Instagram story viewer> @growingwith.theflo> Posts

Ashley, Curtis & Florence

@growingwith.theflo

3635

posts

26.2K

followers

6787

following

Raising Florence together ❤️
Mum, Dad & family life, making memories, embracing chaos & adventures 📷
PR/collabs: [email protected] 🇬🇧

POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED

Download All

🦁 Join the Zoo Crew at Whipsnade Zoo! 🦒Looking for the perfect family day out this summer? Until 2nd September, little adventurers can become part of the Zoo Crew, stepping into the shoes of a: 🦓 Zookeeper🥕 Animal Nutritionist🌍 Field Conservationist🔬 ScientistThe best part? All of the Zoo Crew activities are included with your zoo admission! While you're there, don't miss: 🐆 The seven adorable cheetah cubs at Cheetah Rock 🐘 The gorgeous baby Asian elephant 🦌 The beautiful Mountain Bongo calf 🦏 Plus over 10,000 animals across the UK's largest zoo!📍 Whipsnade Zoo, Whipsnade, Dunstable, LU6 2LF🎟️ Tickets from £21.35 for children and £30.50 for adults when booked online in advance. Under 3s go FREE, and family tickets can save up to £35. Book before 2nd September and you'll also receive a FREE return visit to either Whipsnade Zoo or London Zoo (T&Cs apply).📱 Download the free Whipsnade Zoo app before you visit for daily talk times, feeding schedules and an interactive map to help you explore the zoo.Have you visited Whipsnade Zoo this summer? Which animal would be your first stop? 🥰@zslwhipsnadezoo#WhipsnadeZoo #ZooCrew #FamilyDaysOut #DaysOutWithKids ZSL SummerHolidays UKDaysOut FamilyAdventure CheetahCubs VisitBedfordshire GrowingWithTheFlo by @growingwith.theflo

-1

0

11 hours ago

Great Ormond Street Hospital – Day 4 💙After a very busy and emotional few days, today was much quieter. We spent the morning relaxing on the ward, waiting to be discharged, and we're so happy (but slightly disappointed) to say we're now back home. 🏡💜Although we're home, our journey isn't over just yet. Florence has already been seen by the doctors regarding the black lining that showed on her lungs. She's now started on medication, and we'll continue to keep a close eye on her over the coming weeks.Unfortunately, Florence wasn't able to have the procedure she'd been admitted for this week, so now we're waiting for another admission date. After waiting so long already, we're really hoping it won't be too long before we're back and able to get everything sorted once and for all.We want to say a huge thank you to every single member of staff at Great Ormond Street Hospital. From the doctors and nurses to the play specialists and everyone behind the scenes, your kindness, patience and care made such a difficult week that little bit easier. We'll always be grateful for everything you did for Florence. 💙For now, we're enjoying being back in the comfort of our own home, getting some much-needed rest and hoping the next time we return, everything goes smoothly. Thank you all so much for following our journey and for every message. Your support has meant more than you'll ever know. 🤍 by @growingwith.theflo

-1

55

2 days ago

Great Ormand Street Hospital - Day 3 ❤️Today has been a much quieter day for Florence.She woke up at 7:30 and, in true Florence style, decided she wanted an ice lolly for breakfast! 🍧 She only ate a little of it, but it definitely made us smile. She also had the most amazing WWE-inspired tape holding her NG tube, which made it feel a little more "Flo."At 9:30 they came to repeat some tests to check for any signs of infection, and then we spent most of the day waiting in our room for the results. While we waited, Florence opened some of her Blind Card bags as a reward for being so incredibly brave, enjoyed some sticker art, played with the interactive screen, and we just had a lovely, relaxed day together.One moment that really melted my heart was when Florence pretended to be my doctor. She looked at me so seriously and said, "A doctor or nurse will never do anything to hurt you, they are to help." 🥹❤️Later, the anaesthetist came to see us and explained that it wouldn't be safe for Florence to have her procedure on Friday. So we'll be staying one more night before heading home tomorrow.I'd be lying if I said it wasn't frustrating. The concerns that have led to this decision were discussed during Florence's pre-op appointment, so it's hard knowing she's gone through having an NG tube placed, multiple cannulas, blood tests, ECG monitoring, and everything else, only to know we'll likely have to do it all again in 1–4 months' time.But at the end of the day, her safety will always come first. As disappointing as it is, I'd much rather they make the safest decision for Florence.The staff here have been absolutely amazing throughout this admission, and we're so grateful for every single one of them. ❤️Tomorrow we'll finally be heading home so Florence can have a well-deserved rest. Thank you so much to everyone who has checked in on us, sent messages, and kept Florence in your thoughts. It has meant more than you'll ever know. ❤️ by @growingwith.theflo

-1

47

3 days ago

Great Ormond Street Hospital – Day 2 (Evening Update) 💙Unfortunately, the evening took an unexpected turn.Around 7pm, Florence said she was feeling sick, and shortly afterwards she started coughing and was sick on and off for around an hour and a half. It was heartbreaking to see her feeling so poorly after such a positive day.The team acted incredibly quickly. Blood tests showed that Florence's potassium levels were low, so they repeated them to double-check. When they came back low again, she had an ECG to make sure everything with her heart was okay. Thankfully, everything looked normal, which was a huge relief.Because of her low potassium, Florence needed another cannula so she could have fluids with potassium running through them. She now has two cannulas, and despite everything, she was so incredibly brave while having more blood taken and another cannula inserted. I'm endlessly proud of her. 💜As she'd been feeling so sick, her medication was paused for a little while to give her body a chance to settle. The doctors also requested a chest X-ray to make sure everything was okay. The portable X-ray machine came straight into her room, which Florence thought was very impressive!She's also been struggling with a headache, so she's had pain relief throughout the evening to try and keep her comfortable.Because of her low potassium levels, Florence is now also having continuous ECG monitoring so the team can keep a close eye on her heart while the potassium replacement is running. It's reassuring to know she's being monitored so closely.It's now 11pm, and we're snuggled up watching the Trolls movie together while we wait for everything to settle. There are still a few things the team are keeping a close eye on tonight, but thankfully Florence is slowly starting to drift off to sleep. I'm really hoping she manages to get some good rest tonight and wakes up feeling much brighter tomorrow.The staff here continue to be absolutely amazing, and we're so grateful for the care they're giving Florence. Thank you to everyone who continues to check in on us and keep Florence in your thoughts. Every message means more than you'll ever know. 🤍 by @growingwith.theflo

-1

37

3 days ago

Great Ormond Street Hospital – Day 2 💙Day two started bright and early... 6:30am to be exact! ☀️ Florence was ready for the day before the rest of us.This morning she had her cannula put in, and once again she amazed us with just how brave she is. 💜 Of course, once it was finished, it was Meow Meow's turn! Florence became the doctor and made sure Meow Meow had a cannula too, which definitely brought a smile to our faces.We spent some more time exploring Great Ormond Street Hospital and headed back to the Lagoon, where Florence's favourite place has quickly become the Disney area. She absolutely loves the interactive screens and games, so I'm sure we'll be back there again tomorrow!The rest of the day was a little quieter, with some colouring in the playroom, time relaxing in our room using the interactive screen, and opening some mystery cards we'd brought as little treats. Those little moments of excitement really do make such a difference.Today hasn't been without its challenges. Florence has felt quite sick at times and is now on extra fluids as she's struggling to drink enough. Thankfully, she's continuing to tolerate all of her medication really well, which is a huge positive.One of the loveliest moments of the day was watching Florence make some new friends on the ward. She even had dinner with them this evening, and it was so lovely to see her smiling and enjoying herself despite everything she's going through.We're hoping for a much better night's sleep than last night and looking forward to another day tomorrow, with more Disney adventures in the Lagoon, more colouring, and hopefully another positive step forward with Florence's treatment.As always, thank you for all your messages, love and support. They mean more than you'll ever know. 🤍 by @growingwith.theflo

-1

35

4 days ago

Great Ormond Street Hospital – Day 1 💙Today marked the start of Florence's week at Great Ormond Street Hospital.After a very early wake-up, we left the hospital hotel and took a little walk to the local Tesco. On the way, Florence's face lit up when a fire engine drove past with its lights on, it definitely made her morning! 🚒 She also enjoyed a croissant for breakfast before we headed back to the hotel for a little while to watch some TV.A little later, we made our way over to the ward where we'll be staying this week. We also had the chance to explore the Lagoon, which Florence is so excited to spend time in throughout the week.Today hasn't been an easy one. Florence needed to have an NG tube inserted before starting her medication, and what we thought would be a quick procedure ended up taking most of the day. Watching your child go through something like that is never easy, but I couldn't be prouder of how brave she was. 💜Once it was finally in place, she got to choose some pretty tape to keep it secure. She picked one that says "Daddy's Girl", and seeing her smile again made everything feel a little bit better.We're all exhausted now, so it's time to relax for the rest of the evening, hopefully get an early night, and get ready for whatever tomorrow brings. Thank you so much to everyone who has been thinking of us and sending kind messages, they really do mean the world. 🤍 by @growingwith.theflo

-1

53

5 days ago

📍Madame Tussauds, London ❤️Our first stop on our London adventure was @madametussauds and Florence absolutely loved it! From the moment we walked in, she was so excited to spot all of the famous faces and her favourite characters. She couldn't wait to have her photo taken with everyone, and watching her excitement made the whole experience so special.It was such a fun few hours, with plenty of laughs, lots of photos, and memories we'll treasure forever. Seeing the world through Florence's eyes is something I'll never take for granted, and days like these remind me just how magical family adventures can be.Now for our week in Great Ormand Street Hospital ❤️ by @growingwith.theflo

-1

47

6 days ago

There's something so special about simply wandering around London with the people you love. ❤️After spending time together, we enjoyed exploring more of the city, stopping for a lovely lunch and making the most of every moment. Gran and Papa then headed home while we carried on our little adventure with a visit to the British Museum, followed by a well-deserved ice cream. 🍦To finish the day, we had a McDonald's before heading back to get settled and ready for Florence's week at Great Ormond Street Hospital.Sometimes it's not about having big plans,it's about slowing down, making memories, laughing together, and appreciating the little moments. We wanted to make the most of our time together before the week ahead, and it was the perfect way to do just that.Here's to hoping for a positive week ahead. 💙✨ by @growingwith.theflo

-1

18

6 days ago

How is Year 1 already over? 🥹❤️ It feels like only yesterday we were holding your hand as you walked through those school gates. This year has brought so much growth, so many smiles, and so many moments that have made us incredibly proud. Thank you to every teacher and member of staff who has helped Florence become the little girl she is today. Now it's time to slow down, make precious summer memories, and hold onto these moments before Year 2 begins. We couldn't be prouder of you, Flo. ❤️ by @growingwith.theflo

-1

25

8 days ago

One more day... and then the summer holidays begin. ☀️💗I can't wait for all the adventures we've got planned, the little moments we'll never forget, and the memories we'll make together. From days out to lazy mornings and everything in between, I'm so excited to spend every moment with my favourite girl.Here's to a summer full of laughter, love, and unforgettable adventures. Bring it on! 🌸✨ by @growingwith.theflo

-1

18

9 days ago

Watching your child push themselves outside their comfort zone is one of the best feelings. 💚🌳 @willen_lakeThe Treetop Extreme Explorer course at Willen Lake was such a brilliant adventure for Florence. There were wobbly bridges to cross, climbing challenges to tackle and, of course, plenty of zip wires to finish each section with a huge smile!It wasn't about racing to the end it was about building confidence, trying something new and proving to herself that she could do it. Seeing her determination grow with every obstacle made us so proud.Set high amongst the trees, the Explorer course is the perfect mix of fun, adventure and confidence-building, with just enough challenge to make every achievement feel even more rewarding. It's an experience that leaves children beaming from ear to ear and already asking when they can do it again!📍 Willen Lake Adventure Golf, Willen Lake, Milton Keynes MK15 0DS💰 Treetop Explorer Prices🌳 Child: £14🌳 Adult: £22✨ Includes the exciting Treetop Drop, and groups of 6+ receive 10% off! by @growingwith.theflo

-1

22

9 days ago

There are some activities that never fail to bring out everyone's competitive side... and adventure golf is definitely one of them! ⛳💚 @willen_lakeOur round at Willen Lake Adventure Golf was full of laughs, near misses, unexpected hole-in-ones (and a few shots we'd rather forget! 😂). Florence loved making her way around the course, taking on each new challenge and celebrating every shot that made it a little closer to the hole.What we loved most was that it wasn't about who won, it was about spending quality time together, encouraging each other, having a giggle and making memories as a family. Sometimes those are the moments that stay with you the longest.The course is beautifully themed, well looked after and perfect for families, whether you've got little ones trying golf for the first time or some very competitive adults who are determined to win! It's a brilliant activity to add to your day at Willen Lake.📍 Willen Lake Adventure Golf, Willen Lake, Milton Keynes MK15 0DS💰 Adventure Golf Prices⛳ Child: £6.50⛳ Adult: £7.50👨‍👩‍👧 Family tickets are also available, and if you've booked another Willen Lake activity, you can get 50% off Adventure Golf within 30 days by showing your booking confirmation at the golf kiosk! by @growingwith.theflo

-1

19

11 days ago