2bliss

Hi guys. Since my last post things have not been going well for little Bunny. She has been in and out of hospital, getting physiotherapy, numerous antibiotics, inhalations, etc. Still, she has a persistent cough and keeps getting sick. Every time she tests positive for a number of bugs at the same time - some of them not things babies typically just pick up. Blood tests showed that she has low resistance too. Doctors are concerned. They will be testing her for TB and cystic fibrosis next.

True The only thing lacking in that picture is her own trademark smile. She wasn't feeling well and mum took her to the doc. He prescribed chronic asthma inhalation meds, because her lungs just aren't great.

Today is dress-up day at Karmi's school. No prizes for guessing what she went as She has been able to stand up against things for a couple of weeks now.

Amazing, really. It is like she is the physical embodiment of joy and happiness that can endure despite hardship and tragedy.

Two firsts in one day!!! First tooth, but you're really going to have to look closely Plus, she is crawling, kind of. Looks like she hasn't quite figured out what to do with that right leg.

It is a nice warm day and Karmi enjoyed playing outside in the sunshine. Looks like she is a fearless little thing!

@CDK: Now you have caused my "allergies" to flare up. Injury or illness can be a life-changer in terms of abilities and mindset. I'm sorry that this has happened to you. I'm also very impressed with how you are handling what sounds like something very serious indeed. Perhaps you won't be a racing snake when you do get back on your bike, but maybe taking it slow will give more joy from being in the moment. Maybe I'm a hypocrite - everything won't be great all the time just because you try to have a positive mindset. It will also be so very hard at times. Take it from someone who spent a long time in a wheelchair after getting Guillain-Barré syndrome, it is okay to have bad days as long as you don't give up entirely and don't rush yourself. "Baby"-steps! And if it turns out one cannot do the same things as before, the next phase should be acceptance and finding new endeavours that are meaningful and enjoyable.

I am so very sorry about your loss. It is heartbreaking when people want children and can't have them or lose them. Someone, like me, who hasn't been there cannot begin to understand just how hard it must be. Miscarriage perhaps gets the least empathy, not due to others being uncaring, but they cannot feel or see the loss of a future stolen. Expecting parents already think in terms of their little person yet to be born. To have your hopes and dreams torn away is unimaginable. Please give my condolences to your wife also. I'm sure the Hub will be thinking of you and hoping/praying that there isn't as much as a hiccup this time. All the best, 2B.

Mom had a pic of Albertus on her profile. I will not share it here. He was so small and his tiny body so battered by the traumatic delivery. Tubes everywhere. It will upset anyone following the thread. It reminded me of why I was not allowed to post pics of Karmi for almost 3 weeks. At least they are now blessed with one small, perfect, mostly healthy, silly, smiling, giggling miracle. @ Slowbee: Thank you and you are right! I respect everyone's beliefs, so whether someone keeps Karmi in their prayers, thoughts, or sends good wishes, all are appreciated. I'm not going into details regarding just what she went through at birth (actually much worse than Albertus) or just how many times her heart stopped, but I am convinced that medicine alone could not have saved her. The many Hubbers still in her corner are helping for sure!

Should the title of this thread be changed? I'm no longer asking for what has been your very generous help. It could be something simple, like: "Karmi's progress"? Or perhaps that won't provide enough background. "Progress of Karmi the preemie"? What do you all think?

I haven't asked. It is pretty impressive with the Dr Seuss elephant and all . Karmi is too young to have an opinion on the matter, but mom is tired of all that is pink (hence the very green cake, I'm guessing ). We all bought sets of blue and pink clothes when she was expecting the twins and now Karmi has mostly pink outfits. Mom tries to mitigate the problem by not buying pink. I will need to keep that in mind when buying a balance bike for Bunny's second birthday!

Party time!

Thank you all for the likes and wonderful birthday messages. One day, when she can read this thread, she will know how much kindness and caring remain in the world.

Thank you, LWB. Karmi's parents are torn today. They are overjoyed to have a beautiful baby girl, but will never forget or get over the loss of her brother.

This is it!!! Karmi is one year old today! Bunny beat the odds and the tiny warrior has never stopped fighting. I wonder what she will make of her first birthday party on Saturday? - From 980 g to 7.25 kg. - From 32 cm to 67 cm. - From 1 ml milk to 180 ml milk (and food!). How far she has come! Thank you, Hubbers, for helping her get here. "A person is a person no matter how small." - Dr. Seuss

Bunny is recovering at home. We are grateful that the bronchitis did not lead to further complications.

Bunny's cheeks are not quite as red any more. She looks better and at least mom knows how to pack for hospital stays. (She has had plenty of practice by now!)

Just a week before her first birthday and Bunny is in hospital once again. This time it is bronchitis. She really is very susceptible to airway infections Her mom had a hard time yesterday, because Karmi's dad was working out of town. I've added her message for those of you who understand Afrikaans. Basically there was a power outage because their municipality owes Eskom a lot of money. She had to struggle with a heavy generator to be able to nebulise her sick baby. Other stuff too. The stress and struggle reminded her of the terrible things they went through in July last year.

Who needs expensive educational toys when a muffin pan will do nicely?

Shame, man! At least they don't have that far to fall when they are little. (Unlike us!) Those first steps are probably the thing parents look forward to most after baby has started talking. However, you will need eyes in the back of your head now - they get into everything! Karmi hasn't started crawling yet, so walking is probably a way off.

Another milestone: Drinking from a straw for the very first time!

We have ourselves a little brainiac

Indeed! Her balance is quite good by now. Not even a doggy "kiss" will topple her on a smooth floor.

Karmi really enjoys books and her own private guard dog still watches over her constantly. Oh and check it out, she is finally starting to grow some hair

Congratulations on the birth of your little angel, Robbie. How blessed you are. Thank you again for following Bunny's journey