This month began with birthdays, Lauren's first on April 4th followed by mummy's on April 9th. James was so excited when we told him it was Lauren's birthday. When he was ill pre transplant he went to a few of his friends birthday parties, but was never able to join in with the party tea. This was always a huge disappointment to him as for James birthdays are synomonous with lots of edible treats. Even at James' own 3rd birthday party last August he had to watch his friends eating the jelly and ice-cream, and had a cardboard cake filled with non edible treats for him to hand to his friends. He also spent much of his 3rd party lying on the sofa having his ostomy bag changed ... so not much fun ! I am sure we will make up for this at James' 4th party.

Mummy made sure that there were lots of yummy things to eat for Lauren's birthday tea .. the usual mini sausages, crisps, little sandwiches, dips, jelly and a pooh bear birthday cake. Unfortunately since we were still in quarantine the tea was attended by just the four of us, oh and 3 of Lauren's teddies. Fun was had by all, although Lauren was a bit bewildered by it all. After the food James then announced he wanted to play party games !

Mummy's birthday wasn't quite as exciting, though for mummy and daddy it was a treat to get the kids off to bed early and enjoy a takeaway. A few weeks ago we'd have said we never want to see a take out ever again having spent almost a year eating them !

Medically there is not much to report for the month of April. It has been a huge relief for James that he no longer has a tube, and he regularly makes a point of reminding us that he "never wants one ever ever again". Unfortunately he says the same thing every time he has his weekly bloods done, though we think he must realise by now that this is something that is unfortunately not going to stop.

There has been the usual round of clinic appointments and blood tests. At the mid april clinic appointment we were told that since it is now 3 months since transplant he can mix with 2 -3 of his friends as long as we are sure they are well. This is great as James is really suffering from lack of company of small people, however kids always seem to be suffering from colds or infections, so he still only gets to see a friend on average once a week. We feel he really needs to be out socialising now or going to pre-school as he has so much energy that needs channelling. A little while to go yet though !