Phoebe in Timelapse

Phoebe will probably spend much of the next three months in an isolette (incubator/clever plastic box) so I thought it might be fun to do a little timelapse video so you can see what goes on in there. This was about 30minutes in real time, and the nurses were doing some blood work on her; You'll see them prep her, take the blood, put some back, and then you'll see Laura's hand go in and calm her down once it's done... It's actually quite amazing to watch in real time, but fun to watch it in 2 minutes too.

The Arrival of Phoebe Hope Kingsley-Smith

Phoebe Hope Kingsley-Smith was born on Monday 12th January at 4:40am weighing 894 grams (2lbs); She spent approximately 26 weeks and 2 days in Laura's womb which isn't enough, so was rushed (as expected) straight into the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit).

They soon discovered that she had a very low blood count following a blood loss during delivery and they weren't too sure if this was a loss back to Laura (via the placenta) or to the brain or another internal bleed. She was put straight onto a respirator, antibiotics, and they put lines into her bellybutton to deliver various different drugs.

The doctors were very concerned about Phoebe in her first 24 hours as she had very low blood pressure, which was a huge concern as it could mean her vital organs being starved of oxygen... the long term effects of this could be very serious. Fortunately she responded well to durgs (Dopamine) and they were able to bring her blood pressure to a level that they are happy with.

Within the first 24 hours they also did an ultrasound of her brain to see if there was any bleeding there (which they didn't see any evidence of) and her heart; The ultrasound of her heart showed that she had Patent ductus arteriosus which is aparently very common in prem babies, and they advised us that this would either sort itself out, or would sort with a dose of Aspirin, OR surgery!

All in all, the doctors initial impression of Phoebe was that she was pretty poorly, although they were impressed at her size (she's definately got Laura's genes) and they think she's got some fight in her! There will be a video and some more updates coming very soon...

Phoebe minutes old, and in a plastic bag to keep warm

Phoebe's first respiratory tube

Phoebe on the weighing scales (less than a bag of flour)

A couple hours old... Getting comfortable in her new surroundings, and holding mummy's hand for the first time!

Although her legs are scrunched up, she's still only about 3 times the size of my blackberry!

A week long labour!

On Sunday 4th January Laura was taken to Langley Hospital as it was suspected that she was in premature labour at 25 weeks. Following a couple of tests and exams, they confirmed that Laura was in labour, that she had started dilating, and that her membranes had ruptured.

They were able to give her some drugs to slow the labour down so that they could transfer her by ambulance to Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster, and they were able to give her the first of 2 'crucial' steroid injections to aid with the lung development of the little baby.

Following a pretty terrifying wait at hospital and many prayers, Laura's labour did stop, and she was admitted to hospital for long term bed rest. While in hospital, Laura sampled many different rooms, we had pizza delivered to the room, toured the NICU, and Laura was diagnosed with Pneumonia from a chest XRay.

On the Tuesday Laura had an ultrasound which showed that the baby was of healthy size, and we discovered that we were expecting a little baby girl which was great news for us. Laura spent a very relaxed week in Royal Columbia before being discharged the following Saturday afternoon (Which was amazing!).

The first of what would turn out to be 2 ambulance rides!

Ross, our friendly paramedic

Family time at Royal Columbian!

Yummy hospital food!

Laura's lovely private room!

And delicious take out pizza!

Laura and John leaving to go home

Gracie's first snow!

Arriving in Canada

We arrived in Canada in the cold and snow which was somewhat magical! Having not seen snow in any form for the last 3 years in New Zealand, it was very refreshing to arrive to piles of it everywhere. Gracie was very unsure at first, but she's taken to it now and has enjoyed her first snowman, sledding, snowballs and snow angels!

We on the other hand were in a poor state for our first few days, and I hardly remember opening my eyes to be honest with you... We're staying though in a fantastic house, and our hosts John & Alyson have been absolutely amazing; We had a great fun new years eve with them on our 2nd day, although we were in bed by 8:30!

Our arrival in Calgary (we ended up spending hours here delayed!)

Our first morning in Langley, and out in the snow!

The road we are staying on following fresh overnight snow

Gracie's first sledding

Gracie and Matthew (our pastors 2nd boy)

Leaving the UK

Well Christmas came and went, and very soon we were turning our attention to our last days in the UK, and getting ready for our flights to Canada on the 29th. Laura's parents took us to the airport at a crazy hour of the morning and we set off on our adventure for a new life in Langley BC.

As you can imagine, traveling with a 2 year old is pretty exhausting and this journey was no exception... we were greeted at the airport in a state of near unconsciousness which lasted the best part of a week!!!

The car packed and ready to leave Alexandra Road

One last meal with the in-laws at Heathrow

Gracie providing a little light entertainment

Not even on the plane and we're changing clothes!

Laura & Gracie and their pull alongs!

Settled on the plane!

Christmas 2008!

Christmas was a little bit of a haze this year... We started Christmas off on the the 23rd December by getting all of our shipping out of storage and into transit to travel to Canada; It was very straight forward which was nice!

This year, we spent Christmas in Devon with my (Paul) family and had a really fun time, although It was marred by an overnight stay in hospital for Laura, the flu for Gracie, and Pneumonia for Laura also... Not full health in our house. Regardless though, we had a great Christmas and loved some quality time with family.

The removal men taking everything we own for it's 2 month journey to Langley

Harry, Gracie & Matilda putting out milk for Santa
Uncle, inlaw, cousins, sister, nephew!

Christmas dinner... easily the best meal of the year

Uncle Paul and Annabel

Out and about at Christmas...

It's been a busy December for us this year; We've been dashing around the country saying goodbyes, packing up for our move, finishing work, and getting ready for Christmas. We probably wont choose to move 4 days after Christmas again!!! Here are some snapshots of the past few weeks...

Gracie's new game... Bum cream on the face!Catching up with baby Annabel in Cheltenham

Spending some lovely QT with my gorgeous sister Rosie

Tilda & Bobo showing Gracie how to jump off the sofa in style!

Laura and her gorgeous sister Steffi in London

Gracie at her Christmas party

Gracie is 2!

On the 10th December Gracie turned 2 years old; It seems a little weird saying that we have a 2 year old, but we're getting used to it! She got some lovely cards and presents which she is loving playing with. Here are a couple of photos from the day.

Gracie in her new Upsy Daisy costume!

Gracie in her new chef's hat and new dress!

A low impact 2nd birthday tea with Lucy, Al, Daniel, Kate & Drew...