We’ve just returned from seeing the Orthopaedic specialist for a review of Amy’s hips and the news was not really what I wanted to hear.

The two hips are developing at the same rate, but the right is smaller than the left, and has been over the past 2 x-rays. This in itself would not be such a problem, except that both hips sit out too far, instead of being quite neatly tucked in. Left untreated and it would be bad news in the long term. So we are back to having to wear a splint, but this time only when she sleeps. If I hadn’t worked so hard over the past few months to get her to sleep in the night I’d be feeling a lot happier about this right now.

This splint is for at least 6 months, but more than likely to be longer and if no improvement then another option is surgery.

We had an echindna in the front garden yesterday. Jess called it an ‘eekidenap’.

4th October, 1997

It is our Tenth Wedding Anniversary today. Happy Anniversary Justin!

I got up earlier than Jus this morning and put our wedding photo on his laptop. Jessie said “Happy Marriage Day” and then we looked through the official wedding album which I am pretty sure they have never seen. Meg was interested in who all the people were but didn’t recognise my dad. When I told her who it was she said “Oh, Pa in his young days”. Golly – ten years wasn’t that long ago!

I loved my wedding. I loved my dress, the bridesmaids dresses and the cake. Love love love. Justin was a huge spunk, standing there looking so tall and happy. I still remember it and how calm I felt. I just couldn’t stop smiling the whole day. My friend Jodie, who was on of my bridesmaids, says to this day that she has never seen a more happy bride. Two regrets on the day only – that Rach wasn’t there, and that Adas and Lin weren’t there. Other than that, it was the most amazing day of my life and I shall remind the children how wonderful when I make them watch the video this afternoon!!

Ten years s quite a feat these days and I am very much in love with my life and all the things that have come our way. We are lucky, truly blessed and very much looking forward to the next decade. It is promising to be as interesting as the last.

I love you Justin – thanks for this amazing life.