Three's company

So far, so good. There are some logistic puzzles to be solved when it comes to getting baby, toddler and buggy to and from the car/ up and down stairs etc. but we seem to be surviving. I know it's not that big a deal, mothers have been coping with more than one child for a long time, but for me it's a new challenge. Having friends has made a big difference to this- today we were up and at 'em before most sane people would emerge unless they had to go out to work. We headed for Fell Foot for football on the grass and much fun in the playpark. You may remember a certain very smart pair of red sandals bought at the start of the summer- they are holding up in structure, but not in looks, especially with regular soakings under the tap in the back garden and in muddy puddles- today was no exception! Little M slept peacefully throughout these adventures, as seems to be the habit for this chilled little girl. And yes, I even managed some knitting yesterday, although the picture is a demonstration of how something very unpromising can become something lovely (I hope). From left to right is the unfinished Manu cardigan sleeve, the completed sleeve and the body. Honestly it is! If only you could reach out and feel how soft the yarn is, and see how nice the slight colour variation when it forms a marl effect. Oh well, maybe when it's completed and photographed begin worn!

Weekending

The novelty of a rainy day after all the sunshine soon wore off, so when the clouds parted just a bit this Sunday afternoon we headed out. Our first choice plan was PYO strawberries, but perhaps unsurprisingly we found the farm but couldn't find the farmer. Plan B was Low Sizergh Barn, to walk their Farm Trail. The sunshine held, the baby slept in the front carrier throughout and it was felt that the most was made of our last day together before the end of paternity leave. Tomorrow its just me and the two babies- yikes! The benchmark for how well things go will be if I add a few inches to the second sleeve of Manu at some point in the day. Yes, that's right, even with all the events of recent weeks, I've somehow managed to get the body and one arm completed. I'll try and post some pics soon.

This Moment

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savour and remember. Inspired by SouleMama

Thank you letters

I'm a big fan of the ailing art of letter writing. I'm no luddite, but I do think it's sad that as short a time ago as when I was at Uni letter writing was still the way that my friends, family and I kept in touch. I still have some of those letters and postcards, which is more than I can say for the emails, text messages and Facebook posts that have come to replace them (even though there are some people I wouldn't have managed to keep in touch with if it wasn't for these new media, admittedly). One letter writing habit I was brought up with, and intend to pass on to my children, is that of thank you letters. I know that most people nowadays see a phone call or text as an acceptable way to acknowledge a gift, but I just feel that it's so nice to get something dropping through the door that doesn't have a window and a demand for payment inside. Having said that, until my two babies are old enough to write for themselves, this commitment can mean a lot of work around birthdays and Christmas! P's birthday was just ten days before his sister's arrival so for various reasons I found myself still needing to get 'Thank Yous' out by the time she was settling in at home. So the requirement was- inexpensive cards with a personal touch, requiring minimal effort from a tired mummy. The solution was: find a black and white picture of a bicycle (for my wheel-loving boy)on the internet, write a standard 'thank you' message for the back, print multiple copies and get P to colour the pictures in his own unique style. On future occasions I promise to get a bit more fancy but for now, these will hopefully be more welcome than another bill through the door...

Big Wide World

If it wasn't for where we live I can't imagine I would have countenanced the idea of going for a country walk less than a week after giving birth, but the sun was shining, our little boy still needs as much running around outside time as he can, C is on paternity leave...and while I ended up feeling a little bit sore afterwards it must be good for healing to get the blood flowing. Not to mention the soul to be out in that lovely fresh air. You can tell this year has been better weather-wise so far as they are making hay, unlike last year when we were living at the farm and hay didn't happen until August thanks to the rain. The tractor doing the mowing was one source of excitement for P. The other was the roots of a lone oak tree in this meadow. They are just the right height for a two-year old to perch and climb on, so we had some mummy/son time while C was in charge of baby sister, buggy, bike and bike helment. Baby sister, by the way, slept through most of the experience, but I'm sure it won't be long before she shows a bit more appreciation...

This Moment

I know, I know, it's a bit late for the usual Friday 'This Moment' spot, but I was a bit busy on Friday...and through into Saturday when our little girl finally made her appearance. She is beautiful (of course) and healthy (which we are very thankful for). I have allowed myself a little time to daydream about Liberty print, polka dots and other gorgeous fabrics that can become smocks, frocks and frilly knickers. Also knitting including frock coats and berets by Debbie Bliss. And maybe an Aviatrix or two! It's likely there'll be a bit of a hiatus on these pages for a little while, but I'll be back soon...

The final countdown

Three more weeks. Then maybe there might be a little more evidence of me and my doings on these pages. For now it's just a waiting game...anytime soon would be good little gal/guy!