Like most kids with congenital cataracts, Dane has been going to the ophthalmologist since he was a baby - 6 months to be precise. He's had his eye checks as a sleeping infant, a screaming toddler and a little boy who could be coerced with a Freddo frog. All the while though, he sat on my lap in the big black chair.

Until he turned 5. It was then that Dane sat in the big black chair all by himself for all his eye checks. Since he'd just turned 5 a week before, he decided it was time to be a big boy and sit all by himself. It also helped that this was our first visit to the new Lady Cilento Children's Hospital - so it was a perfect excuse for a new routine. And he sat perfectly and did all the tests exactly as asked. 

Dane in the big black chair all by himself (pity he couldn't open his eyes for the photo!)

It seems a very long journey since those days when I would wheel him into the Royal Children's Hospital in Herston in his pram and try to keep him awake long enough for the doctors to check his eyes. It was stressful and emotionally draining - when you're in the belly of the beast it seems like there will never be an end. I certainly don't want to jinx things but it seems like we've passed a most difficult stage for the time being. Phew! So to all those parents just at the start of their journey be assured that it should get easier. Some days are hard to enjoy but don't wish the time away. I kind of miss my little bubba. 

The next step - being a big boy and putting his contact in and out by himself. He's 11 years old now and still won't do it so I'm guessing it might be another 10 years before I can write that post!