Leia's First Football

Leia's First Football, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Credits: Layered template (Photobooth Volume 1, Template 2) by Little Bit Shoppe Designs and Just For Kicks by Libby Pritchett. Font is The Wolff by Heather Hess.
Journalling reads: It’s so nice that you are finally big enough to play, with your brothers when we go to play at the park. This was the first time that you got to play with the football and you had an awesome time chasing after the ball and kicking it around.

Badges On The Train

Badges On The Train, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Credits: Layered template (Erika, Template 1) by Little Bit Shoppe Designs and Celebrate A Year Of Memories Daily Digi Collab kit contributions by Amy Wolff, Eva Kipler, Flergs, Mari Koegelenberg, Katie Nelson, Michelle Batton, Danielle Young, Jennifer Labre and Danielle Engebretson.

Kiss

Kiss, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Sweet Design, Template 1) by Moments Scrapped and I Do Collection by Jen C Designs.

Leia In The Ballpit

Leia In The Ballpit, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Star Bright, Template 2) by Little Bit Shoppe Designs, CU Stitching Action by Mommyish Designs and Chase Away The Rain Bundle by Mad Genius Designs. Font is Diskoball.

Rare Pregnancy Shot 2011

Rare Pregnancy Shot 2011, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Credits: Layered template (Pickle Barrel Template April 2013) by Lorie M Designs, I'm Talking 'Bout Preggo Wordart by Jodie McNally and Serenity (slightly recoloured) by Jen C Designs. Font is The Wolff by Heather Hess.
Journalling reads: A very rare shot of me dressed up and wearing make up before a taster evening and party at Slimming World August 2011.

April Signature

April Signature, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Credits: Layered template (Siggy's April, Template 2) by Little Bit Shoppe Designs, CU Stitching Action by Mommyish Designs, CU Bead Alpha by Pixiemama Designs and Springy Garden Collab by Jen C Designs and Twin Mom Scraps.

Mmm

Mmm, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered templates (Blocked, Template 1) by Little Bit Shoppe Designs and Layered Journaling Cards 1 4x6 by Cindy Schneider and Today Collection by Jen C Designs. Font is Dandelion In The Spring.
Journalling reads: I'm not really sure if it's because you have nothing better to do while we are waiting around for your brothers to finish school or if somehow food seems to taste better to you when you are sat in the pushchair, but it's definitely your favourite place to enjoy a quick snack. It's so adorable to see the little frown of concentration on your face as you try to work out how to balance the packet on your lap and eat it without dropping anything.

Love To Rock

Love To Rock, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Credits: Layered template (Brackets, Template 4) and My Story February Collection by Jen C Designs, Layered Labels Everyday 2 by Cindy Schneider and Stylin' 70 Plastic Pockets by Mommyish Designs. Font is KG Begin Again by Kimberly Geswein.
Journalling reads: Since it was a nice day, we thought a trip to the park, might be fun after we had been shopping. This is the first time that you have been able, to get out of your pushchair at the park and run around after the boys. You were not very fond of the swing but you decided that you really loved this rocking ride. You squealed with delight, when we sat you on it and wasted no time in working out exactly how to rock it by yourself. It's so much fun to see you enjoying the trip to the park and exploring your surroundings. I can't wait for the summer, we are going to have an awesome time playing outside.

Leia Easter 2013

Leia Easter 2013, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Credits: Layered template (March 22nd Freebie) by AK Designs and My Story April Collection by Jen C Designs.

Mmm Ice Cream

Mmm Ice Cream, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Credits: Layered template (Beautiful Life, Template 1) by Little Bit Shoppe Designs and I Love Ice Cream Elements, I Love Ice Cream Embossed Solids and I Love Ice Cream Patterned Papers all by Jen C Designs. Font is Pea Picky Panda by Amanda Bottoms (Fonts For Peas).
Journalling reads: Although this may seem like a fairly innocent candid holiday shot, I can’t look at this photo, without hearing your voice in my head telling me “I hate this photo” and complaining “why did they have to take pictures of me eating” It always used to make me laugh. You were obviously enjoying just sitting by the pool in your folding chair, eating your ice cream cone. Yet seeing the photograph made you feel embarassed and uncomfortable. There is no way that you couldn’t have known they were taking this, yet you never told them to stop. There were lots of small ways that you did things like this, either because you knew it was making other people happy or just because it seemed like too much effort to speak up. I’m really going to miss you confiding in me about the things that annoyed you.

Red Hot Pokers

Red Hot Pokers, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Credits: Layered template (All About Paper, Template 2) by Moments Scrapped and CU Edge Genius Volume 2, In Bloom Alphas, In Bloom Feltie Flowers, In Bloom Buttons, Strings and Things and In Bloom Solids all by Mad Genius Designs.

Stealing Mummy's Diet Coke

Stealing Mummy's Diet Coke, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Credits: Layered template (Blending Basics Vol.1, Template 1) by Little Bit Shoppe Designs, CU Stitching Actions by Mommyish Designs and A Boy's Life by Jen C Designs. Font is The Serifs Sister by Heather Hess.
Journalling reads: On our visit to Cotswold Wildlife Park with your nursery, the day was much hotter than we expected. By the time we arrived at one of the picnic areas, we were all ready for a nice cold drink. Despite the fact that you had plenty of drink of your own, you decided that you wanted to drink out of my water bottle filled with Diet Coke. You grabbed the bottle off of the table and then ran off laughing with it, so cheeky. 18th July 06.

Asiatic Lily

Asiatic Lily, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Credits: Layered template (Block It, Template 2) by Moments Scrapped and In Bloom Alphas, In Bloom Solids, In Bloom Buttons, Strings and Things and In Bloom Feltie Flowers all by Mad Genius Designs.

Today Is Going To Be Hard

Today Is Going To Be Hard, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Credits; Layered template (Shout It Out, Template 1) by Little Bit Shoppe Designs, CU Stitching Actions by Mommyish Designs and My Story March by Jen C Designs. Font is The Thickest by Heather Hess.
Journalling reads: Today is Mother’s Day, and I will be the first one to admit that it is harder than I thought it would be. It’s one of those holidays that always seems to leave me feeling sad. I’ve spent it grieving for babies I never got the chance to be a mother to. I’ve have spent it feeling miserable for friends and even people I have never met, who never even got the chance to experience what being a mother is like. I’ve spent so many of them crying, tears that just can’t be dried but through them all there has always been you. I may never have called you Mum, it’s just not a label I needed to give you, but you knew how special you were to me. I always bought or made you a mothers day card. Looking back it’s kind of funny, I remember when I was younger I often had to borrow money from you while we were out shopping and then try and buy you a card or a gift in secret. Even though you always knew exactly what I was doing, you always pretended to be surprised and pleased with whatever piece of tat that I chose for you. You kept nearly all of them, I know because I sorted through all of them. Both you and I know that there was nothing in them that your ears hadn’t heard my lips say a million times. I hope that you will forgive me for not feeling the need to keep them. I remember all of the times that I spent ages standing in the card shop picking you the “perfect” card and then lost/misplaced it and had to go back again to replace it. I remember that every single time, that for one reason or another you never ended up getting it on Mother’s Day. It became a bit of a running joke, you always used to tell me you would “die of shock if you actually got one on time”. But you never once made me feel bad about it, no matter how late they were. Yesterday I started tidying my desk and I found 3 Mother’s Day cards, still in the wrapping that you never received. Are you surprised that I hadn’t gotten around to getting you a card this year either, that I had ideas for gifts that I never got around to making. I had it in the back of my head to do it, but I always “still had time”. I’m sorry for being such a screw up, but I know in my heart that you never took it personally. No amount of cards could ever tell you how much I loved you, how much you meant to me and I know that you understood that, but still I feel guilty. I always thought that when you were not around any more I would spend every minute wishing for a few more seconds with you, I would have regrets for all the words I hadn’t found the time to say, but I haven’t. My heart hearts and I miss you, of course I do, but I would suffer this a million times over just so you don’t have to feel any pain. I will willingly take every sleepless night and bad dream safe in the knowledge that you have peace now. Today I am going to light a candle for you, bake cakes with the kids and try and pretend that I am having a lovely Mother’s Day, just like you always wanted. Safe in the knowledge that you don’t need me to tell you that I am never not thinking of you and missing you every day until we are together again in heaven. Happy Mothers Day Nan. Love you.

Anytime

Anytime, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Stocking Stuffers, Template 1) by Little Bit Shoppe Designs, CU Stitching Action by Mommyish Designs, Alpha Split by Jessica Gorny and A Boy's Life Elements, A Boy's Life Solids, A Boy's Life Patterns Mini and A Boy's Life Glitters all by Jen C Designs. Fonts are The Blue Cabin by Amanda Bottoms (Fonts For Peas) and The Sketchy Serif by Heather Hess.
Journalling reads: We have never been really good with time and schedules or anything “normal”. We wake up later than most people, we go to sleep later than most people and we have never let the fact, that it might be dark outside stop us doing anything. Add in the fact that I kind of like being the parent who says “yes” and “why not” and it keeps things interesting. Opposite our house we have a park that is really well lit by all of the street lights. This isn’t the first time we have made a late night trip across the road to play in the park, but for some reason I can’t quite remember, I had decided to play with the camera on this one. I don’t get much practice taking photos in the dark, so I had a lot of fun playing with the different settings and the flash while you played on everything with Daddy, This rocking spring fish is always one of your favourite things to play on, day or night. I really hope that some day when you have your own children, you will also be the kind of parent who does crazy things like this too, just remember it’s much more fun to say “Yes” than it is too deal with the miserable child you get when you say “No” and being “normal” is over rated and more than a little bit boring. Photos taken 21st August 2011.

Kermit

Kermit, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Christmas Gift, Template 1) by Little Bit Shoppe Designs and A Boy's Life Paper Alphas, A Boy's Life Elements, A Boy's Life Overlays, A Boy's Life Solids, A Boy's Life Patterns Mini and A Boy's Life Glitters all by Jen C Designs. Font is The Blockhead by Heather Hess.
Journalling reads: It’s funny how kids can remember some events, no matter how small months or even years after they happened. I was browsing through photos looking for something and came across these, the boys instantly remembered all the details. Since there will probably come a day where they don’t remember any more so I wanted to record it for them. We were on our way to visit Nan one evening. It was dark and cold and raining. The boys were arguing about something as we got off the bus and were walking up by the allotment. Out of the corner of my eye I saw something move. I remember feeling slightly scared and sick at the idea that it might be a mouse or a rat. Then in the dim glow of the street lights we saw that it was a frog in the middle of the path (or maybe it was a toad I haven’t a clue, except that it was green and it hopped). The boys were fascinated by it, to my knowledge neither of them had ever seen a frog before. Lukas kept asking me how it had ended up in the middle of the path, when there isn’t any water nearby. They don’t really like it when I can’t give them an answer to their questions. They wanted to touch it and said No and I am not sure that they forgave me for saying that we couldn’t try and catch it to keep as a pet. Bit they did ask if they could have a photograph to show it to Daddy and tell him all about it when he got home from work. I felt obliged to kneel down on the wet pavement, careful to avoid the puddles to try and take a photo with my mobile phone for them. The photos were dark and blurry and you could hardly even see what was in them because I was worried about getting to close and scaring it. but they were enough to make the boys happy, . I remember Nan laughing as they told her about meeting “Kermit” and her telling me that, only I would have been mad enough to stand out in the rain and get myself all wet and muddy just to take a photo of it for them. I knew she understood that to me it was worth it if it made the boys smile. They both took great pride in telling everyone this story for a while. Photos taken 17th March 2012.

Leo 2 Days Old

Leo 2 Days Old, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (365 A Year, Template 2) by Moments Scrapped, Layered Cards Love by Cindy Schneider (rotated 90 degrees), CU Stitching Action by Mommyish Designs and So Happy by Jen C Designs. Font is The Continental by Heather Hess.
Journalling reads: We don’t have a huge number of photographs of Leo, and the ones we do have are almost all taken in the Special Care Baby Unit at the hospital. Since the day to day routine is pretty much the same with the exception of challenges and issues that occur, it’s kind of hard to keep track of what day it is. So I took a different approach when organizing all of his photographs. I labelled each of the folders by the main colour in them, then I had extra folders with Leo and Daddy, Leo and Mummy and Leo and Lukas. There really isn’t that much that I can tell you about these photographs. I can tell you from the date that he was 2 days old when they were taken. I can tell you from the content that he laid in an incubator, I can tell you that he was on a ventilator and various monitors and that he was still to small for the micro size nappies. I can tell you from the colouring of them that he was very jaundiced and I can tell you that I loathed that little yellow blanket they had laid him on. What none of these photos, or any others that we have of him for that matter can tell you is just how much he was loved, how hard it was to come home and leave him there every night and how much I miss him every single day, only I can do that.

Christmas Day 06

Christmas Day 06, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Gingerbread Dreams, Template 1) by Little Bit Shoppe Designs and December Daily 2012 Jelly Christmas Bits, December Daily 2012 Attach It, December Daily 2012 Painty Bits, December Daily 2012 More Frames, December Daily 2012 Star Stackers, December Daily 2012 Ribbons, Strings and Bows, December Daily 2012 Basic Patterned Papers, December Daily 2012 Journal Strips and December Daily 2012 Fancy Papers Alphas all by Mad Genius Designs. Font is Love Ya Like A Sister by Kimberly Geswein.
Journalling reads: Christmas photos are always a challenge, your excitement makes it hard for you to sit still long opening any of your presents. Once you add in all of the piles of wrapping papers, it’s really hard to capture all of your excitement. enough for me to photograph you Even though these photos are all blurry and out of focus, I really love the range of expressions I saw as you opened your red toy fire engine.

Our First Disco

Our First Disco, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Tempting Templates, March 2013) by Lindsay Jane Designs and My Story March by Jen C Designs.

Tent In The Garden

Tent In The Garden, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Box Blocks, Template 1) by Little Bit Shoppe Designs and My Happy Place by Jen C Designs. Font is Teen by Laramie Fonts.
Journalling reads: Nan always wanted a playhouse for the back garden for you to play in. When she couldn’t find one that was suitable she decided to go with the next best thing, she put up a kiddy gazebo out in the back garden for you to call your “house”. But she wouldn’t have been Nan if she stopped there, she added a rug on the floor, and a bench for you to sit on and even added some lights. Then she added a tent next to it so you had more space. You spent many happy hours sitting out in it, usually with Nan sitting beside you on a garden chair to read you stories. Photos taken 14th March 2007.

Cherish This

Cherish This, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Butterfly Kisses, Template 1) by Little Bit Shoppe Designs and My Happy Place by Jen C Designs. Font is LD Wedding.
Journalling reads: Feel no guilt in laughter, she'd know how much you care. Feel no sorrow in a smile that she is not here to share. You cannot grieve forever, she would not want you to. She'd hope that you could carry on the way you always do. So, talk about the good times and the way you showed you cared, The days you spent together, all the happiness you shared. Let memories surround you, a word someone may say Will suddenly recapture a time, an hour, a day, That brings her back as clearly as though she were still here, And fills you with the feeling that she is always near. For if you keep those moments, you will never be apart, And she will live forever locked safely within your heart.

Daddy & Leo

Daddy & Leo, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Baby Oh Baby, Template 1) by Little Bit Shoppe Designs and So Happy by Jen C Designs. Font is My Own Topher.
Quote reads: "How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard." - Annie

Far Too Hot

Far Too Hot, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Simply Beautiful, Template 2) by Moments Scrapped and Cluster Trio Volume 1, Template 2 by keepscrappin designs, CU Stitching Action by Mommyish Designs and Bee Mine (slightly recoloured) by Jen C Designs. Font is Alex Brush.
Journalling reads: Living in Britain we are much more used to summer being filled with wind and rain than with sunshine. So on the rare occasion that we get a heatwave, none of us really deal with it very well. Last July when we had a few days of temperatures between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius, I would be lying if I didn’t say that it made us all feel pretty miserable. It’s a big adjustment for us to go from the multiple layers of clothes we usually need to stay warm in our house to trying to wear enough clothes to stay cool. We decided to try and spend some time outside in the back garden. Since Leia wasn’t really mobile we decided to put her in the baby nest, even dressed in just a thin cotton t-shirt and a nappy, she was still very hot and fed up. She looked so adorably cute with her little cheeks flushed bright pink and her hair damp with sweat curling slightly at her neck. There is something so sweet in seeing your chunky little legs and arms on display. I couldn’t resist taking a quick photo when you fell asleep.

Photo Shoot

Photo Shoot, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Scrap A Week, Template 2) by Moments Scrapped and Adventure 365 January Bundle and Adventure 365 January Tabs both by Mad Genius Designs. Fonts are Typewriter Condensed and Dutch and Harley.
Journalling reads: When I decided that it might, be nice to make some Christmas cards with your photograph on to send out to family, I thought it would be as simple as dressing you in a cute outfit and taking a few photos but I forgot to account for a baby meltdown!

Leia In The Garden

Leia In The Garden, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Love Pockets, Template 1 and Mix and Match Back Stacks Volume 1, Template 1) by Little Bit Shoppe Designs, CU Stitching Action by Mommyish Designs, Fine Line Border Lines No4 Wordart by Katie Pertiet, February Photo Mask Challenge by Indigo Designs and Bee Mine (slightly recoloured) by Jen C Designs. Font is The Typewriter by Heather Hess.
Journalling reads: We were lucky enough to have some lovely summer weather, just as you were mastering sitting up by yourself. We got to spend some time practising it on the trampoline while Daddy was cooking a BBQ.

Chocolate Shortbread

Chocolate Shortbread, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered templates (Bitty Squares, Template 2 and Little Bit Journal Cards, Template 1) both by Little Bit Shoppe Designs, Celebrate Life This by Janet Phillips, CU Stitching Action by Mommyish Designs and My Story February by Jen C Designs. Font is Live Laugh Love by ByTheButterfly.
Journalling reads: When I bought chocolate covered shortbread as a treat, I wasn’t really surprised when you decided to help yourself to one. I was on the phone to Nan at the time, and I remember laughing that you had grabbed the packet and ripped it open to grab a biscuit. Since it was shortbread I knew it would dissolve so it was safe for you to eat. What I didn’t expect though was exactly how much mess you could possibly make with a single biscuit. You were covered from head to toe, it was on your clothes, in your hair and in the few seconds it took me to grab a packet of baby wipes you had smeared chocolate all over my bed! 22nd September 2012.

Leia At The Park

Leia At The Park, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Always In Style, Template 2) by Little Bit Shoppe Designs, CU Stitching Action by Mommyish Designs and My Story February by Jen C Designs. Font is 2Peas Hearts Delight.

Birthday Ballpit

Birthday Ballpit, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered templates (Paparazzi, Template 1 and Little Bit Journalling Cards, Template 5) both by Little Bit Shoppe Designs, Birthday Stamps White by Laura White (Princess Lala Designs), Blissful Stitching Banners by Traci Reed and My Story February Collection by Jen C Designs. Font is Janda Closer To Free by Kimberly Geswein.
Journalling reads: Finding you gifts for your first birthday was not an easy task. With two older brothers there are very few toys that are suitable for your age that we don not already have. You don’t really have much interest in any of toys at all unless Logan is playing with them! We decided that a ball pit might be fun as one of your gifts. After looking at a few different ones we decided that it would be better to just buy you some balls and use the inflatable baby nest we already had at home. You seemed to really like it, but it was still much more fun to try and escape as I was trying to get a nice photo of you sat in it.

I Love You Because

I Love You Because, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Count The Ways, Template 1) by Little Bit Shoppe Designs and My Story February by Jen C Designs. Fonts are Raleway Thin and CK Script.

Meeting Logan

Meeting Logan, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered templates (Spending Kisses, Template 1 and Mix & Match Back Stacks 2, Template 1) both by Little Bit Shoppe Designs and Day By Day Collection by Jen C Designs. Font is DJB All The Cool Chicks by Darcy Baldwin.
Journalling reads: Nan has always wanted to be present at the birth of one of my babies, but thanks to their prematurity and speedy deliveries, it’s never been possible for the first time she met any of them to take place outside of the special care baby unit. She almost got her wish with Logan, when I went into labour at home. He ended up being born 5 minutes away from her house in the back of the ambulance. Despite being early and small he became the first and only one of our children not requiring immediate attention from the special care baby unit. He was handed to me in the back of the ambulance and allowed to stay with me at the hospital. After I was all stitched up and they had a bed we were transferred up to a ward. I called Nan to ask her to bring Lukas up to the hospital to see his baby brother for the first time. Since there is limited visiting on the wards and Lisa was bringing her up along with Ella, we decided that it would be a better idea to head to the family area. Nan was able to get her first cuddle with him while we all chatted and took some family photos. A few hours later Logan went down to special care for some blood tests and ended up being admitted and staying for a while so they could resolve some of the jaundice and feeding issues he had. It’s so nice that she finally managed to get a cuddle with one of my babies outside of a special care unit, I really treasure these photos. 04-08-09.

Tea 4U?

Tea 4U?, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (A Week In A Year, Template 1) by Moments Scrapped and Caffeinated by Jen C Designs. Font is Take Me Out.
Journalling reads: When I decided that I wanted to buy Leia a tea set, I started looking out for something sturdy and durable, I was thrilled to find this red one in Tesco. I had intended on it being one of her Christmas presents but when Logan found it in the bags, he instantly declared it his. They opened it straight away but after watching them play tea parties together it was too cute for me to tell them off.

ZZZZ Sleepy Boy

ZZZZ Sleepy Boy, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered templates (Singled Out, Template 2) by Moments Scrapped, DT Sunbursts Small Template by Memory Clips by Ramona, Pick A Pocket Volume 1, Template C by keepscrappin Designs, CU Stitching Action by Mommyish Designs and Caffeinated Jumbo Alphas, Caffeinated Elements, Caffeinated Cardstock, Caffeinated Patterned Papers and Caffeinated Glitters all by Jen C Designs. Fonts are The Dry Ribbon by Heather Hess and MTF Cutie Patootie by Miss Tiina.
Journalling reads: Today I am not sure why, but you were feeling very tired. When you decided that you wanted to play with your cars on the living room floor. You laid down on your road play mat, like you always do and within a few backward and forward pushes of a little toy car, you were fast asleep on the carpet. I couldn’t help myself from taking a photo of you looking so cute.

Cbeebies 2

Cbeebies 2, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Dos Templates, Template 3) by Little Bit Shoppe Designs and My Story January by Jen C Designs. Font is Making Lettering Tall by Fontscafe.

Cbeebies 1

Cbeebies 1, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Dos Templates, Template 2) by Little Bit Shoppe Designs and My Story January by Jen C Designs. Font is Making Lettering Tall by Fontscafe.

Leia

Leia, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Yearly 365, Template 1) by Moments Scrapped and A Year In Review by Jen C Designs. Font is DJB Ball Point Pen by Darcy Baldwin.
Journalling reads: Looking at you now, it’s hard to believe that you were ever so tiny. You were 4 days old in these photographs, but despite being very premature you always seemed much older. Most of the other babies in special care were very sleepy and some of them couldn’t even be woken for feeding, but you were always wide awake and alert every time we visited you and would stare right into our faces and listen intently as we spoke to you. It’s so hard to see how much you looked like Leo.

Birthday Giveaway

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Candy Cane 4

Candy Cane 4, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (P365 January 2, Template edited) by Little Bit Shoppe Designs, CU Stitching Action by Mommyish Designs, Naughty Or Nice Elves by Chelle's Creations, Sparkilicious Stitches by Ziggle Designs and Peace Love and Joy Collection by Jen C Designs. Fonts are DJB Andrea D by Darcy Baldwin and Same Sex Marriage Script by Luke Owens.
Journalling reads: 24th December - The kids are super excited that today is Christmas Eve, although they are sad that it will soon be time for Candy Cane to go back home to the North Pole. When they came down this morning they thought it was really funny to find him watching Christmas films on my computer. They were really surprised later in the day to hear the special sleigh bells noise to say Candy Cane had done some magic. They came flying down the stairs to see that he was sitting on the sofa with Kinder bears for each of them. It was a lovely surprise in between all of the last minute Christmas preparations. They sat down in the evening to open a few of their presents from Nannie and Grampy. Leia was really poorly and kept being sick. Candy Cane seemed to really love listening to Logan playing with his new drum kit and seeing Lukas’s excitement at his brand new television. 25th December - Lukas managed to interrupt Candy Cane’s last trick, It looks like he was trying to make our living room into a winter wonderland. He had covered the floor with white glitter felt, and placed a big bowl of cotton wool snowballs for the boys to throw at each other but he hadn’t managed to get the fake snow made (add water in a bucket and it increases by 100x)

Candy Cane 3

Candy Cane 3, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (P365 January, Template 2) by Little Bit Shoppe Designs, CU Stitching Action by Mommyish Designs, Naughty Or Nice Elves by Chelle's Creations, Sparkilicious Stitches by Ziggle Designs and Peace Love and Joy Collection by Jen C Designs. Fonts are DJB Andrea D by Darcy Baldwin and Same Sex Marriage Script by Luke Owens.
Journalling reads: 17th December - Found Candy Cane sitting on top of the curtain pole, it took a while for the boys to spot him. That elf is getting very sneaky. 18th December - That cheeky Candy Cane managed to get both of his feet stuck in the pocket’s of the Santa advent calendar, when he was trying to steal the boys chocolate, sometimes he is such a naughty little elf. 19th December - Today was Lukas’s Christmas carol concert. We had found Candy Cane sitting on top of the coat rack. The boys decided this was his way of telling us that he wanted to take another ride in the push chair and see Lukas’s performance since he had already been to see Logan’s. 20th December - Candy Cane was tired out after all of his adventures yesterday. Today was Logan’s last day and both of the boys had their school Christmas parties. When they came in from school, they found him eating a banana, to recover his strength. What was funny though was that later the banana was all gone and Candy Cane had fallen over. Guess he must have ate too much or maybe poisoned himself when he ate the banana and the skin. 21st December - Today was Lukas’s last day of school and since there was an early finish, Candy Cane didn’t find any time to get up to mischief today. 22nd December - Candy Cane was sitting on my desk again, it looked like he was having a very interesting chat with the paper snowman ornament over the kids snow globe. 23rd December - This morning the kids came down to see that Candy Cane was sitting on the shelving unit waiting for them. He had bought each of them a special Christmas Kinder Egg. Unfortunately Mummy forgot to take a photograph of it. Lukas was upset because Leia and Logan had little penguin Christmas ornaments for the tree inside theirs. It was nice to see that Logan decided to let him have his, what he didn’t let on to Lukas was that it was because he had already had one from the egg he got when we went shopping in Tesco.

Candy Cane 2

Candy Cane 2, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (P365 January, Template 2) by Little Bit Shoppe Designs, CU Stitching Action by Mommyish Designs, Naughty Or Nice Elves by Chelle's Creations, Sparkilicious Stitches by Ziggle Designs and Peace Love and Joy Collection by Jen C Designs. Fonts are DJB Andrea D by Darcy Baldwin and Same Sex Marriage Script by Luke Owens.
Journalling reads: The boys were so surprised to receive another message from the elf this morning. He said that it turned out his leg was only badly sprained and Santa had managed to fix his leg enough so he could come and visit with us. They found him sitting in the Christmas Tree. 9th December - This morning we found Candy Cane in the cereal cupboard, peeking out of one of the cereal boxes. The boys thought that it was really funny and said he must have been feeling really hungry. 10th December - We came down this morning to find that Candy Cane had helped Daddy to finish hanging up all of the ceiling decorations in the living room and then he had fallen asleep sat inside one of them. 11th December - Today was Logan’s nativity play at school. We found Candy Cane sitting in the fridge. Since Logan was worried about standing in front of everyone, we decided that it might be nice if Candy Cane came too. He got to ride in the back of the push chair and stay for the whole of the performance. He thought Logan made a really adorable little cow in his play. 12th December - Candy Cane was tired out after his trip yesterday so he spent today relaxing. 13th December - Candy Cane was sitting on Mummy’s printer, we’re not really sure why but he seems to really like to sit up on top of Mummy’s desk. 14th December - We found Candy Cane sitting in the other fridge today. Not sure if he hungry or just missing the cold of the North Pole. 15th December - We found Candy Cane driving the kids toy fire engine on my office chair. I said it was probably because they had made the floor too messy for him to drive on, but they think it’s because he was flying it around the room with his magic. 16th December - Guess Candy Cane was feeling a little crafty last night, as when we came down this morning he was on mummy’s desk next to a cross stitch of a candy cane and the word hi. He is such a clever little elf, the boys are very impressed by his sewing skills.

Candy Cane 1

Candy Cane 1, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (P365 January, Template 1) by Little Bit Shoppe Designs, CU Stitching Action by Mommyish Designs, Naughty Or Nice Elves by Chelle's Creations, Sparkilicious Stitches by Ziggle Designs and Peace Love and Joy Collection by Jen C Designs. Fonts are DJB Andrea D by Darcy Baldwin and Same Sex Marriage Script by Luke Owens.
Journalling reads: This year we decided that it might be fun to start a new Christmas tradition and invite an Elf from the north pole to spend December with us. It was going to be a surprise for the boys but things didn’t exactly go to plan. On the first of December, the boys received some text messages on my mobile phone from their Elf. He told them that he was the elf assigned to them by Santa, but he has slipped on some ice in the North Pole and broken his leg. He said that once they named him, he would receive his magic and he would try his best to make their Christmas special. They chose the name Candy Cane. He told them to listen out for sleigh bells when he did magic and then he left Lego Advent Calendars for them to find. This month is going to be so much fun.

Christmas Card 2

Christmas Card 2, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered templates (Graduation Announcement, Template 1 and Stained Glass Pieces) both by Little Bit Shoppe Designs, CU Stitching Action by Mommyish Designs, Hints Of Fall by Jen C Designs and Trixie Scraps and Peace, Love and Joy Collection by Jen C Designs.

Harrods 2012

Harrods 2012, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Big Photo Volume 5, Template 1) by Moments Scrapped, December Photo Mask by Indigo Designs and Winter Sparkles Collection by Jen C Designs. Font is The Typewriter by Heather Hess.
Journalling reads: It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light. Aristotle Onassis.

Santa At Ikidz

Santa At Ikidz, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered templates (Baby It's Cold Outside, Template 2 and Perfect Plastic Pockets) both by Little Bit Shoppe Designs, Peace, Love and Joy and Date Its Volume 1 both by Jen C Designs, Super Stash Stitches and Super Stash Paints both by Memory Clips By Ramona.

It's Cold Outside Harrods

It's Cold Outside Harrods, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Simply Circle, Template 2) by Moments Scrapped and Peace, Love and Joy by Jen C Designs.

Leia On the Train

Leia On the Train, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Double Blocked, Template 1) by Moments Scrapped and Peace, Love and Joy and Smells Like Christmas both by Jen C Designs. Font is Santa's Sleigh.
Journalling reads: I really love these photographs of you that I managed to get on the way home from London. You were wide awake so we decided to let you out of the pushchair. The last time that we took you on a train you were too little to care, but this time you were curious about everything. At first I sat you on my lap but you kept playing with the pull down table and trying to peer over the seats. Eventually I just pulled down the table and sat you on it. You thought it was a great seat and were able to use it to enjoy a whole jar of baby food. While you were distracted looking at the lights outside and growling at the sight of your own reflection in the window, I was able to brush your hair and get it into some fairly even ponytails 28th November 2012.

December Desktop

December Desktop, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Desktop Volume 1, Template 2) by Memory Clips By Ramona, CU Stitching Action by Mommyish Designs, CU Banner Templates 2 by Josy Carson and Counting Down To Christmas by Jen C Designs. Font is Scrap Casual.

December Signature

December Signature, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (All You Siggy) by Missy's Moments and Counting Down To Christmas by Jen C Designs.

Reindeer

Reindeer, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Bits N Pieces Volume 3, Template 2) by Memory Clips By Ramona and Winter Sparkles Collection (slightly recoloured) by Jen C Designs.

All I Want For Christmas

All I Want For Christmas, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (December Humpty Dumpty Challenge) by Memory Clips by Ramona, CU Stitching Action by Mommyish Designs, CU Sheers Ribbon by Chelle's Creations, Layered Titles Christmas Set 1 by Cindy Schneider and Snowball Fight by Jen C Designs. Fonts are Honey Script and DJB I Feel Pretty by Darcy Baldwin.
Journalling reads: I have always hated to have my photograph taken when you add in the fact that I really don’t like giving the camera to other people because I am worried that they won’t get all the shots that I want. So we ended up with a lots of photographs from trips and things we did with the kids, where it doesn’t even look like I was there with them because I was always the one behind the camera taking the photos. After Leo died it made me really sad to see how few photographs there were of me with him. That’s when I decided that something had to change. I wanted my kids to know who Mummy was. They won’t care how fat or ugly I look in photographs they will just like to see that I was there with them having fun. Letting go of some of my perfectionism over photos is never going to be easy but I am trying.

Snowball Fight

Snowball Fight, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Snowscapes, Template 3) and Snowball Fight both by Jen C Designs. Font is KG A Thousand Years by Kimberly Geswein.
Journalling reads: When we experienced the higest amount of snow in 50 years, it closed all of the schools for over a week. So it’s kind of ironic that the only chance you got to play in it, was the one day your school managed to open. You and Daddy were able to have some snow fun, including a snow ball fight on your walk home. I’m kind of sad that I missed being there with you, but it was just too cold to take Logan out of the house. At least Daddy remembered to take some pictures so I could see how much fun you had. 13th January 2010.

Bunchies

Bunchies, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Minimal, Volume 8, Template 1) by Moments Scrapped and P2012 Spring by Jen C Designs. Font is DJB All The Cool Chicks by Darcy Baldwin.
Journalling reads: Leia, you have the craziest hair I have ever seen on a baby, it’s curly and flyaway and there is just so much of it. We have taken to referring to it simply as “the hair”. Add in the fact that you tend to growl and try and bite the hairbrush it makes taming it hard. Nannie Donna suggested using tiny bunchies. It sounded simple in theory, but I wasn’t counting on you trying to climb up the chair while screeching like a monkey. After 30 minutes, I had managed to get 3 in your hair, and gave up in frustration. Yet somehow it only took you 3 seconds to rip them out! Oh well it looked really cute while it lasted. 22/10/12