My Angel Baby

To the baby that I carried

But never seen your eyes

Or tell you how much I loved you

Or ever to hear your cries.

You will never be forgotten

The excitement we had for your coming.

When I realized I'd never hold you,

The feeling I had was numbing.

My angel baby is who you are.

My angel baby you'll always be.

Your loving memory will live in my heart

So you will always be right here with me

He's Back!

Kiran is back to himself. He bounces continuously whether he is sitting, standing or lying down. Commando crawling is his favourite way of getting around although mainly in circles still. He is beginning to straighten his arms and push his bottom up. We don't think it will be long before Kiran masters the art of crawling. We are very thank ful that Kiran had his operation as he can't get tangled in the tubes.

On the menu tonight was partridge. Very yummy. I did it in red wine and garlic with a huge amound to roast veges including butternut, kumera, beetroot and of course potato.

It did get cold today. They were predicting -6 in some areas. Fortunately it didn't get that cold. If anyone has any bright ideas on how to keep gloves on Kiran's hands please let us know. I have fixed the hat problem by investing in some hoodies (from good old Primark).

Tomorrow we are off to Harrods where Kiran will have his first Santa encounter. We figure he will either be nervous and cry (like his father) or pull Santas beard off (he is intrigued by everybodies face, in fact my face has got several scratches on it.)

Have a look at the www.reecesrainbow.com you will notice that there are a whole heap of kids from all over the world heading for new lives because their forever families have found them. This is because of all of you that have looked at the Angels and sponsored them. Thanks so much.

Where did that week go?

We have a truly amazing little boy. It is hard to believe that he is almost back to his normal self and not even 2 weeks after his four hour operation. He is bouncing around the floor. He is doing everything he was except rolling onto his stomach (I can't blame him for not wanting to roll onto his tummy - ouch) The wound is healing really well.

This week Kiran has 3 appointments he is having his 8 month check again as I didn't feel like the first one was done properly. On Tuesday we are off to Chelsea and Westminster for Grant the Gastro nurse to check out Kiran's progress and then Wednesday back again for Kiran to have his swallow test done to see if he can have solids.

Kiran has been doing really well on his bolus feeds he is tolerating 55mls straight into his stomach instead of the 55 mls over an hour through the machine. It is much quicker and means there are no tubes for Kiran to play with and wrap around himself. Yippee!

Ian went to a band contest in Leicester today. They came second. They are very happy with the result.

It has turned very cold. It was -2 today and raining. Come on New Zealand and warmer weather.

Thank you to all the people that have supported Reece's Rainbow. If you haven't already watched the videos do so.

We're Back!

Kiran's operation was a complete success. The surgeons and everyone involved were very impressed with how Kiran recovered. They say he is almost the quickest ever. He would have been if the weekend hadn't have been in the way.

He ended up having a Nissens Fundoplication via keyhole surgery and then the G- tube was inserted laproscopically using a camera down oesaphagus. While using the camera they said they could see the Nissens procedure from the inside and how well it looked. It all took about 4 hours to do. When Kiran was in recovery we were taken down to see him. Kiran looked up at Ian and gave him a smile before going back to sleep. He had his g-tube which was connected to a draining bag, 1 canula in each foot (for morphine and antibiotics etc) He also had monitors for hearbeat, oxygen etc. From recovery Kiran went to the High Dependcy Unit because he small and also had a nurse and dr in the room with him. I wasn't allowed to stay in the HDU because there wasn't any room for parents so I stayed in the hospital hotel for the night. At 7a.m. when I got down Kiran was being moved back to the ward as he was doing really well. He continued to do well and by the afternoon when Ian got in to visit most of the wires etc had gone. By Thursday evening Kiran was only on paracetamol for pain relief. He continued to do really well.

On the first evening Ian and I were watching Kiran sleep and both jumped as he lifted his hands to his face. Then we both realised there was no need as there is no nasal gastro tube anymore.

Now Kiran is almost back to his oldself. It is only 5 days since his operation.

I am in need of a lot of sleep and have a bit of a cold but other than that I am great.

Gymbo, Kiran and Ian

Today we used the last pass for Gymboree. Kiran showed Ian how much fun it was. He went on the slides, barrels, spinning tops, ball tunnel etc. (Kiran that is not Ian). Typically we took loads of photos.

Tomorrow is a hectic day getting ready for hospital on Tuesday so I am going to post some photos and then off to bed.

Fireworks and Ops

After Sing and Sign this morning we got home to a large envelope. It was a date for Kiran's surgery. It wasn't the 6 weeks warning we were told. It wasn't even 6 days notice. He will be admitted this Tuesday and the op is scheduled for Wednesday. We don't have a time or any other information yet.

Another first for Kiran, tonight he attended his first fireworks display. He loved it and didn't even fidget or fuss at the huge bangs. He followed the colourful fireworks and was watching them even as we walked off and they were off in the distance.

This Week

Kiran has had a lot of firsts this week. The biggest and most exciting is that he was allowed to try solids. They recommended carrots so we tried. It wasn't successful. Choking, gagging etc The next day we tried him on baby rice and neocate. I made the mistake of trying it and it was awful! Anyway Kiran didn't mind and enjoyed it. Today I mixed the baby rice with water. It was all eaten in about 5 minutes. I had to stop him blowing raspberries while eating it but he did really well.

Halloween was on Wednesday. Kiran wore his Little Devil outfit. Everywhere we went people commented and oooohed and aaaaahed. Eventually I had to admit that I had bought it for 75p from the charity shop( I love charity shops - NZ needs to get some). But that wasn't the bit I had to admit to, I thought it was a Santa Suit until I got it home. Ooops. We only had 10 Trick or Treaters at the door. So there are an awful lot of chocolates left over - shame!

Do you remember the image of Kiran being a dog chasing his tail eg going around in circles (but only in a clockwise direction? He can now turn the other way. He manages to get everywhere he wants (and I don't) by commando crawling in circles.

Yesterday Kiran had his 8 month check. He now weighs 7.6kg which is 16 pounds something. He is going to be referred for his lazy eye. We got a pack of books and brochures on how to read to your child! Kiran loves his books and Ian reads to him everynight as part of his bedtime routine. The Health Visitor was quite happy with him and using his corrected age (eg taking into account being prem) he is advanced in some areas and on target in all areas.

Due to new health and safety regulations (boy, you gotta love them - aaaaahhhh) all of Kiran's medical equipment has been changed to screw tops. The only positive is that they are purple.

I was very proud to see my friends embrace the Reeces Rainbow Charity www.reecesrainbow.com that I support. THANK YOU for giving these great kids a chance at a Forever Family. We still think that Kiran looks like Phil (if only there was a way to adopt him)

Finally, Kiran has been an absolute delight. He smiles, gurgles, has developed a sense of humour and been a trouper. Have I mentioned how much we love him?

Kiran's Twin

Differences in Lives,

Kiran gets a cuddle everyday (and not just one) Phil doesn't even know how good it is to have a cuddle.

Kiran has enough food everyday (and it's a variety and interesting) Phil doesn't always have enough food and sometimes goes to sleep hungry.

Kiran has a lovely decorated cot and a musical mobile that puts him to sleep at night. Phil cries himself to sleep.

Kiran has so many clothes he didn't even get to wear some of them before he grew out of them. Phil wears the same clothes day in and day out.

Kiran has so many toys that he needs yet another toy box. Phil amuses himself in his cot all day.

When Kiran turns 4 we will be planning his move to school etc. When Phil turns 4 he has the treat of being moved to a mental institution where he can not be adopted.

Kiran has two parents that love him very much. Phil deserves this chance too!

Every child on the Reece's Rainbow website deserves to be part of a Forever Family.

Please help us to help them visit www.reecesrainbow.com

For a christmas present that will make a difference visit http://www.reecesrainbow.com/angeltree.htm

Waiting and Water Time

Today we spent the whole day waiting for our passports to turn up. The still haven't so hope they will tomorrow. At least the wait wasn't completely wasted as we got a parcel from NZ. It contained Lemon Pepper (yum!) and a jumper and toys for Kiran.

In between hanging washing out and Kiran sleeping I kept taking him into the bathroom. First of all we played in the mirror. Kiran seems to recognise himself. After singing while sitting on the side of the bath I put Kiran in the bath playing with the balls and ducks. He was enjoying it. So I got the sheepskin and lay him on it. He was happy to play and sing and blow bubbles at me. So tonight we decided to try again with the bath. We filled the baby bath up and put it in the bath. We took Kiran in and showed him the mirror. He laughed and blew bubbles. Then we turned to the bath and he whined a little. Ian dunked his feet and pulled him out. I blew raspberries on his feet. We repeated this several times while dunking Kiran further until his knees were in. We kept playing with the toys. Then I got in the big bath and did Row, Row, Row Your Boat. Kiran enjoyed it and eventually we got him to sit in the bath. We kept him busy then eventually he was comfortable enough to play by himself. It was great. He was even happy to have a wash and lay back in the water. Well done Kiran. Tomorrow we will carry on with the same routine.

It is great to see that we have had 100 visitors. I would love to know who you are. Please let us know who you are. Tell us what you think.

Bathtime Boo Hoo

Kiran has taken a huge dislike to baths. For the last 2 nights Kiran has screamed in the bath. Tonight I took Kiran into the bath and as soon as he saw it he screamed again. I sat on the side and sung and played with the ducks etc. Every time he saw the water he cried again. We are not sure why but guess we will have to do a lot of distraction and get his confidence back. Who said kids don't have a memory?

Today was a miserable day. It rained all day. We were stuck inside.

Ian had a concert at Dorking. Three bands played and one of them even played Oregon. That brings back memories.

Tomorrow we are going to wait for the mail and then see what mischief we can get up to.

Unexpected Happenings

We had a great day yesterday. After Baby Bounce Kiran and I met Carly and went to lunch. It was really nice. Then I went with Carly to Matalan. I got some summer tops ready for Christmas in New Zealand. Kiran didn't like his bath so was quickly into bed. Once settled he slept really well.

Today there was no Sing and Sign as it is half term. So we went into Harrow to get Kiran's meds the up to Uxbridge for some shopping. We got a frame for the large photo and it looks fantastic so will go and get some smaller for the rest of his photos.

On our way home on the train I spotted that the Roxborne park was littered in autumn leaves so we decided to go and take Kiran's photo in them. He was quite happy in the leaves but then suddenly got tired. We got quite a few photos.

The other thing we weren't expecting yet was big displays of fireworks. They have been going off all night. We took Kiran out to have a look. He was fine with the banging but not sure about the bright colours. That surprised me because he loves looking at lights everywhere.

Tonight is the end of daylight saving so our clocks are going back an hour.

Racing Time

Boy, time really does race! It's been a few days since I've had a chance to sit down and write this up.

Wednesday Kiran and I went to baby and Mum group down at the Alexandra Centre. He still had a bit of a cold so dressed him up warm (infact left his pjs on and put jeans and jumper over the top) and off we went. He weighed 7.44 kg - enrolment at Weightwatchers next week! We came home and Kiran had a huge sleep. It was 4:30 before he woke up.

In the evening I went to yoga. It was great. I came away feeling like I am improving and also very relaxed. So relaxed I didn't even hear Kiran's feed finish in the middle of the night so Ian must have flushed his tube and everything without me noticing.

Yesterday Adrian and Amanda came to our house and then we carried on down to East London to visit Cath and her lovely little baby girl. Kiran was very intrigued by the baby and yes, he kept trying to grab her hand. I think we are going to have to watch him!

Today we are off to the usual Baby Bounce and then lunch with Carly and Vicky and her little girl - boy Kiran won't know what to do with 3 girlfriends!

Halloween Sniffles and Birthdays again

Where has the time gone? Kiran is 8 months old today! Wow!

Today Kiran attended his first Halloween Party at the Rayners Lane Library. He loved the scary stories. We had a photo shoot and even managed to get a photo of his tooth - finally!

Unfortunately Kiran has got a cold and is finding sleeping quite difficult. Poor thing. He doesn't moan though and is still full of smiles.

We got notice today that our passports have been updated and should be back to us by the weekend. What a relief. Now we can start traveling - Yippee!


I am attaching a few photos.

What's That You Say?

Today started very early. Kiran had a follow up hearing test at 9:30. So we were up and going by 9:00. He passed although we have to go back because he didn't respond consistantly in his left ear. I think it was just cause he was watching the colour balls in front of him. Also he kept looking to his right when the noise was in his left ear. He eventually worked out it was on his other side and looked that way.

Yesterday we spent the day at the Parkers. Ian cut down several trees. We were very impressed with Ian climbing up and down trees - he didn't even black out - just as well! Amanda, Kiran and I went for a long walk through the fields and forest. Kiran loved a little dog he saw and even weirder he thinks mushrooms are just hilarious! (I don't know why)

Today it is quite cold. There was still some sign of frosts when we went for the bus at 9. Might have to turn the heaters tonight.

Tennis Anyone?

Well, what a game of tennis, oops I mean rugby.

We had a full on day. Starting with Baby Sing and Sign where we learnt the signs for different emotions. Kiran loves the teacher Angeline. So when we ran into her at the Baby Show he was all smiles and more bouncing. Kiran was very spoilt and came home with lots of instruments like maraca in the shape of fish, rain sticks, drums bells etc. He loved them. I also got him a few different pacifiers that are textured and different shapes etc to stimulate his mouth in preparation for eating. We got a lot of freebies from blankets to washing powder to baby grows and nappies. There was a huge pool full of balls that Kiran loved. I wasn't sure how he would feel about it but he was straight in and crawling around. We got some great photos which I will post.

Yeah South Africa!

Bounce, Bounce Baby

Wow, what a difference a straight 4 hours sleep makes. Kiran slept write through the night and woke at 9 this morning. We went for our usual walk to Baby Bounce and then home for lunch. Kiran loves Baby Bounce although being a typical man he can't just nod his head or his arm, he moves everything all at once. He is just about too heavy to hold onto now (doesn't that sound great). Kiran is trying desperately to crawl and has just about got his legs underneath him.

Amanda came over this afternoon to get the chainsaw etc for Ian. Kiran was in his element having buzzing contests with her.

Tomorrow is a busy day we are off to Sing and Sign in the morning followed by the Baby Show at Earls Court. Sunday we are going to Adrian and Amanda's to cut down a tree.

Watch this space for some wonderful sites that support people with Down's Syndrome.

No Sleep and Lots of Smiles

Last nights dreams of a nights sleep didn't happen. Kiran was up all night. He wasn't a happy bunny. Not sure why. By the morning he seemed to come right again. We went to the doctors just to be sure and was given the all clear.

Back home again Kiran had a nice sleep and even let me have 30 minutes too. Then we met Sabrina and Alessia and went for a walk to North Harrow. I did my banking and then we had a Full English Breakfast. We then walked backed to the library. Kiran had a great time going around in circles while Alessia tried to crawl and succedded in going backwards. Yeah for her!

Better go time to hook Kiran up for the night then I'm crawling into bed for myself.

Sweet dreams!

A Better Day

We had a lack of sleep over night as Kirans tube was playing up and kept undoing itself. Unfortunately we both fell asleep at the same time and his tube came undone. I was woken to the groans of Kiran. When I went to check on him I discovered one very wet bed. His tube had been leaking everywhere. Poor thing had an empty stomach. Anyway we got through the night and had a relaxing day.

In the afternoon we went to Northwick Park to meet Dr Hyer. He has given us a joint appointment with the specialist and him as he thinks we deserve more answers. It is in 3 weeks.

Then off to Boots to get the meds they didnt have yesterday. It was 10 tins of formula - too heavy for me so had to phone Ian to come and help.

I have just returned from yoga. I did very well except I couldn't stop my hands from slipping. I could use some tips.

What went right today?

I am absolutely shattered today. After racing around in the morning getting Kiran ready to go out at 9:15 his tube decided to come undone just as I was ready to leave. I taped it up and off we went. Today it was a new class called 'Caterpillar Music'. Unfortunately by the time we got to the class Kiran's tube was again falling off. So for the whole class I was holding onto it instead of joining in with the songs. Anyway obviously Kiran had had enough so he pulled his tube out. At that stage I had had enough so I unplugged him. At least he got to join in with the rest of the class. After the class finished we came home to change as both Kiran and I were covered in Neocate. Then off to Harrow we went to meet up with Harrison and his Mum, Sam. We stood and waited for a bus for over 35 minutes. Finally we were on our way. We had a nice lunch at BHS and then on to the shops. Unfortunately Kiran was tired and pulled out his tube in the middle of ELC so we had to put it back in in the middle of the shop. Then on to our weekly journey to Boots to get Kiran's meds. They didn't have them so we have to go back tomorrow. We got home to discover Kiran's machine had switched itself off so his feed had stopped for over 2 hours. Bless, he didn't even make a scene. Then his tube started falling apart again.

So, what went right today? Kiran has the cutest smile and through all of this when I was getting stressed and had had enough Kiran smiled and talked. What a gem. We are very lucky.

Tomorrow we are off to Northwick Park to meet the specialist so fingers crossed and prayers please for some progress.

I am going to add some more pictures of our gem.

Fireworks and New Shoes

After a very busy day yesterday Kiran and I had a quiet day. Ian went to Folkestone for a Brass Band contest. They came 5th.

Kiran has definetly mastered the art of commando crawling in a circle (think of a dog chasing its tail) He just wants all his toys at once so he keeps spinning. Eventually I have to stop him to untangle his feeding tube. Yesterday he managed to tie his feet up (just like a calf at the rodeo).

Thankfully Kiran seems to be much better healthwise which is great. I have just caught up on all the extra washing I was having to do.

Tomorrow I am going to phone the hospital to see if there is any word on Kirans surgery. I am going to claim that I am concerned that the letter is held up with the postal strike. Fingers crossed and all prayers please!

Go South Africa!!!!!!!!

Busy Day

We started the morning with our 30 minute walk to Sing and Sign classes in North Harrow. Kiran really concentrated and Daddy is even managing to pick up a few signs. After class it was off to North Harrow tube station where we went all the way across London to Alexandra Palace. They were having a craft fair there. Mum had rang to say that my second cousin (My Dads cousin) Beverley was exhibiting her wool from New Zealand. We had no problem finding her. We walked straight in to her stall. I got the cutest booties all lined. Kiran was really good through the whole thing considering he was trapped in his buggy all day. I also managed to get some bits and pieces for scrapbooking. Kiran was exhausted by the time we got home.

Still haven't found my keys. Any ideas?

What A Week

This week has certainly given Kiran a lot of challenges. He started by producing his first tooth. Then started vomiting continuously and ended up having to get his personal nurse out to look at him. It was decided that as he wasn't dehydrated we would just take it easy and monitor the situation. They cut down his food to 45 mls an hour. For the first week in a long time he didn't put on any weight. Anyway he has slightly improved and I have managed to increase his food back up to 55 mls an hour. Six days later he produced his second tooth. Kiran has mastered the art of rolling and also commando crawling especially in circles.

Many of you will know that I support a group called Reece's Rainbow which is involved in finding adoptive parents for wonderful kids from around the world. Most of the kids have Down's Syndrome. Please, please, please have a look at the website www.reecesrainbow.com .

Looking for a different and meaningful Christmas present. Why not get a present that gives a chance of life and a forever family go to www.reecesrainbow. com/angeltree. htm Warning: These kids will melt your heart.

Ouch!

Kiran had a bad night with very little sleep. I spent the night walking the hallway and patting Kiran's back. He had a slight temperature but then I wasn't surprised at the way he was throwing himself around. I went to give him some paracetamol but just before I did I read the restrictions and of course he couldn't have it because of the meds he is on. Anyway at 6 a.m. we had a break through - literally. Kiran cut his first tooth. He settled down by midday and had a 3 hour sleep. We then went down and got him weighed. It was 7.02 kg He jumped a line on the graph! Yippee! Anyway I am off to get some sleep.

Lunch at the Cafe

Today after some housecleaning we met Sabrina and Aleesa at the cafe next to the library. Great, huge meals for £3. Kiran slept through most of it which is lucky as I couldn't here that his machine wasn't working. After a nice lunch we went to the library where it was story time. Judith the librarian read us several books. Kiran sat and watched them. He also liked riding in the little snail rocker. After playing and reading we went up to Tesco to get shopping and then down to butcher to get mint lambchops for dinner, then onto the dr to get Kirans prescriptions. By the time we got home it was raining again. Kiran didn't even stir when I put him into his bed. He slept for a good 2 hours. He is asleep again now and enjoying his dinner -mmmmm another Neocate feed.

P.S. Does anyone know where my keys are?

Rain Day

Today we didn't get up to much. It was miserable, raining all day. Kiran has mastered the art of copying sounds and today did a lion roar and snake hissssssss. He also likes buzzing his lips.

Winter Woolies

On Friday it turned cold. This was just he excuse I needed to get out all the lovely jumpers Nanny had been making. Kiran was roasty toasty warm. Loads of people commented on his jumper.

Saturday:

I had a day out at the Education Exhibition with Carly. We went with the hopes of collecting lots of freebies. I have to say I was really disappointed in what was available. Never mind it was a great day out. Also got to go to Pizza Express for a yummy lunch. I did get 20 pens and a tape measure!

When I got home I expected to hear that Kiran had pulled his tube out, he didn't! That must be my something special!

Ian took Kiran to signing class. He did very well. Apparently Kiran didn't like the monkey noise that the teacher made. His bottom lip began to quiver, then it was all on. Ian got lots of sympathy. Typical!!!!!!!

Carly couldn't believe how much Kiran had grown and how active he is. He performed his version of the Haka too!

Sunday:

We had a lazy start. After a bit of house cleaning ;(( we decided to do some baking ;)). We made 3 different sorts of biscuits. I really enjoyed doing it too. I had forgotten the joys of preparing food from start. I sent some with Ian to the Parker family as they are having a testing time at the moment. Hope they enjoy them.

Health and Safety Disclosure: Eat the square biscuits with a cold glass of milk. I am not responsible for broken teeth.

Ian has gone to band as they have a contest in a few weeks in Folkestone.

We are still waiting on our friend Cath to have her baby. She was due last week. Thinking of her too!

Hospital Visit

On Tuesday Kiran had his visit to Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. They are very happy with his weight gain but not so happy with the reflux. It has now been decided that Kiran will have to have the Nissens procedure and a gastro tube inserted. We are on the waiting list, which should be in the next 3 months. After the operation he (and me) will be in hospital for at least a week. Heres hoping it happens soon. Finger crossed.

Musical Day

Today Kiran and I went to Baby Bounce. Action songs held at the local library. He loves it. He really does do what the name says (He is a baby so he bounces). His favourite songs today were Row, row, row and Grand Old Duke Of York. I am not sure how much longer I will be able to lift and thow him up in the air as he is getting really heavy (almost 7kg).

After that we caught a taxi into work where they were having a drumming / samba session for the staff. It was great to be able to see everyone and hear them say how much Kiran has changed. I also enjoyed having a go on the drums and other percussion instruments. Kiran loved it too. The teacher was worried that it would be too noisy but he went to sleep so I put him out in the corridor. He was asleep until the music stopped (yes stopped) then whimpered and cried and then stopped and bounced when the music started again.

Kiran wore his new fleece trousers and jumper that Nanny knitted him. It has turned very cold and rained all day. Of course tomorrow Kiran will be wearing his All Black gear for the NZ / Romania game. Kia Kaha.
PS Tomorrow I am having a day at a Teaching exhibition - collecting freebies! So heres hoping Kiran can keep his tube in or I imagine I could get home and his hands will be gaffer taped!

Welcome

I am going to give this a go!
This week Kiran turned 7 months old. Boy time really has flown by.