Welcome to the world Millie Faith!

Just announcing the safe arrival of my great niece Millie Faith, daughter for proud Mum and Dad Laura and Gavin, and brother to a somewhat bemused 17 month old Ethan...

However, this latest addition brings the grand total of my great nieces and nephews to five - and it makes me feel very old! And Christmas is getting to be a very expensive affair these days... But I have to admit, a bunch of toddlers running around does alot to lift your spirits!

Welcome to the chaos that is my wonderful family little Millie - I may not be able to promise you riches untold, I'm absolutely sure that you will not go short on love...

Sleep tight Mr Sheep xx

I have a space inside my heart
that marks the day we had to part
The day I lost my dearest friend
My loyal companion to the end

I am a mother, I am a wife,
yet something is missing from my life -
I have a job to fill my days
an ideal life in many ways...

Yet in the garden, or by my chair
I look for you - though you're not there.
There is a void I cannot fill
I think of you often, and miss you still...

The ever expanding family...

Just thought that I would share the news that I am going to be a great aunt again! Some people are just gluttons for punishment ;0) I'm not sure what a 17 month old Ethan will make of a new brother or sister but I'm sure it will be an interesting time!

Anyway, big congrats to my niece and her husband!

Get well soon lovely Ethan...

I've just returned from a visit to the north shore - and I'd forgotten how fantastic it was to be there. It was also a pleasant suprise to find that they were hosting the 2008 Jazz and Blues festival while we were there - it was a fantastic atmosphere. But, at least I had something to look forward to on my return - my great nephew's christeneing!

He is such a little star - and even though he wasn't very impressed when the water went over his head, he was so good throughout the whole thing (which is no mean feat for a 10 month old) but he is such a pleasant little chap... He had a lovely time being the centre of attention for the day, but unfortunately it didn't end on the high note it started on. By early evening, he was very unwell, and after a very unpleasant night for him, he ended up in hospital.

The poor little man spent two days on a drip and has had to have all sorts of tests - it's been a worrying time for the family. But, he is well on the mend and was able to come home yesterday, just in time for his Mum's birthday - that has to have been the best present she's ever had!

So, all is now somewhat calmer again (well, as calm as it ever gets) and this weekend we can all relax and get over the trauma! Hopefully, I'll get chance to sort my photos and I might even make a new slide show...

I found this photo that I took of my beautiful hibiscus last summer and it made me smile! Not long to go until it is time for it to bloom again.

And there are now three solar lamps lit in the garden...

Busy, busy, busy....

Just trying my best to fit in all the things that have to happen before Christmas - and trying not to worry about the things that don't! It's amazing how much pressure we put on ourselves in trying to create the perfect Christmas...

Anyway, just wanted to take the time to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy 2008. See you all next year!

Cold Feet!

There can be no more denying it - winter is definitely here. The gloves, scarf and hat have made a re-apperance and my feet are constantly cold! But the sun is shining today so the cold doesn't seem to matter so much...

I went for a progress report at the hospital this week, and good news - my blood count appears to be stabilising. I can finally reduce my steroids again and have been given a six week reprieve, which is a great early Xmas present.

So all I need to do now is warm my feet up somehow... I was fortunate enough to take a holiday at the end of October (my attempt to keep the onset of SAD symptoms at bay for as long as possible). So I have some lovely memories to help to keep me warm - and loads of photos to remind me what a great time I had. This is one of my favourites so I thought I would share it with you - but I bet you can't work out where it is!