Super-Calla-fragilistic
MUM HAILS ‘MIRACLE’ TOT WHO’S DEFIED ODDS
later spent 12 hours in surgery for a heart operation.
“There were quite a few times over her short life so far we’ve felt like that – that she’d not pull through,” said Lynne.
She was determined to get Calla out of hospital for her first birthday – and finally managed to take her to children’s hospice Robin House at Balloch for a weekend celebration with family.
“She loved putting her hands out of the pram and feeling the air. She’s very sensory and touch is very big for her.”
Lynne had dreamed of taking her baby for a walk in a pram: “You plan on doing it almost in your first week or first few days. We had to wait an entire year for that – but it made it all the sweeter when it happened. It was very special.”
She spent a weekend at Robin House and had a party. Lynne said: “We had the top tier of mine and Ali’s wedding cake and my friend made a bunny cake – as Calla loves bunnies. They were precious moments.”
Calla had to return to hospital but continued to make progress and Lynne and Ali felt more confident that they’d be able to care for her at home.
She was transferred to hospital in Aberdeen in November and eventually came home on February 27 with a nurse looking after her at night.
Lynne said: “We had balloons and champagne. We enjoyed the moment of her finally breaking free. At almost 17 months old, she was finally getting out of hospital. It was a very sweet moment to know she was spending the night in the house. I didn’t want to go to sleep.
“She just loves the house. She wakes up and smiles and giggles. She’s so much more at ease and happier.
“She’s starting to play with her toys, she’s trying to roll at the moment.”
The couple take each day as it comes. “Long term, the doctors just don’t know. She’s already surpassed what they expected,” said Lynne. “I don’t think too far ahead – I just enjoy where we’re at. It’s a lot better than where we were this time last year. Every week I see a difference in her – she’s so determined.”
Lynne added: “She’s just beautiful and remarkable and she teaches us so much with her resilience and determination.
“We have to keep going because she keeps going. I can’t ever give up on her. We’re just having fun and enjoying things. She’ll do what she wants to do when she’s ready.” ● The new series of Scotland’s Superhospital starts at 9pm on BBC1 Scotland on Monday.