Summer Hope Rudd

Latest checkup

2011-12-20T13:08:00.002Z

Yesterday Summer had her first check up with Mr Burge since having her closure operation. He was very pleased with her progress and thought her tummy looked wonderful - as do we! He agreed that there is nothing she can't do now - not that her tummy has ever really stopped her doing anything! He doesn't need to see her for another year which is a lovely way to end this very manic 2011 we have had. New baby , new house, new pre-school and Summers operation is enough for one year - here's hoping 2012 is a little less eventful.

As you can see from the picture above Oscar has grown lots and lots and he and Summer have lots of fun together. She really is the best big sister!

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Summers operation

2011-09-22T16:29:00.003+01:00

Well after three years of waiting the day of Summers closure operation arrived (Monday 19th Sept) and we were all very anxious - apart from Summer who as you can see in the picture above was still her usual smiling and happy self five minutes before the op.

The operation took 2.5 hours and the surgeon managed to do a full muscle closure without having to use a patch. Even he was surprised that he managed this as Summers exomphalos had been so large. Summer was back on the ward at lunchtime on Monday and the picture above is her making a dinosaur mask on tuesday afternoon!

Oscar spent every day at the hospital too looking after his big sister. Above they are having a cuddle on her bed.Below Summer is modelling her new "flat tummy"!

We can't quite believe that our amazing daughter is home only two days after having her operation and bouncing around as if nothing has happened.

Introducing Oscar Henry...

2011-07-18T16:50:00.007+01:00

Summer is now a big sister as Oscar Henry was born on the 22nd June 2011 at 16.13pm weighing 8Lb exactly.

She is a wonderful big sister - giving Oscar kisses and cuddles and helping mummy with nappy changes!

We have also moved house . Summer is enjoying exploring the house and garden!

Recent pictures

2011-04-20T14:33:00.002+01:00

Above Summer is taking her dolly Pollyanna for a walk along the prom and below they are in Granny and Grandads garden.

Above is a picture of Summer, Daddy and Piglet at Marwell Zoo. We had a lovely day in the sunshine and enjoyed seeing all the animals. Below is Princess Summer in one of her new dressing up outfits.

We are all starting to prepare for the arrival of the new baby in June - Summer is very excited about becoming a big sister.

2010 Update

2011-01-26T12:29:00.002Z

Apologies for the delay in updating the blog but I have unfortunately had flu since Christmas that turned into pneumonia - I am finding it hard to get rid of! We spent Christmas Day with Oma and Opa and then Boxing Day with Granny and Grandada. Above is Summer and Isabella in their party dresses.

In November it was Isabella's 2nd Birthday and we all went to her party at a local soft play. Below is Summer and Isabella enjoying the trampoline!

We also had a short break in Croyde during November . Summer really enjoyed making sandcastles on the beach even though it wasn't that warm!

Below I love this picture of Oma and Summer on their laptops! (Or tap taps as Summer calls them)

August-September 2010

2010-09-18T17:04:00.002+01:00

At the end of August we flew to Berlin to spend a week with Oma and Opa. Summer took her doggy suitcase which she looked after all the way from Gatwick to Berlin. Below you can see Oma and Summer having fun on a see-saw.

Last Sunday Summer , Daddy and I cycled to Hengistbury Head for a picnic. It was gorgeous weather so perfect for a trip to the beach.

Below is a picture of Summer having her hair cut . Its got really long but she only had a trim. She was very good for the lady as you can see.

Summer is now two.......

2010-07-26T17:32:00.002+01:00

Well, I can hardly believe it but Summer is now two years old! The weekend before her Birthday we had a lovely picnic with all of our friends at Christchurch Quay. The children loved playing on the swings and slides and the mummies and daddies were able to relax on the blankets!

Above is a picture of Summer opening one of her presents.

Above is Summer blowing out her candle on her actual Birthday which we spent with Granny and Grandada. The day after we all travelled to Weymouth for a long weekend. We had wonderful weather and it was very relaxing.

Mummys Birthday

2010-06-07T18:07:00.003+01:00

It was ny birthday Friday so I took the afternoon off work and Matt , Summer and I went to Moors Valley Country Park to go on the train - there is a short video at the bottom (that Summer loves). It was gorgeous weather and we had a lovely meal out afterwards. Below you can see Summer studying the menu.

Here is Summer helping me blow out the candle on my Birthday cake!

April - May 2010

2010-05-22T20:38:00.007+01:00

Well as usual we have all been very busy since returning from our trip to Berlin. Mummy and Daddy have been working hard and Summer has been having lots of fun at nursery including a trip to Moors Valley Country Park. The picture above shows Daddy and Summer on the train at Moors Valley.

We have been to two Christenings. The pictures above and below are from Isabellas Christening - Summers cousin.

Easter Pictures ...

2010-04-14T17:56:00.001+01:00

Summer and Granny

Opa, Summer and Oma

Dancing with Daddy and Oma

At the Reichstag with Oma and Opa

Our beautiful girl

March Photos

2010-03-25T20:20:00.003Z

All ready for nursery and waiting for Mummy!

Summer and Mummy together.

Our Gorgeous Girl

February Update

2010-02-17T18:08:00.005Z

Its being a while since I last updated the blog. Since January Summers walking has really come on a lot. The video at the bottom shows how confident she has got. We are so impressed with our little girl!! The picture above shows Summers new wellies that she loves - they are pink and sparkly and as you can see she likes showing them off.

Oma has been here for the last two weeks from Germany and has helped us lots by looking after Summer whilst she has been poorly. Summer is all better now though and eating so much we wonder where she puts it!

Its Grannys birthday today so HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Granny Bradley from all of us and we look forward to seeing you at the weekend!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year....

2010-01-08T17:54:00.003Z

Merry Christmas to everyone and a Happy New Year !!! Hopefully 2010 will be a great year. Above is Summer opening one of her Christmas presents and below Oma helping with another (which turned out to be her favourite)!

Above Daddy, Grandad Bob , Auntie Mandy and Auntie Sam . We all met for a lovely lunch on the 27th December in Kent. Below Opa and Summer playing together.

Below Summer looking very grown-up. look at those long legs!!!

Walking Girl....

2009-12-18T17:36:00.004Z

Over the last few days Summer has started walking. Below is a little video of her practising with Daddy. She is getting more and more confident each day. There is also a video of Summer on Thomas the Tank Engine (her favourite!).

Dancing girl....

2009-11-22T17:56:00.002Z

Here is a little video of Summer dancing along to Thomas the Tank Engine!!

Isabellas Birthday Party

2009-11-16T15:23:00.002Z

This weekend we all went to stay with Granny and Grandad as it was Isabella's first birthday party. Below is Grandad and Summer at the party.

On the Saturday Summer and Isabella spent most of the day playing together - spreading their toys everywhere and chasing each other around Granny and Grandads house.

Below is a lovely picture of the birthday girl and above Granny is reading a book to the girls.

We have had a busy couple of weeks with mummy and daddy working and Summer still enjoying nursery. Summer has taken her first steps on her own - only a few as she doesn't seem to have her confidence yet but I'm sure she will get there in her own time. Also we are getting lots more words - I think she is going to be a chatterbox!! Favourites are hiya, dada, mama, nana (banana), oof oof (woof woof for dog), ummer (Summer), oh dear, yeah yeah.

Brought home from nursery...

2009-10-22T17:04:00.002+01:00

The picture above is Summer showing off the painted masterpiece that she brought home from nursery yesterday. Below is a stick on creation that came home this week as well. I think she definitely has an artistic streak!!

Above Summer looks a bit guilty as she was hiding her sock from mummy whilst we were trying to get ready for nursery! Below is the plant that she grew - she was very pleased to present it to mummy!

Busy couple of weeks....

2009-10-14T18:52:00.002+01:00

Two weekends ago Auntie Mandy and Auntie Sam came to visit. Above is Summer holding hands with Auntie Sam and below playing with Auntie Mandy. We had lots of fun playing games and reading books together.

Last weekend we went to stay with Granny and Grandpops. Summer got to play with her cousin Isabella - they had lots of fun crawling after each other round and round Grannys kitchen! Below Granny is looking after both Summer and Isabella!

A busy couple of weeks....

2009-09-23T17:35:00.003+01:00

Well its been a busy couple of weeks. Two weeks ago Oma came to visit which was lovely. Summer and Oma had lots of fun together often bursting into laughter for no apparent reason!!

Last week we went to stay in Dawlish with Granny and Grandpops. We had a lovely week with great weather. We visited the Model village in Babbacombe as well as taking Summer on a steam train and a ferry to Dartmouth.

Summer spent most of the holiday wanting to walk everywhere as you can see from the picture above! So when we got home we went to buy her first pair of shoes which are pictured below. She loves them and doesn't want to take them off at all!

Below is a video of Summer walking up and down our sofa which is her latest trick!

Vote for Summer......

2009-09-08T19:03:00.002+01:00

Mummy has entered Summer in a cutest baby competition in the Sun newspaper.

Voting starts tomorrow 9th September 2009 . To vote click on go to:

http://sunbeams.thesun.co.uk/index.php

Type in Summer Hope and you will see a picture of her. If you click on the picture you should be able to vote.

Much appreciated!

Raising money for Southampton Hospital

2009-09-07T21:04:00.003+01:00

We have finally decided that the time has come to start raising money for Southampton Hospital. They have done so much for Summer that we would like to give them something back. We have started a fundraising page that you can find at www.justgiving.com/summerhoperudd.

Any donations will go straight to Southampton Hospital and will help so many more babies and children.

Summer with Auntie Mandy and Auntie Sam

Summer's first haircut....

2009-08-27T20:13:00.003+01:00

Yesterday Summer had her first haircut. She was so good at the hairdressers - maybe because she got to sit in a car whilst they trimmed her hair! She has now got rid of the hair that kept getting in her eyes and the back is very neat.

In the last couple of days not only is Summer trying to walk but she has also started crawling forwards. She has been able to go backwards for quite a while but she is very pleased that she can now go forward! The video below shows her crawling.

She'll be running next......

2009-08-23T20:47:00.003+01:00

This week Summer has been practicing walking more and more. Here she is in our friends garden with a baby walker.

2009-08-14T19:12:00.002+01:00

This week Summer hasn't been feeling very well. She is still teething with her four molars trying to come through all at once. On top of that she has picked up a chest infection and has been started on antibiotics. This hasn't stopped her trying to pull herself up on everything as you can see above. I think she was after the CD's in this picture!

The video below shows how Summers walking is progressing . She is holding onto mummy but is getting quicker!

A busy week...

2009-08-02T20:25:00.005+01:00

This week has been a busy one. Summer has managed to work out how to pull herself up from sitting to standing and has been practising over the last couple of days. The video at the bottom shows her having a go at walking in her cot.

The picture above shows her trying out her new swing in the garden and below is Summer on her trike. We all went for a walk at Hengistbury Head. Summer is not longer very keen to sit in her buggy for long periods of time but she happily sat on her trike for an hour - waving at people and saying "hiya".

Summers 7th tooth popped through this week and I think numbers 8, 9 & 10 will be shortly following as I can see them just below the surface of her gums. It has disturbed her a sleep a little so mummy and daddy are a bit tired!

She knows my name!!

2009-07-24T20:44:00.004+01:00

Well after waiting a year to hear Summer say "mama" she has spent the past couple of weeks perfecting it!! She now has four words that she uses regularly - dada , mama, hiya, yeah.

Having spent a long time trying to get Summer to let us brush her teeth - she now brushes her own as you can see from the above picture.

This week Summer has started trying to pull herself up on the furniture and loves to stand. She has been enjoying playing with all her new toys from her birthday and has had a great week at nursery. One of the entries that the nursery wrote in her book (which they give to us at the end of the day to let us know what she has done) was "Summer spent the whole day laughing and smiling" which I thought was lovely and a perfect description of our daughter!!

Latest Hospital Update....

2009-07-14T17:30:00.004+01:00

Today was Summers latest hospital check-up at Southampton Hospital. We met with her Consultant/Surgeon Mr Burge to discuss when they plan to operate and to check on Summers progress. They were very pleased with her general progress and were happy with how much she had grown. Mr Burge said he thought she was beautiful (Matt and I agree!!!).

Mr Burge checked her scar from the diaphramatic hernia operation and it is already fading which is great. He then tried to feel how much muscle Summer has surrounding the exomphalos but she wasn't too keen on that so I think he struggled a little!!

The doctors have decided to probably wait till Summer is three before attempting the operation. This is because they only want to perform it once and if they try it earlier they may end up having to do more than one operation - which we certainly don't want. As Summer uses her muscles more with crawling and walking they will get stronger and this will also make it easier for them to join them when the time comes.

Mr Burge does not need to see Summer for another year which is fantastic.

Can you believe its been a year?.........

2009-07-10T14:47:00.005+01:00

Well Wednesday was Summers 1st Birthday. I can't quite believe that a year has passed since Summer was born and those frantic first few weeks that we spent driving backwards and forwards between Southampton Hosiptal and home. So much has happened in Summers first year but she is doing so well. Above Summer is trying out a new toy - she had managed to reverse into the sofa! Below is Summer opening another present.

We had a lovely lunch with Granny , Oma, Auntie Lia and Isabella in Guildford. Below Summer and Isabella played together very well.

Today Summer had her 12 month jab at the doctors. She was very brave and hardly cried.

Next Tuesday we have our next appointment at Southampton Hospital with Summers surgeon. We are hoping he will give us some idea of when they plan to operate.

Summers 1st Birthday Party....

2009-07-06T10:20:00.003+01:00

Yesterday was Summers 1st Birthday Party which we held in the garden. We were very lucky with the weather - gorgeous sunshine all day . It was lovely to see so many friends and family and hopefully Matt and I managed to speak to everyone. Summer seemed to enjoy all the attention and especially liked seeing all the other children.

Summer had a lovely lemon birthday cake with candles but she looked a bit bemused at all the fuss as you can see above! Summers actual birthday is Wednesday - I can't quite believe she is nearly a year old already. So much has happened this last year that it seems to have whizzed by.

Mummy holding Isabella , Grandpops holding Summer

Below - Summer and Oma

A busy week...

2009-06-28T21:28:00.003+01:00

It was mummy's second week at work last week and we all managed to survive! Its hectic getting ready in the morning - you really have to be organised. Summer is still loving nursery - particularly playing in the garden on their swing! Mummy had a busy week at work and has been a bit tired but is enjoying the new role so far. Daddy has been picking Summer up from nursery so gets some quality time with her on his own which he loves.

Last weekend was Fathers Day and Summer and mummy took daddy to the Bournemouth Oceanarium which was great fun. Summer was really intrigued by all the wonderfully coloured fish and wasn't scared at all of the sharks etc

Last weekend we swapped cars with my brother for the week so they could use our bigger car on holiday. This meant we had their Mini Convertible - great fun especially with the wonderful weather we have been having! Below are Summer and her cousin Isabella playing together on Saturday when we swapped the cars back.

Summers first day at nursery....

2009-06-15T17:44:00.003+01:00

Today mummy had to go back to work and so it was Summers first proper day at nursery. The day didn't start very well as Summer fell over and bumped her head which came up in a lump! Just what I needed on my first day at work! Thankfully the day got better and she had lots of fun at nursery playing with the other children and all the toys!!

Mummies day didn't go to badly either (after she got over the head bumping incident!). Spent the day catching up with work colleagues and getting my desk sorted!

Our holiday to Woolacombe...

2009-06-06T18:29:00.005+01:00

We have just come back from a wonderful holiday in Woolacombe with Granny and Grandad. We were very lucky and had great weather. Above you can see Summer in her sun tent on the beach. Below Summer is enjoying a go on the swing at the play park.

Below Summer and daddy had a swim in the baby pool.

Mummy celebrated her 31st birthday whilst we were away and Summer had three more teeth come through at the top!

Below we were all practising clapping on Woolacombe beach!

2009-05-22T18:16:00.002+01:00

This week Summer has got her third tooth - it put her off her food for a couple of days but as you can see above she is always more interested in what mummy and daddy are eating!

We are getting ready for our holiday to Woolacombe. In the picture above Summer was trying on her new UV Suit in the hope that we get some sun!! Granny and Grandad are coming too so it will be lovely to spend the week together.

Summer has had two practice sessions at her nursery in preparation for mummy returning to work in four weeks. She loves the staff and all the toys but seems a bit unsure of the other children at the moment - she isn't used to being around so many all at once. It is a lovely small nursery just around the corner from our flat that only has ten children under two years old.

2009-05-17T18:09:00.005+01:00

Last weekend we met up with Matts Dad and his girlfriend Willemien in Winchester. It was a lovely sunny day so here are a few pictures. Above is Summer gazing at her Grandad. Below is Summer and Willemien outside Winchester Cathedral.

Below is Summer and daddy enjoying the sunshine.
We still haven't managed to get a very good video of Summer crawling but there is a little movement in the below video. She is still going backwards but is definitely trying to work out how to go forwards!!

She's on the move......

2009-05-09T19:05:00.003+01:00

Well, this week Summer has surprised us by starting to crawl backwards!! We were always told by the doctors at Southampton Hospital that it was unlikely that she would crawl because of her exomphalos and that these babies usually bum-shuffle or go straight to walking. Summer likes to prove them wrong quite often!! At the moment it is a sort of commando crawl but backwards and is very fun to watch. I will try to get her on video soon - when she speeds up a bit!!

Photos from the weekend

2009-05-05T18:05:00.003+01:00

We had a lovely Bank Holiday weekend. These two pictures show the three us at our favourite tea room near Lyndhurst in the New Forest on Monday. Summer didn't look very interested in the cream tea but mummy and daddy certainly enjoyed it!!

These two pictures are of Summer and her friend Nuala on the beach on Sunday. They played together very well although they tended to want whichever toy the other was holding!! The art of sharing is yet to be learnt.

Peek-a-boo...............

2009-05-04T19:03:00.003+01:00

Here is a video of Summer - she is now playing peek-a-boo with us!!

Feeling much better.....

2009-04-26T17:08:00.005+01:00

This weekend I am happy to report Summer appears to be feeling much better. Yesterday we went into Bournemouth shopping and today we have done a lovely walk around Breamore House looking at the bluebells with some friends. Above you can see daddy with Summer in the baby carrier - which she seems to like much better than sitting in her buggy! Below is Summer sat in our garden. Here is a little video of Summer in the garden:

A little under the weather....

2009-04-21T18:46:00.007+01:00

Whilst staying at my parents this weekend Summer became a little poorly and as a precaution we took her to Southampton Hospital A&E. They advised she has gastroenteritis but thankfully did not keep her in. She is getting better each day although she is still very sleepy and not her usual happy self.

Grandad and Summer

Before Summer became unwell we had a lovely weekend including a visit to Winkworth Arboretum with the whole family. It was lovely to see Summer with her cousin Isabella (in the picture at the top) who is only slightly younger at 5 months old. We had good weather and enjoyed a walk around and as you can see took some pictures!

Looking at the flowers

Bank Holiday Weekend

2009-04-14T14:40:00.003+01:00

We had a lovely bank holiday weekend - I think we were very lucky with the weather. My parents came to Christchurch on Sunday and we had lunch at Holmsley Tea Rooms in the New Forest. On Monday Matt, Summer and I had lunch on the beach. Here is a little video:

Look who's talking......

2009-04-11T15:24:00.002+01:00

Well after a few weeks of babbling, Summer has said her first word . It was a very clear Dadda - she then spent the rest of the day yesterday perfecting it!! Here's hoping the next is Mama!!!

Summer has her eight month check up last week with the Health Visitor and she passed with flying colours!! She is still a little small for her age but her weight is in proportion with her height. She is achieving all her developmental milestones such as picking up objects and passing them from hand to hand, clapping, waving etc. The only thing she isn't doing is crawling and they are unsure whether this is to do with her exomphalos or whether she will just go straight to walking.

Last weekend we had Matts family all down to celebrate Oma's birthday. It was gorgeous weather so we had a lovely stroll on the beach. This weekend my parents are coming on Easter Sunday so we will be going out for lunch and then maybe a stroll in the New Forest.

Like mother , like daughter....

2009-03-31T18:46:00.005+01:00

Above is a picture of Summer . Below is a picture of mummy as a baby - what do you think? Any similarities between the two??

New skills this week...

2009-03-26T18:09:00.003Z

As you can see Summer has now learnt to wave and clap her hands - which she loves . Going round Tesco's yesterday she waved at everyone we passed!! We think its so cute we had to video her.

Mummies day....

2009-03-25T07:47:00.004Z

Summer with Auntie Sammy

Summer with Auntie Mandy (daddy in the background)

All three having fun!

Well I had a lovely mummies day on Sunday. In the morning I had breakfast in bed from my gorgeous husband and Summer who let me have an hours lie in - what a luxury!

I had a gorgeous card from Summer with a lovely picture of her and daddy on it. This was follows by choccies, a dvd, some bathroom bits and a beautiful bouquet of flowers - I felt very spoilt!

We then spent most of the day with two of Summers godmothers - Auntie Mandy and Auntie Sam. As you can see from the above pictures Summer had lots of fun playing with them. It was fabulous weather and we had a lovely stroll along the beach at Mudeford in the sunshine. We then had a picnic in their caravan - Summer had to make do with her homemade puree!

A video of Summer at the park...

2009-03-19T18:06:00.003Z

Here is Summer enjoying herself on the swings today!!!

She is growing up so quickly!....

2009-03-17T19:49:00.003Z

Summer and daddy

Who could resist those eyes?!!

Practising standing

Mummy and Summer in their sunglasses

On the beach today

Above are some more pictures of Summer - she seems to be growing so quickly !!

Our trip to Berlin

2009-03-09T16:35:00.003Z

Summer meeting Auntie Linda

Summer in her party dress

Summer out for a meal with Oma and Opa

We have just returned from our trip to Berlin to see Summers Oma and Opa (Granny and Grandad) and had a great time. We stayed at Oma and Opa's house and Summer had her own bedroom. We all spent the week laughing and playing - Summer has that effect on everyone!

It was Summers first flight so we were a little concerned as to how she would cope but she just slept all the way there and most of the way back!!!

We did some sight seeing during the week we were there - visiting the Brandenburg Gate , Checkpoint Charlie and parts of the Berlin wall.

Summer met lots of people especially as you can see above her Auntie Linda. She was very lucky as she also received lots of presents which we managed to squeeze into our suitcases for the trip back!

A smiling Summer out shopping

Summer particularly liked Opa's eyebrows!!!

New pictures

2009-02-24T17:15:00.002Z

Not a huge amount to report this week. We have had some lovely sunny weather and so have made the most of it by taking walks down on the beach. We are so lucky to be close to the beach so we have to make use of it!! Two of the pictures show Summer with her friend Nuala (Jason and Leannes little girl) who is slightly younger.

Summer is getting stronger legs every day and as you can see enjoys standing up as much as possible!!

We are preparing for our trip to Berlin to see Oma, Opa and Little Linda at the weekend. Apparently it has been snowing there so we will make sure we pack lots of warm clothes!!

A lovely weekend

2009-02-15T18:47:00.003Z

Summer and Grandad

Summer and Granny

We have had a lovely weekend. Yesterday on Valentines day we had a lovely afternoon strolling along by the beach in the sunshine.
Today we had Granny and Grandad down for the day and we had a lovely pub lunch in New Milton. As you can see from the pictures above she had lots of cuddles - as usual!! We also had a walk along the clifftops - bit cooler than yesterday but equally nice.

We are off to Berlin in two weeks to see Oma and Opa so are currently planning what we need to take - babies do not travel lightly!!

Pretty in pink

Big eyes

She's growing up!!!

2009-02-08T10:02:00.002Z

This week we bought Summer a high chair. As you can see below she seems to like it!

Summer is really enjoying all the different types of food. She has tried leek, butternut squash, sweet potato, bananas, carrots, peas, swede, parsnip, baby rice, baby porridge,pears and prunes . She has eaten everything we have given her apart from apples. Next week we are moving onto meat and fish.

Below is a gorgeous picture of my husband and baby girl!

Let it snow, let it snow.....

2009-02-04T16:38:00.003Z

Outside the flat.

Summer all ready for her walk in the snow.

Mummy and Summer wrapped up for the snow.

Summer piccies....

2009-02-01T17:41:00.002Z

A cheeky smile!!

Summer and daddy.

In her sleepy suit.

Theo James Welsh 10.01.2009 - 30.01.2009

2009-01-31T07:15:00.002Z

It is with great difficulty that I write this.

Theo James Welsh sadly passed away yesterday.He fought hard for three weeks but his bowel and liver had begun to die and the doctors could do no more for him.

All babies are special but exomphalos babies seem to have an inner strength and Theo had to go through so much. He has touched so many peoples hearts in his short life - ours included. He will not be forgotten.

Our thoughts are with Nicola, Gary and Lucas at this time as they try to deal with this loss.

A new experience every day....

2009-01-30T13:15:00.002Z

Yesterday we took Summer swimming for the first time. The pictures show her in her first swimming costume. She loved being in the water and was only slightly bemused by all the noise of the other children. This felt like a big achievement for us as we didn't think that we would be taking her swimming so soon. The skin over her tummy has healed so well the doctors said it was fine for her to go in the pool - mummy and daddy enjoyed it as well!!

On Wednesday Summer got her second tooth - so she now has two perfect white teeth at the bottom. Two down , eighteen to go!!

Summer was weighed this morning and is now 15lb 1oz. Thought I better check on her weight as I am now weaning her and wanted to check she is getting enough each day to continue to grow. The health visitor is happy that she is continuing to grow correctly although she is still classed as small for her age.

More pictures of Summer....

2009-01-27T21:01:00.004Z

Summer playing with her "shapes bus" with Granny Bradley

Summer is certainly enjoying her food as you can see from the above picture.

She'll be crawling soon - look at those strong arms

Summer having fun with her two aunties - she enjoyed spending time with them!!

Summers special day....

2009-01-18T21:00:00.007Z

Mummy , Daddy and Summer in her gorgeous dress.

Uncle Stuart, Auntie Lia and Summer

All the Grandparents and Summer (Bob, Linda, Roger, Penny and Andreas)

Auntie Sammy and Auntie Mandy with Summer.

Yesterday was Summers Naming Ceremony. We wanted to arrange it to celebrate Summers birth and to officially welcome her into our family. It was such a lovely day from start to finish. We had great weather and we were so pleased to see so many friends and family members. Summer spent the whole day having cuddles from everyone and seemed to enjoy every minute of it! Stuart, Lia, Mandy and Sam are Summers Godparents and along with her Grandparents played an important part in the actual ceremony. The wording of the ceremony was beautiful and brought a tear to my eye! Afterwards we all sat down to an afternoon tea of scones , sandwiches and cake.

We would like to thank everyone who came and helped to make Summers day so special.

Latest Hospital Update....

2009-01-13T17:52:00.004Z

Summer in her new door bouncer which she loves! Giggles all round.

Summer reading one of her new books that she got for Christmas.

Today was Summers latest appointment at Southampton Hospital for a check-up on her tummy. The doctors were so pleased with her progress they have decided they do not need to see us again for another six months. At that stage they will decide when they will perform the closure operation depending on how strong her tummy muscles are. They were also happy with how her scar from the operation has healed and also with her weight gain. She is now 14lb 7oz.

A friend I made through the GEEPS website - Nicola - gave birth to a little boy on Saturday 10th January . Theo James is eight weeks early and has a giant exomphalos so please all send as many positive vibes to him as possible to help speed along his recovery. He is currently in intensive care but is stable and doing well.

Leaps and Bounds....

2009-01-05T20:48:00.003Z

As you can see from the two pictures Summer is coming on in leaps and bounds. She is developing as any baby her age should be. She is starting to sit up on her own and as you can see from the top picture is getting ready to crawl at some point!

Her first tooth came through on New Years Day and today she had her first taste of food - baby rice - didn't look very appetising but she gulped it down straight away and seemed to be waiting for more!

Next hospital appointment is 13th January - Matts Birthday. They will be checking her tummy and may give us some indication of when they want to operate.

Christmas fun...

2008-12-31T15:29:00.003Z

Granny and Grandad with two little reindeer (Summer and Isabella)

A group photo - Granny, Grandad, Auntie Lia, Uncle Stu, Isabella,
Mummy, Daddy and Summer

Summer under the tree surrounded by all her pressies!!

Summers present from mum and dad - as you can see - she loves it!!

Merry Christmas Everyone!!!

2008-12-26T18:57:00.001Z

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone from Emma, Matt and Summer xxxx

Day out with Grandad

2008-12-20T20:22:00.002Z

Summer (and her mummy and daddy) had a day out today with her Grandad Bob. We met in Chichester and had a lovely lunch followed by a walk around the quay.

Oma has come to visit

2008-12-12T17:15:00.003Z

Summers Grandma (Oma) from Germany has arrived and as you can see they are already having lots of fun together!!

2008-12-11T15:57:00.002Z

Summer had her latest checkup on Tuesday at Southampton Hospital. This appointment involved a full scan to check that the blood thinning drugs are working and to try and determine whether the blood clot has started to disperse .

The great news is that the clot has gone completely. "Nurse mummy" and "Doctor daddy" must have done a good job with the injections!

So the last line that Summer had going into her leg has been removed and apart from a few bruises she seems absolutely fine. As you can see from the picture above she can now lie on her tummy and look around at the world from a different perspective!

Update...

2008-12-06T15:51:00.003Z

Summer is continuing to do really well. She has put on weight and is now eating a good amount of milk each day. She is trying to sit up by herself as you can see from the picture above and has also learnt how to blow raspberries which she finds hilarious - mummy and daddy find it very funny as well!! We are back at Southampton Hospital on Tuesday for a scan of Summers leg to see if the blood clot is still there or has dispersed. Fingers crossed.

Summer meets her new cousin Isabella....

2008-11-30T18:49:00.004Z

This weekend we finally met Summers new (and first) cousin Isabella Lily Bradley. She was born on Wednesday 19th November - right in the middle of all out hospital drama with Summer!!

Matt looking after both the girls!!!

The girls sitting together

Her mummy and daddy (Lia and Stuart) are thrilled to bits with their gorgeous daughter even if she is keeping them up every night - we've all been there so can definitely sympathise!!

Look how well she is doing......

2008-11-27T21:26:00.004Z

Summer seems to be recovering well. She is now eating nearly full feeds and managing to keep it down (touch wood!). She is not having any pain relief but seems to be absolutely fine - its hard to believe she had major surgery a week and a half ago. I am still having to inject her twice a day with the blood thinning drug needed to disperse her blood clot but hopefully that won't be for too much longer.

In herself Summer seems much happier - lots of smiles and giggles for mum and dad!!!

Summers Home

2008-11-22T08:16:00.003Z

Finally Summer is home !!! We got back last night at 8.30pm ish and its a wonderful feeling to all be together as a family again.

The surgeons are really impressed with how quickly Summer has recovered - she is now drinking some milk , although not her normal amount - but we are getting there. Her bowel seems to be working fine and she has a large crescent shape scar to show for this adventure!

Whilst in hospital Summer developed a blood clot in her right leg where her central line was put in. She is now being given blood thinning drugs to try and disperse the clot. We were allowed home on the condition that Nurse "mummy" gives Summer the injections twice a day - not an easy task if any of you know how squeamish I am! Her leg will then be scanned again in two weeks to see if the clot has reduced or hopefully gone completely.

Now we are home we are all looking forward to seeing Summers new cousin - Isabella Lily who was born on the 19th Nov weighing 6lb 3oz and also getting some normality back into our lives.

Hospital Update...

2008-11-18T11:39:00.002Z

I am happy to report that Summer has been taken off her ventilator and is breathing well on her own. She has also been moved out of Intensive care and onto a Surgical recovery ward.

She is still currently on morphine for the pain relief and so is a bit drowsy but she definitely looks more like herself again. No smiles yet but here's hoping!

I tried to feed her this morning but at the moment she is not taking any milk . The doctors said that her bowel was quite bruised during the operation so may take a few days to start working again.

Hopefully she is on the road to recovery now.

Matt and I would like to thank everyone so much for all the kind words of support which really helped us during this difficult and upsetting time.

Diaphramatic Hernia

2008-11-16T10:03:00.003Z

This is a very quick update to let everyone know that Summer has been taken into Paediatric Intensive care Unit at Southampton General Hospital due to a problem with her breathing.

She became unwell yesterday and the short version is that she had a small hole in her diaphragm and two thirds of her bowel had worked its way through into her lung cavity and collapsed her left lung causing her to have problems breathing. She has had an operation this morning to move the bowel down and close the hole. Her lung was then re-inflated.

She is currently stable - on a ventilator and heavily sedated.

We will have our mobile phones with us but they will be turned off whilst in the unit.

Wonderful day....

2008-11-11T17:43:00.005Z

Today was Summers latest hospital appointment at Southampton. After checking Summers exomphalos they said that she no longer needs to wear her dressings as there is only a tiny amount of skin left to cover it - about the size of an old half pence coin. So for the first time ever Summer has no dressings over her tummy - what a wonderful day for her and for us!! It was quite emotional.

The doctors were very impressed with her weight gain - she is now 11lb 13oz and commented that she looked really well. We spoke to her surgeon who has now said that he may now operate on Summer between 1 and 2 years old. This is dependant on how her muscles grow as they will need to be joined across her stomach. As she starts to sit up and walk the muscles will grow stronger which will make it easier for the surgeons. Also after prodding her exomphalos the surgeon said he thinks the liver has definitely gone back into her abdominal cavity and that it now just contains bowel.

A really positive visit!!

Big eyes!!

Piccies

2008-11-07T12:50:00.003Z

Summer in her "thinking" pose!

Starting to teethe so will chew anything she can get her little hands on!

Summer and Daddy

Daddys girl.....

2008-10-23T17:21:00.004+01:00

Holding hands...

Gazing at each other......

..... Like two peas in a pod!

First giggles....

2008-10-15T18:11:00.003+01:00

We have had lots of Summer smiles for weeks now but this week we have started to experience her first giggles!! They are contagious and end up with all three of us laughing our heads off.
It is the most beautiful sound to hear from our special little girl and makes the difficult weeks throughout my pregnancy seem a life time away.

Summer is on the GEEPS website...

2008-10-13T16:36:00.003+01:00

Summers "story" has been loaded onto the GEEPS (Gastroschisis Exompholos Extrophies Parents Support Network) website. The address is in our links : www.geeps.co.uk . At the moment she is on the front page and you can select her story from there . Otherwise you can access it through the experiences tab.

I found the GEEPS website so helpful during my pregnancy especially the stories that other parents had posted so hopefully her story will go on to help others through what can be a really difficult and stressful time.

Meeting the Great- Grandparents

2008-10-06T21:06:00.004+01:00

Above is a picture of Summer with her Great-Grandad , Grandma Linda (Oma) and Daddy.

Below is Summer with her Great-Grandma, Grandad Bradley and Mummy.

Hospital update...

2008-09-30T16:56:00.003+01:00

Today was Summers latest check up at Southampton Hospital - Childrens outpatients. They were very impressed with her weight gain - nearly two pounds since they last saw her 5 weeks ago. She is now 9lb 10 oz and nicely rounded all over!

The skin over her exomphalos continues to grow well and they anticipate it will be fully covered in another months time. The doctor in charge of Summers care simulated what they will do in her operation and pushed the exomphalos back down into her abdominal cavity for a brief minute. It was amazing to see what her tummy will look like when completely flat and gives us something to look forward to. The fact that she was able to do this is means she is fairly positive that they will be able to perform the closure when Summer is older as there will be plenty of room for everything to go back in!

On a practical level the doctors are now happy for Summer to go into her normal car seat as there is less risk of her exomphalos rupturing and it is also much smaller then when she was first born. This means we do not always have to take her carry cot in the car giving us room to take passengers!

A very positive visit!

The Rudd family photo shoot....

2008-09-25T14:59:00.004+01:00

As promised here are some pictures from the Rudd Family Photo Shoot (well it was actually our 1st wedding anniversary photo shoot) which Summer was the main star of!! The three of us!

Our gorgeous daughter - happy as always!

A formal shot!

Summers checkup...

2008-09-21T21:47:00.007+01:00

Summer had her eight week check up this week (slightly late as she is ten weeks!) which meant she saw the health visitor, doctor and nurse at our local surgery.

The health visitor weighed and measured Summer. She now weighs 8lb 12 oz which means she is still steadily putting on a good amount each week. Her length is 52.5 cm - she has grown by 4.5 cm since birth and head circumference is 40cm which is an increase of 6cm - must mean she has a big brain!

The doctor gave Summer a thorough examination and declared her "perfect in every way" apart from the obvious exomphalos!

Then it was a visit to the nurse for the first of her immunisations - poor thing. Summer had two injections. One will which cover her for : Diphtheria, Tetanus, Whooping Cough, Polio, Influenza and one for : Meningitis , Pneumonia and Septicaemia. She was very brave and the only effect seemed to be that she was very sleepy and slept for the rest of the day and night - I think mummy was more upset by the injections!

More piccies...

2008-09-20T20:39:00.003+01:00

Summer and her giraffe

Look at the gorgeous smile!

Summer and mummy getting ready for a party

Summers first holiday

2008-09-13T09:27:00.006+01:00

Family Rudd on holiday

Outside the lodge

We took our first holiday as a family this week down in Croyde - North Devon. We stayed in a lodge at the Ruda holiday Park with Emma's parents and had a fantastic time. Weather was great and Summer got loads of fresh air. We visited Woolacombe and Lynton & Lynmouth but mostly just rested - definitely what the doctor ordered!

Chilling with Grandad

With Granny and Grandad

More weight gain...

2008-09-08T07:15:00.002+01:00

Look at those long legs!!

Chatting with daddy

Gorgeous girl

Summer was weighed again this week and has put on another eight ounces . She is now eight pounds exactly. The skin over her exomphalos is also growing really well - it is amazing to watch her body basically repairing itself.

She's a model!!

2008-09-04T16:46:00.002+01:00

Today the family Rudd had a photo shoot done by Photofinish (our wedding photographers).

It was actually a 1st Anniversary photo session for us but as mini Rudd joined us a week before our wedding anniversary we thought we would let her join in as well!!

As soon as the photos are ready we will post some on here.

Southampton Hospital Update

2008-08-29T08:16:00.006+01:00

Summer having a snooze on mummy

Summer loving her new bouncy chair

Chilled out on her bean bag!

We had Summers latest appointment at the Southampton General Hospital - Children's outpatients on Tuesday 26th August.

They were pleasantly surprised by her weight gain and after weighing her themselves announced she has put on another two ounces since Friday so now weighs 7lb 2oz.

Summers surgeon who will eventually operate on her tummy was called in to have a look at her exomphalos. His jaw visibly dropped when he saw how much it has reduced in size - he hadn't expected that at all. The skin is growing really well up the sides of her tummy and will hopefully fully cover the exomphalos in a couple of months.

Due to Summers great weight gain and fantastic skin growth over her exomphalos, Southampton said they do not need to see us for another five weeks!!!

Exomphalos shrinking....

2008-08-22T20:43:00.003+01:00

At our last weekly visit to Southampton Hospital for Summers check up we were told that the exomphalos has reduced in size by half since her birth. This is partly due to fluid loss but mostly because some of the bowel has started to go back into her abdominal cavity by itself . This wasn't something we or the doctors expected to happen so was a lovely surprise. Looking at the pictures we took of the exomphalos straight after Summer was born and comparing it to how it is now shows an amazing difference. We drove home smiling all the way!!

Todays weigh in....

2008-08-22T20:38:00.003+01:00

Summer was 6lb 10 oz when born but lost a lot of weight at the hospital partly due to getting an infection. She has struggled to regain any weight. The main reason for this is that the doctors believe that she is using all the energy from her milk to grow the skin over her exomphalos rather than gaining physical weight. To help Summer has been having a special high energy formula to try and give her extra calories (wouldn't all we girls like to have to have extra calories!!). She is also still being breast feed for three feeds a day.

At her weigh in today she has gained 10 ounces in one week!!! She is now up to 7lb exactly. This is great news it shows the formula is working.

More photos........

2008-08-18T16:47:00.003+01:00

Summer after her bath

Summer and her mummy

She is a "mini Matt"!!!

First smiles

2008-08-18T16:41:00.001+01:00

Summer is at home!

2008-08-14T11:10:00.003+01:00

Having a bottle with daddy

Playing with Grandad

Giving a very "knowing" look in her sleep!

The hospital stay

2008-08-14T10:55:00.003+01:00

Summer stayed in hospital for two and half weeks. This was partly due to the fact that she had an infection and had to be given antibiotics for just over a week.

Straight after she was born the exomphalos was covered in clingfilm to protect it as well as reduce heat and fluid loss. Summer had a canula in each hand so that she could receive fluids and/or drugs intraveneously. She also had a tube put down her nose so that she could be fed through an NG tube to begin with. Her heart and lungs were constantly monitored and for a few days she received extra oxygen through the nose.

The clingfilm on her belly had to be changed on a daily basis and the exomphalos washed and then redressed. This was originally done by the doctors but after three days mummy and daddy took over (under supervision to start with!) and we have done it ever since.

After two weeks the doctors decided to alter the type of dressing on Summers exomphalos to make it easier for us and more comfortable for her. We are now cleaning the exomphalos in the bath and then put on Mepital (which is a damp gauze type material). This is then covered with a Tubifast material to hold it in place. It is really easy to change and only takes a few minutes. It is more comfortable for Summer as the clingfilm tended to sweat and made her a little sore.

Once the infection had cleared up Summer was ready to come home. The doctors chatted to us to make sure we were happy with looking after her at home - of course we were dying to get her home so finally on Friday 25th July 2008 we were just the three of us!!

Meeting the Grannies!

2008-08-12T15:26:00.000+01:00

Photos from Summers first few days

2008-08-12T15:09:00.002+01:00

Sleeping Summer

Summer and Mummy

Summer and Daddy

And then there were three...

2008-08-12T13:30:00.003+01:00

After a 12 hour labour followed by emergency C-section , Summer Hope Rudd was born weighing 6lb 10oz at 10.04am on the 8th July 2008. She was immediately taken to the Neo-natal unit and her exomphalos was wrapped in clingfilm. She was put on oxygen straight away and was wired up to monitor her heart and lungs. Above is one of the first pictures taken of Summer.

Quick Recap...

2008-08-12T13:19:00.002+01:00

On Thursday 27th December 2007, half way through our routine 12 week scan, the Doctor told us they had found a problem with our baby. That was the first time either of us had ever heard the word exomphalos. It has been part of our daily vocabulary ever since.

The Doctor went on to explain a bit more about the condition – we won’t, the GEEPS website does a far better job than we would (see links).The Doctor also explained that the presence of an exomphalos is often an indicator of other chromosomal conditions. We were given a 1 in 4 chance of our baby having a serious chromosomal disorder.

At 9.30 on the Friday morning Emma had a CVS test. Over the next couple of days, while awaiting the results, we could not be entirely sure which of the 3 possible outcomes we favoured. The choices were a baby with a serious life threatening condition; a miscarriage resulting from the CVS or a baby with just an exomphalos - a condition we barely understood. Though grim, at least the first two were clear cut ‘no brainers’. The CVS results thankfully gave us the all clear for any chromosome abnormalities.

We were then referred to Mr Matthew Coleman - Professor of Fetal Medicine at Southamptons Princess Anne Hospital. That meeting was a real turning point and we haven’t really looked back since. We had regular scans to check that the baby was growing correctly at both Bournemouth and Southampton hospitals. Emma was advised she could have a natural birth and an induction date was booked for 7th July 2008.