Looking Back Looking Forward

I have been looking at the blog and the entries over the last year. The year has not quite what we expected and there have been some hard times. When i look at the entry for the beginning of the year it was strange being a family on New years eve but all being apart but we started the year full of hope looking forward to a new beginning as a family with the arrival of Abigail. Little did we knew that we were soon to lose dad. And that he would miss so many key moments through the year. But there was an overwhelming sense of knowing it was gods plan.

We have in the last year had Abi dedicated a joint celebration with daddy's birthday. First mothers day and fathers day. Ste mom and dads ruby wedding anniversary a 30th birthday not forgetting a first Easter Christmas, birthdayand a holiday, and of course a second wedding Anniversary. A christining and a wedding.

We have celebrated the usual milestones laughed at silly jokes but most of all enjoyed the wonderful miracle the joy and happiness that Abigail brings to our lives. We cant imagine being without her she somehow makes life complete. And although there have been difficult times through the year god has been there with us through it all holding us when needed and guide our lives as he has always planned.

As we enter 2008 we live a magical year of discovery, i also know that deb has finished her chemo and while she still faces radiotherapy things are looking good. So this new year eve we will spend as a family with 2007 ending better that at times we could have imagined and with the cup definatley overflowing. So as we end the year i knew that just as last year god has a plan for my life and he is simply the scourse ofall we need.

New years eve

Mummy says a new year starts tommorrow i am not quite sure what she means, but daddy says we are off on the annual family outing to fleetwood. Grandma brought me a pram for christmas and daddy built it for me today as you can see i can fit into it but mummy says its for my dolls.

Birthday take two

This afternoon has been a busy one with lots of people coming to see me for my birthday. Someof my friends came to play as well.

here i am with Arthur who is giving me a present. At one point there were so many people in the room that i had no where to
play.

Here is a picture of me smiling for the camera it was gret fun seeing all my fiends and i had lots of nice presents. Thank you so much to everyone who sent me a card and present.

Birthday Girl

Mummy says I'm a little girl now. I'm one today, when i got up this morning mummy and daddy had put balloons and banners up and there were presents and cards waiting for me.

Mummy and Daddy had also made a card and sent it to cebbebies for me. So we watched the first birthday slot and no sign, the second comes on after big cook little cook and as that's my favorite my cards was a big cook little cook card they thought it might be on then. So we watched and card after card came and no sign then the very last card was mine. I think mummy and daddy were more excited than i was.

After lunch and my nap mummy and daddy got me ready for my party. It was a family part with fancy dress optional as it was a big cook little cook theme me and daddy dressed up can you guess which is which.

I had fun opening presents and playing then mummy had done a scrummy birthday tea. She had made some things of big cook little cook and also had done jelly for daddy.

Then mummy lit the candles on my cake and everyone sang to me

Independence

I have decided that its time i started feeding myself so i am practicing.

Its been a quiet day today though Mummy and Daddy have been busy shopping and they also took the tree down in the lounge as they said it took to much room up and they needed the extra space,for my party.

Boxing Day

Boxing day i got to play with my new toys this morning then we went to nanny and Grandads for lunch and Grandmas for Tea. It is also Macy's Birthday today, so we gave him his presents this morning. He also came to grandmas for tea. Heres a picture of me joining in with the telly addicts game. And of course the Birthday dog.

My First Christmas

I woke up as usually this morning and had my bottle. But mummy said it was Christmas and Santa had been. Daddy wanted to get up as he said he would be getting extra presents as he had been so good but mummy said he would be on the naughty list as he was so cheeky, and he could wait till it was time to get up. I went back to sleep as normal and when i woke up it was time to get up for breakfast.

Why i was having breakfast Grandma and uncle Peter arrived with lots of parcels. After we had finished breakfast, Mummy passed everyone parcels from under the tree and we started to open them. Here i am having fun with the tags and paper. And opening presents with help from Uncle Peter.

After everyone had opened presents mummy and daddy cleaned up all the paper and i had played with some of my new things. Mummy and daddy let me opened presents that other people had given me. Thank you to everyone who was kind enougth to give me something. I had some lovely things. I then was felling tired so Mummy put me down for a nap.

When i woke up there was yet more presents when i got to explore the contents of my Santa sack and stocking. Macy also got to open his presents and see what was in his stocking although we got confused and i wanted to play with some of his toys and he wanted some of mine.

Then i got to play with my toys Uncle Peter built my garage for me. Then we had dinner and everyone was wearing silly hats they tried to give me one but i threw it away. I got to try some sponge and custard as a treat. After dinner i had to go back for another sleep as Mummy and daddy said we were off to see nanny and Grandad but the whole family was going to be there as well.

Christmas-Part Two

After my nap we went to see Nanny and Grandad i also got to see my aunties and cousins. And of course there was yet more present opening. Here i am opening some more with Beth's help.

Mummy and Daddy have also sussed out my new game when ever any one goes to take a picture of me i screw my nose up and smile at the camera. It has been a good first Christmas but it has been a tiring day.

Christmas Eve

The house is clean the vegetables are done i have even managed to ice the Christmas cake. The presents are wrapped except for the ones Ste is doing now why i have to wait downstairs. Abigail has left goodies for Santa and the reindeer, and the lamp is lighted to guide his way. Even if she isn't sure what is happening. So now we are all ready to enjoy Christmas. I Know we have a reputation for doing things at Christmas but i think Abi First Christmas and Birthday will provide enougth excitement.

PANIC STATIONS

Me and mummy went to town to get a couple of things this morning and as usually she made sure i had ted and he was seccured in. But when we got home there was no ted but mummy was upset and panicing because i wont have any other ted and wont go to sleep without him. So back we went to all the places we had been and there was no ted to be found till the very last shop and ad mummy was waiting there he was sat watching the world go by. And a nice gentleman gave him back and then mummy was happy again. I think ted escaped so he could have an adventure but i am glad to have him back. Mummy is to and she said she can enjoy christmas now. So thank you to the kind person who picked him up,

Visiting

First of all we went to auntie lindas christmas party were i had fun playing Mummy and Daddy thought i looked very grown up when thety saw me sat in a chair at a little table. Then we wnt to meet matthew.
Heres a picture of mummy and matthew.

Christmas Ramblings

Wednesdays was the Christmas party for the patients, instead of them attending on there usual day they were all in. After everyone had met they had the chance to attend the chapel for carols. The thought came to me that with all the uncertainties they were facing they still wanted to take the time to put Christ at the centre of Christmas. When you tell people you work in a hospice you usually get the response isn't it a sad place or who can you do that. I have to say its a privilege to work with people who are either facing uncertainty or know they are terminal ill. And it is certainly not a sad place. Yes it is sad when people die but hospices are not about death they are about ensuring individuals have good symptom control good psychological support and yes at times the best care at the end of life. But they are places where there is certainly hope and fun, and there was certainly plenty of laughs and enjoyment at the party. So i guess i was reminded life is for living and the importance of putting Christ at the centre this Christmas time.

Then today i got the chance of attending staff carols where Sr Ursula remind us of the importance of love and how it is the most important gift of all.

How

Not quite sure how but this is how we found Abi after her nap

Happy Aniversary

Today is mummy and daddys wedding Anniversary and daddy is in the good books as mummy recieved gorgeous flowers off him this morning.

Birthdays

We went to Auntie Carols birthday party today it was great fun playing with my cousins and i got to try jelly for the first time and it was yummy. Then when we got home Uncle Jason phone to tell us a new friend had arrived Matthew Noah 6pounds.

London

We're back after a wonderful weekend away and a nightmare Journey back. Ste took me to London for the weekend to celebrate our anniversary. He wanted to do it in style this year as we had a quiet celebration last year, due to our liniment arrival. The surprise was tickets to see the phantom of the opera. Something i had wanted to see for ages and it was amazing the costumes and scenery and of course the music. We arrived on Friday and were staying round the corner from Oxford street so after leaving are bags we explored oxford street. Then headed back to change for the theatre. Saturday we did some more shopping with a visit to hamleys to buy a present for a special little lady. Then we did the tourist thing but as it was so wet we opted for a bus tour.


It was a lovely weekend one in which i was spoilt, it was so nice to spend some time together and we did miss Abi but did enjoy the break on our own. Abigail had a great time at nanny and grandads and didn't even notice we had gone.

Ste highlight was visiting Tower bridge mine was hamleys ant the theatre, but most of all Ste spoiling me, and reminding me just why i love him so much.

busy day

Mummy has been busy today but she has also been packing some of my things. She says i am going on my holidays to stay with Nanny and grandad and macy is going to Grandma and uncle Peter as Daddy is taking her away.

We also went shopping and picked up some photos mummy and daddy had taken, Grandma says she cant pick her favorite as they are all nice.

Christmas Tree

Here is a picture of are christmas tree

Mummy and the Queen

Mummy went out tonight to the theatre, Daddy said trust mummy to go the same night as the queen was in Liverpool. She didn't see her though different theatre. mummy went to see the flint street Nativity she said it was very funny it was looking at what kids thought and did when doing a nativity. I dont see whats funny about that though!!

christmas decorations

Daddy got up early this morning well early for a Saturday he left me an Mummy in bed and went round to Grandads. mummy said he was going to fix his car there was something up with the wheel. So we stayed in i played and tried to help mummy wrap up presents but she kept me well away. At lunch time Mummy phoned to see how things were going and there had been a few problems daddy and Grandad had broke a wire getting to the wheel and had to go to the garage to order another one. Daddy was a bit upset as it cost a lot!!!!!

Daddy came home and we went out mummy said we were going to see Callum as it was his birthday. We had fun at Auntie Dawns i liked playing with the Lego. I fell asleep on the way there but when we arrived i woke up and next to me was a big green tree. Mummy said it was a Christmas tree. Worse still when we got home they put it in the lounge. Why!!!!!!!! Then mummy explained that they were going to decorate it and make the house look nice for Christmas.

Which is what they did when i woke up on Sunday it was decorated and there were lots of christmas things everywhere. The best thing about christmas so far has been the chocolate out of my advent calender.

For Who's Benifit

Not sure for who's benifit we took Abi to see Father christmas. But it was nice to take her and see her face looking at the scene. I have always loved Christmas, infact its my favorite time of year and this was allways going to be a special christmas, and a quiet one we are not planning to get married, engaged or have any additions to the family. Just a quiet christmas as we start the traditions of our family christmas as we carry on traditions from our childhoods and develop new ones.

I guess were all aware that while its Abi first christmas its also the first with out Dad. He would be in his baa humbug mode at the moment which usually lasted till just before christmas when he would say that he loved seeing me in the run up to christmas anh how much i would get from christmas. So its full steam ahead in christmas mode as we head to finish the christmas shopping now i have got ste undivided attention for a days shopping.

But i am so concious even more than ever of just how lucky we are and i know Abi will get so much and there are still kids in this country who will get nothing. I know what we do will not help everyone but one tradition we will be establishing with Abi is that of buying a gift for someone who has nothing.

Busy day

We have had a busy day today, Mummy and Daddy took me to have my picture taken this was fun. The lady who took my picture was very nice and gave me some fun things to play with. When she finished we had a look round the shop then went back and looked at the pictures Mummy and Daddy had to think hard about which to pick. But finally agreed i liked the one i had with mummy and daddy the best.

Then we went and had lunch and Mummy said she was taking me to see Father Christmas. But we just went to the garden centre. But when we got inside there was a little hut and mummy said Santa was inside. Daddy wasn't happy at how much it cost and said he wasn't pay for a picture. We went in and there was lots of pretty lights and there were toys going in a machine and coming out wrapped. \we then went in a little room and there were some strange people so i cried. There was a man sat in a chair with a big red coat and long white beard and he asked was i good girl mummy and daddy said i was and he gave me a present and said he would see me soon. Mummy said he will visit me with presents on Christmas eve if i am good i like the sound of that but not sure i want to see the man again but mummy says he only comes when I'm asleep and that he wont come to daddy because hes to cheeky but i Hope he does because i think he deserves presents.

Bad night

Abi is now getting back to normally and certainly back into mischief. but she gave us two sleepless nights. And made us realise just how lucky we have been as she normally sleeps so well and we have time together in the evening and usually sleeps for between 10 and eleven hours and when she has disturbed with teeth she usually has some medicine and a cuddle and goes straight back down.

Poorley Abi

Abi was not well last weekend and defiantly out of sorts we were'nt sure what was wrong if it was teeth or a bug. So we thought we best get her checked out and hit another first for Abigail going to see the doctor. After a thorough check she has a virus which has caused an ear infection and tummy upset so know wonder she not been herself. after the visit we went shopping and bumped into Auntie Val but Abigail wasn't very sociable. We came home and after Lunch Abi lay on the sofa with her teddy watching a DVD grandma brought her. Transfixed by a classic who remembers Brambly Hedge.

posing

Abigail dosent like hoods or hats and as soon as you put them on she takes them off.

But bring out the camera and she soon forgets about taking it off and smiles.

Christmas Cards

I have been busy today as you can see Mummy had me helping her to write some of my christmas cards.

Teeth update

I am very excited as one of my front teeth has come through today and the other one looks like its about to come through and the one next to it. So it looks like not only will i have my two front teeth but my four front teeth for Christmas and daddy defiantly can not sing that song.

Chip off the block

Who do you think i take after?

words

I thought i heard Abbi saying mummy yesterday but wasn't sure, but when we went to collect her from her nanny and grandads she was saying it as clear as anything. And had been saying it all day apparently.

Its amazing how when you need something to pick you up how it happens and how that simple word just made me so happy and proud, and really gave me something to smile about. And how i nearly missed it well at least until tomorrow as i was going out from work but decided to come home first. Thanks Abbi for making my day

I know I am mad!

I not blogged for a long time, Lorna and Abigail has kept things going but these days never seem to find time. So I thought I would share the current state of my christmas decorations at work. Some think I am mad but its made so many people stop and talk its amazing - most like it. Its early days yet so will keep you updated - might even end up with a groto :)

Blackpool

yesterday daddy decided to take us to see the lights at Blackpool. First of all we went to Fleetwood to do some shopping Then headed for chips, i got to sit at the front of the car and practice my driving while daddy had his chips. Then we got all wrapped up and had a walk along to look at the pretty lights i think my favorite was the postman pat but mummy had to explain to daddy what the greendale rocket was. Daddy wasn't to happy because he had forgot to take his camera.

mischief

Abi is so much fun and so cute but is also so full of mischief. She is now confident in moving around a room even though she doesn't crawl. But is now picking up everything she shouldn't. Including some very heavy candlesticks that were not sure even how she manages to pick them up. She has even been seen peering round furniture with a what me expression on her face, when up to mischief.

But for all that she is just so full of fun that you cant help but smile and laugh with her. And be so full of amazement that she is our daughter and be aware of how fortunate we are.

Update

I wnet to be weighed today and only just fit on the scales. But i am now 22lb and 1oz

All i Want for Christmas

Daddy has been saying that he is going to find a copy of the song "all i want for Christmas is my two front teeth" As there has been no sign of my front teeth cutting through despite the fact mummy and daddy keep saying you can see them in the gums. This morning daddy said he thought he could see a tooth peeping through. I thought brilliant he wont be able to sing that song but when mummy looked it wasn't one of my front two teeth but one next to them. I hope they come before Christmas. Mummy says its eight weeks away but there already busy planning for Christmas and went to look at decorations last week. I will have to look in my money box and get some money to go shopping for mummy and daddy's presents.

Heres a picture of me and daddy, Daddy says he dosent know where i get my cheeky face from, but mummy says she doesits from daddy. What do you think?

Little Ted

We went to visit Auntie Deb today, mummy says shes not been well. She has started her treatment to make her better but that made her fell unwell. But she is ok at the moment.

After that we went shopping Mummy and Daddy went to see if they could get me another bear. As i have taken to one that daddy named little ted and he now goes everywhere with me and i need him to go to sleep. But he is getting grubby and i think mummy and daddy are woried in case i lose him. I got upset in the shop as the lady had hold of ted while she looked to see if they had any but i was ok once i got him back. They didnt have any the same they had some bigger ones and some that were signs for the car so i will just have too take care of little ted. But they did buy me a new book. It was a winnie the pooh book but one in which you can touch the pictures.

Terrible twos early

When does the terrible twos start? My little Angel now doesn't like it when you say no. She has a particular liking for phones and remote controls and has taken to having a paddy if you take them off her. It doesn't seem to have stopped her determination to get them we even brought her a toy phone but she just throws that away as its not the real thing.

Pester Power

We were watching TV when the adverts were on the one for the free Mr men toys with persil came on and Ste commented as if you would buy persil just so you can get the free toy. My reply is just wait a couple of years until Abi is asking for things. I am certain that firms now just now how powerful kids pester power can be.

News

Mummy not been very well so its been quiet at home. (well that's what daddy said when she lost her voice) So we haven't done much. I went to see grandma and uncle Peter on Saturday, Uncle Peter played with me even though the football was on football he was very pleased because Liverpool won. We had a quiet day on Sunday as we stayed in apart from going to see Nanny and Grandad but we were not long cause me and Daddy wanted to watch f1 it was very exciting but sad as my fave Lewis Hamilton didn't win. Macy's been naughty he has been barking a lot so he keeps getting locked in but Mummy says it not his fault as fireworks keep going off. Mummy had an ice lolly to help her sore throat but i kept taking it off her as i thought it tasted nice it was also nice on my gums.

Come on the saints

I'm getting ready to watch the cup final Grandads coming round to watch it with daddy and I'm all ready with my teddy.

Update

Mummy says that i am growing up so quick so here is a update on some of my new found skills.

I am now moving places on my bottom but i make sure that no one sees me its great i can now get to things that are put out of my way. I am also trying to pull myself up to stand and i can stand if someone helps me up first but then i get bored and sit down. i am also now able to clap my hands. I am also getting good at feeding myself.

Uncle Peter Present

Uncle peter came round for dinner today. But best off all he brought me a new book. Which i loved standing up to read. Only thing is mummy and daddy kept taking it off me to read to me. So i had to keep taking it back so i could look at it in peace.

Arthurs Special day.

Mummy got me up and dressed earlier than normal on the Sunday. She said it was Arthurs dedication and we had to help Auntie Pam get the things ready. Daddy was looking very smart as he had his suit on Mummy said it was because it was arthurs dedication but also because her and daddy were going to be his god parents im not sure what that means but i know my godparents spoil me.

Here is a picture of mummy with her new godson and a group one with Mummys adopted Army family.