This Christmas was one of the best ever. It was so fun having a little kid around to open presents and be fascinated by everything. It was the first Christmas we had as a family, even though Scott and I have had Christmases together before; there's just something special about having a little person to share Christmas with.
But let's be honest. We also got some kick-ass presents. Fifi, for instance, got some of the coolest presents ever.
Fifi got:
-A baby walker thing
-A ball pool
-A Noah's Ark set
-A bubble machine
-Some clothes
-A horse backpack
-A full set of Angelina Ballerina books
-A baby doll, a teddy bear, a Bori Buddy
-Nine gorgeous-coloured cloth nappies
-Some other stuff I can't remember
Scott did pretty well too. Scott got:
-A wood carving tool set
-A wood carving book
-Some DVDs
-Some books
-A multi-tool
-Some clothes
-A (future) shopping spree (ha!)
-A crane machine (filled with candy)
-Some other random stuff
But I think I got some of the BEST presents ever to exist in the history of presents (though Fifi gave me a run for the money with her ball pool). I got:
-A sewing machine
-A high definition A3 printer
-An espresso machine
-A crock-pot
-Some clothes
-Some DVDs
-Some embroidered napkins that belonged to my grandmother
-A set of fajita skillets (one for me, one for Scott)
-A monster notebook
-Some more random stuff
Combined with Scott's birthday presents (last week) of the Jeeves & Wooster TV series, whisky and a new computer chair, and throwing in Fifi's new armchair, we had the most, in worldy terms, successful Christmas ever!
Not that we're materialistic or anything...
Thanks so much for everything, everyone. We're so thankful! (Wanna cappucino?)
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Monday, December 24, 2007
Christmas Eve
We had a nice day today getting ready for Christmas. I can't show you the pictures of the gifts I finished today (there's always tomorrow), but I finished most of what I had intended to do.
This morning I mopped the kitchen floor (!) while Fifi watched in her high chair from the hall, then Fi went for a walk in her pram with her gran while I made my jam (it worked this time!) and cleaned the living room. This afternoon, my friend Sarah came over with her son Cameron for the kids to exchange Christmas presents. Then Fifi and I met her gran and her Aunty Kate for a late lunch.
Fifi has been hyper all night. I think she knows tomorrow is something special. It's 10pm, and she's still going strong.
Anyway, that's all for now. Hopefully I'll get a chance to blog tomorrow. Merry Christmas!
This morning I mopped the kitchen floor (!) while Fifi watched in her high chair from the hall, then Fi went for a walk in her pram with her gran while I made my jam (it worked this time!) and cleaned the living room. This afternoon, my friend Sarah came over with her son Cameron for the kids to exchange Christmas presents. Then Fifi and I met her gran and her Aunty Kate for a late lunch.
Fifi has been hyper all night. I think she knows tomorrow is something special. It's 10pm, and she's still going strong.
Anyway, that's all for now. Hopefully I'll get a chance to blog tomorrow. Merry Christmas!
Friday, December 21, 2007
A Jam Shame
All week I had it planned that today would be jam-making day. Scott took the car to work, as I planned on spending the day jamming. I had bought a load of gorgeous apricots to make apricot jam with. Fifi sat in her high chair with her breakfast, and I got to work.
However, it's worth noting that Fifi is sick. So am I but not as bad as she.
So after not very long at all, Fifi got very upset with being in the kitchen, so I had to put her in the living room and pass back and forth between rooms, comforting and stirring.
The jam was almost set. The house smelled magnificent. I scooped some jam onto a chilled plate to test it. Fifi called. I let the jam cool on the plate while I went to her. And then, what do I smell? Not beautiful jam, but BURNING jam. I ran to the kitchen and sure enough, my gorgeous apricot jam had instantly turned into a black, smoking, stinking mess.
I was pissed.
I couldn't help but be annoyed at Fifi. I was so annoyed. I blamed her in my head. I scooped her up and put her in her high chair while I tried to clean up the burnt jam (not an easy task). Then I decided it was time to put her down for a nap.
I grumbled as I lay next to her, nursing her to sleep. That's when she started coughing hard. And harder. And then she threw up all over the bed. My feelings were immediately turned to sympathy, and I felt so bad for being angry at her. I held her while she cried and continued to throw up all over me and the bed another two times. I carried her to the bath, stripped her (and me) and put her in the bath, cooing at her and calling her a 'good girl' and all that. It sure put my jam in perspective.
Scott came home for lunch so I could take the car for the afternoon. I bundled Fifi right up, and even though I felt bad about taking her out into the cold, I really wanted more apricots. I knew now how long it takes to set and the jars were already sterilised. But wouldn't you know it, the grocery store was completely out of apricots.
I'm devestated.
So I bought some peaches instead, and I'll try some peach jam.
Tomorrow. When Scott is home to care for Fifi at the critical moment of jam-making.
I've now got Fifi sitting in front of the TV in her Bumbo, watching Jeeves & Wooster. She's still as a rock. I hope she's okay....
However, it's worth noting that Fifi is sick. So am I but not as bad as she.
So after not very long at all, Fifi got very upset with being in the kitchen, so I had to put her in the living room and pass back and forth between rooms, comforting and stirring.
The jam was almost set. The house smelled magnificent. I scooped some jam onto a chilled plate to test it. Fifi called. I let the jam cool on the plate while I went to her. And then, what do I smell? Not beautiful jam, but BURNING jam. I ran to the kitchen and sure enough, my gorgeous apricot jam had instantly turned into a black, smoking, stinking mess.
I was pissed.
I couldn't help but be annoyed at Fifi. I was so annoyed. I blamed her in my head. I scooped her up and put her in her high chair while I tried to clean up the burnt jam (not an easy task). Then I decided it was time to put her down for a nap.
I grumbled as I lay next to her, nursing her to sleep. That's when she started coughing hard. And harder. And then she threw up all over the bed. My feelings were immediately turned to sympathy, and I felt so bad for being angry at her. I held her while she cried and continued to throw up all over me and the bed another two times. I carried her to the bath, stripped her (and me) and put her in the bath, cooing at her and calling her a 'good girl' and all that. It sure put my jam in perspective.
Scott came home for lunch so I could take the car for the afternoon. I bundled Fifi right up, and even though I felt bad about taking her out into the cold, I really wanted more apricots. I knew now how long it takes to set and the jars were already sterilised. But wouldn't you know it, the grocery store was completely out of apricots.
I'm devestated.
So I bought some peaches instead, and I'll try some peach jam.
Tomorrow. When Scott is home to care for Fifi at the critical moment of jam-making.
I've now got Fifi sitting in front of the TV in her Bumbo, watching Jeeves & Wooster. She's still as a rock. I hope she's okay....
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
success!
Hurray, I got the grants!
Now I'm taking a break from thinking about my business (except that last Bori Buddy that needs to be finished this week) for a nice while.
PS: I understand my cousin Blake reads this blog (hi!). If you are reading this, Blake, please tell all the family in PA that your Christmas cards might be a bit late as I only sent them... today. *Oops.
Now I'm taking a break from thinking about my business (except that last Bori Buddy that needs to be finished this week) for a nice while.
PS: I understand my cousin Blake reads this blog (hi!). If you are reading this, Blake, please tell all the family in PA that your Christmas cards might be a bit late as I only sent them... today. *Oops.
Now Would Be A Good Time For An Espresso Machine...
I go before the panel today who will decide if I get this business grant or not.
Unfortunately I was up half the night with a feverish, throwing up, sniffly (did I mention crying?) baby.
I feel like wilted lettuce.
Unfortunately I was up half the night with a feverish, throwing up, sniffly (did I mention crying?) baby.
I feel like wilted lettuce.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Birthday Boy
My toy boy is a very grown-up 24 years old today. *mischievious grin* We have a special day planned. Right now, he and Fifi are at his work (he has today off) where he is showing her off. He'll then come pick me up, and we're dropping her off with the grandparents so we can go for a nice, quiet romantic lunch at our favourite restaurant, Thai Siam, in Glasgow. When we get back, we're taking Fifi to FunWorld so she can show Scott her favourite hangout. My guess is after that, Scott will want some peace and quiet and maybe we'll even get to watch some of his new dvds he got for his birthday - That 70's Show, Season 5, (from my parents) and Jeeves & Wooster, The Complete Collection, (from me). And if his parents got him what I think they did, we might drink some of that too. *wink*
I'm very excited about Scott's birthday, and I hope it's a good one. He's had some depressing birthdays the last couple of years. But then again, they were probably only depressing because he was only a 'widdle baby' and now he's all growed up!
I'm very excited about Scott's birthday, and I hope it's a good one. He's had some depressing birthdays the last couple of years. But then again, they were probably only depressing because he was only a 'widdle baby' and now he's all growed up!
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Peanut Butter!
I am so pleased to announce that Fifi does not seem to be allergic to peanuts or tree nuts.
I have been SO PANICKY about this. I know they say wait until one year, three years, five years, depends on who you ask, but I just hated the thought. I love peanut butter and nutella and put it on and in just about everything. Not letting Fifi enjoy the happiness that is peanut butter was frustrating. Yet, I feared an allergic reaction so intensely.
Anytime I'd get brave enough to put some on her skin to see what happened, visions of anaphylaxis and encephalitis (don't even know if you can get encephalitis from allergic reactions, but there you go) danced in my brain. I'd imagine having to scoop her up, race to the car and get her to the hospital. I couldn't bear it. So I didn't give her any.
She's not a year just yet, but she's already had pretty much all the foods (except honey) that they say are not recommended for under ones and has had no problems. Still, I just couldn't try the peanut butter.
One day, she grabbed a butter knife coated in nutella from me. I drew in a deep breath, waiting for the reaction, but when none came, I felt relieved. Tree nuts seem a go.
Finally, on Friday, while I was making no-bake chocolate oatmeal cookies, I decided to go for it. I dabbed some peanut butter on her hand. Nothing happened. Later I let her taste one of the chocolate/peanut buttery cookies and alas! No problems! She's been just fine!
This is a HUGE relief. A lifetime of nut allergy would SUCK. Nuts are in EVERYTHING - or at least a possible 'trace' of nuts are in everything, or everything's been made in a factory which contains nuts. How would I let her eat anything for the rest of her life, if there was a chance she was gonna react to some trace of nut in it? I am so praising God that this doesn't appear to be a worry for us, at least not with Fi.
Praying the rest of the kids do just as well when they come.
I have been SO PANICKY about this. I know they say wait until one year, three years, five years, depends on who you ask, but I just hated the thought. I love peanut butter and nutella and put it on and in just about everything. Not letting Fifi enjoy the happiness that is peanut butter was frustrating. Yet, I feared an allergic reaction so intensely.
Anytime I'd get brave enough to put some on her skin to see what happened, visions of anaphylaxis and encephalitis (don't even know if you can get encephalitis from allergic reactions, but there you go) danced in my brain. I'd imagine having to scoop her up, race to the car and get her to the hospital. I couldn't bear it. So I didn't give her any.
She's not a year just yet, but she's already had pretty much all the foods (except honey) that they say are not recommended for under ones and has had no problems. Still, I just couldn't try the peanut butter.
One day, she grabbed a butter knife coated in nutella from me. I drew in a deep breath, waiting for the reaction, but when none came, I felt relieved. Tree nuts seem a go.
Finally, on Friday, while I was making no-bake chocolate oatmeal cookies, I decided to go for it. I dabbed some peanut butter on her hand. Nothing happened. Later I let her taste one of the chocolate/peanut buttery cookies and alas! No problems! She's been just fine!
This is a HUGE relief. A lifetime of nut allergy would SUCK. Nuts are in EVERYTHING - or at least a possible 'trace' of nuts are in everything, or everything's been made in a factory which contains nuts. How would I let her eat anything for the rest of her life, if there was a chance she was gonna react to some trace of nut in it? I am so praising God that this doesn't appear to be a worry for us, at least not with Fi.
Praying the rest of the kids do just as well when they come.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Saturday, December 08, 2007
Snowfall
This afternoon we saw our first snowfall. It didn't stick a whole lot, but it was very thick and very promising, and it made an otherwise gloomy day quite joyful.
Fifi was such a doll today. It was the best day since we got home. She took a good morning nap in the pram with Gran and Grandpa, and a teeny tiny afternoon nap at home. She ate well today, and though she took a while to go down to bed, she went down faster than she has any other night since we returned from America. What a relief. Maybe soon she'll be back to normal! Fingers crossed.
My house is also starting to look a little less tornado-y. The living room is ALMOST clean! Just one more couch covered in who-knows-what to go. Tomorrow, I'm tackling Fifi's room (the most unsafe room in the house for a baby, might I add), and Scott's going up into the loft to put loads of stuff away. That ought to make a big difference. Kitchen needs a bit of tidying, but it's not as bad as it was. Just some pans and tiny baby food tubs need handwashed.
Hmm. Well, to be honest, folks, that's pretty much all I have to say. The joy of gingerbread-man-making and Christmas-tree-decorating that can be seen in my photos kinda speak for themselves. But most of my days right now consist of trying to keep Fifi in one general place and out of all kinds of unforeseeable danger. That girl has an eye for untouchables...
Fifi was such a doll today. It was the best day since we got home. She took a good morning nap in the pram with Gran and Grandpa, and a teeny tiny afternoon nap at home. She ate well today, and though she took a while to go down to bed, she went down faster than she has any other night since we returned from America. What a relief. Maybe soon she'll be back to normal! Fingers crossed.
My house is also starting to look a little less tornado-y. The living room is ALMOST clean! Just one more couch covered in who-knows-what to go. Tomorrow, I'm tackling Fifi's room (the most unsafe room in the house for a baby, might I add), and Scott's going up into the loft to put loads of stuff away. That ought to make a big difference. Kitchen needs a bit of tidying, but it's not as bad as it was. Just some pans and tiny baby food tubs need handwashed.
Hmm. Well, to be honest, folks, that's pretty much all I have to say. The joy of gingerbread-man-making and Christmas-tree-decorating that can be seen in my photos kinda speak for themselves. But most of my days right now consist of trying to keep Fifi in one general place and out of all kinds of unforeseeable danger. That girl has an eye for untouchables...
Friday, December 07, 2007
Run, Run, Fast As You Can!
I made these delightful little treats today to hang on our Christmas tree (and slowly devour).
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Do Not Click Here
This link broke my heart. But I'm serious, it involves something bad happening to a child, so if you are feeling too sensitive to such an issue, please don't follow the link.
Still, I post it because the issue is an important one to me.
Still, I post it because the issue is an important one to me.
Monday, December 03, 2007
Safe and Of Sound Mind
Barely the second part of the above. But anyway.
I am home. Fifi and I made it back in one piece. The flight wasn't bad; we once again had a few empty seats (after a kind gentleman switched seats with us), so Fifi had a place to sit and some room to roam. She slept a lot of the flight though, which was a relief. It was also a shorter flight back than it was going (eight hours to America, only six hours back). However, we are both still sorting out our jet lag.
Scott did a reasonable job keeping the house tidy, but it wasn't very baby-proofed so it was a bit stressful coming back. But tonight we finally got some real headway on things. A lot of the problem was that prior to holiday, Fifi was only sort of mobile; upon return, Scott discovered she is totally mobile. So we put some (more) stuff up in the loft tonight, and I tidied away some mail and stuff, and tomorrow, after I've hoovered the living room, I will finally get to...
PUT UP MY CHRISTMAS TREE!!
Decorations are down, out of the loft, the tree is down, and I cannot wait. I hope I get some time tomorrow to do it. Fifi isn't taking very reliable naps yet, as she still thinks night is day and day is night. But I can hope.
Other than all that, I'm just trying to get back in the swing of things again. I got a little too used to having 24 hour pampering from my mom, and now I'm in a bit of a whirlwind having to take care of myself, my child, my husband and my house again. And that's not to mention my businesses.
Yeah, my businesses are kinda stressing me out right now. I'm kinda on the brink of a stress meltdown where that's concerned. I don't want to talk about it. I will survive, is all I keep telling myself.
Fun things in store, however, are Christmas decorations, wrapping presents, receiving the last of my ordered gifts in the mail (and wrapping them) and making gingerbread men to hang on the tree.
I am home. Fifi and I made it back in one piece. The flight wasn't bad; we once again had a few empty seats (after a kind gentleman switched seats with us), so Fifi had a place to sit and some room to roam. She slept a lot of the flight though, which was a relief. It was also a shorter flight back than it was going (eight hours to America, only six hours back). However, we are both still sorting out our jet lag.
Scott did a reasonable job keeping the house tidy, but it wasn't very baby-proofed so it was a bit stressful coming back. But tonight we finally got some real headway on things. A lot of the problem was that prior to holiday, Fifi was only sort of mobile; upon return, Scott discovered she is totally mobile. So we put some (more) stuff up in the loft tonight, and I tidied away some mail and stuff, and tomorrow, after I've hoovered the living room, I will finally get to...
PUT UP MY CHRISTMAS TREE!!
Decorations are down, out of the loft, the tree is down, and I cannot wait. I hope I get some time tomorrow to do it. Fifi isn't taking very reliable naps yet, as she still thinks night is day and day is night. But I can hope.
Other than all that, I'm just trying to get back in the swing of things again. I got a little too used to having 24 hour pampering from my mom, and now I'm in a bit of a whirlwind having to take care of myself, my child, my husband and my house again. And that's not to mention my businesses.
Yeah, my businesses are kinda stressing me out right now. I'm kinda on the brink of a stress meltdown where that's concerned. I don't want to talk about it. I will survive, is all I keep telling myself.
Fun things in store, however, are Christmas decorations, wrapping presents, receiving the last of my ordered gifts in the mail (and wrapping them) and making gingerbread men to hang on the tree.
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