Our new addition

So we became doggy parents. That's "doggy" not dodgy or dogger, just to clarify.

This little  guy joined us last week:

So a puppy! Because clearly our lives are not complicated enough... 

But why? Well to be honest I've always wanted a dog ( i grew up with dogs and still miss Tanya's disgusting breath as she rested her head on my pillow next to me, or her barking as boys tried to kiss me- no need for an open bedroom door in my house). I wanted my children to grow up with a canine companion and then there's the bonuses: their silliness brightens dark days, their closeness provides comfort, and their routines give purpose. Yes well maybe I have a pie in the sky notion that Freddie will somehow become PAT dog, assistance dog, and seizure/ apnoea alert dog extraordinaire...

(Yeah right I'll just be happy if he craps outside) 

My daughter decided quickly after his birth that he was her favourite and he would be be hers. She has been helping to care for Freddie and his brothers and sisters, now a dab hand with a wipe or removing poo. I'm not sure she would have ever forgiven us had we not brought Freddie home. Although the most taken with the dog is probably Michael ( softie).

We have had a tough few weeks/ months as several of Nate's issues have become  far worse. At present he seems to have almost constant issues with stomach pain, needing venting and not tolerating food. Then there's his overnight shenanigans. We recently had the pleasure of a tonic seizure- extreme stiffening and oxygen sats of 40 even on his ventilator. I couldn't open his airway, or even his mouth to blow into it as his jaw had clamped shut. It was a thoroughly frightening experience and now Nate is the "proud" owner of a nasopharyngeal airway, buccal midazolam and a seizure management plan. 

*drinks wine*

A bit of fluffy goodness goes a long way at times like these, and it's especially lovely to see how much Freddie likes Nate. Although I'm hoping Freddie learns quickly to avoid karate chop action Nate's arms and legs... 

So far Freddie is not distressed by Nate's alarms and we are trying to socialize/ familiarize him with all of Nate's equipment. 

Wish us luck!  

*drinks more wine*

*picks up poo*