Happy Birthday

When we woke up this morning, it was apparent that Elsie was no better, in fact she was much worse. She couldn't lift her head, and just looked so poorly. My heart sank, I knew there was nothing for it but the hospital. Her dad had to carry her out to the car, and I held her on the back seat while we drove to the clinic. He carried her in, the staff took one look at her and took us straight through to a bed - no hanging around in reception.

A few tests later, her blood sugar was pronounced extremely low, just over 3 (?), and she was immediately put on a dextrose drip. Bless her soul, she never made a sound having blood taken or getting the drip in. By this time, I was convinced that we were going to have to make an emergency dash for home - believe me, once you've experienced African medicine, you will never, never criticise the NHS again. But after about 45 minutes on the drip, she brightened up miraculously! She's been disgnosed with a very low dose of malaria, and we've been sent home with tablets.

Just as well, as this is Elsie and Hannah's 9th birthday. We had a big family party, and they even had a cake with their names which their auntie Shija organised - not the usual thing here at all. We all ate beans and rice from a huge communal plate, and then cake, popcorn, pineapple and peanuts. What more could you ask for. I am one very happy mummy tonight.