Wilfy Turns One

In spring 2014 we found out we were expecting a baby no4 and we were really happy/shocked/grateful. Having wanted a baby for some time, it felt rather unbelievably lucky and kept our happy news totally to ourselves for a while. During that time, Grandad became seriously ill and it seemed we would never get to tell him about our baby on the way. 

Rather miraculously, things did improve for Grandad and on the day of our first scan, grandad came out of ICU and we were able to tell the kids our news... who in turn told Grandad later that day. It was a day of relief all round, but we were all still cautious of looking too far into the future. 

After a few procedures Grandad was back on his feet and although it would never be a cure, we really did get that guy back again. Talk of West Ham, "That prat of a man Cameron" and pie and mash were never far from the conversation.

I was 2 weeks overdue and James had arranged to take grandad to the first of 2 appointments that would decide if he could have chemo. The man that said he would never have an op and would sooner bear all the pain in the world than step foot inside a hospital, had not only braved emergency surgery and a month in hospital, but was now considering treatment. Regular treatment. Understandably nervous, the deal was, if James could get him to the appointments, he would listen to the options and consider what was offered. 

On the morning of the first appointment, POP! My waters went! We tried to rearrange with the hospital, but there is a key timeline that needs to be followed for chemotherapy, and ultimately Grandad had the option of going alone or not going. He was getting frail again and we were worried he might not be strong enough for a total postponement of any treatment. 

Grandad did go to that appointment and also the next as we were then in hospital with our new baby for the next 8 days. It's a difficult thing when a husband is trying to do the right thing for his dad, wife and baby all at the same time, in situations that don't allow you to be in 2 places at once.    James spent that 8 days running between 2 hospitals nearly and hour apart while also holding it a together for the girls at home who still had school plays and homework and picking up and also hair doing. (He actually admitted defeat on the hair doing and sent the kids to school with a note excusing it )

Grandad got lots better and he got to meet Wilf, drive his car again and come to the pub from time to time for a roast. And bloody hell, he even surprised us all and moved house into something more suitable to keep him active and independent for longer. 

James and I have often remarked that both these chaps have shared some some significant life moments in parallel with each other, and so it is a sad kind of feeling that here we are on Wilfs first birthday, still in shock that grandad has passed away just a few days ago. 

There is no doubt it has been an eventful and emotional first year plus 9 months for Wilfy and Grandad so today has been a bit of a roller coaster.  

Here is Wilfy today with his new birthday bear all the way from USA  on the day which also happens to be Thanks Giving. :) We didn't do Turkey but bear made do with chicken and birthday cake.