Sunday morning, I had a wonderful sleep and was woken to see Victoria, arm extended offering me a tiny little pink flower. Joanna followed close behind with chocolates and lovely purple candle.

Yesterday was a record for trips to and from the hospital (rather than being there all day). I got there at 7am and Richard was sleeping. When he woke up he told me he's not slept well which might account for the fact that for most of the rest of the day he was sleeping. Around 9am Paul came in and sat with Richard while Thomas and I went off to visit Ron - and update him - and Lucy/Josiah. They were still in NICU at that point but the phototherapy was off - and (for those in the know, his 'sbr' was the same - meaning that, given he was getting older, he was not in danger). His 'salts' were not good - indicating his kidneys are not working as they ought. Lucy told me he fed all night - then of course spent the day being sleepy and not feeding well. This is why when people have a baby they should live near people (or have people come and stay) who will be able to keep the baby safe and happy while the mum gets a bit of kip.

When I got back from visiting Lucy I found that Ron was visiting Richard (!!). Ron then went back to the ward for his lunch and I was persuaded to go home and get lunch - so we all had bacon butties. Meanwhile the Doctor had seen Richard and said (in spite of the x-ray) that his chest was clear. She thought that the problem was in his ear. The infection being so far in (which is why only 'slight' redness could be seen) if left untreated could extend towards his brain and therefore (at long last!) he was to be given antibiotics. When I came back after lunch, Richard was sleeping (though he had eaten his dinner - but not the pudding) and continued to do so until 3pm when he was checked again. I don't know if/when his temperature came down but all the other readings were fine. Consequently we left the hospital about 5.30pm - Richard walking very slowly and stiffly to the car which I brought to the door. When home he settled himself (again) on the sofa (where he's spent the best part of the past 2 weeks). This morning his head feels less like marshmallow and more like a head and he continues with pain relief. I hope he is on the mend - but am not holding my breath - life is so full of surprises right now....

Emmanuel folk have offered dinners which David will, hopefully, collect and bring back later today. We're off for breakfast at Virginia Water and then on with the visiting. Ron is going to go to the service at the hospital and meet more of the chaplaincy team - we got some very exciting information about the work they do there yesterday. The Lord is blessing their labours and using them to do what Christians ought to be doing - visiting the sick and bringing the comfort which Jesus offers to some very sad people. The lady who was chatting with us said there are 100 people on the team and that strong people who can man wheelchairs on the first sunday of the month (when they have their service) would be very much welcomed - so we might be able to get ourselves organised for that for next month.

Ron enjoyed the experience of doing hospital visitation - and not having to pay for parking (!!!) and even ventured as far as to visit Lucy and Josiah. Meanwhile DAvid had taken the girls to Wisley and had a lovely time - then they came to visit Richard.

Lucy told me Ron stayed a long time (this hospital stay is transforming him!!) before walking back to his ward. Joanna stayed with Lucy (who was looking very tired, JOanna said) until David (after visiting Ron at 6) went over to see Lucy and collect Joanna to return her to Otterhill Farm.

As for me, I was home 10 minutes settling Richard down before heading off for the evenign visits. I left Ron at quarter to 8 and went over to Lucy. She was in bed and Josiah was fussing - she looked SO tired. So I took him, she went to get the dummy sterilised (just in case!!) and I had a lovely cuddle and told my grandson not to be a scallywag - I explained about how tired his mummy was and told him he needed to lie quietly even if he didn't want to go to sleep. Then I wrapped him up, popped him in the cot on his side and left him quiet. Lucy said 'how did you do that?' and I thought 'wow, I'm good for something'. I only wish they lived a bit nearer....

Lucy is hopeful, however, that they might be out today in which case we can give her the opportunity for some real rest - without people disturbing her with untimely meals, temperature measurements, blood tests, inspections, cleaning and all the other stuff (which has it's place in a hospital) which has prevented her from catching up on sleep.

Yesterday's visits ended about 8.30pm - but since KFC was being bought when I arrived home I decided against going straight home.

My dear, dear midwife, Viv, was on the ward yesterday and she came in to visit Lucy and Josiah (she is the source of the nutritional information Lucy could do with to maximise the quality of milk) which was a wonderfully kind providence. God is spectacularly GOOD. The pictures (which Thomas has / will upload [ed] ) include one of Lucy in which I believe I've never seen her look so beautiful . Lucy and Viv having both been there when James was born I was reminded of a photo I took of Lucy at that time, holding James. She had just said 'I want one of these' - and I told her I'd share mine - and now the Lord has blessed her with her own darling little baby. The Lord IS Good.

Thank you all so much for your prayers, which the Lord has used to sustain us above and beyond our capacity. Praise God that (as we read in James) He has used these trials to morph us more into the image of Christ and taught us each incredibly valuable lessons whilst (at the same time!!!) fitting us for future service for Him. What more could we possibly desire except to be WITH Him?!!