It's an interesting life.

Well, it's all go here!
My day off (of course) and Ashley went to Nursery this morning all smiles. An hour later we got a call to say he has Chicken Pox. So he's home for a week. The baby's ok (she has her Mum's immunity for 6 months or so) and we've all had it.
Ten minutes ago we got a call to say Gill's Mum has been rushed to hospital for chest rays - suspected collapsed lung.
So I'm making tea tonite.
New rota starts tomorrow morning at 6. Wish me luck!

First steps

Ashley has Developmental Delay which means he is basically like a 38 pound one year old.

Because of this he has been Statemented which means when he starts
School Nursery in September he will have a Carer and equipment to help
him thrive in a mainstream school.

Today we met with the Head of Infants, his carer-to-be, our Portage
worker and the town’s Special Needs Coordinator to start the planning
for his induction later this term and his first few weeks in September.

I won’t bore you with the details but I will say that although the
meeting was very productive (the Head of Infants is a remarkable
woman!) it was also very difficult.

As parents we have always been fierce in protecting Ashley from
unnecessary treatment, rough handling, long days in hospital etc. Today
felt a little like we were delegating some of that responsibility to
these people. As such we have to be sure that everything is up to
scratch. So it was difficult.

However, one day in the long distant future Ashley will hopefully be
independent and we have to work towards that. September will be a step
on that path.

Lazy Sunday

It's been a good week with Ashley showing some real development and my job due to change.

Gill arrived to pick Ash up from the Nursery (he goes twice a week now) to be shown a video of the little guy standing at the sandpit. The significance may be lost to anyone who hasn't followed his progress over the last 33 months. We had an inkling that things were 'on the move' when he started pushing up from his 'commando crawl' into a hands and knees position a few weeks ago. He went to an upright kneeling position against the settee and now this.

To say we're glad is a little bit of an understatement. Although he's not talking yet and still eats mush, this is a crucial point in his development which can only indicate real progress and hope for the future.

Work is changing. A new job on the booze aisles will see me starting early each morning and finishing in time to pick the girls up from school. It will really enhance our family life and help lift some of the weight from Gill's shoulders.

The mobility car in September ( a Zafira 7 seater I think) will put the shine on things too.

Sorry these blogs are a bit sporadic but family and work life is a bit hectic at the moment and sleep at a premium with little lady only just settling to good nights after 11 weeks.

Trust you're all well and happy.

Talk soon.

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