuffed to bits Thomas is doing well heartwise, it's always a bit anxious going back for check ups but it's such a relief when they tell us he is doing well.
We also had our first parents evening at nursery the other week. It was just an opportunity to go and have chat with them and have a look at Thomas' stuff. They're making a scrapbook for Thomas' time at nursery which is filled with all the activities he's doing, including photo's of him and things he enjoys doing - it will make a lovely memory. They also go through all their observations of the developmental activities Thomas has displayed, it's all in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage which is a foundation for care and learning. Everything Thomas does at nursery is through play but when you see it all recorded it is amazing to see how much he is learning. They said he is very sociable and fits in well at nursery, he tends to play more with the boys (playing with cars and footballs) and that he is typical 2yr old little boy.
Other stuff the little man is up to is he still loves going out on his trike, still loves cars and playing his version of 'golf'. He's very much into washing up and wiping up at the minute and helps me fill the washing machine. He still likes getting his own way and kicks off when he doesn't get it! He likes playing in our bed 'looking for treasure' and often pretends he's driving a bus and we're his passengers, he likes taking us to the beach, to town and he likes stopping for petrol ;-)
He's just started to realise his limits a bit heartwise, he's started saying 'I'm puffed' when he's been running around. While this is a bit heart wrenching it is good because we can now start to explain things to him in very simple terms. We often sit down and read a book or have a drink when this happens, we're also trying to teach him to take deep breaths but I don't think he quite gets that bit yet ;-)
All in all he's doing great, he's very strong willed and pretty stubborn and a bit of a challenge at times but he's certainly got spirit and he's a lot of fun to be around.
Here he is riding 'Tom' the donkey with his cousin Katie at Coombe Abbey recently.
We also had our first parents evening at nursery the other week. It was just an opportunity to go and have chat with them and have a look at Thomas' stuff. They're making a scrapbook for Thomas' time at nursery which is filled with all the activities he's doing, including photo's of him and things he enjoys doing - it will make a lovely memory. They also go through all their observations of the developmental activities Thomas has displayed, it's all in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage which is a foundation for care and learning. Everything Thomas does at nursery is through play but when you see it all recorded it is amazing to see how much he is learning. They said he is very sociable and fits in well at nursery, he tends to play more with the boys (playing with cars and footballs) and that he is typical 2yr old little boy.
Other stuff the little man is up to is he still loves going out on his trike, still loves cars and playing his version of 'golf'. He's very much into washing up and wiping up at the minute and helps me fill the washing machine. He still likes getting his own way and kicks off when he doesn't get it! He likes playing in our bed 'looking for treasure' and often pretends he's driving a bus and we're his passengers, he likes taking us to the beach, to town and he likes stopping for petrol ;-)
He's just started to realise his limits a bit heartwise, he's started saying 'I'm puffed' when he's been running around. While this is a bit heart wrenching it is good because we can now start to explain things to him in very simple terms. We often sit down and read a book or have a drink when this happens, we're also trying to teach him to take deep breaths but I don't think he quite gets that bit yet ;-)
All in all he's doing great, he's very strong willed and pretty stubborn and a bit of a challenge at times but he's certainly got spirit and he's a lot of fun to be around.
Here he is riding 'Tom' the donkey with his cousin Katie at Coombe Abbey recently.
Monday, June 02, 2008
Time for an update
I thought it was time for an update, I can't believe my last post was in March and now it's June already....where is 2008 going? Well, I went back to work part-time at the beginning of April so that's taken a bit of adjusting all round. Thomas was fine initially but after about 3 weeks he realised that this was the new routine and started whimpering when I dropped him off. He's ok again now though so that was all for my benefit.
We took Thomas abroad for the first time in May, we went to Portugal with our friends Sal & Michael and their two girls. Thomas loved the aeroplane and was absolutely fine with the altitude, some heart kids need a bit of extra oxygen on flights, but he coped fine and was totally normal. We had a good week despite someone taking off with our pushchair at the airport, we finally got it back when we were checking in for our flight home, unbelievable! The weather was mixed but we still managed to get to the beach everyday, thats what it's all about for us as Thomas is a big fan of the beach.
Here's a video of Thomas getting ready to go on his hols. As you will see he certainly knows what he wants!!
The weekend after we got back Thomas had a virus, temperature spikes, no energy and no appetite. I hate to see him poorly, it's such a worry especially when he has a temperature as his breathing is much faster. After a couple of days his temperature was back to normal but he still wasn't himself, he was really stroppy and very quick to have a tantrum. Thankfully he's back to his normal self now, this weekend we've had hugs and kisses galore, which is sooooooo much better.
Thomas is totally into Happy Feet, Madagascar and Ice Age 2 DVDs at the minute. He's very fickle though so who knows what is favourite will be next week. He still loves going on his trike, playing football, mowing the lawn and playing golf, although he'd rather improvise and use the spoon from his egg and spoon race set as a golf club rather than use his mini golf set. I think Daddy needs to give him a lesson!
We're back at Birmingham for a check up on the 12th June so I'll update you after then. Bye for now xxx
We took Thomas abroad for the first time in May, we went to Portugal with our friends Sal & Michael and their two girls. Thomas loved the aeroplane and was absolutely fine with the altitude, some heart kids need a bit of extra oxygen on flights, but he coped fine and was totally normal. We had a good week despite someone taking off with our pushchair at the airport, we finally got it back when we were checking in for our flight home, unbelievable! The weather was mixed but we still managed to get to the beach everyday, thats what it's all about for us as Thomas is a big fan of the beach.
Here's a video of Thomas getting ready to go on his hols. As you will see he certainly knows what he wants!!
The weekend after we got back Thomas had a virus, temperature spikes, no energy and no appetite. I hate to see him poorly, it's such a worry especially when he has a temperature as his breathing is much faster. After a couple of days his temperature was back to normal but he still wasn't himself, he was really stroppy and very quick to have a tantrum. Thankfully he's back to his normal self now, this weekend we've had hugs and kisses galore, which is sooooooo much better.
Thomas is totally into Happy Feet, Madagascar and Ice Age 2 DVDs at the minute. He's very fickle though so who knows what is favourite will be next week. He still loves going on his trike, playing football, mowing the lawn and playing golf, although he'd rather improvise and use the spoon from his egg and spoon race set as a golf club rather than use his mini golf set. I think Daddy needs to give him a lesson!
We're back at Birmingham for a check up on the 12th June so I'll update you after then. Bye for now xxx
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Easter chick
Hi everyone I hope this finds you all well, we're fine, Thomas has a bit of a cold but seems to be coping ok with it thus far. We had a weekend away at the end of February to celebrate Nana Hooks' birthday. We went to a cottage in the Peak District that had a swimming pool. Thomas is definitely a water baby at the minute, he really enjoyed standing on the side and jumping in (with the help of Daddy of course), one time he was too quick though and chucked himself off the side, he was wearing arms bands and a rubber ring, I might add, but nevertheless he did surprise himself a bit but it certainly didn't stop him.
We took Thomas to a Thomas the Tank engine day in Leicester a few weeks back. It was a great day but absolutely freezing. Bearing in mind there was a real Thomas there, which we had a ride, on plus a few of the other engines when you ask him what his favourite part of the day was, he says....'Fat Controller' :-)
Last week he had his two year check at the clinic. This is a routine check that all kids have at two years old to make sure they are doing certain things. We are really pleased as Thomas is doing everything they expect of a two yr old, in fact he's doing more than expected in some things, such as talking! The nursery nurse said he was 'amazing' and I kinda have to agree with her.
Yesterday we had the Easter hat parade at playgroup, Thomas painted some plastic eggs and coloured in some chicks and I bundled them together to create a hat of some sorts. He'd been dying to get his hands on it for the last two days then when it came to him wearing it for the parade he wasn't bothered. Typical. He did eventually wear it but all he really wanted to do was take the eggs off and kick them around like footballs!
I am going back to work part time at the end of the month so Thomas spent his first full day at nursery today. I have broken him in gently and he has been going for two mornings a week since Christmas but I wanted to make sure he was ok with the full day before I went back. I explained to him what was happening and he seemed fine with it but the proof is always in the pudding so I was half expecting a call this afternoon. But no, he was fine, he went skipping off this morning and didn't even say 'bye' to me as they were doing something he really enjoys, 'sticking'. He had a sleep in one of their pushchairs after lunch (which really surprised me). They said he did have a look of - 'what's going on, I'm not normally here at this time' - on his face but apart from that all was well. Phew!
Here's some recent photo's.......
We took Thomas to a Thomas the Tank engine day in Leicester a few weeks back. It was a great day but absolutely freezing. Bearing in mind there was a real Thomas there, which we had a ride, on plus a few of the other engines when you ask him what his favourite part of the day was, he says....'Fat Controller' :-)
Last week he had his two year check at the clinic. This is a routine check that all kids have at two years old to make sure they are doing certain things. We are really pleased as Thomas is doing everything they expect of a two yr old, in fact he's doing more than expected in some things, such as talking! The nursery nurse said he was 'amazing' and I kinda have to agree with her.
Yesterday we had the Easter hat parade at playgroup, Thomas painted some plastic eggs and coloured in some chicks and I bundled them together to create a hat of some sorts. He'd been dying to get his hands on it for the last two days then when it came to him wearing it for the parade he wasn't bothered. Typical. He did eventually wear it but all he really wanted to do was take the eggs off and kick them around like footballs!
I am going back to work part time at the end of the month so Thomas spent his first full day at nursery today. I have broken him in gently and he has been going for two mornings a week since Christmas but I wanted to make sure he was ok with the full day before I went back. I explained to him what was happening and he seemed fine with it but the proof is always in the pudding so I was half expecting a call this afternoon. But no, he was fine, he went skipping off this morning and didn't even say 'bye' to me as they were doing something he really enjoys, 'sticking'. He had a sleep in one of their pushchairs after lunch (which really surprised me). They said he did have a look of - 'what's going on, I'm not normally here at this time' - on his face but apart from that all was well. Phew!
Here's some recent photo's.......
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