Bad Blogger

Yes, my last post was back in December. I'm a terrible blogger. Things have been plodding along slowly here and so I've not posted much, to be honest with you I'd run out of inspiration and much of my time has been taken up with all things baby. There's been lots of snuggling and playing and generally enjoying being a mummy. 

Slowly but surely things are changing. This week I'm back to work (thank god for family and flexible working) and I'm planning to get my Folksy and Etsy shops re-opened. There's also been a small amount of making, including this cushion for Rosie - we've been chatting on Twitter for some time, her little boy was born on the same day as my baby. 

It looks quite nice sat here on the sofa in my studio....

December!

Can someone tell me how it can be December already? Not only December, but a week away from Christmas?! It's crazy. Where has the time gone? When our little girl was born back in August, December seemed so far away. And now it's here and I have a 16 week old baby and the year seems to have passed me by in a blur. Not that I'm complaining, you understand, it's more a case of needing to pinch myself and realise its not a dream.

So. The cards have been sent, the tree is up, presents are brought and wrapped (mostly!) and Christmas baby outfits are ready and waiting. I think we're ready! I had been worrying as I'm usually prepared much earlier but considering so much of time is taken up with baby related things, I think I've done quite well! 

Obviously, she's too young to understand what's going on with Christmas this year, although she does like watching the fairy lights on the tree! But I'm keen to start some traditions. As you get older things fall by the way and Christmas can very much be like any other day (just with presents!). I know she'll be excited about Christmas when she's old enough but I want her to look back and remember the things her parents did for her to make it special. This year I ordered her a letter from Santa via the NSPCC (for a small donation). The letter from Santa and Christmas outfits will definitely be one of our traditions. 

What do you do for your children? I'd love to hear from you! 

Studio: A Little Peek

Whilst there's not much being done of the crafting kind at present (actually, there's not much of anything other than feeding, nappy changing and cuddling!), I can finally share some photos of what will be my new studio. 

Before:  

So this room was choc-a-block! Boxes, old machinery, rubbish, furniture, etc etc. It took us a few weekends just to clear that lot out. The rubbish you can see on the floor is the old ceiling which had already fallen in places before we made a start. 

Everything, except the plastering, has been done by my boyfriend. Being pregnant, I was limited with what I could do - although can you see the scaffolding in the photo below? Yep, I was on that at 4-and-a-bit months pregnant helping to lift the plasterboard onto the ceiling.  A new floor has been put on top of the old, uneven brickwork.  

The space shown below has now been divided into two. The space under the window has been made into a toilet.

Current:

There's still a fair amount that needs to be done before I can move everything in but we're getting there! 

This was taken before the carpet was down. As you can see, its quite a big room so there's plenty of space for baby to play whilst I'm in here.  

Doesn't it look different?! I can't wait for it to be finished, particularly as the room I'm in at present is getting rather full - the shelves are overflowing and there's piles of baby stuff everywhere. Hopefully it won't be too much longer!

Playmat

Since having baby, we've both been amazed at just how generous people have been. We've had so many gifts for her - particularly clothes, we won't need to go clothes shopping for some time!

One of the gifts we received also happens to be my favourite and its this playmat made by my Auntie (her Great Auntie!). 

Apparently this is her first attempt at making anything like this - I can't believe it, everything's so neat! 

I don't mind admitting that I had a cry when I opened the parcel. It was completely unexpected and the previous day I had also had a large bouquet of flowers from them. Sewing and making things myself means that I am completely aware of the amount of time and effort that went into making this for her. 

We're just starting to get back on an even keel. This time last week we were already there but things were thrown out of kilter on Wednesday when I was taken into hospital suffering with complications from the birth. Following a small operation (and blood transfusion) and excellent care from the doctors and midwives, I'm now back home and slowly getting into the swing of things.  

Back soon x

Earlier than expected.....

After what feels like forever, our gorgeous girl Esmé decided to join us early and arrived  on Saturday 25th August.  

I can't describe how much I love this little being already. So here's a heads up/apology for the possible lack of posts etc - more so than usual, of course! If the last few days are anything to go by, very little will be getting done around these parts as I make the most of baby snuggles.