A Day in Adelaide!

As the alarm went at 3am, I reluctantly rolled out of bed and began the journey to the airport with Mum and Ruby for another fast and furious trip to Adelaide to see the wonderful Doctor of Ruby's.

The exhaustion hit me as we made our way in the dark to the airport, where I knew it was a day of chaos, waiting, sitting, queuing, learning, people glaring, Ruby getting unsettled etc etc etc! I also knew it would be well worth it.

So in a nutshell Dr Siow, who is an amazing, knowledgable and mind boggling clever man only saw improvements in how she has developed over the past four months.

When we first saw Dr Siow in September 2012 Ruby weighed approximately 9 kg, was pale, extremely gaunt looking with minimal flesh on her bones. She was in extreme pain, malnourished, no energy, fed solely via her button in her stomach and somewhat retreated in herself. Today she weighs a whopping 14kg.

I put this down to a combination of things, but ultimately it has been the supplements to kick start her digestive and immune system, to get her cells starting to absorb nutrients, ensuring the correct nutrients are given, which the body is able to digest and process correctly. I can not stress how important it has been to follow such strict, yet simple instructions! Even Ruby's paediatrician in Brisbane can not comprehend the degree in which she has improved, and encourages me to keep going! May I remind you that Ruby was not supposed to be with us a year ago! Doctors only had grim news, with no answers or proof, or suggestions.

Ruby has gained weight, with nice little rolls on her thighs and tummy now! She is now eating orally, with combinations of yummy, clean super foods, oils and supplements. She continues to sleep well, has been free from chest infections for a good while now and her body is so much warmer. She is more aware, loves tickles from her big sister Sophie, settles very well if she gets upset momentarily and is on minimal medication for pain.

I take my hat off to all my friends who work in the industry, such as Renay Hill from K.I.S.S nutrition https://www.facebook.com/kissnutritionbrisbane who has been an amazing support and teacher along the way, Dagmar Ganser, True Medicine http://truemedicine.com.au/ who has been my all round guru since 2009, Melissa Luxmoore https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Nourish/119456588139117 who is a GAPS (Gut and Psychology Syndrome) practitioner and understands the complexities and nutritional needs that children who have extra challenges require.

It can become extremely frustrating when this 'alternative/complimentatry' way of living gets scrutinised so often, when in fact this is where we start to fix the body and allow it the time to heal, rather than masking it with a medication or 'bandaid' until things get progressively worse. I appreciate medications serve a perpose and admire the medical profession for the passion they have, BUT IT'S NOT THE ONLY WAY OF TREATING A HEALTH ISSUE. PLEASE OPEN YOUR MIND AND THOUGHT TO THE POSSIBILITIES OUT THERE!

As always, I will continue to update this blog with how Ruby progresses and share with you her journey and how we're all 'Realising Ruby'. xx

Off to big sisters 5th birthday party!

Gorgeous girls, August 2012

September 2012

October 2012

March 2013



Sisters, almost as big as each other and looking more and more alike!



May 2013 a rainbow beaming down on Adelaide!

"Everyone wants happiness, no one wants pain, but you can't make a rainbow without a little rain.”

.....and boy has there been rain!!!!

This Too Shall Pass

Just as life seems to be cruising along at a manageable pace.... the change occurs.  Accompanied with a sinking, stomach curdling, anxiety comes the witnessing of dreaded, evil, life changing SEIZURES.

As much as I dread the trip toward the city to the red bricked building full of medical staff I knew this is what had to happen.

Up until a few years ago I knew hospitals only for the delight of bringing into the world newborn babies and fairly simple day case procedures. Until you are thrown into the system un prepared, in disbelief and utter confusion no one can explain the mind shattering,  isolating black hole you so often plummet into.

There is a residue, unseen to the human eye and an odour you do not smell which clings to you as you leave. You are often in disbelief and denial as to the events which happened in that place. At the time its a place you swear you will not be returning anytime soon, however, after time.....comes healing. You start to see it as a place of good intentions from good people, they are just confined to the rules....rules of their role....in that place.

The odour I refer to is that of sickness and pain and worry. As I walked into the brightly lit hustle and bustle of Emergency, there it was....that same old feeling brewing. That time when you step up a notch in protection of any unnecessary intrusive procedures taking place on your fragile child. 

Mothers huddle, holding themselves up behind the curtain cubicle where there little angels scream, helpless. Fathers stare, emotionless, motionless, uncertain of what to do to protect their love ones. For they can not fix it. The screams of blood being taken, catheters inserted, wheeled to X-ray, hours of waiting, endless explaining, yearning for peace and quiet. Longing for silence and calm and life as we once knew it. 

However as a veteran and seeing familiar faces and a warm welcome from doctors and nurses, faith is somewhat restored. The key is knowing and understanding the system. Understanding they are only doing their job.

Appreciating they only want to help, but need to keep a distance at the same time. There is 'keeping a distance' but then there is 'keeping a distance but with compassion'. Coming across that special one who offers a cup of tea, and if a biscuit accompanies it.....what a warm and glowing ray of light it can bring to you in that moment of darkness and disorientation. Its the simple things. 

After the storm there is calm, however the home you once knew never completely feels the same. I don't know what it is, but that seat you used to sit in, nursing your baby, or the smiles you once shared in the hustle bustle of the kitchen, that routine which was rudely encroached upon is just a distant memory, with a sadness attached. Then as you walk in, exhausted, drained, emotionless....a hearty meal left on the kitchen bench, wrapped in a cloth towel from an amazing friend  is enough to budge what was an emotionally wretched day right out the window and make way for the next moment, the next dawn.

For in the moments of absolute darkness, comes that glimmer of hope and light.

“This too shall pass.” ~Persian Sufi poets~