365 days since Lorna went into a Jeremy Kyle induced early labour and was rushed in to Worcestershire Royal Hospital. An emergency C section later and we had a beautiful little girl. I always knew this moment would change my life of course. Having a child even in the best of circumstances is life altering, having a little girl they say makes you into a real man. I never would have imagined in my life wildest nightmares or thoughts however the agony we would go through before we finally got to take that special little girl home. Yet while that particular chapter of our lives is behind us, with Jovies very special first birthday on the horizon, it seemed only right that i should update on how things have been going.
From a medical point of view, very little has changed in reality. Jovie remains fully ventilated through her trachey for the majority of the time, spending no more than three hours in one go a day off her vent. She is still fed milk through the gastro tube in her belly. We have still never really heard her cry, laugh or speak. But what we have got is an amazing, developing, wonderful, smart as a button daughter. One who has given life more meaning than i ever thought it could have. Yes i still obsess over football and my golf handicap. Yes Lorna still spends most my money on clothes and her nails. But life is so irreversibly different now, that Jovie has become our life and soul.
Perhaps her condition and what we have already been through together strengthens this feeling, perhaps its just what being a parent is all about. Whatever it is, as Jovie celebrates 6 months at home and approaches a momentous birthday at times we feared would never come, i can't help but feel humbled, honoured and excited.
On the development side of things, its always tempting to compare kids of similar ages. I often hear others doing this. Perhaps Im lucky in that my previous experience of babies consists of watching Wallace and Gromit over and over while being a paid to babysit. As far as Im concerned Jovie is coming along great. Sitting up perfectly, rolling over, getting on her knees, clapping and smiling on cue and throwing the most adorable strops when she sees something she wants (gets that from her mother i suppose). She's not quite standing but is showing early signs of good strength in her legs. Crawling is tricky due to the tube, so its more of a back shuffle at the moment. She has two monster teeth in the bottom at the front of her mouth, kind of like a hippo! She recognises and points to mummy and daddy, kisses and claps when asked and is generally still as happy as ever.
From a personal perspective. I hope Im doing a good job as a dad, Im certainly enjoying it, more than i ever thought i would. Lorn is doing amazing too, Im really very proud of them both. Due to the way things are in many ways we have a huge amount to deal with ourselves at times and Lorn has been fantastic for Jovie and for me.
In just four days time it will be Jovies birthday. It is impossible for me to convey in words how amazing this is for us. Despite the time in hospital, despite the horrible dark days we went through its been the best year of my whole life.
As for the big day itself, some quality time with my girls is on the agenda. Saturday we are holding an all day open house party, food, drink and questionable banter in good supply. Please feel free to drop by anytime from 12 to wish the little pie happy birthday. Alternatively/as well we will be sinking a few in Jovies honour a the Marwood from 930ish Saturday night so come along and join us there.
