8 Years later - wow what a journey

How lucky we are to have such a wonderful girl (and 2 boys).

Zoe is 3 today

Yes, it has been some time, and no better moment than Zoe's 3rd birthday for a quick update and a few pics. Zoe is doing extremely well and pretty much on target on her corrected age. Below is a few pics of Zoe.

Zoe-Hope A Trip Down Memory Lane 2011

Happy Birthday Zoe Hope

Today is a very special day for a very precious little girl. Zoe Hope slept in for the first time. Yes you read it right. Both mum, dad and Henry were awaiting Zoe Hope to wake so we could sing to her.
When she finally woke 2 hours after her normal 5.30am start she was beaming smiles of happiness and joy (as always) and very proud to show that she now has two teeth.

We had an early start to the day with a planned picnic at the Riverside Park Olympic Park. It was a very relaxing and happy day spent with family and friends. Butterflies were everywhere (makes a change from the summer flies).

Zoe Hope had a great day enjoying the many familiar faces. A great day was had with the weather being fabulous from start to finish.

After the Picnic we took Zoe Hope home for a proper sleep however she was happy to play. Later in the afternoon we took her back to her first home - The NICU at Westmead Hospital. It was so wonderful to visit the many staff on her special day. They are such a hardworking team of nurses and doctors. We saw lots of staff that worked with Zoe Hope and remembered the many others especially today. Thank you NICU Westmead we will never forget you. During the end of our visit Zoe Hope finally gave in and crashed on mum's shoulder (15minutes). 

We had the special privilege of meeting two families that are currently going through very uncertain times with their newborns also in the NICU. They met Zoe Hope and were very happy to see that miracles do happen and there is hope to hold onto. Please pray for Noah,Colden and all the sick premature babies. Their parents need your strength in prayer also. We wish them all well and hope that they may feel supported and loved during this hard time.

She has had an amazing year thus far and we have all been on this journey of downs and ups. May 2012 be a great year ahead for us all.

God Bless and thank you for being there. We couldn't have travelled this long journey without the love and support of our fantastic families, friends and friends of friends.

We have set up a Hero Page for Zoe Hope's birthday to raise money for Miracle Babies. If you would like to donate to this wonderful cause please follow the link. Or is you would just like to look at the Hero Page enjoy.

http://miraclebabiesfundraising.org.au/amanda_dippenaar

Love Mandi, Jan, Tyler, Henry and ZOE HOPE xxxxx

Where has the past 4 months gone?

Well firstly apologies to those of you who have continuously checked Zoe Hope's blog for the latest news. After a rough winter with the colds etc we just got too bogged down into life at home and focused on the kids and their needs.

Zoe Hope is now 11 months old (birthday in 5 days time). Wow what a year! She now weighs 6.12kgs and has just gone into OO clothing size. She is now sitting up and has been doing so for about 5 weeks now. She got her first tooth last Monday and the second has nearly cut through.  She continues to be on oxygen at night time and this will continue until she has a review with her specialist early February.

Zoe Hope has been diagnosed with a hole in her heart which given some time may close on its own as she continues to grow or may need to be medically closed. We will have to wait and see over the coming months. She will be reviewed by her Cardiologist in April. She regularly attends physiotherapy to help with her motor skills and is doing very well.

She is now on three meals a day and continues to enjoy her milk. Zoe Hope has been going to play group Nurture Time with Miracle babies and this has been a wonderful time for mum and Zoe Hope to meet and mingle with other families of Premature and or sick babies.

She delights in time with all of us here at home especially her Great Grandmother and her grand parents who regularly come to visit. Henry and Tyler continue to enjoy the interaction with Zoe Hope as she giggles and smiles and watches their every move.

Zoe Hope was Dedicated on the 23rd October at  CABC West Ryde and this was a fabulous day for us all. (Photo below).

Zoe Hope has come so far over the past 11 months and we thank you all for your continued prayers and love and friendship as we travel this journey.  We praise God for all our children and the many miracles he blesses us all with.

We all would like to wish you a Very Merry Christmas and hope that you enjoy time with your loved ones and share in the many special moments together.

Love 'The Dippies'

Home weeks 15,16,17,18

At home having fun with my brothers. I am back on Oxygen for the time being and don't like it very much but know it helps my lungs whilst I get rid of my bad cough.

I have had another set back with another Bronchial infection so am currently on antibiotics. I will be able to get off the oxygen when my Dr allows me. I see him early next month but mum and Papa have done a new download on my machine for Dr Cooper so maybe he might let me off sooner (hope so!).

Well now I am 18 weeks corrected I have learnt how to scream to get up when I am supposed to be sleeping. I give the best smiles and have started to make more sounds with my mouth. I can even checkle (even if it is quiet) and I no longer have a dummy. I was very brave I only missed it for a few days. I rather like sucking my fist when I can get out of my wrap!

Thank you for all the lovely things that you have sent to me. My mum has put all the cards away safe so one day when I am bigger I can look at them.

Please continue to pray that I stay healthy so I can start to get out and see the real world soon.

Love from Zoe Hope

Home Week 14

Zoe Hope has unfortunately developed Bronchiolitis over the past week. She has had numerous visits to Doctors and the Children's Hospital Westmead. She is now back on oxygen for the time being as this will give her the breathing support she needs to try and get rid of the virus. She has not been her happy self at all and we hope that she greatly improves soon. She will be returning to her lung doctor next Tuesday for a review and her normal GP every two days.

Please pray that Zoe Hope gets well and keeps well. This is a set back for her after doing so well to be free of illness.

Home weeks 12 /13

Well Zoe is now 12 weeks and two days corrected (6 1/2 months). She is growing and smiling more and more each day. She likes to blow little bubbles when she is awake and tries really hard to make sounds with her mouth. She had her 6 month immunisations last Wednesday and spent the next day fairly unsettles with temperature etc. She has also had some unsettled days since due to the fact that she can now open her hands when she is awake instead of clenching her fists all the time. it is amazing how the brain works and how each little change can affect someone so small.

Please pray for Zoe to continue to put weight on. She is still very small. Today she weights 3.56kg.

Thank you to those who continue to keep in touch with us we are half way through winter and have been at home all this time in the hope that we can keep Zoe free of any sickness that is in the air. It is amazing how a cough sends chills up our spines these days! We have been fortunate that the Doctors Zoe has have had a special area for us to sit away from such coughs etc.

Zoe sends lots of smiles your way :-)

Home Week 11

Zoe Hope has had a fantastic week. She has come off the night oxygen and is now breathing air 24/7. We pray that she continues to keep well so that she doesn't have to go back on the O2.

She has also finally reached 3.5kg as of this evening. This is another great achievement. Her weight although slow is continuing to increase at her pace.

We are so privileged to have her in our lives to share with you all. She is very alert and enjoys following the sounds of mama, papa and her brothers Tyler and Henry.

She still sleeps quite a lot but has changed her routine (if you could call it one!) in the last few days and is feeding lots and awake a little longer. She is more settled of the evening now the prongs aren't needed so we are able to settle her in bed a lot earlier than before.

Home week 10

Zoe Hope now weighs 3.39kg. She has had a check up by her paediatrician and all is going well. She has grown another 2 cm and is now 49cm long. (She still looks so small). She will be ten weeks corrected tomorrow 3/07.
Zoe Hope went for a vision check early this week which was positive in that no issues were found with her eyes. She will go back in December for another check up.

Time has flown by so quickly. We still remain at home on a daily basis to avoid the dreaded colds and flu's that are currently circling this winter. Zoe has continued to thrive. She is trying very hard to make sounds with her mouth. She loves to smile and is now turning her head when she hears a familiar voice or follows mummy around.

Again thank you for your calls and messages. It is so nice to keep in touch with you all even if we are unable to see you.

Home 7, 8 and 9

Hi All

Zoe Hope has been home 9 weeks today. She is 8 weeks corrected in age and is continuing to blossom. She is smiling and beginning to make little sounds to communicate. She has coped really well off the oxygen now during the daytime. Zoe Hope remains on oxygen at nigh time. She is now just over 3kg. We have her paediatric appointment on Thursday so will confirm her weight then.

Zoe Hope has had a little dry cough and lots of sneezes but continues to keep well and healthy.

She has learnt to exercise her lungs every now and then to let us all know she is here.

We have kept in touch with a few families form the NICU and are pleased to say that most of their babies are now home.

Thank you for your conitnued support and encouragement whilst following Zoe Hope's journey.

Home Weeks 5 & 6

Wow it has been a busy few weeks. Zoe Hope had her paediatrician appointment last week. He was extremely happy with her progress thus far however she needs to gain more weight than she is so he set her a goal of 3.5 kg for her next visit. Today she weighs 2.9kg so she has to put on 600 grams in the next 22 days. Zoe Hope has proven to like challenges so lets see how she goes.

She had her eye check for ROP yesterday and the disease is now resolved so we are very pleased. She also had her appointment with the respiratory doctor who is happy with her progress. He has ceased some of her lung medicine now in the hope that will help her put weight on and also begin to ween her off the oxygen. Today was the first day she had no oxygen for 10 hours. She coped considerably well and was on the monitor so mum could see how she was going. She will be off during the day and back on oxygen at night for the next week until we get another download of her respiration. This is another big step forward for Zoe Hope.

We have seen glimpses of a smile this past few days and hope to see more and more. Her head control is getting better also. She has lost a lot of the stawberry blonde hair and has begun to sprout new hair on the top of her head (she has rubbed off all the hair on the back of her head).

Zoe enjoys watching Henry play up close and cuddles with Tyler, Mum and Papa.

We continue to remember how blessed we are to have her in our lives. Going back to the NICU this week was an opportunity to catch up with the doctors on duty and the nursing staff that had so much to do with Zoe Hope's care. She will not be forgotten.

Thank you again for your continued support, prayers and messages.

Home Week 4

Zoe Hope has had another great week. She is now 4 weeks corrected. She is the absolute delight of us all and we are enjoying her presence. She still sleeps quite a lot and at times as all new borns is unsettled whilst she adjusts to becoming her own little self. Her brothers continue to bond with her and are delighted when she is awake. Henry can't wait till she can play Lego with him and kick the soccer ball. Tyler just enjoys watching her sleep as do her Grandparents and Nan Nan.

Zoe Hope at home Week 3

Zoe Hope continues to settle into her own routine. Today she is 3 weeks corrected and doing everything a three week old would do (feed and sleep). When awake she is spending more time looking around her surroundings and getting familiar with the hustle and bustle of a busy home.

She had her eyes checked again on Tuesday. The ROP continues to resolve and stay stable. Zoe Hope will now have her next check in 3 weeks time.

A special thank you to those who continue to pray for Zoe Hope and also to the many of you who continue to follow her journey.

This week marks a special week for all families as it is National Family Week. Remember that we can choose our friends but not our family. Stick Together is the theme and so true. We need our families through both good and bad times. For many of us Family can also be represented with in the community including your Church family. So lets all STICK TOGETHER and find a way to spend time with someone and tell them how important they are.

http://www.familiesaustralia.org.au/familiesweek

Zoe Hope at Home week 2

Well this week has seen Zoe Hope continue to settle into home life with us all. The boys are loving having her around (wait till she really shows her voice!) and enjoy it when she is awake. She sleeps about 21 hours a day and the three awake hours are at night. We hope to adjust her night and day over the coming weeks but as you can all imagine she has been through so much already we are just pleased to have her with us.

She had her 4 month immunisations on Monday and other than being a little unsettled seemed to get through without any real issues.

Nurse Rosemary came to visit her star patient on Tuesday and was so thrilled to see how much she has continued to blossom. It was so nice to talk about our journey with Rosemary who was present during the birth and looked after Zoe Hope in the NICU many times.

The community nurses came to visit on Wednesday and were pleased to see that she now weighs 2.5kgs. This puts Zoe on the 3rd percentile for weight for her age of 1 week but at least she is now registering.

Today she is 18weeks old. Again we are so blessed to have her in our lives. We continue to keep her in a well controlled environment at home so that she can continue to build up her strength, grow and more importantly keep her healthy.

This organisation has been a great support for us!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T57qzirRBdo

Yesterday mum and dad ventured back into the NICU Westmead for Zoe's eye check and weight assessment.  This time we knew we were only to be there a short time (which went quickly with the staff coming to see how Zoe was doing now at home). Her eye check results were good with the ROP still resolving.  The specialist is pleased with her progress and so Zoe will now go to fortnightly assessments.

Zoe Hope has gained weight since being at home and is now 2415grams. We are so happy to see that the comforts of home are helping.

Life at home with Zoe Hope was a little daunting for the first few days adjusting to the oxygen as well as making sure she was still breathing etc. Not too much different from bringing home a newborn.

Zoe Hope was due to be born on the 24th April so her corrected age is 5 days old. Seems unreal to think of it that way but that will be the age that will be used for her milestones in the many months to come.

We are thrilled to have her home. Tyler and Henry adore their sister. As for Zoe Hope she is settled, sleeps really well during the DAY and at night like to snuggle with mum. She is adjusting to the environment at home however doesn't like to sleep in the dark so we have a light on for her every night. She loves to be in the family room with all the noise of the day too.  We are just so blessed to be enjoying her and getting to know everything about her.

We sincerely thank all of you for your messages and thoughts and prayers.

Week 1 at home

A little bit of tummy time in the morning for Zoe.

Day 109

Today was a great day for the Dippies. Zoe Hope was finally discharged into mum and dad's hands 24/7. Her eye check went well with a followup to be done again Wednesday next week. Zoe Hope had a few laps around the NICU this morning so that she could say farewell to the wonderful team of Doctors and Nurses. Due to shift work not all staff were on however we did see a few of the nurses that spent a lot of time with Zoe when she was so sick in NICU.

Where one journey ends another begins and so it is that we are now home and getting to know our daughter more and more. She has lots of medicines and feeding routine that takes quite some time not to mention getting a routine with the moving around using oxygen etc. Henry is quite glad to have his little sissy home and Tyler is excited and can't wait to see her when he returns from his dad's on Thursday.

We would really like to again thank all the Doctors, Nurses, Office staff and cleaners for making us feel like one of the team. We spent many days and nights walking the halls, sitting at Zoe's bedside and chatting, crying and even laughing with both staff and other parents. Wow what a journey and one that we will never forget. Thank you for being so professional and "Fair Dinkum". We appreciated your honesty, support, inclusion in Zoe's daily medical routines / progress and your kind friendship.

Thank you also to our many many followers for believing in Zoe Hope and sharing our journey thus far. We will continue to update the blog each week with new milestones and photos. We hope you will join us on the new journey away from NICU as Zoe Hope grows.

God Bless each and everyone of you.
Love the Dippies
xxxxx

Day 108

Zoe is still on track to be discharged tomorrow after her eye test. It has been a very long journey for Zoe in nicu but she has done extremely well under the circumstances. A big credit to mom, the nurses and doctors and everyone out there near and far.

Day 107

Zoe must have had a great day yesterday as she got to spend most of it with mom. As of 5pm last night mom has 'taken over' from the nurses and spent the night at hospital with Zoe. Only one more sleep before Zoe comes home, we are all very exited and looking forward to bring our daughter home so we can all be together.

Day 106

Zoe had a good day and she is looking forward to mom spending time with her as of tomorrow morning, untill she is due home on Tuesday after her eye test.

Day 105

Zoe had a good day and should enjoy her sleep for the first time without a feeding tube. Not long now.

Day 104

Zoe Hope has had another good day. She had x-rays of her lungs and a few other routine tests today for her respiratory physician. She is going well on the new level of oxygen so will probably go home on it.

She already has a team of physician who will be seeing her over the next few years so appointments are being organised and set up for all the follow up care once we are home sometime next week.

Please continue to pray for Zoe Hope as the road ahead is not necessarily an easy one. We will have to focus on keeping her healthy and free from illness.

Day 103

Zoe Hope has had another good day. (It may sound repetitive however good days are fabulous compared to where we have come from). She has had her oxygen level lowered to test if she can come home on that level. This will be reviewed over the next few days prior to Zoe Hope seeing a respiratory specialist. Zoe Hope will need to have oxygen 24/7 until her lungs grow and develop more lung tissue. There is no time set as it all depends on her keeping healthy. As winter is upon us Zoe Hope will be confined to a germ free environment at home as the usual colds we can all deal with are very serious for her because of the Chronic Lung Disease. She was again reviewed by the Occupational Therapist who looked at her gross motor. Zoe Hope will continue to have these checks every 4 months for some time. The Therapist was very happy with her progress thus far. Zoe Hope now has two sucks to a tube. She is coping with this very well. Overall she is doing remarkably well. Thank you to you all for your constant support, love and encouragement. Your prayers are also very special to us. Remember to thank God for all that you have each day.

Day 102

Zoe Hope has had a great day. She had a lovely bath today and was weighed. her new weight is 2265grams. What a fabulous weight gain! She has had some of her medicines ceased and has had the breathing and heart rate monitor turned off. Zoe Hope has had another eye test which continues to show improvement. She will be re assessed for her eyes again next Tuesday. Her hearing was tested today and all results showed Zoe Hope to have passed the test. This will be re assessed again when she is 11 months old. Today the doctors discussed a discharge plan with us. Now Zoe Hope will continue to work on her feeds and hopefully if all goes well will be home sometime next week.

Day 101

Zoe Hope has had another good day in Special Care. She is doing well with her feeds, oxygen and sleep. She has her eyes checked tomorrow and we hope they continue to show improvement.

100 Days Old Today

Zoe Hope has had a lovely day celebrating her 100th day with Dad, Mum, Tyler, Henry, Oupa, Ouma, Grandad and Nana. She was moved into SPECIAL CARE over night and is doing really well with her feeds. She now has one suck feed to a tube feed. Ouma and Nan baked cakes for the Doctors and Nurses to help them celebrate with us.

Keep up the fantastic work ZOE HOPE.