I feel like there is so much to catch up on, rather than write post after post I thought I'd share some of my favourite snaps from our Italian holiday, I hope I don't bore you too much!!!
We were also lucky enough to take several amazing trips which I will post about separately.
I'm off to catch up on some of my missed reading, I hope I can read about what you all did over the summer!!
Its a place that everyone knows about but every parent hopes they never have cause to visit!
The Hospital for Sick Children first opened it doors at 49 Great Ormond Street on Valentine's Day 1852 with 10 beds. Today It is considerably bigger but continues to help families of sick children by saving young lives, developing new treatments and offering special care to 192,000 children every year.
I was admitted in 1985 with acute kidney failure, the staff and treatment there saved my life and I have never forgotten how lucky I am to be here and the place and people I have to thank for that (you will never forget the name of the person who keeps your heart beating with their hands!)
This week I had cause to return when my friend's Son was admitted suffering from septic arthritis. He is one of a pair of twins so as well as being in a strange place he, and his Brother, have had to be separated for the first time.
Luckily I work only 10 minutes away so have been able to visit and ferry bits backwards and forwards from home to hospital, dry tears and provide Starbucks.
Its been an emotional time, both returning to the hospital and seeing it through the eyes of an adult and parent and in seeing one of Sophie's playmates in a hospital bed.
Max seems to be responding well but it will take a while for him to recover, he is a brave, sweet little boy and I'd like to ask all of my bloggy pals to send some love his way!
I have been meaning to post about my vintage Singer sewing machine for a long time and this post has been sitting (half written) in my drafts folder for 18 months!
So finally here she is.....
The machine folds into the table so it can be used as a table on it's own.
It belonged to my Nanny Ruby (my Dads mum) who was a very talented seamstress. This machine is symbolic of my Nan and whenever I see it I am reminded of her.
This is my Nan with my Grandad and my Dad as a little boy, I see a lot of her in myself and I know my family would agree!
The draws in the table are still full of her things and I have very fond memories of her teaching me on it as a child. I remember draws full of fabric and sitting on cushions on that lovely chair (hand made of course!).
Even as she got older I doubt that a day went by when she didn’t use this beautiful machine.
When she died in 2003, and her house needed to be cleared, we had nowhere to keep it so my Dad’s friend stored it for him (and used it occasionally!)
We just couldn't bear to part with it and I knew it had to come with me when I eventually got a home of my own.
I love this machine and am very proud to own it. I haven't used it and I think it needs a service but as yet haven't managed to find anywhere that can do it, any suggestions would be most appreciated.
Sadly the reason I have finally managed to get around to finishing this post is because we no longer have room in our house for her, she is going into storage but we will meet again as soon as we have a bigger house!
I am very excited about Cath Kidston's new Christmas card and wrap range, so much so that on a recent visit to Bluewater shopping centre I couldn't help but find a few items placed lovingly into my basket!
Loving these retro cards, reserved for 'special' people that will fully appreciate their gorgeousness!
I've decided that this year's theme will be brown paper wrapping with colourful ribbons, tags and stickers Cath style!
My blogging 'maternity leave' meant I didn't get to thank my lovely bloggy friend Joe @ Josie Mary for this gorgeous blanket she made for Sophie
(please excuse the dodgy photo!)
We love it, it keeps Sophie all snuggled when she sleeps in her nest!
Yet again I find myself having had an unplanned blogging break! What was I thinking eh? New baby AND time for myself????
When I haven't been looking after Sophie, time spent with James on our own is precious and switching on the computer just hasn't happened!
Sophie is 14 weeks now and is a very happy, content little baby!
She had a bit of a wobbly time when at about 5 weeks I became worried about her fussy, painful feeding and she was diagnosed as having silent reflux and given some medication that has really helped.
As you can see she is doing really well! (a little porker at 15lb 11oz!) and has even managed to sleep through the night a few times (until her pesky inoculations interrupted things!)
I feel like I have so much to catch up on, and am doing so slowly so please bare with me :)
I also have a lot to blog! Thank Yous, days out and home stuff to share, so I'm hoping this isn't a flukey 5 minutes!!
I thought I'd share some photos of Sophie and her friend Caleb!
(Please excuse the awful photo, my pregnancy puffiness had not gone yet!)
Caleb is the 8 week old Son of my friend Kelly, who, you may remember I went to Egypt with back in May (click here to see the post!) when we were both unaware we were pregnant! With just a week between our due dates we enjoyed sharing our pregnancies and making plans for fun activities when our babies arrived! We were surprised when Caleb put in an early appearance at only 35 weeks.. Luckily he was a strong boy and despite being tiny he is growing well! In this picture Sophie is 2 weeks and Caleb is 6 weeks, it makes us laugh that Sophie is bigger!
Judging from their matching poses they are sure to be great friends!
Sophie has been a very lucky girl, she has already received some lovely gifts in the post!
First, from my dear friend Michela who sent a fabulous stork decoration made by her talented Aunt (we have been lucky enough to receive other gifts made by this talented lady, but you will have to wait a few posts to see them!)
And what does Mrs Stork have in her beak?
Well Sophie of course! We think Mrs Stork likes her new home on Sophie's bedroom door! Thank you Auntie Michela :)
And I just had to share this beautiful, handmade card we received from the gorgeous Sophie @ Chez Sophie
Isn't it beautiful?! Such a gorgeous, thoughtful keepsake! Thank you Sophie
I'm so grateful for my friends x Have a lovely weekend!
I can't believe Sophie is already over 2 weeks old, It seems to have flown by but I feel like she has always been here at the same time! She is doing very well and has already put on 4oz and grown 3cm! We had a few sleepless (and upsetting) nights when the brand of milk we were using gave her tummy ache but we changed to another brand and she seems to be doing really well on it! All in all she is a really easy baby to look after (at the moment!) and with a face like hers she has us all well and truly wrapped around her little finger!
I'm feeling organised and able to make some time for the bloggging that I love, I have lots to share and have missed not being able to keep up to date with the goings on of my bloggy friends! Hopefully normal (as possible!) service will be resumed! See you all soon!
