2010 - A New Chapter

HAPPY NEW YEAR DEAR BLOGGERS


….ok, ok so better late than never!!!!


How is everyone? Thanks for joining us this snowy evening xx


Hope you all had a good Christmas and New Year celebrations, whether it was a cosy night in, dinner with friends or a ‘good 'ol knees up’!! Phew..I’m actually rather partied out and that’s just taking Phoebe to all of her social events throughout December…aah she did really enjoy herself, from attending her first Christmas Fayre and meeting Santa to experiencing her first game of tenpin bowling and she did very well. We were amazed Phoebe totally understood the concept of moving the children’s ball stand across until it lined up to aim for her last pin, whilst expressing her independence of course…. bless her she wasn’t that far behind her Dad either…I won’t say who won though!!

Of course it has been very different to last year’s experience when we found ourselves at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital getting ready for Phoebe’s Bone Marrow Transplant. It’s been a very relaxing traditional Christmas here, spending time with the troupes and catching up with friends. It was lovely to see you all and we hope to catch up with more of you guys soon..


As I mentioned earlier, we were incredibly lucky to have been invited to so many lovely Christmas celebrations and being able to take Phoebe was a joy, watching her interact with other children and join in the fun was pure joy!. We were careful with handwashing still but with most folks over the winter period she managed to pick up a few coughs and colds but has fought them off well, she still has a runny nose but who hasn’t in this cold weather. In general, Phoebe’s health is remarkable and she is enjoying everyday especially this snowy spell.

Now even though the snow has taken its toll and managed to throw the country into chaos, I have actually reminded myself not to whinge but to stop and just appreciate its beauty seeing how the daily landscape transforms into this picturesque winter wonderland. The untouched scenery of the Staffordshire countryside is just amazing, we are so incredibly lucky to have it on our doorstep. Even though we haven’t managed to make it out sledging which I know is a great shame, Phoebe has enjoyed building her first snowman with Granddad Graham. On our journey out for Sunday lunch this week it was great to see so many people sledging down the hillsides, the kids were really enjoying themselves…probably not as much as the adults on their wheelie bin lids…apparently nothing slides better than a car bonnet from the scrap yard at McGuinness….(as ade recalls his fond memories!!!)


Looking back on our memories of 2009, we started the year with Phoebe in recovery from her transplant on 11th December…how quick has it gone!!! The whole process of being in hospital was a little scary at first of course we all survived and recovery was a steady journey with many challenges at times, particularly giving all the medicines and dealing with the Norovirus on a daily basis. Phoebe showed such strength and courage throughout those times when she must have felt absolutely dreadful, particularly when we, as any typical parents were desperate for her to eat something. Everyday, she amazed us with her acceptance of the nasogastric feeding tube and the endless trips to the hospital to have it re-inserted…eventually even being a little courageous and re-inserting the tube successfully myself!! After nearly 7 months her immune system eventually kicked the virus and Phoebe’s health and appetite finally began to recover, thank goodness. The steely determination, confidence and incredible care shown by Rob and all his staff at the Bone Marrow Unit in Manchester was truly amazing and we will always remain humbled and gracious that they saved our little girl.


Come April time we began to enjoy the fresh air and be outdoors and this was fantastic as we had a special visit from our friend Denise and all the Family from the States, it was great to see them with a tradition British welcome home (with union jack bunting!!!) and we continue to be thoroughly entertained by all the updates on facebook…you keep us smiling Den!!!


Our main aim for the year was to help Phoebe with her recovery and to relax and enjoy the company of our family and friends.


In May, we were so pleased to be able to go to our annual ‘Rhodestock’ Camping Festival which is always a great weekend superbly organised by our friends Heidi and Iain…with wonderful food and relaxing company it was a welcome break to the daily routine of treatment etc and ok so we did cheat last year and stay in a fabulous luxury hotel as it was still a little too damp for Phoebe to camp but she absolutely loved every minute of it and we are looking forward to this year’s festival …hopefully with the vanage in tow!!!


By June we were able to venture out a little more and this made my birthday all the more special by visiting a zoo and watching Phoebe captivated by all the animals, the troupes all packed a picnic enough for a 1000 and off we went in the minibus, it was a great day for all of us…a little bit of normality restored …aaah.


July came and we decided as it was our 10 year anniversary and a simple way to be able to have holiday’s and small breaks with Phoebe, we decided to purchase our beloved Caravan or ‘The Vanage’ as we have affectionately christened it. This has probably been one of the best things we have done, in the fact that it meant we were able to have a family break away with Phoebe and all her equipment and feel comfortable, home away from home. With an inaugural trip planned we decide to spend our first night not to far away in Cheadle, just about 10 miles away from home, it was the start of a fantastic adventure that saw us visit many beautiful towns and cities, getting to grips with the whole caravan experience. It’s a great way to get about and take your feeling of home with you!!

We particularly enjoyed a visit to The Plassey Site in Wrexham, hi to Sue in the Garden Centre…Phoebe stole her heart, bless her, we look forward to making it over again this year. Hope this is a great season for you over there. Xxx

One of our favourite places this year has been Ludlow, a fabulous historical market town with its beautiful architecture, its definitely worth a visit if you’ve not been before, we shall be heading back there for a visit this year if you fancy joining us!!!


Phoebe celebrated her 2nd birthday in August with a lovely family gathering and a special visit from the ‘Waterworld’ Bear, he helped to make the birthday party really special although Phoebe may not agree, if you had seen her expression when he arrived…she wasn’t too sure and didn’t want to get too close but warmed to him after a little while I think!! Our friends Helen, Jonathan, Eve and Madeline very kindly brought Phoebe a sand pit and this year we hope to get outside a little more in the garden to enjoy it!! Bring on the sunshine!!!!


Talking of sand…we managed to get a week in Devon with the Sproston Family and had a great time, the typical British weather tried its best to keep us away from the beach but we managed to get one day there. It was great to see Jack and Rob grab their surf boards and head into the waves..Amy and Phoebe took their nets in search of crabs in the rock pools, Jo and I enjoyed some time together too! thanks for a wonderful holiday guys, it was great to spend some time with you and we look forward to more happy times ahead!!


What greater pleasure than getting out and about and in September we gather together to remember Eleanor’s birthday, the sun was shining and it was a really lovely relaxing day with our friends around us, we all take food for a picnic and enjoy a walk up to Thaw’s Cave, ok so its more like a good cardiac workout whenyou reach the top!!! Just having the time in the fresh air and great company is always a welcomed tonic, and a great day finished off with dinner at the Chinese Buffet…yum!!


December was party central for us guys and we had some superb gatherings. To all our friends on the Community nursing team, thanks for a lovely Christmas party and it was great to see Iggle Piggle and Santa there too.

Thanks also to Julie, Becky, Carol and all the staff from the Oncology Team who gave us a great Christmas Party at the Bowling Arcade in Stafford. Ade and Phoebe had a picture taken with one of our country’s iconic football legends…Gordon Banks!!! At first, when Gordon and Ade were posing for the picture, Gordon thought that Phoebe turned away because she was getting upset, he really laughed when we told him that she was fine, she was having a little pick of her nose!!! Ha ha!! – We’ll save that one for the gallery tomorrow!!


Tony, Kendra and Family, what a fantastic party, with great food and a wonderful band, good company and a fabulous amount raised for Leukaemia ~ Just a fabulous night, Thanks guys and we look forward to meeting up again soon xxx


So, with no great plan other than to enjoy every day with Phoebe, family and friends, we have had a superb year. Of course with each year there comes personal challenges, marriages, births and passings. So we finish tonight with a few dedications…


For Uncle Frank, Auntie Winnie’s husband who passed this year. You are in our thoughts, God Bless xxx


We remember fondly Uncle Jimmy who sadly passed this year too …May you find Peace Jim xxx


We also remember Ella Wright who sadly passed after a brave battle following complications from her transplant at the Bone Marrow Unit in Manchester, you will always be part of this journey with us…you are an amazing and inspiring spirit. ~ Our love and prayers are with you Sally, Sam and all the family xxx


Colin Garner who passed at the end of this year, may you be at peace and be re-united with Chris...God Bless. Thinking about you Gail, you know where we are.

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2009 has also seen some new births and we send our Congratulations to you all….


Ade's Cousin Richard and Karen had a new addition to join their two sons, John and Alfie - Welcome to baby Stan and Congratulations xxx


In Ireland, our friends Owen and Carmel celebrated the birth of their first son Jake..who I’m sure will be a budding player with Waterford United!!

Sheena and Richard welcomed their new son Archie, Congratulations to you all xx

Sarah and Simon welcomed their new addition to the Scott Family ~ a beautiful baby girl Genevieve…Congratulations to you all…xx


Carl and Laura celebrated the arrival of their first daughter Molly!!!..Congratulations xx


Congratulations to Richard and Vienna who also welcomed their first little girl too. Xx


Leanne and Justin who celebrated their arrival of their baby girl and also tied the knot on New Years Day!…Big Congratulations…you’ve had a busy year!!! You can relax now Julie and we look forward to seeing you, Dave and all the family in Carmarthen soon xxx


2010 has brought us some Celebrations our first new arrival of the year…

Congratulations to Michael and Leeanne who gave birth to their first baby son on Sunday…Welcome James and Congratulations to you and all the family!! xx


We also have some special mentions tonight for some of our dear friends…

Sarah T ~ Keep strong my friend, we are here, whenever, wherever you need us….Much love and we look forward to visiting you in the next few weeks. xxxx


Sarah D ~ Thinking of you, stay strong…you know where we are xxx


Happy Birthday to my Mum for last week, glad you enjoyed your birthday lunch!!i


Happy Birthday to my Brothers partner Lisa too, glad you liked the dress!!


To all our friends and family ~ There are no words to convey our thanks for all your support, encouragement, positive energy, prayers of course… humour and above all….love. We couldn’t do it without you all xxx…


Ok….We’ve kept you all long enough now and its getting very very late so we’ll say goodnight now and tomorrow, there will be a gallery of photo’s of our past year…Hope you’ll join us again and thanks to all you bloggers who have supported us through this journey, its lovely having you with us!!!


Wishing you all a restful night dear friends xxxx

Much love

Lynn, Ade, Phoebe and Spirit Eleanor xxxx