Emily's Birthday (Part 1)

Today was Emily's 14th birthday. In fact, as I write, she would just have been born (9.30pm). I can't believe my "baby" is 14 already - the years have certainly flown by. 

This morning she came downstairs to presents waiting to be opened.

And the obligatory helium balloon ;o)

 She had breakfast first but was then happy to get stuck in and start with the present opening.

 Her list had consisted of a number of books - Emily would be the first to tell you that she's a total bookworm! - and some DVDs.

 This was what she had really been hoping for and it had been ordered from America

 Her very own Harry Potter wand ;o)  Emily loves Harry Potter, has read the books numerous times and seen all the films.

 It even came with it's very own pouch 

 Manga books are another of Emily's favourites though this year she'd also asked for a number of the "My Story" historical novels (eg. Tudor Stories for Girls, My Royal Story : Victoria; War Stories for Girls, etc.).

By the time she'd finished opening her presents she had quite a pile to take upstairs with her.

Part 2 to follow
xx

Moses Basket Quilt

Today I finally got round to taking photos of the Moses Basket quilt. This was made using scraps of fabric in my stash because I wanted to see how this design turned out. Making the blocks was easy enough but when I came to sew them together I realised most of the fabrics were on the bias which didn't make it quite so easy. The quilt probably turned out a bit smaller than expected as a result because I had to trim off more to try and square the edges. I quilted across the whole quilt using a free hand method.

I had quite a lot of fairy fabric in the stash so that became the back of the quilt. You can also see some of the quilting in this photo.
I'm now back knitting again and will hopefully show a couple of the cardigans soon.
xx

Dad's Birthday Tea

Dad's 81st birthday was on Tuesday but because he was taking Mum to the hospital for a scan that day it was decided that he would have his birthday tea on Saturday. Some of the family were working but those who weren't were there to help celebrate another year.

Dad had some help from Tyler when it came to opening his present, which seemed only fitting as Tyler had chosen it specially for Great Grandpa.  

Tyler knows Dad likes his gardening and decided that he needed a train flower pot and even told his Mum that Grandpa would be able to put plants in it.

Tyler's Mum, Theresa and little sister, Alyssa (hasn't she grown!)  Can't believe she'll be one next month, do you remember those baby photos? Doesn't time fly!

 Tyler was also on hand to help with blowing out the candles - good job Tyler!

When everyone came up to get cake it was a good chance to take a photo of those present.
From Left: Dad, Theresa, Tyler, Alyssa, Iain, Emily, Claire, Jon, Max and Mum.  As I was taking the photo I wasn't in it and Craig arrived a bit later after football but probably didn't mind not being there for photos ;o).
A very enjoyable, relaxed afternoon with lots of chatting and enjoying the younger ones antics. Thanks Mum and Dad xx
xx

Saturday

Yesterday saw Claire and me back at the hospital for Claire to get the results from the blood tests taken at her last visit. Everything came back normal and she doesn't have to go back to the hospital until 19/11 - which she hopes won't be necessary, as baby's due date is 15/11. She will see the midwife at our local surgery until then. 

Only three weeks until she goes on Maternity leave by which time I think she'll probably be more than ready to stop.

During the afternoon yesterday, I got the chance to work on the baby quilt. This one is just a little quilt which could be used in the Moses basket or to cover baby in the pram or car seat. One day it may even end up being a doll's quilt ;o)  I'm happier with it now that it's been quilted and will post a photo of the completed quilt once the binding is finished.

Today, when I got back from work, I got a package in the post from Sandi at Living Life One Blessing At A Time. I was the lucky one chosen to receive this book in Pass the Book, which was started by Sian at From High In The Sky. I keep the book for a month (which I'm really looking forward to) and then I'll be ready to pass it on to the next person. Please watch out for a post around the 25 October when I'll be asking you to leave a comment if you'd like a chance to be the next recipient of this book. 
It's such a great idea, so a big Thank You to Sian for starting the Book Pass.
xx