MABEL'S MEDICAL PROCEDURES

Every year Mabel has a check with her cardiologist, for an X-ray and to check her blood pressure to see whether her stent is working to it's full capacity. This year he decided that it would be a good idea to expand it again. As Mabel grows so does her aorta and this creates a slight narrowing again. The stent is made from an expandable mesh which allows it to be ballooned open (unlike an adults which is just one size) This is done with a cardiac catheter which is inserted into the groin under a general anesthetic.

So it was up to Bristol for 7.30, she was first down to the theatre, and as Mabel does, she took it all in her stride. We stayed overnight and everything went to plan. We'll be back to Bristol for a check up in January. As always the doctors, nurses and staff were absolutely brilliant!

Early morning start

Back on the ward.

For some time Mabel has been wearing a customised splint to aid her walking. 

We recently had a meeting to discuss a device already used by adults who have had strokes but not yet available for children on the NHS.  Pads are placed on the leg, which send electronic pulses activating the muscles and sending messages to the brain. It will also help to build and strengthen her weakened muscle tone. Mabel's walking was instantly better, and we will be trialling it again for a week over Christmas.

FAMILY TIME

This week we were back at Bristol Childrens Hospital for Mabel's cardiac cath. procedure. It all thankfully went well, and Mabel ended up having her stent expanded by 2mm. We were kept in overnight for observation and discharged in the morning. I always find these stays a draining experience, not only for your own child, but for the children and parents on the ward who are much less fortunate than we are.

Back in time for Bella's 12th birthday. It's been a milestone of a year, with starting secondary school. So proud of her achievements 

We thought we deserved a nice bottle of champagne to celebrate, not

 only Bella's birthday, but Mabel's health.

Would love to know what she's wishing for in this photo.

Love these Anorak fabrics I used this week to make some dresses.

Preparing for Christmas Fairs, I've been using up some of my pieces of fabrics, more drawstring bags 

and some towelling backed bibs

Love the traditional Autumn colours, but also the colours around the river as the sun tries to get through the clouds. What a perfect view to have while having a quick drink before heading home.

I have the only two children I know who don't like Halloween, they've never done trick or treat or wanted to get dressed up. We did get over to Hannahs Seale Hayne for their Pumpkin Trail though.

Spent a day at Bristol Science Museum great interactive museum, with lots to do, we all really enjoyed the day.

And now half terms over it's back to school. Can't believe that the next time they break up is for Christmas! Not forgetting we have Mabel's birthday before that.

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WORK, REST & PLAY

Six weeks into the New Year and I've been busy replenishing my dresses and bags. January is normally quite a quiet month, but this one has been surprisingly good....Long may it continue!

Upcycled Spiderman fabric short sleeve dresses 

Cherry print sleeveless swing dresses with big pocketS 

Jake & The Neverland Pirates

Came across this fabulous original 70's daisy print fabric, unfortunately there was only enough to make one 5-6 dress. Truly unique and already sold.

 The other was this 70's retro print fabric, a bigger piece made six little unique dresses,

 Bella has this Cath Kidston Bus fabric for her school rucksack and I've always loved the print and colours, so it was great to find the fabric and make these two styles of dresses, one with elasticated neckline and short sleeves the other as a pinafore dress. Teamed up with some London Bus hair bobbles from +Jessie Jumbles 

At the end of January we had to take a trip to Bristol Children's Hospital for one of Mabel's check ups (all went well) Being Ikea starved in Devon I couldn't resist a stop off on the way back. Amongst other bits and pieces I bought a couple of metres of this lovely crisp cotton pear print fabric.

Mabel outside Bristol Children's Hospital proudly showing off her sticker award for keeping still for 15 minutes for her ultrasound.

It's been a long time since we visited Riverford Field Kitchen so it was great to get 8 friends around the table for supper. In the middle of nowhere the taxi driver got lost, but we eventually arrived for a lovely menu and delicious home made deserts.

And now with the first half term of the year already upon us we are off to Brighton for a "city fix" and catch up with friends.