I have nothing much to report really. Corwin is doing well with his walking frame, although the novelty has worn off and so he is ignoring it and crawling lot. I don't want to force it on him so leave it round the house and gently encourage him to stand up to it himself.

He is taking to Rowan more and more. He will shake toys over him and give him his dummy. He does get a little jealous if visitors hold Rowan , or if I take photos of Rowan!

The photos are of Corwin and Rowan. They are looking more and more alike, but not ever so much. It is fun to dig out the photos of Corwin and compare.

The first of each two is Corwin. He is two months older than Rowan in the smiley photo , but it is the only open mouthed smile I can find of him!

abi x

Just wanted to share some nice news that Corwin is walking really well with a new frame. He tried it for the first time with physio today and after about 15 mins he was walking everwhere with it. He was so excited! He is really ready to be independent and is becoming very strong minded. He can pick it up slightly to turn it round, infact he is a bit too good that he is scaring me as he goes far too fast and there are plenty of things for him to knock into in my house! I cant slow him down. There is also a tiny step onto laminate flooring in his playroom , but he slows down and carefully steps up or down it (see photo)...one day he might forget He did go too fast with it and banged into the patio doors...however the second time he remembered and stopped way ahead of the doors! eeek he is going to keep me running round after him now!

Only downside was that it absolutely exhausted him even though he was not on it long. I am unsure how much to let him use it as he does not know his limits yet. He went to bed a very tired, grumpy, crying boy.

abi x

Fundraising event

On Monday my family held a fundraising event for 'Little Hearts Matter'. We held a 'not so serious' wine tasting evening, at the prestigious Stapleford Hall, including a 4 course meal , raffle and quiz. We raised a fantastic £5145 ! You can click on the link to the right to learn more about Little Hearts Matter', a charity that supports families of children with single ventricle conditions. We have made lots of friends through the charity, met lots of children that have given us hope for the future and learned lots about living with a child with such a complex condition. We know the charity will continue to be a support as Corwin has further surgery , starts school, grows into his teenage years and hopefully beyond. The charity is a great support particularly for women who are pregnant and given the diagnosis and need to find answers and support quickly.

Thank you to all my family, especially Dad for your efforts, it was a great evening!

Photos above from top - Corwin's Granny speaking, Tom and I, Corwin's Grandpa speaking, Corwin's Grandad drinking!, Corwin's uncle Adam handing out one of the many wines and Tom and Corwin's Nanna.

abi x

Happy Second Birthday Corwin!

It was Corwin's birthday on Friday! He had a small party involving party food at a village hall then moving to his Granny and Grandpas' garden for outdoor play! We were very lucky with the weather! Granny and Grandpa's motorised tractor was a big hit with the children, with only one child becoming run over! Corwin's favourite presents included a sandpit, swing, water table, train set and some peppa pig toys!

Cant believe he is 2 already! He is looking quite a grown up boy despite not walking or talking yet. He is eating well, sleeping well and is an absolute joy to be around - lovely company!.

Happy birthday my special little man!

abi x

I just wanted to add this lovely photo my brother took of Corwin kissing his baby brother Rowan! Corwin has been very good with Rowan and has not seemed jealous at all. He kisses him often and looks very concerned when he cries.

Corwin recovered from his gastroenteritis , after which myself and Tom got it! Corwin also had a mystery rash and needed two visits to the doctors, some pirotin and ointment, but he is fully recovered now.

I cant believe Corwin will be two on Friday! I will be posting lots of photos soon!

abi x

Introducing Corwin's little brother!!

Corwin's little brother, Rowan Everard Meynell, was born on April 18th, 5 weeks early, weighing 5lb 14oz. Was a surprise to us all! I went into labour naturally but had to have an emergency c section as he was breech and showing signs of distress. We had been told to expect a c section, but not to soon!

He is doing very well!

Corwin is poorly though with gastroenteritis which has really knocked him out. He has paid little attention to his little brother, so hard to know what he thinks until he is well again.

I will have to post some photos of Corwin and Rowan together soon.

abi x

Cardiac Clinic Appointment

We had a cardiac Clinic appointment yesterday and all went very well. Corwin's heart is still the same , no worse with the valve leak possibly slightly improved. They seemed very pleased and are happy to leave it another 6 months before seeing him again which is the longest they have left him! We dont have any appointments until we see his urologist in August, just physio and a visit from an Early Years team at home. We should have a nice break from hospitals just in time for us to concentrate on family life with a new little addition next month!

abi x