In times of need

Aren't kiwis great?  Whether it's an earthquake, flood or sick child, New Zealander's always seem to rally round and help each other out.  I have been overwhelmed by all the help and love that we've had over the last week.  Thank you.

Things are going well.  Admittedly there have been a few challenges, but for the most part the last week could be described as a learning experience as oposed to the traumatic experience  I was expecting.

Here are some of the things we've learnt:

1.  It's worth setting up health insurance for your kids as soon as they are born.  We've been able to fast track Boo's surgery by going private.  Although the hospital isn't specifically set up of kids, the novelty of having children there meant that Boo got extra care and attention.  We had so much help in the hospital with nurses popping in to help JF and I and check up on Boo.  We've even had calls from the nurses to check we're all coping at home. 

2.  People care.  As soon as Boo was diagnosed our GP called to make sure we were ok, and to apologise for not picking up the problem himself.  Boo's kindergarten have offered loans of toys, music, books and the teachers have asked to come and visit.  Friends have dropped in with meals for the family, gifts for Boo and J, and offers of help.

3.  Children are incredibly resilient.  Everyone told us that Boo would cope better than us, but it's hard to believe until you see it.  She is frustrated at not being able to reach her toys or chase her brother, but apart from that Boo has taken her new blue legs in her stride and is carrying on as normal.

4.  You can get a spica child into a swing.  JF has this one sussed... I suspect he used a 'don't try this at home' kind of trick.