Finished after about 5.5 hours of messing about. I haven't gone to sleep yet, so it's sort of technically still Fifi's birthday.
And yeah, this time last year, I wasn't asleep either. I was in a hospital bed, propped up with pillows, the ward lights out, but my bed light on, with a tiny 8.5 pound baby attached to my boob. I can't believe a year has gone by so fast.
Happy Birthday Baby from superlori on Vimeo.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Monday, January 28, 2008
Sewing Mania
My sis-in-law gave me a sewing machine for Christmas, which I've been dying to find time to get out and play with. I finally got it out and set up last night, and it has been so much fun! Since last night, I've made two headbands for Fifi, finished her dress, made two toys and mended a jacket and a pair of trousers. I was actually trolling the house looking for things to sew. I love having a sewing machine.
I also found a mini sewing machine for £10 which I picked up to use for quick, tiny jobs when I don't have time to set up the big one. It's good too but only useful for mini projects (it has no reverse option, among other things).
I can't wait to make more clothes; I've got a pattern for a dress for me that I'll attempt after I've gotten more used to my machine.
I also found a mini sewing machine for £10 which I picked up to use for quick, tiny jobs when I don't have time to set up the big one. It's good too but only useful for mini projects (it has no reverse option, among other things).
I can't wait to make more clothes; I've got a pattern for a dress for me that I'll attempt after I've gotten more used to my machine.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
For My Aunt
I have been petitioned by my aunt to blog a bit, so here are some updates:
Fifi is really and truly on the move. She walks a lot now, though her preferred mode of travel is still crawling. The idea occurs to her to walk when she is already on her feet, but she crawls to get from here to there if she is already down. It's really cute to watch. We've got a video; I'll put it up soon.
Fi's birthday is next week too. Party's all planned, and I made a trial run of the cake last night, as I was on dessert duty for a potluck at our good friends', Sarah and Ian's, house. I didn't take any pictures because the trial was so inferior to what the final outcome will be that I didn't want to ruin the moment when THE cake comes out. The real thing will need about three times as much icing as I used last night.
Speaking of that cake, I might go have a slice for breakfast.
We'll be heading off for church in a few hours. We're sort of skipping the morning service, as we're tired and Fifi's tired, and, well, we haven't practiced at all for the music for the later service which we are supposed to be leading. So when Scott gets out of bed, we'll need to work on that. Mostly we're just being lazy this morning... I'll confess it.
I found the cutest baby doll in Tesco yesterday. It was only £2 so I bought it and will give it to Fifi for her birthday. I might get one for her cousin Audrey too, though I'd probably pick a slightly different one... Elipses only kinda make sense if you've actually seen this doll. Which you might in pictures of her birthday.
On Thursday, Fi's birthday, Scott has the day off, so we're gonna celebrate. My idea is start opening presents at 10:42 (her moment of birth) and then at 12 head to FunWorld, where I'll need to run mine and Mhairu's breastfeeding support group, and Fifi will get to show Scott where all the cool kids hang out. I think Scott will enjoy playing with Fifi on his own there. It's a lot of fun, and Fifi loves it. Anyway, then that night we'll have a nice family dinner with the grandparents and Auntie Kate and Uncle Faisal. (Oh yeah, Kate, Faisal, wanna come to a family dinner on Thursday?)
And then of course, the party on Saturday! I can't wait! I love throwing parties. And having a child is just a license to theme, baby.
Ok, Aunt Phyllis, is this enough of an update? (*smile*)
Fifi is really and truly on the move. She walks a lot now, though her preferred mode of travel is still crawling. The idea occurs to her to walk when she is already on her feet, but she crawls to get from here to there if she is already down. It's really cute to watch. We've got a video; I'll put it up soon.
Fi's birthday is next week too. Party's all planned, and I made a trial run of the cake last night, as I was on dessert duty for a potluck at our good friends', Sarah and Ian's, house. I didn't take any pictures because the trial was so inferior to what the final outcome will be that I didn't want to ruin the moment when THE cake comes out. The real thing will need about three times as much icing as I used last night.
Speaking of that cake, I might go have a slice for breakfast.
We'll be heading off for church in a few hours. We're sort of skipping the morning service, as we're tired and Fifi's tired, and, well, we haven't practiced at all for the music for the later service which we are supposed to be leading. So when Scott gets out of bed, we'll need to work on that. Mostly we're just being lazy this morning... I'll confess it.
I found the cutest baby doll in Tesco yesterday. It was only £2 so I bought it and will give it to Fifi for her birthday. I might get one for her cousin Audrey too, though I'd probably pick a slightly different one... Elipses only kinda make sense if you've actually seen this doll. Which you might in pictures of her birthday.
On Thursday, Fi's birthday, Scott has the day off, so we're gonna celebrate. My idea is start opening presents at 10:42 (her moment of birth) and then at 12 head to FunWorld, where I'll need to run mine and Mhairu's breastfeeding support group, and Fifi will get to show Scott where all the cool kids hang out. I think Scott will enjoy playing with Fifi on his own there. It's a lot of fun, and Fifi loves it. Anyway, then that night we'll have a nice family dinner with the grandparents and Auntie Kate and Uncle Faisal. (Oh yeah, Kate, Faisal, wanna come to a family dinner on Thursday?)
And then of course, the party on Saturday! I can't wait! I love throwing parties. And having a child is just a license to theme, baby.
Ok, Aunt Phyllis, is this enough of an update? (*smile*)
Monday, January 21, 2008
Stuffs
I think I've watched Hairspray about twice a day every day for the past two weeks. Fifi and I can't get enough. LAAAAME, huh!
My mom and dad have booked their flights for Scotland for end of April/beginning of May. Yay!
Scott's mum and dad return today from Madeira. Yay!
Fifi turns one next week. Oh. My. Goodness!
My mom and dad have booked their flights for Scotland for end of April/beginning of May. Yay!
Scott's mum and dad return today from Madeira. Yay!
Fifi turns one next week. Oh. My. Goodness!
Friday, January 18, 2008
When the Going Gets Tough... It Keeps Getting Tougher
As if all the million things going on weren't enough, our car has broken down and is costing us another buttload to fix. Good freakin' grief.
[edit by Scott]
Well, we got a bit of good news the same day, I was made performer of the month for both my department and my centre, meaning a £130 bonus, which more than covers the car. :D
[/edit by Scott]
[edit by Scott]
Well, we got a bit of good news the same day, I was made performer of the month for both my department and my centre, meaning a £130 bonus, which more than covers the car. :D
[/edit by Scott]
Monday, January 14, 2008
Deaf Tones
Getting older is depressing. I put in Deftones White Pony this morning, an album I used to rock my face off to, and I can't stand it. I've got to turn it off.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Old Thoughts and Stuff
It's late - almost 1am - and I'm on my laptop in bed, with Fifi beside me in her bedsite cot, and I'm reading my oldest posts. If you have a look at my archives to the right, you'll see that a) they aren't up to date and b) the old ones aren't linked correctly. Blogger moved all my old posts from the original superlori.blogspot.com and scottandlori.blogspot.com to our personal domain and gave the latter blogspot address away to someone else. And also my rss feed doesn't work. But the posts are still there, both in Blogger and in my web folder.
Aside from the fact that I posted about really weird things that seem like they were written by a completely different Lori (that would've been been Lori of the Arnold fame, not the McFarlane Lori), reading my old posts is an interesting way of seeing where I once was and where I've come. Sometimes it's for the better, sometimes for the worst. Sometimes it seems I've gone nowhere at all.
I wrote on the 20th May 2003 about how much I was learning about the Bible. I wrote about how I was struggling to stand up in faith to the world. I wrote about how God would never let me waiver too far - and this is pre-Calvinist Lori, I might add. (I was always a three-pointer, to be fair.) I ended with this wonderful quote:
"The Word of God well understood and religiously obeyed is the shortest route to spiritual perfection. We must not select a few favourite passages to the exclusion of others. Nothing less than a whole Bible can make a whole Christian."- A.W. Tozer
I've been thinking how much I'd like to read the New Testament again. I've never read the whole Bible through, though I've read most of the books separately. (I can't say I've ever gotten through Leviticus or Isaiah or the like, but most of the books I've read.) However, I've read through the New Testament many times, and it's a wonderful read. I want to do it again. Johnny Cash says in his book Cash how he's learned just enough about theology to realise he knows just about nothing there is to know. I think I sometimes think I know tons and tons about the Bible. I'd like to finally realise just how much I don't know.
(That being said, I can and will stand by my assertion that you won't find any verse in the Bible saying that we have free will to choose God, and though I already admitted there are some books I haven't read, I still challenge you to find me one. *wink*)
The other side of that quote is that the Word of God must be religiously obeyed. Do I manage that? Of course not. But, I mean, do I even come close? That's a hard one for me too. I suppose reading the New Testament again can only help in that area as well.
These past few weeks have been immensely tough. Lots of things are coming crashing down on me - things I'd never, ever blog about - that make me feel like giving up. Not giving up on God, but on life altogether. On myself. On everything. I've felt too overcome to even move or feel or try. I get this way sometimes, and it's never anything so serious that I won't recover. I'm not going to throw myself off a bridge or anything outrageous like that. But I do come awfully close to this point of no return - this point that, if I were to cross it, I'd have one hell of a time trying to come back. It's that giving up point - and I've been here many a time.
I've never crossed it though, and that's where glory to God is due. Before I became a sincere Christian (for lack of a better description), I crossed that line several times. I don't ever want to go there again. And it seems God, in His unimaginable mercy and love, has and continues to hold onto me. In May 2003, I was only waivering. In other times (and posts) I'm more than waivering. These days I'm holding on with baited breath. But I have no fear. I won't let go, I can't let go. It wouldn't even matter if I did let go. Because God hasn't and He isn't going to let go of me.
That makes me smile.
I'm just so happy I have a Saviuor I can trust even when I can't trust myself.
Aside from the fact that I posted about really weird things that seem like they were written by a completely different Lori (that would've been been Lori of the Arnold fame, not the McFarlane Lori), reading my old posts is an interesting way of seeing where I once was and where I've come. Sometimes it's for the better, sometimes for the worst. Sometimes it seems I've gone nowhere at all.
I wrote on the 20th May 2003 about how much I was learning about the Bible. I wrote about how I was struggling to stand up in faith to the world. I wrote about how God would never let me waiver too far - and this is pre-Calvinist Lori, I might add. (I was always a three-pointer, to be fair.) I ended with this wonderful quote:
"The Word of God well understood and religiously obeyed is the shortest route to spiritual perfection. We must not select a few favourite passages to the exclusion of others. Nothing less than a whole Bible can make a whole Christian."- A.W. Tozer
I've been thinking how much I'd like to read the New Testament again. I've never read the whole Bible through, though I've read most of the books separately. (I can't say I've ever gotten through Leviticus or Isaiah or the like, but most of the books I've read.) However, I've read through the New Testament many times, and it's a wonderful read. I want to do it again. Johnny Cash says in his book Cash how he's learned just enough about theology to realise he knows just about nothing there is to know. I think I sometimes think I know tons and tons about the Bible. I'd like to finally realise just how much I don't know.
(That being said, I can and will stand by my assertion that you won't find any verse in the Bible saying that we have free will to choose God, and though I already admitted there are some books I haven't read, I still challenge you to find me one. *wink*)
The other side of that quote is that the Word of God must be religiously obeyed. Do I manage that? Of course not. But, I mean, do I even come close? That's a hard one for me too. I suppose reading the New Testament again can only help in that area as well.
These past few weeks have been immensely tough. Lots of things are coming crashing down on me - things I'd never, ever blog about - that make me feel like giving up. Not giving up on God, but on life altogether. On myself. On everything. I've felt too overcome to even move or feel or try. I get this way sometimes, and it's never anything so serious that I won't recover. I'm not going to throw myself off a bridge or anything outrageous like that. But I do come awfully close to this point of no return - this point that, if I were to cross it, I'd have one hell of a time trying to come back. It's that giving up point - and I've been here many a time.
I've never crossed it though, and that's where glory to God is due. Before I became a sincere Christian (for lack of a better description), I crossed that line several times. I don't ever want to go there again. And it seems God, in His unimaginable mercy and love, has and continues to hold onto me. In May 2003, I was only waivering. In other times (and posts) I'm more than waivering. These days I'm holding on with baited breath. But I have no fear. I won't let go, I can't let go. It wouldn't even matter if I did let go. Because God hasn't and He isn't going to let go of me.
That makes me smile.
I'm just so happy I have a Saviuor I can trust even when I can't trust myself.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Monday, January 07, 2008
One Legged Seagull
There's a one legged seagull who lives on the Esplanade. I see him all the time. I saw him on Friday, and he was posing, one leggedly, on the fence along the water. I would've taken a picture of him then (it was a beautiful day and he was inches away) but my friend was telling me a sad story, one I could hardly interrupt to take a picture of a bird.
Today, he was hanging out with a friend.
Another one legged seagull. I wonder what is out there taking these guys' legs?
I know seagulls are vermin, but I can't help feeling sorry for these two.
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
40 Questions
1. What did you do in 2007 that you’d never done before?
Visited London and saw the sights. And got to meet David and Sheena. Oh, duh, and started my own business!
2. Did you keep your New Years’ resolutions and will you make more for next year?
Mmm, I don't remember what my resolution was, so chances are no. And no, not really got one for this year except I'd like to get into the habit of washing up the dinner dishes as we go, rather than let them stack up for days.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
My bro- and sis-in-law, Pete and Rebekkah, gave birth to our neice Audrey. My friends Amanda and Rodger had Emma, Ashley and Bryce had Ezra and David and Neyir had Maxwell.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Yes, Scott's gran passed away this summer. We loved her very much. We still think of her often, especially when the phone rings as soon as we've sat down to dinner.
5. What countries did you visit?
The United States, twice, and England.
6. What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007?
I've pretty much got everything I want. I suppose I could always use more faith to get us through the hard times.
7. What date from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory?
31 January. Fifi's birthday.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Giving birth to the coolest, sweetest, prettiest little girl in the world.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Unless I'm blindly forgetting something, I think this year has been one of all successes. :)
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Nope. Just a c-section.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
Well, it isn't something I bought, but my sister-in-law bought, but my new sewing machine is the best new thing I own!
12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?
My mom and Scott's mum were both the best mums one could have after becoming a mum herself. Neither have given any unwanted advice or treated us like we don't know what we are doing. They've been encouraging, helpful and kind. When they give their opinions, it has always been in a loving, non-confrontational way. Cheers!
13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?
The behaviour of midwives and doctors in this country in regards to breastfeeding.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Towards baby stuff like clothes and baby wipes.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Training up with the Breastfeeding Network and getting the franchise for Tiny Talk.
16. What song/album will always remind you of 2007?
Aqueduct's new album "Or Give Me Death"
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
happier or sadder? Much, much happier.
thinner or fatter? Much, much thinner! (Breastfeeding + running after baby + semi-regular excercise)
richer or poorer? Much, much poorer! (I don't work anymore!)
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Reading. But I know in hindsight that I never really had the time so I couldn't really have done any different.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Eat junk food. I should really be eating more nutritiously in order to set a good example for our kids. Also should've done less worrying. God has been really faithful to us this year, even though we've not been so good at trusting Him.
20. How did you spend Christmas?
Chocolate gravy and biscuits for breakfast, then presents with Fifi and Scott. While Fifi napped, I cooked for Christmas dinner, then we went to Scott's parents' house for dinner and more presents. Then we came home and played with Fifi's new toys!
21. Who did you spend the most time on the phone with?
As usual, my mom.
22. Did you fall in love in 2007?
Yes, with my little girl.
23. How many one night stands in this last year?
Nada.
24. What was your favourite TV programme(s)?
Scrubs, That 70’s Show and Jeeves & Wooster. Oh, and Gilmore Girls!!! Oh, and Lost!
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
Don't think so.
26. What was the best book(s) you read?
Freakonomics by Stephen Dubner and Steven Levitt was very good. I didn't get to read much this year, though.
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Since I can't think of any, I'll say Onelinedrawing, even though I discovered them last year. I just forgot to mention it when I did this survey back then.
28. What did you want and get?
I really wanted to make friends with other mothers, and I got that. Carol and Maria, as well and Mhairu and a few others from the breastfeeding groups, are really great to be around.
29. What did you want and not get?
A new house. But I've come to terms with the fact that this will be our house for a while, and the faster I get used to it, the better it will be.
30. What were your favourite films of this year?
I only went to the cinema about three times so... that Edith Paif film was good. And I have to admit, Hairspray was much better than I expected... I think I'll have to buy it. (Fifi loves the singing, I love the dancing.)
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 25 and had a party at my house where I insisted on making everyone play Taboo.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
A free housekeeper.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2006?
Casual, but trying hard to be a little trendy. I don't want to start dressing like a mom.
34. What kept you sane?
Baking. Sewing. Co-sleeping. Breastfeeding.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
The only one I can think of right now is Elijah Kelley (Seaweed in Hairspray)
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
Considering my only mild interest in politics, the only thing that interested me was the little bit that I read about in The Economist on the flight home from America.
37. Who did you miss?
My family in Arkansas and Pete in Texas. I also miss my friends Amanda and Devon a lot.
38. Who was the best new person (people) you met?
Carol and Maria, my new mummy friends.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2007.
Babies are only babies for a really, really, REALLY short time. Don't rush their growing up. I know some people think I'm crazy because I'm still breastfeeding and co-sleeping, but one year has gone by unbelievably fast, and I'm glad I've had a year of both (and who knows how much longer?). If every year goes by as fast as this, then they'll be off before I know it, and I'll be begging them for just a quick hug or kiss. Let children be children as long as they ought to be.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year?
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee.
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.
Visited London and saw the sights. And got to meet David and Sheena. Oh, duh, and started my own business!
2. Did you keep your New Years’ resolutions and will you make more for next year?
Mmm, I don't remember what my resolution was, so chances are no. And no, not really got one for this year except I'd like to get into the habit of washing up the dinner dishes as we go, rather than let them stack up for days.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
My bro- and sis-in-law, Pete and Rebekkah, gave birth to our neice Audrey. My friends Amanda and Rodger had Emma, Ashley and Bryce had Ezra and David and Neyir had Maxwell.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Yes, Scott's gran passed away this summer. We loved her very much. We still think of her often, especially when the phone rings as soon as we've sat down to dinner.
5. What countries did you visit?
The United States, twice, and England.
6. What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007?
I've pretty much got everything I want. I suppose I could always use more faith to get us through the hard times.
7. What date from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory?
31 January. Fifi's birthday.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Giving birth to the coolest, sweetest, prettiest little girl in the world.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Unless I'm blindly forgetting something, I think this year has been one of all successes. :)
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Nope. Just a c-section.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
Well, it isn't something I bought, but my sister-in-law bought, but my new sewing machine is the best new thing I own!
12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?
My mom and Scott's mum were both the best mums one could have after becoming a mum herself. Neither have given any unwanted advice or treated us like we don't know what we are doing. They've been encouraging, helpful and kind. When they give their opinions, it has always been in a loving, non-confrontational way. Cheers!
13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?
The behaviour of midwives and doctors in this country in regards to breastfeeding.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Towards baby stuff like clothes and baby wipes.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Training up with the Breastfeeding Network and getting the franchise for Tiny Talk.
16. What song/album will always remind you of 2007?
Aqueduct's new album "Or Give Me Death"
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
happier or sadder? Much, much happier.
thinner or fatter? Much, much thinner! (Breastfeeding + running after baby + semi-regular excercise)
richer or poorer? Much, much poorer! (I don't work anymore!)
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Reading. But I know in hindsight that I never really had the time so I couldn't really have done any different.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Eat junk food. I should really be eating more nutritiously in order to set a good example for our kids. Also should've done less worrying. God has been really faithful to us this year, even though we've not been so good at trusting Him.
20. How did you spend Christmas?
Chocolate gravy and biscuits for breakfast, then presents with Fifi and Scott. While Fifi napped, I cooked for Christmas dinner, then we went to Scott's parents' house for dinner and more presents. Then we came home and played with Fifi's new toys!
21. Who did you spend the most time on the phone with?
As usual, my mom.
22. Did you fall in love in 2007?
Yes, with my little girl.
23. How many one night stands in this last year?
Nada.
24. What was your favourite TV programme(s)?
Scrubs, That 70’s Show and Jeeves & Wooster. Oh, and Gilmore Girls!!! Oh, and Lost!
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
Don't think so.
26. What was the best book(s) you read?
Freakonomics by Stephen Dubner and Steven Levitt was very good. I didn't get to read much this year, though.
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Since I can't think of any, I'll say Onelinedrawing, even though I discovered them last year. I just forgot to mention it when I did this survey back then.
28. What did you want and get?
I really wanted to make friends with other mothers, and I got that. Carol and Maria, as well and Mhairu and a few others from the breastfeeding groups, are really great to be around.
29. What did you want and not get?
A new house. But I've come to terms with the fact that this will be our house for a while, and the faster I get used to it, the better it will be.
30. What were your favourite films of this year?
I only went to the cinema about three times so... that Edith Paif film was good. And I have to admit, Hairspray was much better than I expected... I think I'll have to buy it. (Fifi loves the singing, I love the dancing.)
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 25 and had a party at my house where I insisted on making everyone play Taboo.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
A free housekeeper.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2006?
Casual, but trying hard to be a little trendy. I don't want to start dressing like a mom.
34. What kept you sane?
Baking. Sewing. Co-sleeping. Breastfeeding.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
The only one I can think of right now is Elijah Kelley (Seaweed in Hairspray)
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
Considering my only mild interest in politics, the only thing that interested me was the little bit that I read about in The Economist on the flight home from America.
37. Who did you miss?
My family in Arkansas and Pete in Texas. I also miss my friends Amanda and Devon a lot.
38. Who was the best new person (people) you met?
Carol and Maria, my new mummy friends.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2007.
Babies are only babies for a really, really, REALLY short time. Don't rush their growing up. I know some people think I'm crazy because I'm still breastfeeding and co-sleeping, but one year has gone by unbelievably fast, and I'm glad I've had a year of both (and who knows how much longer?). If every year goes by as fast as this, then they'll be off before I know it, and I'll be begging them for just a quick hug or kiss. Let children be children as long as they ought to be.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year?
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee.
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)