At my 20-week antenatal scan, we found out Charlie had clubbed feet and a dilated kidney.
We were very worried from this point on. I had extra antenatal scans and everything else seemed normal.
My waters broke at 36 weeks on a Saturday afternoon. I had an emergency caesarean at Glengarry Hospital due to Charlie being transverse. Charlie was placed on my chest when a few seconds later the oxygen sats machine started beeping. He was then whisked away into the nursery and put on a CPAP due to respiratory distress. 6 hours later he was transferred to PCH where he stayed in the NICU for 6 long weeks.

I remember the dreaded call in the night when he was two days old asking how long it would take to get to the hospital. Charlie was on maximum respiratory support and 100% oxygen and there was nothing more they could do for him. Thankfully he pulled through and became stronger day by day.

We celebrated every little milestone from that day on and continue to do so. From opening his eyes, moving his arms to now furniture walking and saying a few words at 18 months old. The things most of us take for granted. We have made over 100 trips to PCH since Charlie was born, had 3 surgeries, multiple specialist and physio appointments. After getting a second opinion privately Charlie was diagnosed with a connective tissue disorder (classical Ehlers-Danlos syndrome). This explained all his medical complications.

Charlie continues to have regular physio for his motor delay. After all his been through he is still one of the happiest babies you will meet. Charlie is adored by his mum, dad and especially his older brother Finn.