#redballoonsforryan

Ryan

I’ve been following Ryan’s tragic story, and his brave parents, on Instagram and on his mothers blog Baby Boy Bakery. It is so unbelievably sad. 

Reading his mothers thoughts, I am reminded how precious life is, especially the tiny lives we create. 

These days with my Mae can be long and tiring, as with any baby, and it can be easy to forget to enjoy it. Ryan’s story is one I will always remember; it is a reminder to always enjoy those tiny moments with my Mae.

 

9 weeks old

Mae Lynne is 9 weeks old today. She is cuter and lovelier every day.

At 9 weeks, Mae likes to play on her mat, talk to her toys (particularly totoro) and watch everything that goes on around her.
Last night she slept for 5 and a half hours which is a record, but she’s a stubborn sleeper during the day 😉 unless she’s in someone’s arms, she’s pretty much awake…

She smiles, chuckles and frowns in her sleep, practising all her expressions and hopefully having sweet dreams.
Although she’s not keen on getting in her pram, once she’s in there and we’re moving she either falls asleep or gazes out of the little window. I think she will be quiet and wise, and enjoy sitting and taking it all in.

Yesterday, we used her library card (which we got at 4 weeks old) for the first time. I think there’ll be many more library trips in the future. It’s nice to think that she will go to the same little Victorian library that I visited as a child.

Happy 9 weeks Mae, you are so loved. Xxx

This time last week…

This time last week, I was sitting at home, watching nothing in particular on tv, and having not too painful contractions. I did not know then that just 9 and a half hours later I would have given birth to our little girl.
Tonight, I’m sitting at home, watching nothing in particular and feeding our beautiful little baby. She’s wearing a rather garish green sleepsuit which her daddy bought on an emergency “we haven’t got enough tiny 7lb baby clothes!” Trip to sainsburys.
It’s been a wonderful, tiring and challenging week but I wouldn’t change a thing. I’m so lucky for our family and friends and especially Andy, who has looked after both of us so well.

Today, we ventured out of the house for the first time since coming home from hospital. It was lovely to get some sunlight and cool, fresh, winter air. I’m looking forward to lots of winter walks, me and my little one.

Coming along nicely…

This week, my first (official) week of maternity leave, I’ve been busy crocheting. Mainly the baby blanket for my friend but I’ve also started making some hats for our little one.
The blanket is nearly done and I’m just waiting for some more cotton to arrive to be able to finish the last few ripples and a white border.

The first hat I’ve made was using this simple pattern.
A cute little hat with a sweet scalloped edging. I think I will leave the flower out as the hat is so tiny, it would be overkill.

Next I think I’ll try this hat, made using a puff stitch, in white I think.
X

New yarn…

The cotton has arrived for my friends baby blanket.
I went for Rico essentials soft merino (Aran) in six colours.

From top left-
Light blue (32)
Turquoise (36)
Royal (39)
Light yellow (63)
Vanilla (62)
Natural (60)

I’m thinking of going for a ripple as I want to finish it quickly, and I don’t really have time to learn a new pattern!
X

Our own little one…

Whilst I am planning a baby blanket as a gift, I’m also preparing for the arrival of our little one!
She is due on 28th November, so 4 weeks and a day to go!

A couple of weeks ago, my lovely friends and sister threw me a fantastic baby shower where we received gorgeous gifts and the cutest baby biscuits!

The whole day was so lovely and topped off by a beautiful double rainbow.

Baby blanket planning

Today I’ve been ordering the yarn for a baby blanket for my lovely friend who is due next February, very exciting! I’ve gone for neutrals, yellows and blues as she’s having a boy but she doesn’t want to be too blue!

Once again, I’ve ordered from the Wool Warehouse as it’s such good value and local. I’m very excited for its arrival so I can get started…

New pens

I’ve mentioned before how much I enjoy new stationary, it’s pretty sad but true. Last week, I was talking with one of the lovely girls in my class about when I decided that I wanted to be a teacher. She said how, for a while, she had thought she’d like to be a teacher too because of how much she liked new pens and paper! It was so nice to hear this, I always think I’m the only one.

X

A glimpse of spring

Last weekend, we went to Leamington for lunch and a walk around the park to celebrate our 9 year anniversary. There was some beautiful sunshine, finally a hint at springtime…

Birthday fun!

My birthday, in 28 pictures (can you guess how old I am??)

Firstly, it was lovely to be in work for my birthday for a change, it’s usually in half term. I got some sweet cards and gifts, two impromptu outbursts of happy birthday from my class and their lovely company when I opened my presents during lunchtime.

Lovely cards, from friends and family…

After work, we visited our friend and her gorgeous girls and I was treated to more birthday singing and a homemade cake…

…and gorgeous gifts…

We spent the evening with two more of my favourite people, who brought gorgeous gifts…

I was spoilt by them…

We do enjoy a bit of bubble-wrap 😉

The next day was spent with family, it is my sister’s birthday five days before mine so celebrations are usually combined…

Customary birthday treats…

Beautiful gifts from my family…

On Sunday, I went to a fantastic cinema in Birmingham (the electric) with my lovely friend, to watch Brief Encounter. This brought about some (rather unnecessary) black and white instagramming!

I do adore this film, a great end to my birthday weekend!

A few other snapshots…