Monday Love

I may have told you this before, but I love love l o v e Monday's!

I am a Monday-Lover because my husband works from home on a Monday and this kind of makes it feel like a long weekend. Not that we get to go out and do stuff cos he's supposed to be 'working', but it's just having the extra time together as a family and having an extra pair of helping hands around that makes such a difference to my week.

Austin always takes the opportunity to get the boys out of the house to kick the football or go for a run or to the playground, leaving me to mooch around at home. Which I LOVE!

Now that Luca is back at school this gives Beni uninterrupted attention from his beloved Papa.

There's nothing quite like being tickled by Papa to help fill the Love Tank to overflowing.

And there's nothing quite like the sweet sound of giggles from Beni Blue Eyes filling the home. Priceless.

:::

Joining in with Life Made Lovely Monday

Little Rockers

They can't help it.
It's in their blood.

I'm always rather impressed how the alphabet and twinkle twinkle little star can be made into a rap.
Although I do wonder about where Luca gets his singing style from...
I love the vein popping out in his neck - now that's called singing with passion!

Is it too early to start guitar, drum, trumpet, piano and vocal lessons??...

Luca took his microphone to church yesterday and Beni his guitar. Needless to say they were a hit, although Luca got a little shy and clung to mamma while singing but Beni rocked it out in the aisles.

I think I'm gonna enjoy breeding Little Rockers.

Joining the party over at Life Made Lovely

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When you're a 1 year old... {Saturday Snapshot}

 

Joining in with Saturday Snapshot at Yellow Songbird. 

Go and check it out!

{Life Made Lovely Monday}

 

Headphones on a drum-machine played by an enthusiastic 1 year old = LOVELY!

Joining in with Life Made Lovely Monday.

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Gems Of The Week

Precious, Priceless, Pockets of Happiness during my week.

I really like this part - taking the time to look back on the good in my week.
So often there are moments that happen and I think "Oh that's really awesome/sweet/cool/cute/lovely", but then that moment quickly gets swallowed up by life and dirty nappies...

I'm recognising my need to STOP and really take in those moments when they happen, and don't let them slip by.
A big reason for me doing this blog is to record them so I don't forget!

So here are my "Gems" this week:

:: Beni is walking and he's so proud of himself. And Luca loves to be sitting across from him with his arms wide open, ready for the embrace at the end of the 5-step journey.

 :: Luca's fond caresses of my baby bump.

It delights me that he is so interested and 'aware' of the "baby in Mamma's tummy". As I have been starting to look more pregnant and now have an obvious 'bump', he has taken to patting the bump and just today asked if he could sing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star to baby.
As you can imagine my heart completely melted right then and there.

:: This week Austin has been working from home which has been marvellous on many accounts, especially because it means I can take afternoon naps, loving this!
And it also means I don't have to be the only one changing the pooey nappies...

:: January 5th saw Austin and I celebrate our 9th Wedding Anniversary!
My husband is so wonderful. He's an amazing dad, this is obvious by the way our boys just adore him.
He's my best friend and I feel like the luckiest woman alive to be married to him!

:: I am loving the special one-on-one time I have in the mornings with Beni-Boo now that Luca's back at school.
Everything is funny for him at the moment and he is such a delightful little guy. So full of life with a cheeky little sparkle in his eye.

 

I hope you are able to take some time to recognise and be thankful for the Gems in your week also.

Have a Happy Weekend! X

Gems of the week

Precious, Priceless, Pockets of Happiness during my week.

Or should I say, Gems of the last few weeks...? It's been a good few weeks since I last listed my 'Gems of the Week' but that doesn't mean I haven't been noticing them, appreciating them and soaking them up!

I'm quickly writing this after making 3 different batches of Christmas Cookies for our neighbours.
I've still got a couple of gifts to finish before Christmas Day - but that's okay, I've still got 2 days...!
This whole 'Handmade Christmas' thang is great and incredibly satisfying, but also incredibly time-consuming...

:::

~ A large cardboard box that packaged a delivery became the source of much entertainment and laughter for a week plus some. Who needs numerous and expensive toys when your child is ever so happy playing with a cardboard box?

~ My Beni-Boo is now standing and has taken his first steps! He's very proud of himself and adores the praise we give him when he shows off his new tricks.

~ I have discovered a Sarah McLachlan album called 'Wintersong' that I am now completely hooked on. Christmas and Winter songs (but mainly Christmas) that are so hauntingly beautiful they will make you want to curl up by the fire with a glass of red and your knitting. (If you're a knitter...).
This song of 'Silent Night' is what I've been playing when it's the boy's nap time. The first time I tried this tactic the boys were giggling at each other across their room and generally not being very sleepy, so I put this song on and literally within 1 minute they had settled down and were drifting off to sleep. Genius.


~ I'm once again loving and completely fascinated by Luca's attention to detail. Every car gets parked with meticulous care, all facing the same direction.

~ Much to my husband's disgust I've been enjoying a Cheeky Cheeseburger from Mickey D's of late. I blame it on pregnancy cravings. I don't normally enjoy a cheeky cheeseburger because I'm not actually allowed to set foot in McD's. These are Austin's "rules". Anti-globalisation and all that.
But woah. Oh my goodness. I've forgotten how good they taste!...

~ Luca has been leaving me flabbergasted with some of the things he has been saying.
The other day we were sitting in the lounge and Beni was by the Christmas tree trying to look like he wasn't touching it and I noticed a look of fondness cross Luca's face as he watched his brother and then he says "Beni is so cute and soft".
And I couldn't agree more. Beni is cute and soft.
Then just yesterday he brings out the phrase that beats all other phrases by a mile. The completely impulsive and out-of-the-blue "I love you Mamma" followed by a kiss.
Well, I could have danced for joy! Those four words were such a sweet sound to hear and pulled every string of my heart.
I don't need anything for Christmas - I've just been given a most wonderful gift and I couldn't ask for anything more right now!

Refashion: Tour T-Shirt to Rock-Chick Dress

Here's another idea for refashioning an old t-shirt that seemed to work. Turning an old tour/band t-shirt into a cute-yet-oozing-plenty-of-attitude little girl's dress.

I left the neckband and shoulder seams as from the original garment and then cut out the rest - this means that I only had to sew the sideseams and add the sleeves and ruffle at the bottom. Easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy.

The sleeves and ruffle trim were from another old t-shirt from which I cut off the bottom and sewed it onto the dress (saving on having to hem it) and the same for the sleeves using the existing sleeve edge.

The sleeves were meant to be puffed but they didn't end up having much 'puff' in them in the end...

Then to tie the purple in with the rest of the t-shirt I did a fancy stitch that my machine seems to know how to do around the neckline which also helped to 'pretty it up' a bit also.

And while I was at the sewing machine I quickly whipped up this little number for Beni because he didn't have any long-sleeve shirts to wear the next day... (he's growing out of his clothes rather rapidly!)

Once again I used the existing collar, buttons opening and shoulder seams and cut out the pattern around them, sewed down the sides, added some sleeves, hemmed the bottom using a stretch fabric stitch to allow for movement and FINITO!
It turned out pretty cool but it helps that the subject is super-duper CUTE and can make anything look good!

It's so satisfying making something new and fresh out of what was old and lifeless.

There could be a sermon in that.

Beni Boo Birthday Boy and Boilers

Where did this year go?!?
I feel like so much has happened in a year and yet it seemed to go by in a swift-moving blur.
My littlest guy is ONE. It's still such a little number and yet he's so big!

Beni Boo had his 1st birthday on Monday. He spent most of the day screaming in pain from his teeth. Thank goodness this is a birthday he won't remember because there were lots and lots of tears.
And dribble.
Lots and lots of dribble.
But we did manage to have a tiny celebration in his honour - making the most of the small window where the drugs were helping to keep the pain from his throbbing gums at bay.

We were supposed to have a wee gathering of people who love Beni come over on Sunday afternoon but on the Saturday our newly installed boiler decided to break down and the repair peeps couldn't fix it until Monday... So this meant the birthday party was off because our guests would have frozen...

But Monday came around, the boiler got fixed, the house warmed up and we ended up having an impromptu party for him.

Luca's drawing of Beni

He got some pretty exciting presents

A very exciting impromptu rocket birthday cake made out of lamingtons - designed by Aunty Gretchie.

I love his toes curling in concentration.

As I am writing this post Americans all over the globe are celebrating Thanksgiving. How apt because I am consumed with Thankfulness for this little guy Beni Boo.

:::

Dear Beni Boo,

It is strange yet wonderful to think that this time a year ago you were only a few days old in this world - our little guy who surprised us all by arriving 10 days early, beating Mormor's arrival in London by 11 hours. Not even giving her the chance to get off her plane to be present at your birth. But you were in a hurry and we are cool with that.

When you arrived we (your Mamma and Papa) weren't quite expecting it. I was standing up feeling confused by the burning sensation 'down there' I was experiencing. My waters hadn't broken but the contractions were strong and fast. Next thing I know, amidst an extremely strong contraction, you just slid on out onto the gym mat I was standing on, provided (just in time) by the hospital.
A teeny-tiny little 6lb9 bubba.

As I scooped you up and saw you were a boy my heart nearly burst with love and pride. My mind was instantly flooded with so many thoughts and dreams and possibilities of who you would be, what you would become, the hopeful expectation of the joy we will experience in raising you, our precious, perfect son.

In the past year you have grown and developed so much - each phase and stage of development, each 'first' has been marvellous to watch.

You are a cheeky little monkey.
Your laugh is uninhibited and free.
Your happiness is infectious.
Your contentment is obvious.
Your life is ordained and blessed.

We are so grateful and thankful to God for giving you to us to care for and to be a special part of our family.

Gems of the Week

Precious, Priceless, Pockets of Happiness during my week.

Here's some more of that Good Stuff. The 'stuff' that makes me smile / remember fondly / look forward to with great expectation.

~ Ladies and Gentlemen, Elvis is in the House.

~ Today we (Luca, Beni and I) went on a speed boat to see Mormor and Scrumpy. When we got there we saw a lion so we all had to jump back onto the speedboat and drive away as fast as we could. Luca drove (not Scrumpy). Then we went to visit Gretchie.
Then Papa came home and we had to move the speed boat so he could get his bike in the front door.

~ We now have a new oven and a new combi-boiler. Both were installed over the last 3 days so things have been rather busy/topsy-turvy in our household. But all the workers have now vacated the building and I am now confident our family will be well fed and warm during the long winter months ahead. This pleases this Mamma's heart.

~ My husband announced the extremely exciting news that Bon Jovi are confirmed to play in Hyde Park next year. AAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
One thing you probably don't know about me is that I LOVE Jon Bon Jovi. And I mean love love love him! Ever since I was 11 years old and saw their video for Living On A Prayer for the first time. *sigh*
I can still remember where I was: at my friend Karen's place for a sleep-over with a few other friends and we recorded it from RTR Countdown and replayed it over and over and over again - screaming each time we saw the silhouettes of their permed heads emerge from the amongst the spotlights and dried-ice.
Here you are my friends - watch it and weep/scream/faint:

I have my knickers all ready to throw at him. They have been ready to throw at him since I was 11 so unfortunately they are not the most feminine/sexy/lacy pair... but I'm sure he will still be flattened flattered...

~ My husband gave me a gift this evening when he got home - a very chunky-funky red and gold bangle and a pair of beautiful blue suede gloves. Why? Just because.
Just because:
- he loves me
- he wants to remind me he is supporting and loving me through this horrible journey with PND.
- he's wonderful.
Need I mention my husband is so blimmin awesome?!

~ The littlest guy is turning ONE on Monday - awwwwwwwww!! Cake-making commences tomorrow.

Happy Weekend One and All!
X

Gems of the Week

Precious, Priceless, Pockets of Happiness during my week.

How vital it is to sit down at the end of the week and think, really think, about all the good stuff that has taken place in the past 7 days. Things that could quite easily be looked over, taken for granted. Things that are enjoyed at the time and yet are easily forgotten in the busy-ness.
I know it's good for me to focus on those pockets of happiness, to record them, to be able to share them, to be able to read back on them.
It once again brings to the foreground of my mind the fact that I am so very blessed.

:::

~ We had our scan for Bambino Numero Tre on Wednesday and I am pleased to report that all is well and good! It's little heart was happily and healthily pumping away, everything is formed as it should be. 

It is perfect.
Even though we have been through this all before with the other pregnancies it is still an absolutely incredible thing to see your little one for the first time on the screen. The reality and the emotions kick in. I am in love already.

~ This little guy is showing us his cheeky personality more every day. He is happy, content and loves his older brother with every fibre of his being.

~ During the week I watched the Cheryl Cole interview with Piers Morgan and absolutely bawled my face off. It felt good. I now highly rate her (SISTERS: before you mock me, you need to watch this and form your own opinion).

~ Although I have been suffering from bad morning sickness this week (why all of a sudden more intense?) it has made me have to stop, sit down, breathe. And so I have been getting lots of knitting done. This is a good thing because not only do I have LOTS of knitting projects to complete before Christmas, but it also makes me chill out because it is such a relaxing craft. If your stress-levels are high, take up knitting.

~ Luca has been into everything this week and, as a result, totally doing my head in. He has boundless energy - the type I have been so lacking in this week... But at night when he wants to come and snuggle in bed with me all is forgotten (except for my feelings of regret at having lost my temper with him 86 times that day...). 

And forgive me, but I still haven't been able to let go of my feelings of extreme fury at Luca for doing a MASSIVE poo in the bath last night. When you are suffering from morning sickness the very last thing you want to be doing is scooping turds out of the bath plughole. Take my word for it.

And yet, when he wanted to go to sleep in our bed last night because Papa was away, I couldn't help but be so very grateful for this little man. Thankful for each breathy little sigh. Thankful for his body warmth. Thankful that he is mine.

~ I just LOVE snuggling my little guys in bed (and the big guy of course!). In the mornings both the boys end up in our bed (if they're not there already) and then Austin and Luca get up to make breakfast, Luca brings Beni's bottle through to him, I snuggle up to the wee Beni-Boo while he skulls back his milk, his eyes half-closed and dreamy and then we have more cuddles and tickles. By then the coffee's ready and the day is ready for us.

I love love love this morning routine. It's totally the best way to start the day.

Today after we had dropped Luca off at school Beni and I came home and immediately went back to bed for more sleep. I don't normally do this but I let Beni sleep in bed with me during our nap and it was just DEVINE! I didn't sleep for a whole lot of our nap time, I spent a lot of it just staring at my wee Boo while my heart melted and I fell deeper in love with him. I didn't think that was possible.

Check out that one mean tooth he has on the bottom while he has FIVE teeth up top!

~ I recently came across this T-Mobile commercial which I thought you'd all enjoy. I bet you can't help but smile as you watch this.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Focusing on the end product

I'm lying on the couch as the autumn sun streams through the window and I feel like I'm dying.
But oh no, I won't die, I've experienced this feeling twice before and it's called morning sickness... and I know, from experience, this happens all day, every day for at least another 5 weeks.

The thought of moving makes we want to hurl.
I'm hungry and thirsty but the thought of putting anything in my stomach makes me gag.

I need to remember that I am very lucky to not actually get to the point of vomming like millions of other women experience during the early stages of pregnancy. Some of them all day every day and for most of their pregnancy.
I just get wiped out by a constant nausea and exhaustion which is enough for me thank you!

But even though the days are currently spent feeling rather fragile, it is for such an exciting and quite unbelievable reason! Austin and I are still a little bit in shock that baby number 3 is already on it's way and it's all good!

Because of the rather dramatic and speedy arrival of Beni we have agreed on having a home birth for this one. This is exciting and also necessary as I doubt I would get to the hospital on time if the last delivery was anything to go by...!
I met a lady last night who is a midwife locally and she was excited to hear of my home birth plans and has said that the team of midwives she works with are very skilled in homebirths so I'll hopefully hook up with them for my antenatal care. In the UK you get two midwives who care for you during a homebirth. I like the sound of that! Especially when the midwife who was assigned to us for Beni's birth wasn't even in the room when he fell out.
I joke with you not.
I had to yell out "Where's the bloody midwife? My baby's coming!" So she scuttled in the door, saw what was happening, turned around to put gloves on and by the time she turned back Beni was on the floor and Austin and I were looking at each other in shock thinking "Did our baby just fall out?"... I would like to avoid a replay of that if at all possible. Having two midwives present ensures at least one of them will be in the room to say "Catch your baby!"...

Poor little guy. He was a bit upset about falling on his head when he was born. Which is understandable! (don't worry, I was standing on a mat so it was a 'cushioned' fall...)

Anyhoo, I have a massive pile of washing yelling at me to fold it and I should really try and put something in my tummy.

If only KFC was close by...