Sadbh's update - day 117

Saturday was a very busy day. 

It started off with both Katie and I running errands in preparation for my families arrival this evening, and preparation for next weekend.

We were able to accomplish what we set out to do, and still have time to do trach care and get ready for our friends wedding in the afternoon.

Trach care was very interesting today. After getting Sadbh into her deep relaxed sleep, the house shook with the sound of the Blue Angels flying overhead. It's the Seafair festival in Seattle this weekend and as part of that, the Blue Angels perform their air show over Lake Washington.

The sound is so loud as these F/A-18 Hornets buzz over the neighbourhood, however we were quick to react to keep Sadbh sleeping.

It all worked out well and since Sadbh was in such a deep sleep, we were able to get her invite out for her Christening next week.

Erin and Andrew's wedding was beautiful, and we got to catch up with a lot of friends that we had not seen in a long time. There were many whom we had not seen in years, but most had heard of Sadbh and were delighted to finally meet her. 

She had a great day and only got fussy when she was hungry.

I can't believe how lucky we are that she's so mild mannered and easy going.

We are also grateful for such fantastic friends, who all helped out throughout the day. 

At one point during the dancing, a Lady Gaga song was played and it was obvious that Sadbh wasn't impressed. Aunt Lydia made a great effort to block Sadbh's ears, and it looked like Sadbh was insistent that Lydia shouldn't let go.

Eventually, after a few dances, it was time to head home and meet up with my family who arrived while we were at the wedding. 

Needless to say, everyone was over the moon to meet Sadbh, and for my parents, they were so impressed in the improvement since they first met her back in April.

Congratulations Erin and Andrew on your wonderful wedding, and thank you for inviting us to celebrate your wonderful day!

New photos.

Photos from June 6th.

All the best,

Wayne, Katie and Sadbh.

Sadbh's update - day 116

Friday was a very exciting day for Sadbh.

21 years ago, Katie moved to Munich as an Au Pair for the Uhl family. Karina and Rainier Uhl had three beautiful young daughters, the youngest one, Nini, was just 2 and a half months old.

The entire experience was life changing for Katie and she became very close with the Uhl family since then.

Fast forward 21 years to today when Sadbh finally got to meet her German cousins, the Uhl's. 

She was full of smiles and at times it would seem that she understood German as Karina and the girls chatted to her. 

She also showed off how strong her legs are by standing without much support. Obviously she can't really stand by herself, but she definitely makes a good effort in trying.

It was great to spend the evening with the Uhl's and we are looking forward to spending more time with them over the next week.

New photos.

Photos from June 5th.

Have a great weekend.

All the best,

Wayne, Katie and Sadbh.

Sadbh's update - day 115

Sadbh is such the socialite. Today she got to spend time hanging out with her good friends Conor and Cormac. 

Aunties Suzie and Aoife also came along with uncle Barry and they all got to spend time hanging out with our little princess.

Sadbh had a really good day, until I got home from work that is. For the past few days, no matter what I do, I cannot seem to console Princess Angry Bird after she gets upset. 

After feeding, burping, changing and everything else, I figured it might be worth bringing her for a walk. She cried the whole way, until we got within a couple of blocks away from the house. It wasn't long before she was awake again and fairly cranky. Fortunately Theresa stopped by for a visit and was able to entertain Sadbh for a while longer. 

New photos.

Photos from June 4th.

Take care,

Wayne, Katie and Sadbh.

Sadbh's update - day 114

I came home from work a little early today, only to find Sadbh and Cormac working on their tans in the back yard. Thankfully they were not up to any shananigans, but I feel like I have to keep an eye on them from here on out. Especially that young Cormac fella.

Sadbh didn't get much sleep throughout the day, and this resulted in a very fussy girl this evening. 

Uncle Barry is in town from Sydney for the next couple of weeks, and he came by this evening to meet Sadbh. We all headed out to Cafe Presse for a bite to eat, however we weren't there for long before Princess Angry Bird showed up. 

Aunty Lydia gave Sadbh a lovely gift of Adidas, they are slightly too big for her, but I don't think it will be long before they fit perfectly. Thanks Lydia, they look really cool!

New photos.

Photos from June 3rd.

Cheers,

Wayne, Katie and Sadbh.

Sadbh's update - day 113

Our fantastic agency has done it yet again, no nurse care during the day today, and none for tonight either.

Regardless, Katie and her father took advantage of not having a nurse in tow and brought Sadbh to Fremont to do a spot of shopping and some lunch.

Popi got to test his new trach care skills again today and has been a great help to both Katie and I. 

Two months ago today, Sadbh got to leave Children's hospital for the first time. Despite the initial roller coaster ride, and all the issues with the home care nursing, she's come a very long way, in a relatively short time.

All in all, we are extremely lucky that she's such a mild mannered, happy child. The amount of smiles and giggles that we receive on a daily basis totally makes up for everything we have been through. 

New photos.

Photos from June 2nd.

Take care,

Wayne, Katie and Sadbh.

Sadbh's update - day 112

Katie's father, Howard, or Popi as his grandkids call him, checked in on Sadbh first thing Monday morning and got the biggest smile ever.This got the day off to a good start, and since it was Popi's birthday, it was a great birthday gift.

The last time that Howard got to spend time with Sadbh was when she was intubated in the NICU at Children's. What a difference a few months can make.

Howard received a crash course in trach care today. After watching our routine on Sunday night, Katie asked if he would assist in today's care and he took care of business as if he had done it a thousand times. 

To celebrate Howard's birthday, the four of us headed off to Jak's in West Seattle for a steak dinner. 

Sadbh was an angel the whole time and a great meal was had by all.

Happy birthday Howard, and thanks for all your help today!

New photos.

Photos from June 1st.

All the best,

Wayne, Katie and Sadbh,

Sadbh's update - day 111

Sadbh got to meet her parish priest today, so we could schedule her baptism. She even had a huge smile for Fr. Fabian.

Anyway, she was very well behaved, and once it came time to go to mass, she slept the whole way through.

Despite not getting a lot of sleep over the last few nights, it's actually been good not having nurses around.

When we do have nursing, what's really tough is the inconsistency between each of the nurses. It's extremely hard to hand her off each evening to the next nurse and know that this nurse will react differently to each sound and movement from our little baby.

We have explained in great detail, Sadbh's sleeping characteristics, however, each and every nurse has a different understanding of this, and it ends up being a lot more disruptive to Sadbh and her schedule. 

On a positive note, Katie's father arrived today and got to spend a lot of time hanging out and cuddling with Sadbh. The last time they got to spend time together was when she was on a ventilator in the NICU at children's. 

Sadbh was so full of life and really enjoyed spending time with pops. What a difference a few months makes.

New photos.

Photos from May 31st.

All the best,

Wayne, Katie and Sadbh.