Mega update for the past month (parvo virus, hospital and Vanuatu)

Yep, a month between updates; I'm either slack, or have been quite busy. Those who know us will agree it's been the latter...

Dad is now acting Director at work, and has been working very long hours - in acting up an Assistant Director, there is now effectively two operational staff members less, as we pretend to be management!

Linc was diagnosed with Parvo Virus on our return from Melbourne; a nasty rash developed with an even worse cough making bedtimes a bit of struggle. This is from NSW Health:

Parvovirus B19 infection is a mild rash illness that occurs most commonly in children. The ill child typically has a "slapped-cheek" rash on the face and a lacy red rash on the trunk and limbs. The child is not very ill, and the rash resolves in 7 to 10 days.

Not very ill - I think they should revisit their definition of 'not very ill'... He even vomited a few nights due to the uncontrollable coughing fits. And the best thing about it was that, because it's a virus, there is nothing you an do except treat the symptoms. One month on, and he's still crook, although he is improving every day (we think).

To add to our fun-filled lives, Linc was booked in for surgery on 13 May to have an examination and possible hemorrhoidectomy - this one day after Mum and Dad were to return from overseas (more on that later). We found out while we were overseas that the surgery for the 13th was cancelled and rescheduled to 17 May (yesterday). So we fronted up to the hospital at 7am sharp and proceeded to wait for almost three hours for the surgery. Good times. He was eventually admitted to the theatre, and Dad accompanied him while he went under a general anesthetic (which is never pleasant). Within 30 minutes Dr Malecky (the specialist) was done, telling us that all he could do was an exam, as the hemorrhoids were ringing his bottom, therefore making surgery too risky (as it would result in excess scar tissue where scar tissue shouldn't be)... not great news. Good news, however, is that there are no internal hemorrhoids so no surgery required.

Linc recovered quickly, within 20 minutes he was eating Jatz and watching Top Gear; within an hour he was running around as if nothing had happened. Amazing! We were all glad to go home though as it was a very long day and emotionally exhausting; Mum reckons this hospital visit was much harder than with Carter as at least Carter didn't really know what was happening; Linc certainly did, and became quite withdrawn once the scrubs were broken out for both Dad and him.

Linc and Dr. Dad ready for theatre

Just to pick up on an earlier comment, Mum and Dad finally escaped for a five night holiday in Vanuatu from 6-11 May, while Mum and Dad's folks teamed up to look after the kids for the week. This was our first big vacation away from the kids. It was a wonderful holiday, and we even got to visit Mount Yasur Volcano on Tanna Island - an amazing experience to see, hear, smell and feel VANUATU BLOG
the heartbeat of the earth. The photo blog for that visit is here:

Mount Yasur Volcano - Tanna Island

Dad's folks have just departed for overseas. They have already spent a couple of days in Dubai and are now in the UK; unfortunately Nan had a bit of an asthma attack and was taken to hospital by ambulance; she was  treated and diagnosed with a severe chest infection; hope you get better soon me mother!