Scrapology May Layout - Hand Stitching

This month, over at Scrapology, we are scraplifting Delaina Burns layout below:



You can see the original on her blog here:

The technique challenge is to use hand stitching.  I have used hand stitching several times over the years, so you think I would have learned something, but what is life other than to make mistakes? I used the WR Memory Keepers Sew Easy Tool on paper, but a quality control report is that it makes really large holes and is not as precise as I would have liked it to be. 

 

I look at the quality of Delaina's stitching, and it is beautiful in its neatness and precision.  My tips for a better job than mine would be to use a stitching template and a sharp pokey tool to create holes, with a protective mat behind.  I have the WR Memory Keepers mat, which is high quality, but a mouse or foam mat has worked well for me in the past. 

 

The delight on my boys' faces when they try to catch the bubbles is beyond joyful and I wanted to catch a great picture of each of them.  This one of Henry is still slightly out of focus, but it was the best I could do in the circumstances, of trying to blow the bubbles and then also take the photos!

 

I chose the colour of the background to coordinate with the wall colour in the photo and then everything else came from that.  I went through my stash and picked out coordinating papers and elements to match.  I was budget conscious when using a piece of white backing paper rather than cardstock, but a good tip for the future is that cardstock stands up better to the rigours of stitching!

I found it difficult to get the squares of stitching even, until I cut out a template from scrap paper first, and then traced around it and then angled the two squares apart from each other.  The lack of precision in the squares is due to the Sew Easy tool and me either not using it correctly or a lack of practice.  I tried to cover up the worst of the stitching, but I had to live with some of it!

When rifling through my stash, I came across the sticker from Scenic Route, but it had a really vibrant red floral border around it.  I cut the text part out of the middle, and backed it with a scrap of K and Co aqua dotty paper that was in my scraps bag. 

I replicated bubbles by using a circle punch and choosing the appropriate colours from the Fancy Pants dotty paper. 

Apart from the dodginess of the stitching and the marks the tool left on the white paper, I am happy with this layout and love the colour scheme. 

Supplies:
Bazzill Basics Cardstock
Embroidery Thread
American Crafts Thickers "Shoebox"
Stickers: Scenic Route "Laurel Monogram ABCD" 2006
Patterned Papers:
    Prima Marketing Iron Orchid Designs Calliope Collection "Chance"
    My Mind's Eye Fine and Dandy True Blue Collection "Splendid" and "Daydream"
    K and Co Classics Collection
    Fancy Pants Hodgepodge "It's Your Day"
    Scenic Route Savannah "Scrap Strip 3"

We would love to see you join in with the challenge and look forward to seeing what you produce!

Emma Trout, Inspired 2010 - at 10 months

My weekend away last weekend at Meadow Barn was wonderful - it was my first break for a year (since the Meadow Barn trip the year before) and a chance to do whatever I wanted for most of the weekend.  (Well - it would have been nice to have had more sleep - but I can't blame anyone else for being such an excessively light sleeper!)

 

I have found over the years that what I prefer to do on crafty weekends away is to finish off old projects.  This weekend I was very weirdly well organised, and took a wide selection of stuff to do and things to finish off.  I got a few cards made, a layout started and finished, and I managed to progress this one below.  Not as productive as some others, but then I am excessively slow, and prefer to get all the details right before moving on to something else! 

 

This layout was taught by Emma Trout at the first "Inspired" retreat in 2010.  I believe it was also the first class she taught.  I really admire Emma's work for all the beautiful, intricate details and the overall visual picture she creates with each layout.  Emma's original piece was of her son and his dog and how they were "best buds".

 

I had just had a shoulder op when attending that retreat, and was still getting over the general anaesthetic.  I took no suitable pictures and didn't mentally absorb much of each class - I think I was pretty zoned out much of the time!  The background has been waiting in a bag since Feb 2010, and when packing up to go away this weekend, I brought out this packet and flicked through the photos on my computer.  I thought the following photos of my boys at 10 months old were perfect with the blue and rust tones in the photos. 

 

Emma used a Teresa Collins blue and white flower paper where my floral elements were, and we had to substitute it with something else when that original paper was not available for the class.  When I came back home, I rifled through my papers and found a very arts & crafts design of K & Co paper that has actually turned out perfectly, I think - I love the subtle honeycomb colour and design - very William Morris! 

 

It still took me a good couple of hours when I got home to further place the elements on the page and reprint the photos - I am such a nightmare, I always get adhesive all over my photos!  I had to reprint them all again, and change the mat size.  Because I had 4 photos instead of her 3, I also had to change the placement of the title and journalling block.  However - I love these photos of Henry and Lewis and I love the layout - especially the fact that it is now finished!  I also used different Thickers because these were a definite aqua and stood out more against that floral paper. 

 

I think my next project will be to finish off her other layout class as she used the same papers, but different elements.  What I really liked about Emma's class was that she explained how to look at a patterned paper and take different elements from it - for example, taking some of the damask elements and cutting them out of the background to form photo frames.  I don't think I would have hit upon that idea. 

 

As the rub-ons are so old, I added a layer of Glossy Accents over the top, so there will be no chance of them lifting off the page.  I also had to adhere the vinyl Thickers with Glossy Accents too, as they had largely lost their stick!  One of the disadvantages of keeping supplies so long, and a great lesson for the future. 

 

Supplies:

American Crafts Thickers "Poolside" vinyl

Making Memories "Rummage" rub-on alphabet

October Afternoon Cardstock Stickers "Cherry Hill"

Bazzill White cardstock

Patterned papers: October Afternoon (Detours) "Walk in the Park"

                             K & Co rust & aqua floral from their classic collection

                             My Mind's Eye (Be.Loved) "Smitten Stripes"

                             Teresa Collins (Damask) "Stationery"

                             Teresa Collins (Documented) "Measured"

                             My Mind's Eye (Love Me Do) "Head in the Clouds"

                             My Mind's Eye (Love Me Do) "Rock and Roll Heart"

                             Prima Marketing (Blooming Retro) "Cotton Clouds"

 

Those patterned papers are so beautiful!  I would never have thought of combining so many of them in such a striking way.  I wonder what projects I will make with the scraps?  Thanks Emma.  :)

                            



Scrapology February layout - texture paste

Hi every one and welcome to the February Scrapology challenge - to use texture paste.  This month, we are scraplifting Heather Jacobs and her particular layout on the Scrapology layout here:

Below is my interpretation.  The photo is of Henry, and is one of the series that were taken on 21st July 2011, when the boys were 15 days old. 


 

Seeing that this month's particular challenge was texture paste, I used it in the diamonds below the photo (as Heather did in her layout) and also in the leaf fronds underneath the flowers. 

 

I recently purchased both the Donna Downey Poppies and Peonies 12 x 12 mask, and the Mini Deco Doily mask by Julie Fei Fan Balzer.  I had resisted buying any doilies as I don't particularly like them, but by buying a mask, I can make one whenever I want.  I wanted a very light, monochromatic feel to this layout with the focus being on this beautiful photo - hopefully I achieved that.  I stitched this piece of Daisy D's patterned paper on the left side as I thought it matched in well with the peach of my mother-in-law's top. I then thought I had made a massive mistake by adding this in as I felt it was too distracting from the photo - I still don't know if I like it or not. 

 

The Jo Sonja texture paste is applied in a tube, so it is quite easy to control.  I didn't have a diamond stencil, so I made my own - I used my small diamond punch and punched out one diamond in some scrap paper, and then drew the grid lines from that pattern.  I then cut out every second diamond with my craft knife and then weighted the piece of paper down, using it as a mask. 

 

I did struggle a lot with this layout - I seem to say that every time. I think it is probably because of the amount of time it takes me to produce an "arty" or very technique based layout like this these days! 



Evening 1 - mist the doily (I mixed silver and teal Cosmic Shimmer mists, as either colour on their own was too dark and I wanted a very subtle finish)
Evening 2 - cut out the doily.  Texture paste the fronds
Evening 3 - make the harlequin mask and texture paste the cardstock
Evening 4 - punch the hearts down the side and cut out the fronds
Evening 5 - stitch the paper to the cardstock and distress the edges
Evening 6 - stamp the title and layer it up with foam pads; paint the edges of the plaque
Evening 7 - customise the flowers, using Rich Gold and Angel Mist cosmics shimmers.  I then chalk and distress inked them until they were the colour I wanted.  I then added more Angel Mist to the cardstock, predominantly to the right hand side over the hearts. 
Day 8 - I had the day off on this day, so had a bit more time.  I adhered every second heart on to the background with foam pads, but reversed the patterned paper so the hearts were more prominent.  I then added the other stamping elements, making the heart more dimensional by adding foam pads underneath.  Then assemble!  That probably took two more hours.  The ribbon doesn't show up very well, but you can see it more clearly on the actual layout.

So this layout has probably taken at least 12 hours.  Definitely a labour of love then - both for the subject and for the hobby and the art.  No wonder I feel that each of these particular layouts is quite a journey these days. 

 

Supplies:

Paper - First Edition "Up, Up and Away" patterned paper pad
Daisy D's Lullaby patterned paper

Bazzill cardstock

Mists - Cosmic Shimmer Silver, Teal, Angel Mist, Rich Gold

Stamps - Stampers Anonymous Tim Holtz collection "Odds and Ends"

Autumn Leaves "Romance of Spring" clear stamps by Sande Krieger

Distress Stains - Spun Sugar, Tattered Rose

Colorbox fluid chalk inks - Baby Blue and Prussian Blue

Jo Sonja's white texture paste

It's a Boy adhesive ribbons

Bo Bunny Snowflake Jewels

The Crafter's Workshop Balzer Designs "Mini Deco Doilies" 6 x 6 template

Prima Donna Downey Studios "Poppies & Peonies" 12 x 12 mask

Jo Sonja's Titanium White acrylic paint and Flow Medium

My Mind's Eye "Wild Asparagus" Embroidered Brad

Small heart punch
Dies - Sizzix Framelits "Frames with Sprigs"

Funny how you can have something sitting in your stash for so many years, and then it jumps back into the foreground of your usage!  I always loved that set of Autumn Leaves stamps - just only used them once or twice.  I used them more on this layout than at any other time previously.  Guess it just happens that way.

I hope yours doesn't take 12 hours - still, it makes no odds.  A layout in the album, another memory added and preserved and my eyes saved from watching TV! Thanks for stopping by.  :)

 



Nine month milestones - April 2012

This month has sped by and has seen so many changes, it is quite astonishing. 

Lewis - you love to study things intently and examine things in minute detail - you love to feel the texture of the car seat and we often hear you scratching away on a drive.  You love to look at the flecks in the carpet and run your hands over various surfaces - you particularly love your elephant's tail and the satiny feel of the playmat.  Daddy and I say that you are examining the atomic particles!

Henry - you are motoring along now and we can't believe your ground speed.  You have developed a circuit whereby you will crawl between Mummy's sofa and the wall.  You especially love the icecream tub on the bottom of the change unit and get that out and smash your green alligator against the tub.  You then proceed to the doorway and have now learnt how the door works by swinging it back and forward and smashing it back against the sideboard.  Rubber stoppers need to be purchased forthwith!  You love to whack your hand on the kitchen floor and feel how hard the texture is.  We think you discovered this when you reached for the wine rack and smashed a bottle of white wine on the floor.  It was very fortunate that Daddy was standing right by so he could rescue you before you went for a swim in it, or worse - cut your hands on the broken glass.  Needless to say, the bottles no longer reside on the lower shelves of the wine rack!

You are both cutting more teeth, and now have four on the top.  This has been a hard time for you Lewis, as you have your hands always in your mouth and seem to be in pain some of the time.

Henry - you have now learned to wave as well as clap. We were notified of a potential modelling assignment for you for a milk formula company - they also wanted to include the parents. That is why we think you were not short-listed! I think you'll have better luck when they want you on your own. 

You both love to play "boo" and Henry, we have lovely games when you open and shut the door and peer around it, waiting for a reaction. You are increasingly interacting with each other now and it is delightful - except when Lewis is used as a climbing frame!

We can't wait to see what happens next ....

Eighth Month Milestones - March 2012

Lewis, we have seen a great leap forward for you this month.  Just after seven months, your hand to eye coordination has really improved, along with your willingness to try new foods. Your first tooth  appeared on the first weekend in March when Daddy was looking after you both on his own. 

Henry, your third tooth also appeared this weekend.  By the end of March, you each have five teeth - both are through at the front and three at the bottom.

 

Henry - you have now mastered the art of crawling and are going forward on your hands and knees staying close to the ground.  Boys, you are both able to raise yourself right up on your hands at the front and we often see you watching TV like this!

Henry, you learnt to clap your hands on Friday 23rd March, and it was fantastic to see.  You are ever more adventurous and curious about the world around you, and watch us intently - especially when we are operating gadgets like remote controls, mobile phones or our computers.  You are very nearly standing on your own, though of course we need to hold your arms to prevent you from falling over!  You love to chew unusual things - nothing is safe - the lounge curtains, the bedroom curtains, or the shoelaces in our shoes!

Lewis, you are reaching out more for toys or other things that interest you, and now we also have to watch you around the gas pipe.  We are pleased you hold your own, especially when Henry swoops in to take away a toy or bottle from you.  Daddy and I have often watched you both engage in tug of war to win the control of a teething ring or favourite toy. However, this is often done in great spirits and often amuses you both!

Your hair has thickened up amazingly this month and you both now have fine heads of hair.

Grandma and Grandad came for a visit one day and tested the strength in your legs to stand up. 

You both love to bounce up and down whenever you get an opportunity. 

You both especially love to chat when you are having your nappies changed - for some reason, late at night seems to be your most vocal time.  We do hope that changes in the near future! 

April Sketchy Scrappers Challenge

Jess posted this sketch for us to use as inspiration:

I thought it was a beautiful sketch to copy as is, but couldn't make it work exactly with the elements and the size photos I had chosen. 

This is my interpretation:

You can't see it clearly, but there is a light pink border of cardstock all away around the layout. 

Supplies:

Cardstock -

      K & Company Recycled - "Remake Berry Pinks" paperpad

      American Crafts Tropical A4

Cricut cartridge?

Patterned papers -

     Heidi Grace loving you - "Glitter circles"

     MAMBI Baby Boy

     ki memories

Quote Card - Cloud 9 Design 2 sided "Alyssa's Garden"

Stamps - Fancy Pants "Fresh Mod"

Date Stamp

I went rifling through my various scraps bags to begin with, to determine a colour scheme for my layout.  When I saw the Heidi Grace patterned paper, I knew I wanted to use it - it has laid patiently waiting for me to finish using it for many years and dates back to 2005!  Doesn't matter to me a jot how old it is - I love the fact that I am getting these things used - albeit very slowly!

Then I discovered this title in my pink scraps bag - I won the K & Co Remake pink cardstock pad at a crop 3-4 years ago, and must have cut this title out on the Cricut machine at that time.  So it incorporated the fancy die cut part of the sketch, but in a different format.  The straight line of circle elements at the right was a lateral interpretation of the middle strip and the big circle in the sketch.  I decided to swap out one photo at the bottom for some of that patterned paper.  I also had an even smaller scrap of ki memories pink and green circle patterned paper which I used to tie the bigger circles of the Heidi Grace paper together and give a bit more dimension to the layout.  So quite a simple interpretation of the sketch - I dithered for a long time before deciding it was finished as is, because I loved the swirly bits on the sketch so much! 

My journalling reads: "Thank you Life for blessing us with two beautiful boys.  In the short time you've been with us, we have already learnt so many things about being better people.  Above all, being good parents to you.  Daddy and I will love you always.  Mummy.  xxxx"

I really look forward to seeing what the other members of the group have produced! 





G is for glitter!

This month at Scrapology, we are scraplifting a layout from the very talented Anita MacDonald.

Her layout is below. 

I decided to use the main central square as a starting point, and incorporated a square grid on a layout about Henry. 

The patterned papers are once again all from the "Up Up and Away" range by First Edition.  The background cardstock has a pearlescent sheen which I bought in bulk for a class from Two Peas some few years ago - I love cornflour blue.  The picture of Henry was taken when he was obviously teething really badly, poor baby.  I panic somewhat that I miss the boys' milestones when you get too busy doing day to day things, so one day I deliberately took out time to take ink prints of both boys' hand and foot prints. 

I emulated the die cut Bo Bunny paper in Anita's layout with some cut out patterned paper circles and I added a whimsical element by dusting off some of my brads, eyelets and snaps, along with the Cropodile!  

Winnie the Pooh is one of my favourite books and I just adore this quote - I think it is so poignant.  I was really pleased to break out my PSX "Playful" alphabet stamps once again and stamp out the quote.  I like the handmade, folksy quality of imperfection and think that elements like this give a layout heart and character. 

Supplies:
First Edition Up Up and Away
Blue Pearlescent Cardstock
MM brads, snaps, eyelets

I am always surprised when I hear that people have given up scrapbooking - I find ways of incorporating my babies' milestones together with images of things like their hands and feet so sentimental and touching and think that every family would treasure these kind of keepsakes of their family members. I hope that the boys will treasure the stories of their earliest years and look forward to seeing their albums in the future. 

Jill from Cardinal Colours is once again offering a fabulous prize this month - just follow the glitter trail to enter this challenge!

Sketch and Scrap February

Here is the sketch we used this month - - -

and here below is the layout I created in response. 

It was the first time I used my "Pooh and Friends" Cricut cartridge.  Very fiddly and extremely time consuming, but worth the effort, I think!  I created the inner border with an inch circle punch and the side detail is supposed to emulate the stripes on Henry's shirt.  The colours are pulled directly from the boys' Tigger dungarees and shirts.  The alpha dome stickers are "Mod Designs" by Autumn Leaves and part of my stash busting challenge - they are at least five years old.  No matter how many circle punches I have, I find I never have enough ... I created the white circles underneath the stickers using a Quickutz bubble die.  The stickers really needed the white behind them for some added impact. 

The die-shaped lime green layout base was created by cutting 1/2 inch off each side, and then using an inch circle punch, measuring out evenly spaced semi-circles around the border. 

My journalling reads "Grandma Jones wrapped you both up in her fake fur and you were snuggled in Grandpa Jones' armchair.  At one stage, we could barely see you!"  Pics taken 30th August 2011.



Seven Months Old

Henry and Lewis, you are seven months old today (6th Feb). 

Henry, your first tooth broke through on Sunday, 29th January, with the second coming through today! 



Your hand to eye coordination has developed even more from last month, and you are reaching out for food like pieces of dried apple, rusks and such like.  You eat everything that is given to you with enthusiasm and gusto.  You are still trying to bite and chew everything in sight - that includes items of furniture and articles of clothing - particularly relating to your feet! 

Your motor skills are increasing every day - you can particularly control your hands and fingers with deliberate actions and in the last week or so we have started to see your pincer movement with your fingers and thumb. 



This means that you are increasingly taking the opportunity to stick fingers into your brother's face and ears, and delight in pulling our cheeks, lips or ears when we pick you up.  You are able to hold on tight when you are carried anywhere and you are trying to use bits of furniture to pull yourself up!  I often see you with your legs wrapped around the jungle gym and it seems as though you are trying to climb up the overhead supports - even more like a monkey! 

You love to spend time on your back and look up at the ceiling, and kick your legs very energetically when you get excited - which is usually when you see Mummy or Daddy approaching, or you know it is mealtime. 

I often see you staring intently at people and surroundings, especially if it involves food.  Henry, you will reach out and move towards toys you want to play with, and often squeal with excitement or anticipation when you are happy.

Both of you seemed to enjoy spending time with me in the kitchen last Friday when I was making chicken casserole for the whole family. It meant that I could multi-task and feed you at the same time! Definitely a more productive way to get things done for everyone and also give you a change of scenery.



We are very thankful that you both enjoy going out in the buggy, or for a drive in your car seats.  We rarely hear you cry when out and about unless you are hungry.  Lewis, you will more often than not go to sleep, and we often hear Henry happily babbling to yourself throughout an entire car journey! 

Lewis - we are having a struggle with you eating your savoury foods, but it is lovely to know that you are generally regarded as the smiley one when we go out. 



Your personality is emerging more every day, and Mummy can usually ensure a giggle when I sing "little brown jug" - at the "ha ha ha, hee hee hee..."

You love to sleep with your hands behind your head, looking for all the world like you are enjoying sunbathing on your lounger.  Roberta tells me that is the sign of a happy baby - and that is very positive reinforcement for me to hear.  The other morning, I found you at the top of the cot, minus your sleeping bag!  Goodness only knows how you managed to wriggle out of it, especially with the two press studs undone at the top. 

Lewis, you spend a long time on your tummy, looking up towards people in the room, or around you.  Daddy tells me that he is convinced that you respond when your name is called.  You particularly seem to get bored and frustrated just lying on the ground, and seem much happier when you are put into your bouncy chair or high chair for a break in routine, especially in the late afternoon.

When we put you both into the bouncer on the doorframe for the first time on Saturday, you both loved it.  Henry, you seem to be stronger in the legs, but we were surprised that Lewis, you looked very graceful, like a ballet dancer, pointing your toes when bouncing. 

It was no surprise to use when I had you weighed last Friday that Lewis, you have now outstripped Henry - though not by much!  Lewis, you now weigh 8.89kg, or 19lb 6 oz - and Henry, you are now 8.74kg, or 19lb 3 oz!  No wonder Mummy gets tired when lifting you up and down several times a day. 

Lewis, you are increasingly "finding your voice" - though your shrieks and cries can often be ear splitting and uncomfortably loud!  Maybe you will be a rock star when you grow up - the journey to discover who and what you are both meant to be will be eternally fascinating to Daddy and I.

Henry and Lewis at Six Months

You turned six months on 6th January.  You are are now 70cms long - 20cm more than when you were born! and CONSIDERABLY heavier, of course. You are much larger than other babies much older than you. Destined to be rugby players amongst other things, perhaps!

Since then, we have really noticed that you recognise each other.  One of our highlights of the day is when you look at each other and giggle.  Sometimes that can last for a couple of minutes at a time, and it is just adorable to see. 

Henry - you are rolling over and over - one minute, we can see you in the middle of the jungle, and the next - you are under the edge of the coffee table, or on top of the gas pipe, or trying to fit under the sofa!  Your hand to eye co-ordination is really exact now, and you are reaching out to touch our faces or objects that attract you.  It is usually a toy of your brother's that takes your fancy!  At the moment, Lewis is not protesting when you snatch a rattle or the elephant away, but we don't imagine that this situation will stay like this for very long!  It took you a little while to get the hang of solids, but now you are eating everything that is given to you with great enthusiasm.  Today I caught you trying to bite Lewis and even gnaw on his leg!



You are becoming ever more vocal, and are making a greater variety of noises and sounds than ever.  The most recognisable thing you say is "da da da da" and become especially talkative after the evening feed. 



Lewis - you are smiling and giggling more and more, but your cry for food or when you are unhappy has gotten much louder and is positively a screech at times!  You really open your mouth when you have decided that you like the concoction that is offered to you, but are refusing to open your mouth or spit things out when you have made up your mind that you really don't like something!  I am really taking advantage when you cry because that is when I shove a great spoonful of food into your mouth - not always with successful consequences, I must say.  You are also really vocal after the evening feed, but are particularly interested in blowing raspberries at the moment, and sucking or biting on your sleeve. 



There are no concrete signs of teeth at the moment, but we are expecting them for you both at any day now.

Henry, when placed in a sitting position, you are definitely more stable, but Lewis, you are still more wobbly, so we predict that Henry will be able to sit up first.  Henry, when I am changing you on the floor, you move backwards like an upside down frog, and can use your legs to propel yourself away from me really quickly!  It can make nappy changing really challenging, and you rollover like a giant worm when I am trying to get you dressed. 

Lewis, you almost look like you are getting ready to crawl, by trying to get up on your knees.  Your eyes have changed colour - at birth, they were a really dark slate, and then they turned to grey.  Now, they're looking set to be hazel.  You are gradually getting more hair, and it looks to be a medium brown in colour. 



You are both really starting to interact with your toys now, and we often find you cuddled up with your bears in your cots in the mornings.

So far, you have tried baby rice and porridge in the mornings, and this has been mixed with banana, pear puree or apple and pear mix.  In the afternoons, you have now had carrot, broccoli ( not so popular, thus far!), sweet potato, avocado, and butternut squash, which you both enjoyed.  The cottage pie was a smash with Henry, and squash and chicken was also very popular!  However, you want to grab the spoon or bowl and have a go at feeding yourself - with potentially disastrous consequences for bright orange or green food on cream carpets ...

Happy New Year!

Best wishes to everyone for a happy, healthy and prosperous 2012.  We've had a pretty good 2011, as it stands and are blessed to have two happy, healthy and growing sons who are gorgeous!

Thanks to Paul's Mum for a splendid Christmas and Boxing Day.  She goes to so much effort to produce a delicious meal and a beautifully decorated table. 

The boys were very spoiled for presents and received so many.  I have made a concerted effort to write everything down - otherwise it is so easy to forget!

Here is Henry in one of their presents - a lovely snuggly bear hat from Aunty Katrina and Grace.  Lewis decided not to like his indoors - I think he was too hot!

Still, Lewis was in fine form and was smiling and laughing a lot of the time.  I think this is the first time I've managed to get a photo of either of the boys smiling - once my face disappears behind the camera, that's the end of the smile! 

Their present from Paul and I was, amongst other things, these booster chairs/high seats, which attach to normal chairs.  It means that the boys were able to grace us at the Christmas table with their presence - what a lovely addition this year. 

I finally got out from behind the camera to be included in a family photo.  It's turned out quite well, but is a precious memento, whatever the quality. 

And finally - the boys with their paternal grandparents.  Hopefully next year - we might be with their maternal grandparents and keep the trips evenly spaced from one year to another!

Just after this, Lewis grabbed Grandma's earring and was giving it a really good bash.  I think Grandma was very lucky to escape with her ear! 

May you all be happy and have good fortune throughout 2012.

December Scrapology Layout

I didn't think I would make it this month, but managed to carve out a bit of time close to the deadline to make the December Scrapology challenge.  This month, we scraplifted Pamela Young's layout below. 



This is how I interpreted the scraplift. 



I went with the three photos (albeit of different shapes) and the scalloped circle, so stuck to the main elements on Pamela's layout. 

The background is a very light green Bazzill cardstock, so it doesn't show up too well.  I haven't indulged in too many new scrapbooking products lately, but one thing I couldn't resist was a couple of collections by First Edition, bought to scrapbook the boys as babies.  The papers are so cute, and perfect for baby boys.  The alphabet, journalling block and patterned paper are all from the same range, called "Up Up and Away!"

You can see looking between Pamela's layout and mine that I also interpreted using the mist differently.  Rather than use tissue paper, I misted a border around the edge of the patterned paper.  I used a piece of Crate Paper as a template for the patterned paper, and then drew a border freehand using some white scrap paper to form the border.  The mist is Cosmic Shimmer "Teal Wash" and this mist really does shimmer in real life. 

The journalling spot and motif does glitter too - shame the effect does not show up on the screen.  My journalling reads:

"6 days old - 12th July.  When you were first home from hospital, we were still trying to breastfeed.  However, we were also worried that you weren't getting enough, so we were also feeding you with syringes so you weren't getting confused between breast and bottle.  Looking back almost 5 months, it is hard to believe you were both so small and we were worried about your weights!

Grandma Brierley and Lewis, Grandma Jones and Henry.  Scrapbooked November 2011."

Even though it is a very busy time of year, why not grab some time for yourself and take part in this challenge!  Thanks for stopping by.  :) 

A recent photo ...

of my darling boys, taken on 18th November, when they were 19 weeks old.  How they've grown!  Lewis on the left, and Henry on the right, dressed in their bargain jammies, at 50p each.  We were staying at Grandma's, so I took advantage of a little holiday and did a bit of a photo shoot with the boys.  :) 

It shall be scrapped in due course, naturally ....



12 week milestones

So much is happening, that it is hard to keep up with all your changes.  Lewis, it is amazing to watch you raise both legs into the air at the same time and then let them fall to the bottom of your moses basket or onto the ground - you're not called "little thumper" for nothing!  Since about 10 weeks, you have been smiling a lot more and it is so lovely to see.  Last Saturday, you had your first proper laugh at Daddy and he was really thrilled. 

At 11 weeks, you boys seemed to "see" each other and were checking each other out. 

Henry, you are happy and laughing a lot of the time, and it is naughty but it makes me laugh a lot when I see Daddy and you sticking your tongues out at each other.  I hope this is not a habit that will continue! 



You are both becoming more animated and a lot more alert.  Henry, you seem to focus a lot more on people's faces and respond directly to facial expressions. Lewis, you seem to respond more to items around you and enjoyed being on the bear mat and playing with the mobile.

Henry, you are cooing a lot more and spend a lot of time making cute little sounds.  With the really hot and very summery weather this week, you got a chance to spend a lot of time in your bouncers in the garden in your summer outfits.  These Pooh suits are one of my favourites and I am so pleased you got some wear out of them this beautiful week. 

Grandma Jones came with me today to the baby clinic to get you both weighed.  Henry, you weighed 13lb and 15oz - 1 oz off one stone!  And Lewis, you have nearly caught up with Henry at 13lb 12oz. 



You have both crept up to the 50th percentile on the growth charts, and the health visitors are very happy with your progress.  Mummy and Daddy both look forward to seeing what happens next!

Week 9-10 milestones

Well, with Daddy off on paternity leave this week, it has been hectic, to say the least. 

On Sunday evening, we celebrated your cousin Grace's 11th birthday at a Chinese restaurant in Beaconsfield - and Daddy was very impressed with your best behaviour on your first outing in the evening.

I was supposed to have a day off from babysitting and minding duty on Monday but sadly that didn't happen.  Lewis was particularly restless during the night and not only kept his Daddy awake, but also his Mummy as well.

So we all went to the gym instead - Daddy went for a workout, whilst I sat with you - and then I finally had a chance to have a swim!  It was very nice to be able to paddle about in the pool and manage at least a little bit of exercise. 

On Tuesday, you boys had your first innoculations. Henry you screamed, poor love and was obviously in some distress, but Lewis - you were the champion today!  You whimpered for about a minute, and then seemed perfectly ok! Daddy and I changed our strategies with you today - we put you to bed quite early, and finally set up the baby monitor for good.  Daddy got a fright at some point - then he let out a huge laugh - he thought you both had scarpered, and was scared for a moment as he thought he lost you!  He then remembered that you were both tucked up tightly in your moses baskets upstairs in your room.

Henry, you were out of sorts for the rest of the week, so I had to keep checking on you during the nights to make sure you were ok and I would listen to you both breathing and feel reassured that you were well.  Henry, you slept through the night on Wednesday - Daddy was so impressed again!  Lewis, you finally smiled and laughed at me a bit, though I do look forward to seeing you happy more regularly. 

Both of you are sleeping much more at night and managing to go for longer in between feeds.  We went for coffee to an NCT friend's house in the afternoon - and both of you were bigger than some of the other babies born after you!  We didn't have you weighed this week but you must both be well over 12 pounds now.  So much so, that this next photo of you, Lewis seems particularly appropriate. 

Actually, I really wanted to capture you in this t-shirt whilst it still fit you.  You thrash around in your basket so much at night - it is a relief that your basket is no longer on the rocking base, as sometimes the basket would be bashing against the furniture so loudly, it woke up Mummy and Daddy!  I was lucky to capture this next picture - you are almost smiling! 

Mummy finally got your 3-6 month clothing organised and hung up in the closet. We went and visited Grandma and Grandpa Jones on Thursday afternoon and we learnt the lesson to take more than we think we need as things run out very quickly with both of you growing so fast! Because we got home quite late, both of you were more difficult to settle, so Daddy talked to you through the baby monitor as if it was a walkie talkie - "This is Daddy calling Baby number 1, and Baby number 2 - go to sleep now.  Go to sleep!"  It was adorable and really funny to witness, and so sweet too.  You did listen to him, and settled down a bit more after that. 

We have now run out of Size 2 nappies this morning, Sunday 11th September - that means that we have used 62x2 packs, plus 34 nappies in 12 days - that's just over 13 nappies per day between both of you, which really isn't too bad! 

Henry, here you are looking very serious as Daddy fed you - no doubt pondering on political matters like Teddy Roosevelt. 

Oh well - at least you can multi-task! 



Week 8-9 milestones

It's been an eventful week!  On Saturday, you smiled directly at me Henry and it just made my heart melt.  I am not ashamed to say it made me shed a tear.  On Sunday, you smiled at me a lot more, and even started laughing and giggling too!  Grandma Jones saw that on Monday and it made her very happy as well. 

Lewis, you smiled at me whilst I was feeding you in the early hours of Monday morning.  Your smiles at me have been a lot more fleeting. Daddy loved it when you smiled and giggled at him on Tuesday evening - he was tickled pink to see you so happy.  Daddy seems to spot your smiles so much more than I do - I do hope to see a lot more of them soon!

We all went to the gym on Bank Holiday Monday and I was most disappointed when the pool was closed because of a pump failure.  However, you enjoyed looking at the different scenery and waited patiently in the bistro area whilst first Mummy and then Daddy went about their business.  In the afternoon, we went to Grandma and Grandpa Jones's house for a visit and a proper meal and you enjoyed spending time with them.  As I had likened Henry to Teddy Roosevelt and Lewis, Grandma and Grandpa called you Winston, we could have future politicians in the making!  Grandma put you both together on Grandpa's chair, and wrapped you in her fake ermine coat.  You both looked so snuggly and funny with your heads peeping out from the fur!  I couldn't resist taking a photo. 

Lewis, I have taken quite a few of you on your own looking like quite the little boy - and here you are! 

On Tuesday, our stock of newborn number "1" nappies ran out - which is just as well, as it's been a struggle fitting you both in them for the past week or so.  Lewis, there is a bit more room to breathe with you, but Henry - you're definitely past the 11lb/5 kilo mark now, which is the upper limit for the nappies.  Onto number 2's - no pun intended! - more signs that you're growing too fast for Mummy's liking.

We also moved you both to feeds of 150ml on Wednesday as we had been feeding you every two hours or less.  Talk about drinking us out of house and home!  Daddy also put up a cot bed for you both today and put the mobiles above the bed - bedtime will be so psychelic from now on! 

Overnight, you both went to 5:30 in the morning for your next feed.  I was so impressed and got a decent night's sleep for a change, apart from Daddy's snoring. 

Today is Friday, so we both took you to the baby clinic, where we got you weighed.  Henry, you now weigh 5.34kg/11lbs 12 oz - you put on nearly a pound again last week! Lewis, your growth was a bit slower this week - you put on 14 oz, so you now weigh 5.12kg/11lb 4 oz.  Wow!