IT'S COLD OUTSIDE AND A SMALL SUCCESS

BRRRR it is cold out there today. I even saw a few flakes of snow coming down along with plenty of hail and rain. On the hills over the other side of Belfast Lough there is a dusting of the old white stuff. Its an Arctic wind apparently, but I dont really care where the wind comes from all I know is that it would freeze the balls off a brass monkey.

I was talking with a friend today and I realised I had forgotten to post some news I had. We have had a small development or should I say success for us as a family, a step which should pave the way for other families in our shoes too. I finally managed to get Sol's patches paid for by the NHS. After being allergic to the ones the hospital provided I was left to source different ones and pay for them myself. It is not the money that got me, but the difficulty in obtaining these patches which are latex and rubber free. Each three months it was the same trouble - pharmacist saying supplier doesn't do them, me saying they do, me speaking to supplier, persuading someone to order them in from manufacturer ...blah blah, and it was the same every single time. The patches cost £12 per box for me, apparently they would cost the hospital £7.50, my daughter was turned down this inexpensive yet very effective method of treatment based on cost. I complained every time I went to the hospital, and the answer I had got last time was "try source them cheaper on the Internet". The hospital would not even supply these patches for Summer - even passing the cost onto ourselves would have been preferable to the trouble each time I wanted to order.

So in the end I spoke to the manufacturer and they went into a little rant as to why other children get free patches why not us - he named hospitals that supplied the patches for free and one of those was also in the Belfast area. So I went back and informed the neurosurgeon's secretary and the orthoptics department that I was going to our local parliament member about our child with low vision being denied treatment. Before I knew it these guys were ringing me back saying this and that - talking of making preliminary enquiries of costing. Then came the call that Sol has been given authorisation to get her patches on the NHS but still not other children (it is a start). then the manufacturer called me congratulating me for 'paving the way for other families'. The manufacturer had received a fax through from the hospital that very day pricing up the patches for Summer.I paid for this three months supply, but after those patches run out hopefully things will be set in place for Sol to get hers at the hospital at no additional cost to ourselves.

SHOW ME THE LIGHT

This morning we were enduring the chilling winds brought straight in from the Arctic, yet we still had to head out. Wrapping up warm the children and I had to run a few errands to run. We had to stop at the bank, optician and collect some forms for filling in.
After the chores were done we went along the pier at Donaghadee to admire the light house. It isn't a huge lighthouse but impressive all the same. This worked out well as the children were working on a project about lighthouses last week, today was great for them considering this lighthouse is practically on our doorstep.


The crane on the harbour, Seb was fascinated by it.

The lifeboat.

At home this afternoon I could not resist taking these photos of Seb, he was nursing his baby he just looked a real natural.

Not forgetting Toni - she is gorgeous but then again maybe I am biased.

URGH GO AWAY

This has been an Interesting week to say the least.

Much to my absolute horror I discovered on Tuesday that the children had head lice. The head lice issue has really upset me the last few days an I am glad it is over. The children don't go to school and the last few weeks have been to the bare minimum amount of clubs (due to loss of privileges) so I have no idea where the lice came from.
I felt most sorry for Toni as she was literally getting ready for a party when I noticed the lice so she could not go. Six grueling days later, daily combing, conditioning, changing bedding and the children appear to be clear of those nasty things. Just as luck would have it I spotted some head lice repellent spray for only £2.50 in Tesco so I bought a couple bottles - those children wont be leaving the house without getting sprayed for a couple of weeks until I am sure everyone is treated and clear at the clubs.

Seb's Birthday in Photos

There was a full set of circumstances which meant that on Seb's 5th birthday we weren't going to be able to do a special tea for him. I was disappointed about that and had suggested that we do something special the day before, which was a Sunday. Seb chose to go to the Transport Museum rather than have a party, to be perfectly honest I much preferred that than having to organise food and entertain everyone.



We had a great afternoon, the children just enjoyed themselves jumping on and off the trains. I am not sure which bit they liked best but they all came home tired and happy.



I find it hard to believe that Seb is 5 years old now. It does not seem like 5 minutes since he was born. Seb has been through a lot of illness, especially in his first year of life - it makes my heart swell now to see him so well. We have come a long way - when he was born I found it hard to get close to him because he was so sick, it took me a long time to develop that special bond that we have now. Six months ago he was in the throws of what felt like delayed terrible twos, now Seb has developed into a lovely boy.

Toni's 6th BIrthday

I am catching up - been so far behind in posting my photos and updates ..been a busy time for us.

These photos are from the 22nd of September 08, I know it was a few Weeks ago but I just had to share. Toni's 6th Birthday was a bitter sweet day for us all because on her 5th birthday my mother, Toni's grandmother passed away. Toni's 5th birthday was spoiled, and now we have to live with that date being not only a special day but a painful reminder of me losing my mother at the young age of 56.

It was a nice day weather ways, which made a chance seeing as it had been raining for the past 3 months. We had quite a few friends to help mark the day, plenty of food and TWO birthday cakes!



first thing on the actual day opening her gifts.



Seb joining in the fun!



Sol too.


Toni got a vet kit.

Funny photos

These are the last I am going to post from my holiday photos for the time being ...

I just thought they were too funny to leave hidden.

Seb was so tired he fell asleep standing up!

Our balcony was heaped up with inflatables ... it was really funny as each family left to go home they gave our children their pool toys - before we knew it we had quite a collection!

Popcorn hats - the childreb raided the popcorn machine!

Making A Splash

One of the most enjoyable things for a child on holiday is splashing in the pool. Add to that the glorious weather every day and it makes for a brilliant time.





There isn't much to this blog post - just a few splashes.

We are back!

Its been an age - posting photos here, chatting to my friends, catching up ...well they say "better late than never".



Its only taken me two weeks to trawl through the 600 or so photos we have taken between us. Its hard choosing which to print, you cant print them all - nor do you want to.



For those who have been asking where the photos of the blue sky and my where my white bits are ... you have to wait. First thing first!


My Grandmother has knocked on deaths door and so far has been refused entry this week. The poor lady is clinging on to life just now, after being given the news earlier this week she wouldn't make it ... she is still here. The doctors are saying "pray"!


Sol went to see the neurosurgeon also, I think I will cover that in another post.



The cat has been to the vet (rolling eyes) AGAIN!! Well good news this time, good news for her, she is now allowed out of that tiny cage she has been in for two months. Her healing has gone way beyond what anyone expected, even though her leg is still dragging she definitely has some muscles in it now.



Sol has started playgroup, again, so to speak. Sol went to playgroup for three days before our holiday, she wasn't toilet trained so it wasn't really official if you know what I mean. WELL - our girl has done us proud and is making real efforts to keep dry now.



Before I get onto the sunny photos, and believe me there are loads I have to share this first.

It was our eldest boy, Mag's, Birthday on the 6th while we were gone. We arranged a cake for him and the girls who ran the kidzworld cooked up a surprise.



This is Mag showing off one of his cards ...



By the way, he is mad on cars.






He was unaware that we had ordered a cake and we just spent the day doing normal things you do on a birthday, swimming in the pool, relaxing ... just like we do back hone (not).

We had planned on going to a cabaret show that night, it turned out to be a really good show with some quality acts. Anyways we got there to find a table decorated for Mag just to put him in the party mood. We were served chicken in a basket with fries.



This is what Seb thought of it all, well actually it was just a long day for all. Seb fell asleep during the show and missed the whole birthday surprise for Mag.



Half way through the cabaret it was announced that there was a change to the program. The compare asked if there were any 'special people' in the audience - and got Mag up on stage.



After wards they gave Mag a cocktail called Harry Potter which was right up his street. (Mum and dad had a few cocktails too)