No funding for Joshua

Joshua's application for funding to attend the Bobath Centre for Children with Cerebral Palsy was refused. We haven't had a letter explaining the reasons. Bobath actually contacted us with the news.

As David pointed out, the PCT/NHS are more than happy for him to undergo needless appointments, like audiology, when there is no concern for his hearing, repeated ophamology, when there is no change to his vision, an offer for a visit to a neurosurgeon, when there is nothing to be achieved. But no help at all for Bobath, who's expertise in the field has been going strong for over 40 years. Early intervention is key!

I await a letter to explain why Joshua can't have the best therapy available.

In the mean time we are going to self fund a consultation and take it from there.

No Progress - Yet!

Joshua has had a cold so I've not been offering the bottle. Hence the no progress. He has been out od sorts, and more than a touch miserable. We were worried earlier in the week, but a visit to the GP reassured us that all is well, it is just a cold.

The snow has prevented me from venturing out.

The Christmas decorations are up. Which is nice. On Thursday me, Oliver, Ben and Phoebe made paper chains. Such satisfaction from a little task. The boys were so proud of their work.

Quiet week really.

Sorry I'm not feeling inspired to write today.

I think I'm a little preoccupied with Joshua's PCT hearing on the 9th.

Christmas Crafts

Phoebe and I spent the past 2 nights crafting away at felt Christmas trees.  Ahhh so cute.

Speech and Language

Joshua had his first appointment with the SALT today.  I'm not entirely sure what I was expecting, not a lot to be honest.  I thought they may come up with other suggestions or methods.

We have been trying Josh with many different bottles, Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature, Avent.  Not too mention training cups.  But he point blank refuses to try.  Now whether this is because of texture, warmth, his visual impairment, stubbornness, inability to learn how to suckle from the bottle; I just don't know.

The SALT suggested we could try the Haberman Feeder, apparently many babies with special needs take to this bottle.  Definitely worth a try.

They also suggested the Medela feeding cup.  I'm a little concerned that if he could master this he would lap the milk, this is something we've been trying to discourage as it can lead to dental problems.

Worst case scenario we were told that if we need him to come off the breast (which is becoming more important as my arthritis is now chronic) he may have to be tube fed.  We don't want this.  The ability to eat is so important.  The SALT explained that if this route were taken Josh would also be seen by a dietitian.  Plus we would have to spend a couple of days in hospital learning how to administer the milk.

So in a bid to avoid this I've found an online retailer who stocks the Medela range.
http://www.expressyourselfmums.co.uk/products.asp/subcatID/26/breast-milk-cups-and-feeders

Hopefully Joshua will not be stubborn and will take one of these!

Some of the Photos are Ready!

Louisa sent me an email with a couple of the photos all finished.  I can't wait to get the disk. Here's a sneaky peek.

The Big Shop

All done and home again.  Lakeside was heaving.  Much busier than previous years.  I thought the country was in financial ruin?  Or perhaps people just don't care?

Anyway, for obvious reasons I can't post here what was bought.  But having arrived home exhausted but completed Joshua managed a few minutes in his Squiggles chair.

I don't think we've over done it this year, it's hard having 5.  I'm glad we made a start earlier in the year.

I did buy some cute decorations.  I'm planning on putting the decorations up on the first Sunday of Advent, the 27th November.

A Visitor for BenBen

Our Lovely Liz and SamSam came to visit today, for our Ben's birthday.  We had a lovely day.  Ben received Woody, who he just loves.  The boys played together.

Liz is perfectly glowing, with just 7 weeks until Buzz arrives.

We all settled down in the evening to watch Toy Story, the boys had pop corn.