The Little Lion - Rory's Story

Hi everyone! This post doesn't actually have anything to do with Rory's medical journey or development relating to his leg. But earlier this week Rory turned One, and that's just as a big a milestone as any in our book! Looking back on this video of Rory's year was so emotional for Pete and I - we shared a few tears when we watched it on the morning of his birthday, even though I'd seen it progressing hundreds of times as I was putting it together! It's not until we went back through these clips as a full finished piece that we were reminded just how constant our trips to Sheffield have been, and how much time Rory has spent either in surgery or in bandages in his very short time.  We always knew Covid was going to throw us a curveball, but what a crazy, terrifying, amazing, wonderful, heartwrenching, fun, adventurous, exhausting year it's been! And while it's been the worst year of our lives it's also without a doubt been the best. There is so much ...

Well, it's done! Rory is now officially an Amputee, joining a select club of some very special and inspirational people.  I'm pleased to report that the operation went smoothly, and thankful that this event is now in the past.  A-Day I spent the days preceding the Thursday keeping myself distracted from the inevitable overthinking by packing, unpacking and repacking the many bags we were taking with us; a weeks' worth of clothes for Rory and I, toys and books for him, books for me, food and milk for the both of us, as well as the day to day essentials like all the nappies, bibs, etc. There was a lot to pack; a real eye opener for any future holidays! Gone are the days of me slinging an overnight bag over my shoulder... The day itself started early; a 5am wake up to make sure we were in Sheffield by 7:30. Rory was first on the surgery list, so Pete took him down to theatre at 9:15 with the anaesthetist. Then came an incredibly long and agonising morning... it was gone luncht...

 This month's update is... no update! I was conscious that I haven't really shared any news recently and to be honest it's because there isn't much to say.  We attended Limb Reconstruction Clinic last month, where we met some of the prosthetics team and the other doctors working with Mr F on Rory's care, but other than a bit of a catch up and a few more questions there wasn't really much to report back on.  Next month will see us meeting with Grimsby Physio (as Sheffield have handed over to them now), the Burns/Plastics team for a check up on his leg, and a catch up with Sheffield Paediatrics for an update on his overall medical picture.  Other than that, we have finally been able to live a 'normal' life! It feels great to not be burdened by hospital appointments, and to at last be able to focus on the ordinary happenings of a seven month old.... sitting up, babbling, and the minefield that is weaning.  I want to take this pause to address a major challe...

We are getting excited for Rory's first Christmas, as are the few family members who we will be able to share the day with (cue another Covid grumble). Even though Rory won't know what's going on, it's lovely to be able to start to pass on traditions from our own childhoods. Additionally we've watched Christmas films (well, Pete and I have whilst Rory mostly napped through them), we've eaten homemade treats (baked by my Nanny, not me, because I can't seem to find the time to bake with a clingy 5 month old) and wrapped plenty of gifts for our closest friends and family (I love wrapping!). Everything always seems to feel a little better in December.  Nonetheless, medically it has been a trying few weeks. Writing this blog has always felt like a form of therapy for me; it's more than just logging events, it's being able to comprehend my own thoughts and feelings and help organise my mind. As such, I think it's important to be honest about the fact t...

It seems fitting to share a post about gratitude at the end of Baby Loss Awareness Week. Sadly, like all of us, I know many families who have lost a little angel. I've given our own little miracle an extra cuddle tonight on behalf of all those parents, as I'm sure many of you have done this week.   Which really does put things into perspective for this post.  Our family has had its own tough ride over the past three months. It has felt on occasion like every time we've taken a couple of steps forward, we'd encounter a setback. Fortunately however, things seem to have settled down and we're having a good run of things going to plan... I've probably just jinxed us now! Since opening up on social media we've received quite a few comments, both publicly and privately, about how we're managing to stay positive, so I thought I'd use this post to talk a little bit more about that.  Rory's Smiles For starters, just look at his little face! It's reall...