Nate's Journey: Nate's first overseas holiday

After the stress and challenges of the last few weeks (wait make that 21 weeks!), and a sleep deprived week with Nate in hospital adjusting to his Cpap, Robin and I really really really (did I mention really?) needed a break away.

My parents were just amazing. They arranged for the three of us to come to Waiheke for a long weekend, and talk about wow!

I arrived on the car ferry with Nate on the Friday morning with a car full of Nate stuff. Nate's first holiday and first jaunt overseas! As I pulled into the driveway I was met by two very eager grandparents who promptly whisked Nate away and upstairs to Skype Grandy (my father's Dad). I was left to unpack the car of all the stuff, although I think I did get a brief 'hello' first?! :-)

Robin arrived on the ferry after work that night. We were both exhausted but just so thankful to be away from our very small, crammed rental house, and all the challenges of the prior week.

Nate had a cot and mattress all set up for him, the house was spick and span and ready for baby stuff to take over (which it did :-)), the fridge was full of wine and yummy food, Dad's home brew was waiting for Robin to sample, the weather was SO good with sunny days, AND my folks had arranged for us to have a dinner out on Saturday sans Nate! What luxury!

The stress levels dropped markedly. Nate was absolutely doted on :-). And as you can see from the below, he was well and truly in his element, charming everyone....

One happy camper :-)

Chatting with Froggie and Grandaddy!

Sunny weather, Winnie the Pooh outfit comes on (courtesy of Uncle Craig!)

His repetitive tummy time drill didn't stop over our holiday weekend though - only now he had four people excitedly shrieking encouragement at him! The little man wasn't sure who to look at first :-)

Chatting to the black & white lady!

Nate also introduced Granny and Grandaddy to Ni Hao while we were there - a programme on Nick Jr TV channel which he just adores. Obviously that isn't the character's actual name (its actually 'hello' in Chinese), but that's what Robin and I have named her. Nate even recognises her picture on a mobile phone - causes great excitement and lots of leg pedalling! Now if only the sight of his cpap face mask would cause the same excitement.....

We arrived home feeling refreshed and reinvigorated. Disappointing to come back into our rental, but hopefully we can move back into our home in 10-12weeks time (touch wood!), and into an environment that doesn't add to our stress levels.

Nate attended his first developmental playgroup this week too, a free service for ex-NICU babies that runs on occasion. Granny and I couldn't believe his reaction - he was just so vocal with both babies and Mums, causing one mum to accuse him of being an absolute flirt :-). His muscle strength was (and always will be) his biggest challenge, but his motivation to lift his head was so strong. He lay face to face with baby Ruby, and squealed with excitement while gripping her hands and 'talking' to her. She was pretty non-plussed so he may have to work on his 'smooth talk'! Days like that are just so rewarding - inspite of everything, our little man makes SUCH an effort :-)