Last month went in a blur

I just realised that the previous post was a month after the last one that i wrote. That might lead you to think that not much was happening in the domain of Little Miss A. How wrong you would be....

We had a really traumatic month. At the end of Feb we were in Yorkhill for emergency bowel surgery. We only came to realise just how serious the situation was when the surgeon came out after the  operation to tell us that not only was it a success, but that we couldn't have waited until the morning for the surgery. Bearing in mind the surgery only started at 2am, it didn't take long for us to realise just how close to the edge we had come.

We didn't know if the surgery would have a detrimental effect on her because of her Edwards Syndrome. Taking the decision to operate at 11pm was difficult, but thankfully we made the right decision for her.

We spent a week in Yorkhill, staying at Ronald McDonald house which was just across the road. It is a fantastic place, it made living in a big city that bit easier. So, if you ever use the drive through at McDonalds please think about dropping your change into their charity tray. Small change....big impact.

We have been home now for a fortnight. I'm glad to say she is doing well. The silver lining in all of this was that they put in a gastrostomy for me. That is a feeding tube directly into her stomache.

I can't believe the difference.....she no longer....

• needs oxygen 24/7
• has continual reflux
• vomits through her nose when she does actually vomit
• has lots of wind
• has difficulty taking enough milk

Don't get me wrong, that nasogastric feeding tube saved her life.....but the surgeon who put the stomache tube in for her gave her back quality of life.

So, I guess that is why it took me a month to post the last entry....but what a month it was!

Mothers Day at 7 months old

My first ever Mothers Day. I am thrilled that I have her with me today, I am so pleased that we are at home for today.

This was sitting in her cot waiting for me this morning, propped against her shoulder. Isn't it lovely.

I saw a quote on facebook yesterday that one of my friends had tagged about daughters being the most lovely gift from nature. can't find it now, but i have to agree.

To all the Mums out there, and the mums to be....have a blessed happy mothers day today.

My hands are full, my heart overflowing ... 6 months on

We are building a cuddle monster
She goes cross-eyed when she is about to fall asleep
She loves to kick out on her changing mat when getting her bottom changed
Her favourite position is in my arms but not horizontal - that would be too much like I was going to put her to sleep. Instead she wants to be sitting on my wrist, leaning backwards facing me at chest height.
When she smiles my heart melts....

WOYWW 141

well, it is a bit late but this is what was on my workdesk yesterday. It is taking me a couple of days to a couple of weeks to get layouts done at the moment, depending on little miss A.

Pop over to Julia's to see other workdesks this week

I'm hoping to get round a few blogs over the next couple of days as I have been a little out of touch over the past few months, and my nose is getting the better of me.

thanks to elizabeth for the award. I will get it all done the next half hour i get on the laptop

a couple of layouts

well, my little girl keeps me busy but I couldn't resist this photo of my nephew in a pirate hat. I used free papers from scrapbook magazine and DCWV cardstock.

I also managed the last weekly challenge on UKS about a woman and achievements.

A big hello to my latest follower May. I hope you enjoy the read of the all too infrequent posts. I promise to try harder.

i love january

This month has been quite eventful for us but i cant help thinking that it all just goes to adding colour to a great month.

I have heard several people bemoan the fact that we are indeed in JANUARY!! I cant help it, I love January. Here are a few of my reasons:

• It has the longest night followed by the knowledge that the nights start getting shorter from here on in.
• It is a brand new year, full of endless possibilities
• All the crap in last year has been and gone
• My baby girl got to see another year
• You can put up your new calendars

So, do you agree? Or am i destined to be alone in my appreciation of this month?

Christmas Eve

I can't believe we are here already.

Presents wrapped, tinsel on the tree and my family at home with me. What more could a girl ask for?

I wanted to share one of my favourite photos of Ayla with you.

I couldnt have done this without the lessons that I learnt on Cheryl Johnson's 12 Days of Christmas photography course. I got a free place, and have loved doing the assignments and seeing what everyone else has done. I am still working through them because we have been in and out of hospital this month, but hopefully it will help me take better photos over the festive season.

And obviously I'll have to make them into layouts, that may or may not require me to spend some christmas money on new stash....LOL! Hopefully though there will be more time for crafting in the new year....I have lots of photos that i want to start putting into her album for her.

I hope you all have a safe and twinkling bright christmas and a happy new year