Sun 12/2/12...a different week to say the least...

A week ago we were saying how things were fairly quiet & not much was happening....how things can change.

It's been a very emotional week as Anouk's balance & speech are starting to be affected. She has been going to school all week but on Tuesday her teacher has asked for some assistance because as Anouk said herself she has been a little..."...wobbly because I have been drinking too much milk mummy.." she hasn't been falling over as such but you can clearly see that there has been a significant change in her balance & speech especially with words 'ch' in them. We have now got a wheelchair she can push herself around in when it comes to that time.

So Grandma went into School for both Thursday & Friday...once a school teacher..always a school teacher. Talking of school we forgot to mention that Anouk has received the head Teachers Award for....." being an excellent role model with behaviour...". This was on her birthday...we have no idea how that happened!

One thing that hasn't changed is her snoring. At one point tonight both Anouk & randy (the dog) were snoring in unison in the bedroom..! Life.

The 2nd half of the week was a roller coaster. Wednesday started with a meeting with our GP, community Nurses & the Palliative team form The Marsden. Eventhough we had a cup of tea it wasn't a party I can assure you. There are a number of practical things to consider with this situation & it's best for us that we get it all sorted now & then we don't have to think about process & organisation in the weeks to come. Our GP will visit Anouk every 2 weeks which means that we don't have to worry about paperwork etc. We also have to agree what we will want Ambulance officers to do & not to do if they are called & what drugs are used when to make sure Anouk is not in any pain. We may not need any drugs or call an Ambulance but at least we know what to do when...well in theory. It's not the easiest think to talk about at times but we are getting such great support from the medical side of the situation & that it's making this shit process much easier.

On Wednesday afternoon it was a trip to the Royal Albert Hall to see Circus de Solei courtesy of Molly's mum Jo...thankyou very much. Neave was amazed by the show but Anouk was asking .." when are we going home.." about half way through the 1st act. She has however been talking about since as we discuss which act was the best!

On Thursday we met with our Village Vicar which was very emotional in terms of talking about a funeral but by the same token a relief to get things sorted. The biggest concern is numbers as we would like to have as many people that would like to come...we'll be having an overflow plan. In a wired way we felt a lot better after this chat before than we did before.

The week ended with a party & sleep over for all of Anouk's class. There were a lots of very load & excited kids, food, excited kids, a disco, a couple of Children's entertainers...the kids loved them.. & more excited kids, who took until about 10pm to go to sleep.

At one point Anouk had to leave the party as it was too load! This great night was organised but the mum's from Anouk's class, I was the only dad there....an experience in it's self! Ladies.... thankyou very much it was very kind if you.

Saturday Neave went to a drama class in London with Billy, & loved it, & Anouk came with daddy to see The Magician's crew.

So it's been a full on week of highs & lows. The more Anouk is affected the harder it gets. Seeing it happen in front you is not easy but that's something we will have to get used to from now on.