{January 2010}

This month I have mainly been finishing work and starting maternity leave, re-reading Harry Potter again from the beginning, celebrating K's birthday with a meal out and a small gathering at home, having a bump photo shoot with friends and at a studio, meeting up with to crop with the girls, having a meal out with workmates, dinner out with friends, trip to a small craft fair with mum and having a day out in Camden with K.

We have been preparing for baby by sorting out baby's room, buying the buggy and car seat, putting up the moses basket, washing baby's clothes and bedding, packing my hospital bag, thinking about names, going to antenatal classes, thinking about the birth plan and having a baby shower.

We have been mostly watching Gavin and Stacey, 24, Glee and new season of Heroes. I have been mostly watching America's Next Top Model, NCIS, CSI and Numbers. Plus a few films Bride Wars, 17 Again and Terminator.

I have been making 7 layouts, a fabric file cover, a crochet blanket for baby, a birthday card and starting a cabled scarf for K.

I have been mostly cooking a roast dinner in the middle of the week!, brownies, eggy bread (yum!), drop scones, 2 lemon birthday cakes, macaroni cheese, salmon wrapped in puff pastry, casserole in the new slow cooker, Madeira cake and homemade wedges.

I have also been filling my time by blogging, playing sudoku and bejewelled 2 on my iPhone, surfing the web, reading up on all things baby related and napping during the day.

Lx

{Etsy Love : Butterflies}

In my days spent at home I have spent some time browsing etsy for prettiness to fill me day. Here's a few butterfly loveliness that has caught my eye.

First this wall decal - I order it! So yummy scrummy! I would love to get some decals for the flat!! On my wish list. This is from Decor Designers.
These earring are divine! Simple and pretty, reminds me of the Martha Stewart monarch butterfly punch! These are from beautyuncut.

This necklace is so feminine and pretty, I may need to purchase one once baby is here! This is from CindyPack.

And finally some pretty paperness. I would love to recreate both of these, may take a bit of planning and a borrowing of a slice with a design card with butterflies!!

First this mobile is fully loaded with butterflies! oh so pretty. This is from littledreamerinc.

And a simpler butterfly mobile using vintage book pages and wire.....stunning. This is from Royal Buffett.

That's it from me. Enjoy the weekend bloggers!

Oh also thanks so much for the comments on my letter to Baby, I'm really pleased I was able to record my feelings and fears and love for my little one. I'm officially now 2 weeks til due date. Fingers crossed!

Lx

{Make 'em laugh}

This guy cracks me up! Seriously he makes me laugh so much.He really does make me giggle and smile on a regular basis. And sometimes I don't think he even realises it. Take these pictures! On Saturday we went up to a photography studio up in Kentish Town, (we bought a little photo shoot package for a bump and baby shot when we were at the baby show. I'm lucky to have fabby talented friends with a camera (hi guys!!!) who took some bump shots of just me as these packages they were trying to sell us are EXPENSIVE!! But hey we got a couple of free shots from the studio so was happy with them, as they have both me and K in them). Anyway back to the pictures....We were travelling back from our day out and were on the tube. The carriage was empty, not a single person. So what does K say - take my picture, which then led onto a series of shots. He is such a poser when in front of the camera, actually he like this even when not in front of the camera. He pulls silly faces, is loud especially when he laughs and generally makes me smile. He has such energy and his laugh is so contagious. I know I am lucky to have an OH so comfortable in front of the camera! I don't have any specific stories or moments about him making me laugh - this is just a regular every day occurrence for us.And well these pictures are so typical K. Making me laugh, posing and pulling silly faces. I know I have such a small amount of photos of K not pulling a funny face, not laughing or not posing. But this is him. Every part of him. It's one of the many reasons why I love him. He can make me smile, make me laugh and I know that baby will love this about him. They can be silly together.

Here's the photo from our shoot. Really please with it. Just need a frame now and then I can print it and hang it up!

Other crafty news - I scrapped 2 more layouts!, finished crochet blanket #2 for baby, started knitting a scarf -

Have fun bloggers!

Lx

{Actual Real Life Layouts!}

As I promised I have pictures of some actual layouts I have made. I have over the past few days really enjoyed creating these layouts. Enjoying the whole process. Made me happy.

This layout really sums up the above statement. And I talked about this in my previous post too - as much as I adore my finished pages, I also LOVE the process, the stash and creating. I've used dotted Swiss, American crafts, October afternoon, a shimelle printable and various other bits.

For my Birthday last year I wanted to go to Ping Pong for Dim Sum. The lovely Katherine introduced me to this place, and I really wanted to show K. These were just a couple pics we took - I'm loving the colour combo Pink, Purple and lime Green!! LUSH! I've used dotted swiss, hambly, my little shoebox, sassfrass, cosmo cricket, heidi swapp mask (for the birthday)and amercian crafts.

I love how pretty this layout turned out. The photo originally I'm wearing a purple dress and it quite dark, by changing it to B&W it meant way more options. As we don't know the sex of the baby I'm enjoying being overly pink and pretty!!! The 'As you Wish' is from living room floor off etsy - and I've had it for ages! I've used American Crafts mainly on this page - paper, thickers, chipboard, ribbon and stamps!

As always our weekends scrapping in the woods usually lead to a fair few photos. Hence the need to scrap it! I really love the green AC pp with the trees - super cute. Then added a little bit of bling - Job Done. Used Kraft Bazzil, American Crafts, Cosmo Cricket and a selection of ribbons and bits.

This layout is pictures from K's Birthday celebrations - with his TWO cakes!! As the pictures were quite dark and the candles bright colours I decided to use a real mix of colours on the layout. Pleased with the outcome -I loves those AC red thickers! I've used Scenic Route, Sassfrass, American Crafts and then just a load of random stuff!!

That's it - right must dash, have a cake in the oven! Smells delish (Nigella's Madeira Cake Recipe!)

Oh and thanks so much for the comments on previous post, it felt really good putting my thoughts down on a post.

Lx

{To Baby}

Hi Little One, (photo courtsey of Shimelle, SJ and Laura - thanks guys!)

Well its definatly been an exhausting, exciting and scary time carrying you around these past few months.

When me and your daddy found out I was pregnant with you we were so excitied. It was such a happy moment. It was July and I had just come back from a weekend away scrapbooking with the girls at GoGo. I had taken a test a few days before I went away which was negative, this made us sad but we were ok. But once I came back from the weekend I decieded to take another one, I had this feeling. And you know what the test came back positive. I hadn't even told your daddy that I was taking another test. I walked into the front room and looked at him and said, with a big smile on face - 'Um well I'm preganant!' Obviously we were both a little taken a back at first but also we were very very happy. We made the decision to not tell anyone until I could get to the doctors. SO for one whole week just me and your daddy knew this secret. This very happy secret.

That weekend I went to the doctors who gave me all the info,tablets to take, what appointments I needed to make etc. So this was it, it was happening WOW! big news. We called the grandparents next. and then the siblings. and then the friends. People were so excitied by the news, and from that day you were so loved by everyone. That night the friends came round to celebrate, with champagne! But from now on (well for the next 9 months at least) no alcohol for me. It is all for a good cause- YOU!.

A few weeks down the line, we had a little scare. We had to make an urgent appoinment at the hospital. Daddy took the morning off work and me too. We made it down to the Early Preganacy Unit at St Helier. The queue was huge! and very hot! We waited patentily in the room but both of us were very nervous and scared about what we would find out. When we got called we got taken into the scan room. They applied the gel and started the scan. And there on the screen appeared a tiny little dot, with a beating heart, a little beating heart. Beating away so quick. It really took our breath away, made the whole thing so much more real. This was happening. We were going to be parents and you would be our family. We got told then you were 6 weeks old and you would be due in early Feb. Oh my, this is it! Happy is not a big enough word about how we felt.

We knew then that we would need to look for a larger flat. Our old place, even though we had been happy there, would be way to small once you came along. Both me and daddy took a week off work to look for flats. We looked at a fair few, but then found this one. We knew then that we would be happy here. Nice size, nice bedroom for you and near the park. Perfect. As we found this flat we also decieded to go away for a few days. Your daddy loves accents and we decieded to go to Manchester. We had a really nice time and bought you a little present too. A teddy bear made with love.

We had a 12 week scan in the begining of August. This was it and all was progressing well. We could see you and you looked more and more like a the little baby you will become. This scan also meant we could tell the rest of the world about you. The annoucement on facebook went down well. Even more people excited to meet you and ready to love you. My work have been so happy as well about you, something I am thankful for.

We moved into the new place in September. And as I was carrying precious cargo I was forbidden to lift any boxes. I let daddy take control. I won't lie to you I did find the whole move stressful but mainly becuase I was concerned about everything being sorted for you.

We got settled and sorted then back to work for me. We did have a few more scares, which meant trips to the hospital. I'm sorry for worrying so much, but I just wanted to make sure you were safe and sound.

I have worried a lot about being good enough for you. For making sure we can provide for you and make sure you are happy. You are so important to me, I just want to make sure you have the best possible start in life.

As the months and weeks past you grew bigger, which in turn meant I grew bigger. I finally got me baby bump. And feeling you move on daily basis is pure bliss. As I got bigger things became harder and I was actually pleased to start my maternity leave. to spend more time with you.

Things are finally coming together now and we are ready for your arrival. I still worry about being your mum, I worry I will screw up or make a mistake or forget something or make a wrong decision. I sure though you won't mind, and daddy keeps reminding me that the fact i'm worrying about these things means that I will be doing anything in my power to make sure I get things right. Even though we haven't met yet, you are already the one things which is on mind daily. My concern is you. Making sure that your ok. In the mornings I lay there hands on my belly and count your movements, just before giving daddy a hug before he sets off to work. In the evening we sit on the sofa and watch you move about. Then when I get into bed in the evening, I lay there hands across my belly and count you moving about. This makes me happy. You are such an active baby, even in the early days getting scanned or trying to pick up your heart beat they would say you kept moving. Just like your daddy you can't sit still.

We both happy we made the decision not to find out if you were a boy and girl. But we have a few issues with the whole thing. For example buying your clothes or accessiories. Everything is either very pink or very blue. It's been a struggle to find things in between the two. Daddy and I love colour and have been a bit disappointed over the choices availble to us. Even once your here I don't think we would have all blue or pink for you. That's why I love your moses basket so much. It bright and funky with lovely colours and jungle animals. I hope you will be happy in there, and have sweet dreams. Our only other issue is choosing your name. Who knew that choosing name would be so difficult. We have been backwards and forwards over what to name you. So far we have a few ideas, if you turn out to a little boy we are thinking about Dominic, Maxwell, Lincoln and Issac. And your middle name will William George (a desicion made today). And if you a little girl we are liking Layla or Kyla and you middle name will be Georgia.

We are so excited to meet you. Keep safe these next few weeks.

We love you

Mummy and Daddy

xoxox

xxxx

{Why do we do the things we do?}

Have you seen what the talented Shimelle Laine has put together?? All about why do we scrapbook?? What a cute project hey? So from seeing her project it inspired me to have a think about Why do I scrapbook?

I mean there must be more to it than just because I love pretty paper and embellishments?

Firstly I think I scrapbook for me. For something to pass the time, to enjoy, to relax and have fun with. I'm definitely one of those people who finds sitting down and not doing anything I waste of time (hence why I may be finding Maternity Leave a weird concept to get my head round!) I mean I do have the odd occasions where sitting in front of the TV watching trashy TV or a DVD is what is required, but more often than not I am always doing something else at the same time - i.e reading, knitting, crochet, online or sorting stash/scrapbooking. I do love to have this hobby, something creative I can do and make. Something I am proud to look back at, and think 'I made that!'. I've always been a creative person, and have a degree in Graphic Design. As much as I loved graphic design, I decided in my second year that even though I loved it - it was not so much as the career for me. I liked making things for me not through someone else's vision. That's what I love about scrapbooking, the pages I make need to please me only. They are not going in someone else album. So I someone else thinks 'God, why did she use that paper' or 'I would never use those thickers for that' - it doesn't matter. It's mine and I like it. Don't get me wrong, I am not saying that I love every single page I create (my early stuff definitely not so much!!) but i would say that a strong majority of the time I make a page and I can look back and be happy! That's whats matter really. I like the freedom scrapbooking has given me too. It has made me more outgoing and sociable. It has given me a circle of friends and that I am very thankful for.

I also scrapbook for me and Kevin, our relationship. As much as this is my hobby, I am so happy that K appreciates it too. He really does like to look at my pages, look back over albums or suggest ideas for photos. He loves the photography side of thing which is something I am also grateful for. I know at times he does not fully understand it or does not want to have a discussion about what colour ribbon works best with those coloured buttons - he is willing to assit my hobby with taking photos. I love to show my pages to him after they are created. And even though above I have stated I scrapbook for me, his opinion is one I highly regard. So I love to get his reaction on the pages. It makes me happy to show him my pages, especially when they are about him or us. I love to see him read the journalling, and understand me just that little bit more. I am very lucky, as it was K who really helped push me in the right direction. I was a very dependant on him and was not so comfortable in going places without him. When I read up about a local crop, it was he who nudged me in the direction of going - even though I would know no one. But it was the best thing for me, I met local people who had the same hobby as me. Which then led me onto meeting people online with similar interests as me. Which as now led onto my scrapping friends. So thank you K.

I scrap to remember and to record. I really enjoy putting pages together to look back on. Pages that show photos of birthdays or days out or moments spent together. These are so nice to look back at to relive and experience the moment again. I also love the pages which record my life or feeling right now. Right now pages are fun and can tell you so much. Even looking back at pages created a month ago. I find this a great way to look back at how I spent my time. Even though we have the photos, looking back at the page with the journalling and occasional memorabilia really helps relive the moment.

I also scrap for my future family. Even before I found out I was pregnant, knowing that I was scrapping pages that my future children would be able to look at was something I loved. And know knowing my little one (who I can feel moving about right now!) will be able to in a few years time look at these pages of mummy and daddy is something which fills me with joy. Not only can we tell baby stories about us, we can show photos and pages and share the moment again. I can't wait to start recording baby's life and experience. I have a fellow scrapping friend (Debbie HI!!) and I remember being round hers one Saturday morning with her and her two sons. They were asking to see their albums. It was so sweet to see them sitting there, flicking through their albums and looking at the photos. Pointing at the pictures and telling me about them. They were so happy to see these photos and I think they remembered the moment so much more by seeing the photos. (and me reading the jouranlling!)

And part of me scrapbooks because I do love pretty paper, and embellishments.....and buttons, thickers, bling, paint, dotted swiss cardstock, ribbon, stamps, chipboard shapes, pretty albums, rub ons, masks, overlays and most of all photos. I just adore this combination of things together - it really does me oh so happy. I spent Friday afternoon putting together some page kits. Like proper page kits (my page kits are usually photos and paper but these page kits were FULL of thickers, stickers, bling, cardstock etc all in one baggie!) and it really did make me happy. To be sat there cross legged with a cup of tea and surround myself in what really is best termed as 'stash' I'm not so sure what this says about me so much but hey it's the small things. It really did make me smile seeing my pile of page kits full to bursting all ready for a bit of glue and tape. Happy days.

Apologies for the long post and lack of pictures but being lazy today!. But now I have the journalling down just need to covert this into a scrapbooking project - maybe a mini book?! So why do you scrapbook?? I would love to know!

In other news I did put those page kits to good use at the weekend. BUT (and I am fully blaming my baby brain at the moment!) I kind of left them behind (oh dear!) So I shall be getting them this week (Thanks Laura!) and once I have them I will photograph and upload! Also had a mini bump photo shoot at the weekend (thanks girls!) so shall also be sharing a few pics from there too!! We also went and got the buggy and car seat today, and sorted out the last few boxes in baby's room. It is all starting to come together now!

Happy Sunday bloggers!!

(4 weeks + 5 days)

{changes}

Change is a weird thing?! Don't you think??

Change is often a good thing but takes some getting used it. For example our recent change in weather here in the uk resulting in snow, ice and generally not great conditions. It's been a rather steep learning curve round here! Including me marvelling at people panic buying just in case!! Saw a family at the supermarket with 6 loaves of bread!!!!

Another change is that today is my first day on maternity leave! It's been quite weird today for me trying to decide what to do with my time!!

When I left work on Friday the lovely guys had got us some clothes for baby!! Super cute! Plus some ballons, flowers and sparkly sequins all over my desk.



As much as I was sad to leave I am so excited about the next step in my life.

So today I have done two loads of washing, washed up, put laundry away, searched online for a bit, had a shower, packed babys clothes in my hospital bag, worked out what else I need in my hospital bag, watched a film ( the women quite goid) cleared out some scrapping stuff and put together a layout!! Not to bad hey?!




I've had the idea of this layout around for awhile and today seemed a good day to put it down on paper.

As much as I am worried about becoming a parent, learning to cope emtionally and financally - I need to stop sometimes I think about what I am thankful for.

I am thankful to be 8 months pregnant, to be living in this lovely flat, for my wonderful oh K, for my family and for my friends (btw thanks so much for all the comments on the last post!! )

That's it really. Think it's time for another cup of tea, and another film!

Lx

{Bump and me}

As promised here are some pictures of me and my ever growing bump!! New Years celebrations!!

Christmas Day!

And a few days before the Christmas break!

I am quite liking my bump! but things are starting to get very difficult!!

Lx

{back to normality}

I have thoroughly enjoyed the Festive season. Christmas was lovely, new years was nice and relaxed and also we had K's birthday, which again was nice relaxed a lovely meal and few friends. Taking it easy! I did bake him a couple of birthday cakes- I said he could have whatever cake he wanted and he opted for lemon. So I whipped up a lemon sandwich cake and a lemon drizzle cake! Both went down well- the lemon drizzle cake particularly which he has requested to be baked again real soon!!



This week is back to normal week after all the celebrations are over. Well kind of. This week is my last week at work before I start my maternity leave. I am very scared, worried and excite about the whole thing. I know sorting is probably normal but keep panicking about how will I cope emotionally, phyisically and financially!! It's a lot to take in and no going back now. The big day is fast approaching!!



Here's a picture i took this morning on my drive to work. It looked so pretty. This drove has become my routine, and I was happy about this. My job previous to this was really not good for me but making the decision to leave it was both hard and the beat decision i could of made. Starting at my job in august 2008 was such a good move for me. I have been so happy and found a job which not only am
I good at but I have enjoyed.

Knowing as of Monday i won't be making my daily drive to work i do find quite sad. Silly I know. Just very weird to think about not working, I've always worked and I'm sure I will find the transition a little tricky to begin with. Though I know the reason why I'll be on leave will be an amzing one.

I am making no plans for my leave. No big ideas to scrapbook a ton of pictures, crochet a couple of blankets, bake a few cakes. My plan to take things easy, I know this may be my last chance!

Last night I managed to do 3 of my jyc pages. I'm still behind, but last night I also sorted out kind of page kits for my other pages and packed away my christmas box. That is until We get our computer back and I can print off a few pictures from over Christmas to scrap!










I will also try and get a picture up here of me and my bump!!

Have a warm day people and be careful. Here in the UK more snow is predicted to fall!!

Lx