latest pics

Kids with Great Nanna Anderson



Ethan about to get mum



Ethan's 1st day of kinder. Erin's 1st day of school





Sports Day at kinder - The Don

Jack

During our time on 41north we met many other families and friends. Anna and Jack used to meet us on arrival and vice versa. We weren't on the ward much with out each other. Ethan and Jack were kept apart on many occasions due to the risks of cross infection but they would talk and play games through the little isolation windows. Erin and Adele soon found Jack's room and if I couldn't find them, I knew they would be in room 4 playing with Jack and trying to help Anna. Erin formed a special bond with both Jack and Anna. She loved going to hospital to see them and would be upset if they were on leave. We have so many wonderful memories of hospital thanks to them. Erin was over the moon when Anna asked her to go to the zoo with them. She had a great day. Anna and I also became a great support for each other. We both had a nursing degree and a sick child. It was rare to find someone who knew and understood where I was coming from. Once Ethan had finished treatment Erin would still ask about Jack. Jack also left Monash but ventured on to the kids to have more treatment. The treatment involved meant he couldn't see other kids. This upset Erin but she was pleased every time an update came through especially one with photos. She was looking forward to catching up with him after his treatment. She had it all planned, a little party like Ethan and a big present. Sadly this never happened. After a huge battle Jack passed away on his 3rd birthday.

Our deepest sympathy goes to Anna, David and family. We are thinking of you alot.

Jack, we will always remember your beautiful smile. You have taught us a lot about life and living in such a short time. You are truly a star that shone brightly. We will miss you.......

grommets

Ethan had his ears examined a couple of weeks ago.

He was to fast after a light early morning breakfast (nothing after 7am) and arrive at the hospital at 11. We knew from previous anaesthetics that waking him to eat doesn't work. He is cranky and won't eat so we let him sleep for as long as possible. It was a very long day. We waited and waited. Ethan was climbing the walls looking for food. It was nearly 24hours since his last meal when they called for him.

The procedure itself didn't take too long and the back up ICU bed was not required! A grommet was inserted into the right ear drum. The left ear drum has a big hole in it so couldn't be done. They sucked away a pile of goo and he was commenced on antibiotic ear drops. They doubt if the hole in the left ear drum will heal. We are not too sure what this means to his overall hearing. We will find out more at his post op appointment.

He has taken to wearing the earplugs (blu tak) quite well. He knows they need to be inserted before he goes in water and they are not to be removed until he is told. We have had one very interesting morning where he wouldn't listen to me. I was so frustrated. I asked if his ears were painted on. He was trying to tell me something and was signing but I couldn't work it out. We were both getting frustrated and trying to sign to each other but nothing was getting through. It took a while but he got his point across, I hadn't told him to take the ear plugs out after his shower! After I had worked it out and the plugs removed he proceeded to tell me in no uncertain terms that I was useless thanks to some new signs he has learnt from poppy.

He has moved on from watching thomas, hi 5 and the wiggles to toy story, monsters inc and the lion king and yes he has memorized all the scenes!

He still remains chesty and we have increased his ventolin in accordance with this. It isn't getting any better but it isn't getting any worse either.