Transplant Day +50 - Recovery at Home, counting our blessings xx

Good Evening Bloggers,

Thanks so much for joining us again for Phoebe’s progress report and a very warm welcome to our new bloggers who have joined us recently, its nice to have you on board!

Welcome once again, Phoebe has been a little star again today; we once again leapt out of bed early this morning as we awoke to the familiar sounds of her cough, the beginning of a little sickness. This morning was no exception although without going into too much graphic detail, it was much better than usual.

Phoebe has been tired today as we all have and I think that our sleep is trying to catch up with us a little now, we are lucky to get the chance to nap when we can even though its been a busy day cleaning the house with the kind help of Mum, Dad and Nan. Thank you all so much, we are so grateful for all your support and help.xxx Gwen came over a little later in the afternoon as she has been away for a couple of days for a well earned break. It was good to see Gwen back and Phoebe was pleased as always to see all the folks.

Well Phoebe and I did get around to doing some baking today and I have to say Phoebe wasn’t particularly enthralled by the whole flour thing, I tried my best to encourage her to get involved but I think she didn’t want to take any responsibility for them!!! Dad is so funny, we always have good banter between us and he gave me a 3 out of 10, with a wry smile on my face…he liked them but as he has a sweet tooth and I think he was expecting a sweeter taste.

Have a go and see what you think…..

Cranberry and Cheese Muffins…..
Makes 18

Butter for greasing
8oz plain flour
2tsp baking powder
1/2tsp salt
2oz caster sugar
4tbsp butter, melted
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
6fl oz milk
4oz fresh cranberries
1oz freshly grated parmesan cheese….

Lightly grease your muffin pan with butter.
Sift flour, baking powder and salt into mixing bowl, stir in caster sugar.
In a separate bowl, combine butter, beaten eggs and milk and pour into bowl of dry ingredients. Mix lightly together until evenly combined then stir in cranberries.

Divide mixture into muffin pan and sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese over the top.
Preheat oven to 200C/400F and bake for 25 mins or until risen and golden brown.

Remove muffins from oven, let them cool and transfer onto wire rack.

Have a go; let me know what you think!!!

Anyhow…where were we…..

Phoebe has been well for the most part today but had a little sickness this afternoon, we repeated the feed after half an hour and she seemed to tolerate this, we’re not really sure why she is sick sometimes and not others. Gwen did really well and managed to keep the NG tube in place, it can be quite difficult to deal with but they all do so well.

This afternoon, I had a lovely call with Richard who is Ade’s cousin and I am so thrilled to announce that Karen and Richard had a new baby son, Stan Christopher. He arrived on Wednesday 28th January 2009 at 11.20am weighing 8lb 6oz. Congratulations to you guys and all the family, especially John and Alfie on becoming big brothers. We look forward to seeing you all soon and meeting Stan Christopher. Until then, we send you all our love and blessings for some good sleep, rest when you can peeps…much love xxx

It has been a great day today and we are really looking forward to getting out and about for some fresh air although it’s really too cold for Phoebe at the moment. As Stoke are playing at home to Man City tomorrow, Ade is heading out to watch the match and this will give him a good break. I may pop over to mum and dad’s tomorrow, will just see how Phoebe is.

Later this afternoon, I received another call and had a wonderful conversation with Tim McGough. Tim called and left a message for us when he heard the news about Phoebe…how kind!! Tim runs a family funeral directors called McGough and Sons based in Tunstall, he and his fabulous team there were remarkable to us when they looked after the arrangements for Eleanor’s ceremony. I have to say, their care, service and professionalism were absolutely outstanding. Tim’s son Callum also had a Bone Marrow Transplant a little while ago to treat Leukaemia. I am also pleased to tell you that Callum is well and attending school leading a regular life. Speaking with Tim was really helpful and I enjoyed having a great chat as they have been through a transplant with their son Callum, he totally understands everything we have experienced, especially at the hospital and the recovery at home. Well done Callum!!!

As we haven’t caught up with Gwen and Geoff for a few days, they stayed for tea and Ade cooked them his favourite pasta dish which is a John Torode special. Just before we sat down for dinner, Phoebe held Gwen’s hand and walked to the bottom of the stairs and said “bye byes” aaah bless her she was so tired, actually telling us she’s ready to go to bed…priceless!!! So by the time we sat down to dinner, Phoebe was washed, dressed and tucked up in bed. Tomorrow, I will share the recipe for this really tasty dish, it certainly went down a treat, especially with Geoff as he is a huge fan of pasta, it was lovely to have dinner with them and just brought a wonderful end to a really enjoyable, busy day!!!

Thanks for all the wonderful comments on the blog and your thoughts about continuing to do the blog. Each night I always try to write it within an hour but it’s like chatting with you, once you get me started……

So on that note folks, I will bid you good night, sleep well and catch you all on the morrow

For Eleanor, our beautiful girl…

‘My soul is awakened; my spirit is soaring and carried aloft on the
wings of the breeze.’

Anne Bronte

Much love
Lynn, Ade, Phoebe and Spirit Eleanor xxxx