Lola's lips slowly turned from translucent to a rosy shade of pink this afternoon as the second bag of blood drained in and her cheeks began to tinge, just slightly. It's amazing how quickly her levels drop and the signs become apparent that she is anaemic. Though Lola, like her mum, is a pale faced specimen at this time of year, nothing quite compares to true colourlessness! I am eternally grateful to everyone who donates blood on a regular basis. This is Lola's sixth transfusion and, at two pints a time, that's a considerable amount. I'm frustrated that, having had a transfusion myself, I can't donate any more.

I spoke to Birmingham Royal orthopaedic hospital today and they have given provisional dates for Lola's surgery as the 8th, 11th or 12th of March, depending on Mr Abudu's list. That's incredibly close! Lola is philosophical about her operation but has several unanswered question, as I do. Where exactly do they make an incision? Will she be in a plaster cast afterwards? What clothes will she be able to wear? What does the prosthesis look like and how exactly do they attach it?.... The list is growing. I am waiting to hear if and when we can have a consultation but in the meantime, I've been looking at the ROH Ward 11 website, designed for children facing surgery but helpful for mums who need some answers too. There are some stories by children who have had surgery and a photo of a prosthetic femur and knee joint. I'm beginning to get the idea. Tomorrow the girls and I will look at it together.

Good luck Charlie and Max..... we are all waiting with baited breath to see if there's going to be another Chelmo 3-girl posse. I am breathing very deeply in solidarity and Lola is almost out of the door, arms at the ready!! Loads and loads of love xx