Helping out

Today I spent time with Theresa and the children while she continues to recover from her infection. I spent a lot of time with Tyler and had forgotten how much 2 year olds like your attention ;o). He was really good and was even happy to come to the park with me. The little park is only a short walk from Will and Theresa's house, so we wrapped up and set off. I'd been told about how much Tyler loves going on the Fireman's Pole and he was happy to show me. He's really confident, holds on and swings over to the pole, then slides down. I'm sure my children were older before they attempted this.

Back for more!

Tyler had taken his spade with him and spent ages playing his own games; digging up the bark and piling it on things before wiping it back to the ground again.

There were also a few good puddles for him to jump in :o) and it wasn't long before his trousers were soaked.

The rubbish truck also had a turn going through the puddles

And sticks always come in handy for stirring!

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When we got back to the house, the midwife was with Theresa and weighing Alyssa. Minnie (the kitten) was shut in the kitchen for the duration but was happy to come out again once the midwife had left.

Tyler and Minnie

Finally, a photo of Alyssa. She is a little star; is feeding well and sleeps in her carrycot for decent periods at a time. Long may it last :o) (I love the way she lies with her little hands up near her face).

xx

A hospital visit and doggy jail ;o)

This afternoon I got news that Theresa is back in hospital. She has developed an infection and they need to keep her in to give her IV antibiotics and monitor her. As she is feeding Alyssa herself, Alyssa is at the hospital as well. This evening I went down to visit Theresa. She is still in a considerable amount of pain and her stomach is very tender. I had cuddles with Alyssa while we were chatting and changed her nappy before I left - it felt like a long time since I'd last changed a nappy ;o). I'm hoping Theresa has a good nights sleep tonight and we'll find out in the morning whether she will be kept in another night or allowed to come home. I didn't think Theresa would want her photo taken but Alyssa was happy to oblige. . . These last two photos make me smile! I was cooking dinner before going to the hospital and Cloud was fairly vocal in letting me know she wasn't happy about being in doggy jail. I grabbed my camera to take a photo but wanted to be down at her level, so lay on the floor to take the first one. She watched me - wondering what on earth I was doing - and then lay down too!! So funny!

You'll be happy to know she has since been released from jail ;o) xx

Update: Theresa improved overnight, her temperature is down and she has now been put on to oral antibiotics and is back home. Glad things were sorted out quickly and hope you're soon back to full health Theresa xx

Halloween

I hope you enjoyed your Halloween yesterday. Emily and I went round to my friend Alison's for what is becoming her annual Halloween party. Pumpkin cupcakes, from the Hummingbird Bakery cookbook, which were delicious (even if I say so myself)

The cake cases were ones I'd picked up in Chicago the last time we were there (3 years ago!!)

I also made the Quiche Lorraine from Rachel Allen's Bake cookery book but I changed it a bit to make it vegetarian for Alison and Jake. I took out the bacon and added roast red peppers instead. Yummy - just had the last slice for my lunch :)

Carol and Alison (my witchy friends ;o) )

Some of Alison's decorations. There were a few new ones in the mix

Thanks for a lovely afternoon/evening Alison, Marc, Jake and Leah - looking forward to next year!

xx

A few more photos

I popped round to Theresa's this morning to take Debbie to meet Alyssa as she wasn't sure which house they lived in. Deb got to have a lovely cuddle while Theresa opened the present and Tyler had some strawberries for "breakfast". I also got to have a cuddle while we all chatted and it was just as we were leaving that I remembered I had my point and shoot in my bag and could take a couple of photos. In this first one the flash went off and Tyler didn't like the bright light in his eyes. Alyssa wasn't going to stay sitting with him for me to take any more ;o)

Back in Mummy's arms and she soon settled down and was happy to suck on Theresa's finger.

I still can't get over how tiny she is! Kay and Theresa were saying when they were in Sainsbury's today people were stopping to look at the tiny baby! She really is beautiful - and I don't think I'm just being biased :)

xx