less crotchety

Maisie is possible grumpy and she is still recuperating from her chest infection. Maisie is eating well and a little less crotchety.

This is helped by getting a little more sleep today than yesterday.

Maisie getting some needed rest -
that's if sleeping with  your bottom in the air is restful

Daddy was told today that Maisie is grumpy and unsettled because she is missing her Aunty Cat. Let's hope this is true because Aunty Cat arrives on Monday and is staying for a few days.

If this is true Maisie will have a good Hogmanay!

crying all day

Mummy is upset because Maisie has been crying all day. Daddy was out a lot of the day running errands which needed done but that didn't help Mummy.

Maisie has been very unsettled today but there is nothing noticeably wrong. Maisie has eaten very well, her wheezing is no worse than usual and she doesn't have a temperature.

Maisie did enjoyed her bath and had a wee nap afterwards but other than that has not really slept.

Big Colin popped around and gave Maisie some cuddles which calmed her down for a short time letting Mummy get a bit of respite - but not enough.

At some point tonight she will hopefully go down, have a good nights kip and awake fresh in the morning.

a long day getting home

Daddy packed up the car with all Maisie's presents but before leaving for Scotland there was one more person to visit; Aunty Carole (one of Grans best friends) who was desperate to give Maisie a cuddle.

"Aunty Carole gives great cuddles!" 

Then it was on the road back up to Scotland. It was a busy day on the roads and there were quite a few traffic jams which Maisie didn't enjoy. It is a joy driving with Maisie when the car is "making progress" but in slow moving traffic Maisie gets very bored and even her brother and sister couldn't manage to keep her attention - Maisie was grumpy - not fun. 

Maisie fed very well today - her appetite is growing but she was tired from the long journey so decided to stop off at Uncle Douglas and Aunty Margaret's for a wee snooze while everyone else had a hearty feed from Uncles big spread that he'd laid on. 

Aunty Eleanor and Uncle Carl were also there so Maisie got more cuddles.

Proud Aunty and Uncle 

Then it was the final leg of the journey. Maisie had some supper when she got home and went straight to sleep - she was happy to be back in her own cot at last. 

time for exercise

After lots of excess for everyone over the last few days it was decided that it was time for some exercise so everyone gathered around at lunchtime to watch Maisie try and touch her toes.

Maisie is developing her skills more and more each day and it is a wonderful thing to watch happen. She was trying so hard to touch her toes but isn't quite there yet. If you put her toes in her hands she holds on to them and then gets very frustrated when she lets go and cannot get them again.

It was a fun playtime today.

Maisie's getting so much love........

Aunty Cat is getting used to Maisie's ways and really enjoyed feeding Maisie again;

Maisie loves it when Aunty Cat feeds her

And Grandpa didn't want to miss out and made sure he got more cuddles from Maisie;

proud Grandpa

It's been a busy week and it was fantastic having all the family together. Tomorrow it's back home to rest over the weekend and get ready for Hogmanay.

boxing day or cuddles day?

It was a day of relaxing and recovery for the whole family.

Maisie didn't fancy venturing out as the weather was terrible so stayed at home for lots of cuddles while Daddy took Megan for a walk in the pouring rain.

Aunty Cat took advantage of Maisie staying at her house and got lots and lots of cuddles;

Maisie loving her cuddles from Aunty Cat

Then it was Uncle Alex's turn;

Maisie looks even smaller in these big arms

Maisie took a short time out from all her cuddles to try out her new chair from Aunty Eleanor and Uncle Carl but isn't quite managing to sit up on her own yet - it isn't for want of trying and it shouldn't be to long before Maisie succeeds.

"I can't wait until I can sit up properly" 

Even more cuddles when Grandpa and Grandma Jan came for a visit;

when will the cuddles stop?

Who knows what tomorrow will bring - more cuddles? 

1st Christmas

Maisie and her whole family are very lucky; lots of presents, lots of fun, lots of laughter, lots of love and of course too much food.

Maisie had a Fantastic 1st Christmas. Maisie spent the day in good health and eating as well as the rest of the family. Maisie was extremely grateful for all the presents that she received - she really is a very lucky girl.

Daddy will have fun playing with toy that Maisie got - they are all needed for Maisie's development but more importantly for fun!

And Mummy will enjoy dressing Maisie up in all her lovely outfits.

Maisie didn't feel to well on Christmas eve and so Mummy and Daddy didn't get to the midnight service. Christmas morning was very different and after opening a few presents the family made it to church. Maisie really enjoyed the service and the other children's presents - there must have been alot of very well behaved people as Father Christmas had visited everyone.

Maisie's really enjoyed all the carols however nothing could beat spending the service with Aunty Rhona. It was Maisie and Aunty Rhona's first proper cuddle and it lasted for the whole service;

Maisie; "I didn't think that Aunty Rhona's cuddles would be so great!" 

Then it was off to Uncle Jim and Aunty Helens for Christmas dinner - Charlie and Gracie had just as many presents as Maisie - it is hoped that these spoiled children realise how very lucky they are.

Dinner was excellent!

Grandpa and Grandma Jan arrived and Grandpa also got his first cuddle;

"Grandpa's cuddles are really good too!" 

It was a busy day so Maisie took a wee nap after dinner to recharge her batteries;

Aunty Cat's sleep suit kept to the Christmas theme

Once Maisie had  her nap it was back to playtime. Maisie played with some of her cousins toys and was particularly taken with one of Gracie's wigs.;

at last......Maisie with ginger hair

Thank you to everyone for your kind gifts - Happy Christmas to you all xxx

One more sleep

Maisie had a wonderful day. Grandpa came to see her and Aunty Rhona popped around too - they couldn't believe how much Maisie had grown. Maisie slept through their visit so they will have to wait until tomorrow for cuddles.

Tomorrow is going to be so exciting!

Christmas eve eve

Maisie had a great day and certainly seems to be getting over her infection. 

The excitement is mounting for Maisie's first Christmas, Father Christmas must have nearly finished packing up all the bags on his sleigh ready for a busy night on the 24th. 

Daddy and Mummy told Maisie that Father Christmas may visit soon as she's been a very good and brave girl.

But this is all new to Maisie so she decided to visit Grand Aunty Eleanor and Old Uncle Carl  to pick up some more presents (as if there weren't enough under the tree already) just in case Father Christmas didn't come - she doesn't want to miss out. 

Then it was a long journey down to Aunty Cats where some Carol singers came to visit - what a suprise -  it was cousins Charlie and Gracie and their singing was beautiful. 

They were helped by a very scuffy looking Father Christmas which turned out to be Uncle Jim in disguise, silly Uncle Jim. 

Only two more sleeps to go!

a day for cuddles

Maisie is really feeling a lot better. Maisie spent most of the day awake taking in everything around her and glad for all the wonderful things she had missed while in the hospital; the radio,the family chit-chat, the fun and laughter, the smell of good food, Meghan barking at the cat etc.

She did take a short time out for a snooze with her sister;

taking a well deserved rest - Christmas is such a busy time

It was a lovely day with quite a few visitors dropping off presents and cards, mainly for Maisie of course as no one else in the house seems to be important anymore.

Maisie seemed especially pleased to see Brian giving him lots of smiles. Mummy was especially pleased to see Dawn who couldn't wait to take Maisie in her arms and give her a cuddle and the first opportunity she had. Dawn only let go to give the children a wee cuddle;

Please to get a cuddle from Maisie at last.......

As Maisie is feeling better she will see her cousins for Christmas although she may be to busy to bother with them as it looks like she'll be spending all her time opening her presents;

"where do I start?" 

still doing well

Maisie had a great nights sleep.

Maisie awoke bright and breezy with only a wee bit of a wheeze. It was a day of recuperating with lots of sleep and just a little bit of playtime.

Playtime consisted of Maisie sitting in her chair and throwing her toys around then crying until Daddy picked them up. Daddy was thinking that he could train Megan to pick up Maisie's toys - if only he can get her to let go of her tennis ball.

If Maisie continues to do well then she'll be able to Christmas with her cousins as planned.

home for tea

Maisie had a better night but Mummy didn't sleep too much. Daddy let Mummy away early, she had some work to do and then went to bed to catch up on some sleep.

Maisie's oxygen levels are back to 0.3 litres. Her heart rate is a little higher to compensate but the important thing is getting the oxygen level right.

There is still a little wheezyness which could last for a few weeks but Maisie is definitely on the road to recovery. Maisie was lucky she had mild bronchiolitis.

At the ward round it was decided that as Maisie was getting a bit better she could go home. Mummy and Daddy can give Maisie the care that she needs in the comfort of her own bed. There is also less risk of Maisie catching any other infections.

sleeping peacefully in her own cot

Maisie was happy to be going home and was all smiles when Daddy put her in the car seat. They got home just in time for tea and Mummy woke up to a wonderful surprise when Daddy put Maisie into her arms.

working hard

This morning Maisie was told that there are three things required for her to go home;

Firstly Maisie's feed needs to be at the level it was before she got ill - it is Maisie is eating very well at the moment.
Secondly Maisie needs to be a position where she doesn't need suction - Maisie is not getting regular suction as her infection is not causing much "snot" - the technical term the doctor used.
Thirdly Maisie's oxygen supply needs to be at the agreed level she was previously on or at least at a manageable level - this is not yet achievable.

Daddy what is this chair that
 you've put Bunny and me in?

Mummy didn't get a lot of sleep last night - it's noisy at the hospital. Maisie was comfortable until her oxygen was turned down when her breathing became heavier,  a lot quicker and more wheezy.

The oxygen was turned up and Maisie spent the morning playing with Daddy, she seemed to be getting better.

Unfortunately it wasn't long before the wheezing started again and Maisie's oxygen saturation kept dropping.

The consultant came around on his ward visits to discuss Maisie's situation. It doesn't help in the long run turning up Maisie's oxygen as it will make it more difficult to wean her of it.

It was decided to try a medicine that would help to dilate her lungs and blood vessels to help the blood collect Oxygen more easily. It's dispensed like a ventilator for asthma. It this worked Maisie would be on her way home.

It didn't. Maisie did not react well to taking the ventilator and fought back. The nurses comment was "we shouldn't break Maisie to give her the medicine."

Another solution needs to be found to help with Maisie's breathing and oxygen flow. There are no results on the samples taken yet. It will just identify the virus but there is no real treatment.

Maisie is working hard to fight it - hopefully tomorrow will be a better day.

Mummy is sleeping over again and Daddy will take over early tomorrow morning.

mummys turn to stay

Maisie slept well through the night on the higher levels of oxygen until about 4am when Daddy woke her for a feed. Maisie didn't appreciate being disturbed as becoming active requires more oxygen and she became wheezy again. Maisie was wheezy on and off throughout the day.

The consultant came to see Maisie. It was decided that Maisie would stay in for a least another night so that she can be observed and to see if there is an infection that's causing the breathing problems.

Maisie seemed to manage well on a high level of oxygen but ideally it should be lower to go home. It will be turned down gradually until a level is found that the consultant is happy with, that's if her wheezing doesn't get worse.

The symptoms could show tomorrow (day 4) - but we're praying that Maisie doesn't get worse overnight.

Yesterday the nurses did "suction" on Maisie's nose and airways to clear them of mucus and also to get a sample to be sent away. This will tells us whether Maisie has a chest infection or not. The results will be back late Wednesday afternoon or Thursday morning.

Daddy thinks that Maisie is just exhausted and doesn't have an infection.  Let's hope he's right.

There is good news too; Maisie fed well again today and the dietitian spoke with Daddy to say that she was really happy with Maisie's growth last week . Maisie put on over 200g and weighs 4.57kg or 10lbs. This is the same weight that Zach was when he was born.

Imagine how well Maisie would have grown if she hadn't been so sick.

Daddy spent last night and all day with Maisie so its Mummys turn to stay and  keep Maisie company tonight.

What a day

After a busy few weeks; hernia operation, recovery while having a urinary tract infection, treatment for infection, not agreeing with antibiotics, vomiting........... Maisie is exhausted!

Maisie's breathing was getting heavier, wheezier and more labourious which Maisie wasn't coping with very well. Mummy and Daddy were getting concerned so it was decided a trip to the hospital at Kirkcaldy was the best thing to set minds at rest.

The Doctors examined Maisie and have kept her in overnight for observation.  Maisie had been getting worse over the last couple of days and the doctors say that it is days 4&5 that tend to be the worst if Maisie does have a lung infection.

The doctors have turned up Maisie's oxygen supply and so she is currently very comfortable.  Let's pray Maisie has a good nights sleep and will get home soon.

first Christmas tree

Maisie was very unsettled last night and didn't sleep so well. She was also sick during the night. Maisie didn't sleep so well through the day either but there was no sick which was an improvement. Today is the last day of the antibiotics so hopefully Maisie will be less nauseous tomorrow. 

The Health visitor will weigh Maisie tomorrow and hopefully she will have put on more weight than last week,

not the biggest tree but there
were not many left to choose from

Maisie had visitors for brunch - she can't wait until she can try a bacon roll as they smell fantastic.

Young Katie brought Maisie a book; Bunny's bedtime book, which came with a wee bunny that is a great size -  just bigger than the mouse she currently favours. Thank you. Maisie enjoyed the story very much before she went to sleep.

Daddy eventually got around to getting a Christmas tree which Meghan decorated beautifully. Most of the presents underneath it seem to be for Maisie.

It's Maisie's first Christmas tree - there where times that we thought this would never come.

It's going to be an Amazing Christmas!

next stage

Maisie moved along to the next stage of her development today. Maisie is good at holding her toys and feeling the different textures and today she started to shake them to hear them rattle. It was wonderful playtime today.

Mummy, this is making noises. 

The wee toy that she is playing with is very small which you probably can't tell from the picture. It's the smallest toy that Maisie has. She loves this wee mouse.

It came in the pocket of a big sheep that Maisie got from Wayne, Caroline and Jenny. The sheep is quite a bit bigger than Maisie at the moment but we're sure she'll enjoy playing with it as much as she does the mouse. Thank you.

Maisie was still under the weather but was only sick once. The course of antibiotics finished tomorrow so hopefully we'll see a change in her.

slept a little

Maisie was out and about with Daddy, firstly they had to take Daddy's car to the garage for a new speed sensor. Daddy must have worn the old one out.

Then it was off to a shop that sells yum-yums. Daddy explained to Maisie that she to would be allowed to have one every now and then as a wee treat when she's older and that yes, they were indeed yummy.

It was a fairly busy day but at least Maisie slept a little. Maisie loves to sleep in the car, which is good because she doesn't seem to be sleeping at any other time. Maisie didn't sleep most of  the night keeping Daddy and Mummy awake with her chuntering.

Feeding is going well but Maisie has been a little bit sick again, not so much on Daddy as yesterday which is an improvement. We need to monitor this. It could be due to the infection or it could be due to the medication to treat the infection. It's hard to know which. 

just a regular day

Maisie didn't sleep that well last night nor during the day. There are to many distractions for Maisie at the moment because everything seems to be so interesting.

It was just a regular day for Maisie; lots of playing and lots of food with a wee bit of sick all over Daddy thrown in for a bit of fun.

No walk for Maisie today though as it was too cold. Hopefully we'll get out and about tomorrow.

a few visitors

Maisie was having a good day. It wasn't a day for sleeping but a day for eating and playing.

This was good as Maisie had a few visitors. There were a couple of Mummy's friends who popped in very quickly on their way to a Christmas Dinner. Mummy does seem to like going out for Christmas. Everyone else at dinner was very jealous and wished they'd had the chance to meet Maisie.

Tanya also popped around for a coffee and cuddles. Tanya will be spending a lot more time with Maisie when Daddy eventually decides to get a job.

But the favourite visitor (yes you can have a favourite) was Grand Uncle Bill. This was because he gave Maisie lovely cuddles which really made her smile;

"Rock me again Uncle Bill.....and again!" 

making progress

This morning when Meghan went to say goodbye to Maisie she got a wonderful start to her day; Maisie turned in recognition of Meghan's voice and gave her a big smile. It was wonderful to watch the joy in both of their faces. 

Over the last couple of days Maisie has been making great progress with recognition of voices and faces There are been a very noticeable  improvement. 

Maisie is also spending a lot more time smiling and giggling. Daddy thinks it's much more fun playing with her now. 

It was a good visit to the eye doctor. Optos have lent a machine to the eye doctor so it was just another trip to the hospital rather than all the way to Dunfermline. This is on the back of all the work that Maisie has put in having picture of her eyes taken. 

The pictures today showed that her eye are continuing to do very well however it is becoming more and more difficult to take the pictures because Maisie is now becoming more interested in everything but the machine she should be looking into. 

The eye doctor is happy to see Maisie in three weeks time - Good News. 

Daddy needs sleep

Once Maisie had settled down for the night she was linked up to her monitor to measure her oxygen saturation. At the current level of oxygen Maisie is meant to be on her saturation levels were just at the lower level expected. The level dropped every now and then when Maisie became more active.

Maisie originally left the hospital on a flow rate set at 0.2 litres which increased to 0.3l while feeding. For the last few weeks Maisie's oxygen level was also turned up to 0.3l whenever she was distressed with her hernia. It also helps Maisie to turn it up when she is tired or feeling under the weather.

As Maisie's saturation seemed to be at a reasonable level most of the time the nurses tried to lower the level to 0.1 litres. Maisie didn't cope with this too well and the monitor started to alarm continually indicating that this level was not suitable. The alarming kept Daddy awake and disturbed Maisie. The rest of the night was quite unsettled for both Daddy and Maisie.

"come on Daddy it's about time
we were going home!"

In the morning it was decided that Maisie should go home on 0.3 litres as this is the level that showed reasonable saturation levels and where Maisie seemed most comfortable.

Maisie's next sleep over will be just after Hogmanay. Hopefully Maisie will have recovered fully from the Hernia and can have her oxygen turned down again.

Maisie met with the dietitian. Maisie has got another 2cm longer and her head another 1cm bigger. It doesn't sound very much but this is a reasonable growth. Although she is showing growth by getting taller and having a bigger head she's still not putting on weight quickly enough.

Maisie has put on 30g in the last week - it would be preferable to put this amount on daily. Maisie is now 4.34kg - 9lb 9oz.

Maisie's not eating could be due to her being post operative and also having her synagis injection last week. The dietitian hopes that she'll put on more weight in the coming week. She is on the highest calorific value feed she can have.

Daddy still thought that there was something else bothering Maisie and keeping her off her food. She is still quite grumpy even though the hernia was repaired over a week ago. Daddy discussed it with Mummy when they got home and decided to call Edinburgh Sick Kids. The Sick Kids had taken a urine sample too check if Maisie had an infection but had not been back in touch with any results.

They looked into it and called back with the news that Maisie did in fact have a infection! Could this be the cause of all Maisie's issues at the moment; not eating, not growing, being tired; being grumpy, requiring more oxygen?

They recommended that Daddy called the Doctors to arrange antibiotics. Daddy did this and Maisie started her course of treatment this evening. Hopefully this will help Maisie and will lead to growth.

being monitored

Maisie has got her appetite back. Maisie fed very well today making up for the last few days. Hopefully this is a sign that growth is on its way.

Daddy and Maisie are currently at the hospital having a sleep over.  It was lovely seeing all the nurses again. They couldn't believe how big Maisie is getting.

Maisie will have her oxygen saturation monitored during the night.  The nurses will record Maisie's saturation every hour and in the morning the consultants will decide what her oxygen saturation requirements need to be.

Then Maisie will meet with her dietitian to see how her growth is progressing.

more babysitting duties

Maisie had a good day sleeping and eating, her intake of milk was much better.

Mummy and Daddy would like to thank Zach, Meghan and Lucy for baby sitting while they were out for a Christmas dinner with friends. Maisie was very well behaved leading Daddy to believe that the baby sitters didn't really work that hard.

Maisie is spending the day with Daddy as Mummy and Meghan are off to Edinburgh for a day of shopping and nice food. It's a beautiful day in the East Neuk so hopefully Maisie will get out for a nice walk before to to Kirkcaldy for her sleep over.

still sleeping

Maisie continues to sleep well but this is leading to a wee problem; Maisie seems to have lost her appetite.

Maisie is sleeping and the hope is that this leads to good growth. This will not happen if she isn't eating so much. Over the last few days Maisie is only just managing to eat her daily requirement which is not too good.

Daddy is waking Maisie to feed her which doesn't really please her very much, and she's not much happier when Mummy wakes her for a breast feed. While Maisie is awake we try to feed her smaller amounts more often.

It could be that Maisie doesn't have the same energy requirement now that there isn't a problem with her hernia. We'll have to wait and see what the dietitian has to say on Monday.

sleeping

Maisie did it again!

Maisie slept though most of the night just waking Daddy to have her nappy changed. She's a very clean baby - as soon as she dirties her nappy she lets you know it needs changed.

Maisie also spent some of the morning sleeping;

Happily sleeping

When Maisie is sleeping she's growing. 

physio came

Mummy and Daddy had a great nights sleep. Maisie slept from about 12.30 until 7.30am. It didn't feel natural but let's hope Maisie can do the same tonight.

Maisie has been eating well so her dietitian should be happy at the meeting on Monday.

Maisie's visit from the physiotherapist went well too. Maisie's progress is going in the right direction and everything currently indicates that Maisie's Physical and Neuro development are progressing normally.

Good News!

Maisie goes to work

Maisie went out for a walk with Mummy to see Mummy's work. There was a class on who enjoyed the distraction of meeting Maisie.

Then there was a meeting with her Health Visitor. The urine sample was not good enough to be conclusive on whether Maisie has an infection or not. As Maisie seems to be feeling better it was decided to see how she goes before taking any further action. Perhaps the sample taken at the hospital will show more.

Maisie was weighed and has only put on 70g this week, what's Amazing about Maisie'e weight today though is that it's exactly the weight the Daddy was when he was born (over 40 years ago).

Maisie is 9lb 7oz - 4.3kg. 

Tomorrow the physio is coming for a visit.

back to beautiful Embra

Maisie was at Kirkcaldy to get her Synagis injection to protect her lungs from infection. The nurses noted that Maisie had never looked so well. Maisie is already showing an improvement from having the operation.

And then it was off to Edinburgh to pick up Maisie's drugs from the hospital.

It was a lovely day even though it was very cold and so Daddy decided to treat Mummy and Maisie to lunch before heading back home.

It was a relaxing day. 

honorable discharge

Maisie behaved very well overnight and had an honorable discharge mid morning on Sunday. Maisie once more has taken everything in her stride.

Bye bye and Thank you. 

It was decided that Maisie's sleepover should be postponed until next Sunday as the oxygen saturation reading may reflect the operation and not Maisie's usual state.

Mummy once more got no sleep and Daddy got little sleep. It's been a long few days.

Maisie got home early in the afternoon, Mummy had a shower and Meghan (who'd missed Maisie much more than she'll ever let on) got Maisie's milk ready for her feed. Daddy went to get Maisie medicines ready only to realise that they had all been left in Edinburgh!

After a few phone calls Daddy ended up going to Kirkcaldy to pick up enough supplies to last until morning - poor Daddy was exhausted, he'd been looking too having 40 winks himself before venturing out again.

There will be another trip to Edinburgh in the morning to retrieve Maisie's bag of drugs.

Maisie will still visit Kirkcaldy for her synagis vaccination but her meeting with the dietitian is being rescheduled.

Mummy and Daddy are looking forward to a good nights sleep.

operation done

Amazing Maisie's operation was a success. The hernia has been fixed and Maisie is all stitched and glued up.

It was decided not to give Maisie a general anesthetic but instead give her a spinal anesthesia instead. This would just take the feeling away below the waist.

Even though Maisie had the anesthetic it did not stop her being a little annoyed and she pulled out her cannula that was in her leg. This meant that the operation took a little longer and she also needed a little bit of general anesthetic to help while they put a new cannula in.

Maisie was most likely annoyed because she was hungry. As you can see not being fed makes Maisie a little bloshie;

Maisie was not happy she couldn't have any milk! 

Tomorrow if all is well Maisie will be discharged in the morning and she can get prepared for her overnight stay back at the Victoria in Kirkcaldy.

A big Thank you to the surgeons, anesthetists and the rest of the fantastic team at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh for helping Maisie and making us feel so welcome.

They all reiterated what we already know about My Amazing Maisie - she is very strong and a wee fighter

..............and of course very beautiful!