Another cardiac check-up

Jessica had her cardiac check-up at Oxford today and we were pleased to be told that her heart function is stable at present although getting the echo done required much more distraction now that she is getting bigger!  Her sats remain around 78-80 and she is gaining weight with today’s weight-in (albeit fully clothed) being 12.46kg (27lb 6.5oz).  She is also getting taller – her height today was 84.2cm so she has grown 1.6cm since the start of the month.  With the visits being so spaced out now, the changes in her development become much more noticeable when watching her playing with the toys in the waiting room and interacting with the other children.  We saw a different doctor for Jessica’s check-up as her usual cardiologist, Dr Archer is currently away in the States and so her next check-up will be in three months’ time when we should see Dr Archer.

Jessica’s vocabulary is just growing day by day and she is becoming very chatty.  Our current favourite mispronounced words are ‘koala’ (ko-wa-wa) and ‘guitar’ (‘ghee-ha’).  She has now learnt how to count to thirty (although sometimes misses one or two numbers out) and her repertoire of songs is increasing – it is so lovely to hear her singing as she wanders around the house with her toys.

 

Jessica enjoyed a trip into central London with Mummy and Sophie at the weekend and walked from Leicester Square all the way up Regent Street, around Hamleys and then on to Oxford Street to John Lewis where we had lunch – a walk of more than a mile which was a very long walk for little legs – she was quite insistent though that she wanted to walk rather than go in the buggy (needless to say, she slept very well that night!)  She also enjoyed getting Easter eggs on Sunday (particularly the one that came with a Mr Tumble bowl and cup!) and is gradually working her way through all the chocolate!  

Mummy took Jessica and Sophie to have their first passport photos taken as we are hoping to go on holiday to France in a few weeks’ time.  As we are planning to drive and go by ferry, there should be no problem with this (although haven’t yet embarked on finding suitable travel insurance!) but we have been reminded of the importance of keeping Jessica hydrated.

Whilst we have been celebrating Jessica’s continued good progress, we have been conscious that being able to do so is a precious gift.  Yesterday was a sad day as we attended the funeral of our friend’s little girl and we continue to keep them in our thoughts and prayers.