All Wet

All Wet, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (January Double Dutch Template) by Amber Shaw, Me Me Me by Jen C Designs and Shiny Silver Alpha by Jewel Goodwin (Mad Genius Designs). Fonts are The Sketchy Serif and The Serifs Sister both by Heather Hess.
Journalling reads: I wish I could remember exactly how we came to be visiting the park. I know we weren’t intending on it when we left the house. But somehow the plans got changed and we ended up stopping for snacks, drinks, bread for the ducks and mcdonalds picnic to eat there. I know the weather was warmer than we thought it was going to be, because I remember being hot and taking my shoes off on the grass, while we sat on the park bench eating our food. I remember us laughing as we were throwing the frisbee and fetching it and pretending to be a dog. But I have no idea whose bright idea it was to let you both run around in the sprinklers and wet play area, but it sounds like my kind of crazy. Although I have to admit, it sounds very much like something crazy enough for me to suggest. We didn’t have any swimwear or towels with us, so I stripped you both down to underwear and t-shirts. Lukas was straight off into the water jets shrieking with delight. But you were a bit cautious and it took a little while for you to get close and start enjoying it. You loved racing through the watersprays and jets after Lukas, especially after you armed yourself with a plastic cup to tip water on him and make him squeal. I was eventually able to convince you both that it was time to go. Even though it was warm out, you were shivering with the cold. Luckily I had spare clothes but I had to use a little improvisation in getting you dry - by using a clean nappy to mop up the water.

January Timeline Cover

January Timeline Cover, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Timeline, Template 1) and Refresh Mini both by Jen C Designs.

The Snowbaby

The Snowbaby, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (January 2012) by tashdown and Cocoa and Candy Canes Collection by Jen C Designs. Font is The Basic by Heather Hess.
Journalling reads: Having kids means there are always going to be lots of firsts to remember. Some of them seem really important when they happen but then the memory kind of fades and gets forgotten - like your first word. But then there are the things that seem unimportant in the grand scheme of things, yet the memory sticks with you. This is a perfect example of that. It’s not very often that we get to see snow here. So when you woke up to see the garden filled with it, obviously you were excited. We raced around the house searching for gloves and hats and scarfs to stay warm. One of the many things that you wanted to do, was build a snowman but you don’t really have enough patience for that so we decided to build a tiny snowbaby instead. You and Daddy worked hard on it together, while I took photos. I will never forget the look of pride on your face as you finished it. But within a few seconds of him being done you baffled me by kicking his head off and laughing at the snowstorm you created. I was confused at first but after thinking about it I realised, sometimes just having the chance to do something and the actual process of doing it are much more important than the finished result, you just have to enjoy them while they last! 6th April 08.

Winning Review

Winning Review, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Spotlight, Template 1) and Quality Time Collection both by Jen C Designs. Font is A Song For Jennifer. Disney Pixar Shorts cover image found online.
Journalling reads: When we were living with Nana, it was very difficult for you to take part in after school clubs. Mummy was too sick to be able to collect you from school and Daddy often started work at 4pm, so had just enough time to collect you before he left for work. After we moved into our own house, your new school was much closer and Mummy was able to cope better. You asked if you could join the film club at school. For £1 a term you were able to stay after school on a Monday and watch a film. Each week after seeing the film you would write a review. They then picked a review each week to receive a small prize. You were thrilled when your review of Disney Pixar Shorts was chosen and you received a small Lego Skateboard set as your prize. You couldn’t wait to show me when I picked you up. Well done Lukas, I’m so proud of you!

Grumpy Zebra

Grumpy Zebra, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (December Template Challenge 1) by Christi (Crafty Mommy Scraps), Happy To My Toes Border Cluster Templates (Template 3) by Connie Prince and Cocoa and Candy Canes by Jen C Designs. Font is Bready.

Unexpected

Unexpected, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Just Journalling, Volume 2, Template 4) and The Journey Begins both by Jen C Designs. Font is DJB Lindse1 by Darcy Baldwin.
Journalling reads: Life is a constant learning experience, with every year that passes, there are always new lessons just waiting to be learnt. Some of them are positive and some not so much. 2011 was a year that was filled with surprises and lessons, but the most important one for me, was one that I seemed to be reminded of frequently throughout the year - Sometimes you just have to do something unexpected and wait to see what happens next. Whether that is how you react to a situation you are placed in or a choice you make it doesn’t matter. You just have to overcome the fear of people making nasty comments or judging you as crazy and go ahead and do it. Some of the most unexpected things in 2011 were, finding out I was pregnant again and that we were finally getting the little girl we had been dreaming off. Surprising the boys with 2 day trips to London to celebrate their half birthdays. We all had a great time riding on the London Eye, visiting Madame Tussauds and the London Aquarium. Nan being admitted to hospital for most of the summer gave us some great opportunities for unexpected things, like borrowing a wheelchair so I could take her for a walk around the hospital. Then there was the party we packed up and took to the hospital so she could celebrate their birthdays with them. Me being admitted to hospital 2 weeks before Leia was born via C-section. Leia being nearly 1lb heavier than anyone expected or being fine except for being tiny, she only ended up spending 3 weeks in hospital before we were able to take her home. Or even cooking and taking an entire Christmas Dinner and Buffet party for Boxing Day to Nan’s so she could celebrate Christmas with us. But I think the most special one for me, was the most simple. I sent my mum a Christmas card with a photo of the kids on it. It seemed like a nice thing to do, but I was worried how she would react. Our relationship has pretty much always been strained and difficult. She completely surprised me by sending me a thank you note via facebook. Then when we happened to run into her while shopping she made the effort to come and talk to us and look at Leia. We ended up visiting them on Christmas Day and she even had gifts for the kids. I can’t describe how amazing it was for her to be so nice. We had been really struggling to get into the holiday spirit but it ended up being one of the best we have ever had. Here’s to hoping 2012 will be just as full of unexpected surprises, crazy ideas and special memories.

Box Play

Box Play, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Log Your Memory, Template 2) and Packing Up both by Jen C Designs. Font is Clipper Script.
Journalling reads: I wish I could explain why whenever I have a parcel delivered, both you and Lukas are both always anxiously awaiting me opening it. Not because you are even interested in the contents, but because you can’t wait to fight with each other over who gets to play in the box. Even at Christmas time you are always more interested in the packaging than the present inside. The part that I find strange is that when Lukas was little he was always using his imagination to make the box into something else, rocket ships, cars, buses and play houses were usually popular choices for him, but you well you just prefer to sit inside them. You park them in front of the television and just sit down and watch tv, Climbing in and out to retrieve various toys and stuff until the box breaks. Strange boy!

Too Good To Be True

Too Good To Be True, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Multi Photo, Volume 3, Template 2) by Jen C Designs and Once In A Blue Moon by Jen C Designs and Christine Mortimer (Digilicious Designs). Font is The Stars At Night by Heather Hess.
Journalling reads: You're just too good to be true, Can’t take my eyes off of you.

Sparklers

Sparklers, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (In Review, Template 3), Winter Sparkles and Advent Calendar Alpha all by Jen C Designs. Font is The Dot Connector by Heather Hess.
Journalling reads: To celebrate our first Bonfire Night in our new house we decided to buy two boxes of fireworks. Logan wasn't keen on the noisy ones but he liked all of the colours and drawing patterns with sparklers.

Harrods Christmas Grotto

Harrods Christmas Grotto, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (December Template Challenge) by Trish B and Winter Sparkles and Winter Sparkles Mini kit both by Jen C Designs. Fonts are Santa's Sleigh and The Antique Typewriter by Heather Hess.
Journalling reads: Every year I try hard to plan special trips and activities for Christmas. I am always looking for new ideas for things to do. It started out as just being a way to get some unique Christmas photos, but it has become one of the highlights of the year. I have always wanted to include a trip to the Christmas Grotto at Harrods. It is really difficult to get tickets as they sell out so fast. This year I was able to use my Harrods reward card for advance booking.

Visiting Santa

Visiting Santa, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Made In The Shade, December 2011 Template) by Giggly Polka Dots and It's Christmas by Jen C Designs.

Winter Wonderland

Winter Wonderland, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (DSF November Blog Train Template Freebie) and Counting Down Collection both by Jen C Designs and Adventure 365 Glitters by Jewel Goodwin (Mad Genius Designs). Font is The Queen Bee by Heather Hess.
Journalling reads: After our visit to Harrods we decided to take a quick look around the Winter Wonderland event at Hyde Park. We waited ages to use the cashpoint inside the gate and honestly, by the time we were finally able to draw out the cash, we had almost decided to just give up and go home. We were all cold, tired and starting to feel really miserable. We had been trying to avoid thinking about it being Leo’s anniversary and how much we were all missing him. We wondered around for a while looking at the Christmas Market stalls, but we just weren’t feeling very festive. Lukas was complaining because I wouldn’t buy tokens for him to go on the rides and we were too late for any of the circus performances. The only thing that managed to bring a smile to our faces were all of the silly photo boards,

Tuk Tuk Ride

Tuk Tuk Ride, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (December Template Challenge) by Scrap-a-holic Designs and Let's Fall In Bundle by Jewel Goodwin (Mad Genius Designs). Font is The Continental by Heather Hess.
Journalling reads: When they first got rid of Beanoland at Chessington, we were not sure what was going to replace it. Lukas was worried that they would get rid of the dodgems and the madhouse. Eventually they announced that thenew area would be a themed area called Wild Asia. The first time we visited after the refurbishment, the boys were really excited to see how it had turned out. The first thing that the boys spotted when we walked into the area were the Tuk Tuk’s. They had a great time just sitting in them and pretending to drive. Even though Logan couldn’t stand up and see over the top of the handlebars.

Rope Climbing

Rope Climbing, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Adventure 365, Template 20), Let's Fall In and Texture Tuesday Week 30 all by Jewel Goodwin (Mad Genius Designs). Fonts are Love Letter and DJB Nee Nee by Darcy Baldwin.
Journalling reads: You have always been really afraid of heights. But you would never admit that in front of Conor. When he headed off up the rope climbing frame you were quick to go right up behind him. You managed to climb all the way up to the first seating level and then you made yourself comfortable to watch Conor climb right to the top.

First Bottle

First Bottle, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (November Template Challenge) by Sas Designs and Baby Mine Girl and Baby Mine Milestones both by Jen C Designs. Font is DJB Cursive by Darcy Baldwin.
Journalling reads: When your baby is in special care, everything is a milestone. But there aren’t very many, that are quite as exciting as when you are allowed to feed them their first bottle. That first bottle is the first tiny step away from being a premature baby who needs to be fed with a tube, and starting the long road to coming home. Most babies born as early as Leia don’t have a very good sucking reflex, We were very lucky that she didn’t have that issue. We were mostly just waiting around for the amount of milk per feed to be enough to put into a bottle. She had been changed onto 2 hourly feeds 2 days earlier, and with her weight gain she finally reached a high enough volume of milk. When the nurse asked if we would like to try the feed during our visit with a bottle, we were thrilled. The goal was simply to try and see if she was able to take the bottle. We had a 15 minute time limit, whatever was in the bottle after that was to be put down her tube so she didn’t get too tired from the effort. The nurse made a real fuss over Leia’s 2oz bottle, she hadn’t seen one so small before. We used the same size ones with all of our boys in the hospital. It was an amazing feeling for me. Leia not only managed to drink the whole bottle, but she did it in just over 5 minutes. We were so proud of her. What made it an even more special experience was that Nan got to be there.

Icing Gingerbread Men

Icing Gingerbread Men, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Adventure 365, Template 21, slightly altered) and In The Kitchen both by Jewel Goodwin (Mad Genius Designs). Font is Euphorigenic.
Journalling reads: When it’s cold and wet outside, we have to find ways to have fun indoors. There is only so much television you can watch, so many block towers you can build and so many cars you can race before it gets boring or the rain finally stops. To pass the time we got a little bit creative and decided to decorate some gingerbread men. You loved squirting all the different coloured icing on, but had no interest in eating them. 30th July 2008.

Happy Meal

Happy Meal, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Adventure 365, Template 18) by Jewel Goodwin (Mad Genius Designs) and Mister by Jewel Goodwin (Mad Genius Designs) and Amanda Krueger (nibbles skribbles). Fonts are Sketch This and KR Fast Food.
Journalling reads: In your opinion, no trip to the city centre is complete, without a trip to Macdonalds for lunch. You always choose the same thing, a happy meal with a plain cheeseburger and fries. The only thing that ever changes, is your drink. You either pick a fruit shoot or a diet coke!

Logan's First Christmas Day

Logan's First Christmas Day, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (November Made In The Shade Template) by Giggly Polka Dots and Counting Down To Christmas by Jen C Designs.

Logan Playing In The Leaves

Logan Playing In The Leaves, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (November Template Challenge) by Moon Designs and Thankful by Jen C Designs. Font is DJB Hazelnut by Darcy Baldwin.
Journalling reads: This photograph really doesn’t capture your first time playing in the leaves. You look like you don’t like it one tiny little bit, when truthfully you had a lovely time. You were fascinated by all of the different colours and shapes of the leaves. You kept picking them up one by one and turning them over in your hands so you could look at them. You seemed intrigued by all of the rustling sounds and different textures when you rolled around in them. The only parts you weren’t really keen on, were when Lukas decided it would be funny to dump a handful of leaves over your head and when I said it was time to go home! 13th October 2010

Birthday Cake

Birthday Cake, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (November Template Challenge) by Sharon Dale and Celebrate This by Jewel Goodwin (Mad Genius Designs). Font is DJB Angie Bold by Darcy Baldwin.
Journalling reads: I know that your 8th birthday was not the most fun you have ever had. But one thing that you did really enjoy was blowing out the candles on your birthday cake. We let you choose what you wanted, and you picked a double chocolate tray bake that was decorated with chocolate curls and stars. We added a huge 8 candle, some regular blue candles and some sparklers. You really loved the flower candle that played happy birthday. I just wonder what it was that you wished for!

Welcome Home

Welcome Home, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (November Template Challenge) by Little Green Frog Designs and Look Hoo's Having A Birthday by Jen C Designs. Fonts are Pea Nicki and Bookman Old Style.
Journalling reads: It’s amazing just how long 3 weeks can feel when you are waiting to bring your baby home from special care, but today is the day when we finally get to bring you home with us where you belong Leia.

February Calendar Page

February Calendar Page, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Calendar Templates, Set 1, Template 3) and Best Of Britain by Jen C Designs and February Wordart by Bethany Harty (Elegant Wordart by Bethany).

October Calendar Page

October Calendar Page, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Calendar Templates, Set 3, Template 10) and Happy Boo Bundle (slightly recoloured) by Jen C Designs and October Wordart by Bethany Harty (Elegant Wordart by Bethany).

Calendar Page 1

Calendar Page 1, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Calendar Templates, Set 1, Template 4) and Forever Mine by Jen C Designs.

Precious Leia

Precious Leia, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Big Shot, Template 1) and Forever Mine both by Jen C Designs.

First Birthday

First Birthday, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Adventure 365, Template 17), Celebrate This Bundle and P365 Basics Simple Borders Weekdays Wordart all by Mad Genius Designs. Font is DJB Hazelnut by Darcy Baldwin.
Journalling reads:I had lots of ideas to celebrate your first birthday. But Things did not go anything like I had planned. No-one could have known we would end up homeless and sleeping at Grampy Andrew’s. But we were still able to go to see Nana on Lukas’s birthday. We let both of you open all of your cards and presents. We tried to make the day special even though we were all sad. You really liked sitting on my lap to look at your cards. Your favourite one seemed to be the huge card with number one and the red bus on the front, which was nearly the same size as you were. We had you all dressed to going swimming, but we ended up running too late to make the swim time. I’m sorry Logan!

First Christmas

First Christmas, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Creative Juice No 10) by Molly Weight (Biograffiti) and 52 Inspirations 2011 Week Thirty Eight Mini by Vicki Stegall and Sue Cummings and 52 Inspirations 2011 The Basics (slightly recoloured) by Sue Cummings and Vicki Stegall. Font is DJB Hazelnut by Darcy Baldwin.
Journalling reads: You will never know just how hard your first Christmas was for me. On one hand, I was sad that Leo wasn’t here but on the other I was so glad that you were here with me and nothing had gone wrong this time. I can’t begin to describe just how grateful I was for the fact that I actually got to celebrate a first Christmas with you. After buying presents for Leo and then not having him to give them to. Part of me was terrified of buying you any gifts in case the same thing happened again. But the desire to buy stuff for you and make your first Christmas special was just impossible to resist. Seeing the look on your face and how excited you were by it all made me vaguely remember what it felt like to feel happy. I had been dreading Christmas Day so much but you almost made it bearable. I love you Logan.

Lukas and Leia 1st Hugs

Lukas and Leia 1st Hugs, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (23rd October 2011, Sunday Brunch Chat Template) by Colie's Corner and July Blog Hop and Metal Alpha both by Jen C Designs. Font is Pea Muggy's Girl by Amanda Bottoms (Fonts For Peas).
Journalling reads: The first time you got to meet your baby sister, she was 2 days old and was in the high dependancy unit. They have very strict rules regarding sibling visiting, you and Logan were only allowed in between 4-5pm and you weren’t allowed to touch her. You were a bit upset but at least this was better then when Logan was born and you weren’t allowed to visit at all. Leia did so well she was moved to low dependancy when she was just 4 days old. The rules in there are different not only can you visit whenever you like, but they don’t mind you having cuddles once you wash your hands. Leia looked so tiny in your arms, but you were really gentle and sweet with her. It’s nice to see that you remember how to be a great big brother. 19th October 2011.

Lego

Lego, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Creative Juice No 9) by Molly Weight (Biograffiti) and 52 Inspirations 2011 Week Thirty Two Mini by Vicki Stegall and Sue Cummings and 52 Inspirations 2011 The Basics by Sue Cummings and Vicki Stegall. Font is DJB Hazelnut by Darcy Baldwin.
Journalling reads: When you first started asking me for Lego, I was very reluctant to actually buy it. I thought once you made it once you would lose interest and it would just sit in the bottom of the toybox. But I guess I underestimated the level of your imagination and creativity. Sure you have fun sitting with Daddy and building the sets, but much to Daddy’s horror, you have more fun taking it all apart and rebuilding it into something you imagined. After you are done you always bring them to show me and beg me to photograph them for you, so you can remember what you built this time. Photos taken 13th March 2010.

Mum And Leo

Mum And Leo, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Creative Juice No 7) by Molly Weight (Biograffiti) and 52 Inspirations 2011 Week Thirty Seven Mini by Sue Cummings and 52 Inspirations 2011 The Basics by Sue Cummings and Vicki Stegall.

Together

Together, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Creative Juice No 6) by Molly Weight (Biograffiti) and 52 Inspirations 2011 Week Twenty Six Mini by Vicki Stegall and Sue Cummings and 52 Inspirations 2011 The Basics by Sue Cummings and Vicki Stegall.

Rainbow Lorikeets

Rainbow Lorikeets, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Creative Juice No 5) by Molly Weight (Biograffiti) and 52 Inspirations 2011 Week Thirty by Vicki Stegall and Sue Cummings.

Climbing The Shelves

Climbing The Shelves, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Creative Juice No 4) by Molly Weight (Biograffiti) and 52 Inspirations 2011 Week Twenty Four by Vicki Stegall and Sue Cummings. Font is DJB Hazelnut by Darcy Baldwin.
Journalling reads: I am not sure what it is about you, but no-one can be unhappy when you are around. It doesn’t matter how naughty you are being, people can’t help smiling when they see you. It’s a very special talent to be able to get away with climbing up the shelving units, emptying off the contents off the shelves and then holding on to the bare shelves so you can use Mummy’s bed like a trampoline. I suppose part of it may have been to do with the fact that we were all in awe of how much destruction and chaos you could cause at such a young age! 11/05/2010.

Build A Bear

Build A Bear, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Creative Juice No 3) by Molly Weight (Biograffiti) and 52 Inspirations 2011 Week Thirty One Mini by Sue Cummings and 52 Inspirations 2011 The Basics by Sue Cummings and Vicki Stegall.

My Family

My Family, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Creative Juice No 2) by Molly Weight (Biograffiti) and 52 Inspirations 2011 Week Twenty Five by Sue Cummings. Font is DJB Hazelnut by Darcy Baldwin.
Journalling reads: When I first got my phone, I spent a lot of time just randomly clicking photos and hoping to get one that was worth scrapping. I managed to get a lot of useless shots, thanks to using the wrong settings or photos that were just blurry or out of focus. You all got so used to me taking random photos of everything from the texture on the carpet to the junk on my desk, that you just stopped paying attention to me. You all assumed I was just taking random photos, which meant I got to capture some truly amazing moments like this one of you three. Mark was playing on the X-box when Lukas wondered in and asked to watch. It quickly went from him sitting on the bed next to his Daddy to him laying on his chest for a cuddle. Logan was only 5 months old but he was already pretty determined not to miss out on any chance for cuddles. It made me smile that even though he wanted to cuddle with you two he had to keep watching me to make sure I wasn’t going anywhere. It was so sweet to see you all laying there like that, the love you have for each other so obvious. It made me realise how lucky I am to have you all in my life. I would be lost without this little family of mine, my two amazing boys and my wonderful husband. Photo taken 10-01-2010.

Lukas Bowling

Lukas Bowling, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Creative Juice No 1) by Molly Weight (Biograffiti) and 52 Inspirations 2011 Week Twenty Mini by Vicki Stegall. Font is Bosshole.
Journalling reads: When we took you bowling for the first time, you really struggled to get the ball down the lane. But you refused to give up. You never once stopped smiling and you just kept on trying to be better. That is such a great lesson for you to always remember - never give up and always keep smiling. 25/02/07.

Logan's First Solo Hugs With Leia

Logan's First Solo Hugs With Leia, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (11th September 2011, Sunday Brunch Chat Template) by Colie's Corner and My Story by Jen C Designs. Font is Pea Teran by Amanda Bottoms (Fonts For Peas).
Journalling reads: You adore your baby sister Leia, but it’s very frustrating for you when we go to visit her. You don’t want to stay in the room with her or stay and play in the day room. You always choose to be a naughty little monkey and run out of the room, usually getting yourself told off by the nurses in the process. I suppose we shouldn’t really be surprised after all you are only 2 years old. When we first took you to visit Leia you were not allowed to touch her, because she was in high dependancy care. BUt once she was moved to low dependancy and had her own side room it was much easier to entertain you, because you will pretty much do anything to be able to touch your baby sister. We started with letting you hold her hand while Mummy or Daddy was holding her, then we moved onto letting you sit on Mummy’s lap while she was holding Leia and “helping” to give her a cuddle. This time though we decided to trust you and let you hold her all by yourself. Mummy crouched down next to you just in case you moved suddenly and dropped Leia. You held her like you had been doing it forever, without me even showing you how. You supported her head and kept her safe and secure in your arms. It was adorable to see you gazing down at her with so much love in your eyes. We were so proud of you for being such a sweet big brother. 25th October 2011.

Logan Cuddling Leia

Logan Cuddling Leia, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (October Template Challenge) by Giggly Polka Dots and Tranquility by Jen C Designs. Font is Pea Annie by Amanda Bottoms (Fonts For Peas).
Journalling reads: One of the things I was worried about when I was pregnant with Leia, was how possessive Logan is. I was really worried he would feel jealous and hate it when he saw me cuddling her. Turns out I had no reason to be worried, he is still extremely possessive but just not of me anymore. He’s more concerned that he gets to have just as many cuddles with her as we do, he wants to touch her all the time. She’s only just 12 days old and he is already utterly in love with his baby sister. Every morning the first thing he asks when he wakes up is “we go see Leia bear now”. 26th October 2011.

I Love You Precious Girl

I Love You Precious Girl, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (2nd October 2011, Sunday Brunch Chat Template) by Colie's Corner and Divalicious by Jen C Designs. Fonts are Susie's Hand and Too Many Secrets by Amanda Bottoms (Fonts For Peas).
Journalling reads: The first time I saw you it was like being punched in the chest, you looked so much like Leo it hurt. Yet I felt the same pull towards you that I did to him, it scared me so much and made part of me want to run away from you rather than risk getting hurt so badly again. But you are now only 10 days old and already I know that no matter what happens I won’t be running anywhere.. I have fallen completely and utterly in love with you and I hate having to walk out of that hospital and not have you with me. 23rd October 2011.

Jack O Lantern

Jack O Lantern, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Multi Photo Volume 3, Template 1) and Happy Boo both by Jen C Designs.

I'm Sorry

I'm Sorry, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Journal Lovers, Template 1) by Amy Lanham (3 Lil' Monsters Designs) and Change by Jen C Designs. Font is DJB C Lyle Run by Darcy Baldwin.
Journalling reads: When I found out that I was pregnant with you, I was more than a little overwhelmed by the emotions that I felt. It was all just so complicated, I wasn’t prepared for even the possibility of having another baby. It’s not so much that you weren’t wanted it’s just that you definitely weren’t in any of my plans. I was already finding it so hard to cope with Lukas and Logan while feeling so ill all the time. I don’t believe in lying to any of you, so I will tell you the whole truth and just hope you don’t hate me for it. For the briefest moment I admit it, I considered asking the doctor about arranging an abortion, but I just couldn’t bring myself to do it. You need to know how much I hate even the idea of abortions, I can’t help myself from feeling like it’s a form of murder. But I am pro-choice, I feel like it’s a personal decision but just not one I could ever make myself. I guess you are wondering why it matters. Wondering why I am even bothering to tell you any of this, it’s not like it was ever a real consideration. But it matters because you need to know the whole story, including all the bits it pains me to share with you. Right from the start I have been a mess. I just can’t seem to form any sort of bond with you and it is tearing me up inside. Part of the reason is dealing with all of the depression and health problems. The headaches and vision problems started right at the beginning of the pregnancy this time. Walking around is difficult because of the issue with my hips and I am just so very tired I just can’t seem to focus properly on anything. My moods have been really scary and unpredictable perfectly fine one minute, flying off the handle the next. Everything seems so much more intense this time. But mostly I am just so terrified, you are everything I have always thought that I wanted. But now that I have you, I am more scared than I can find words to describe. At first it was panic about how I would cope with three kids instead of two when things are so hard. I feel so poorly all the time, and I feel so guilty about how many things I can’t manage to do as a mother. But mostly the problem has to do with the simple fact that I feel like you might just be too good to be true. The last time I got something I really wanted was with Leo. I loved Leo so much it hurt, my pregnancy was so hard and then came special care. When he came home from the hospital I thought it was finally over. But it was only just getting started, he broke my heart into a million pieces when he died. I couldn’t cope with the intensity of all the emotions that I felt. I tried to push everyone away, because I just couldn’t cope with the idea of anyone ever hurting me that much again. I just can’t seem to allow myself to pull down the walls I have built and allow myself to love properly again. I’m so sorry baby you deserve so much more than me feeling sad.

Pumpkin Sippy Cups

Pumpkin Sippy Cups, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Adventure 365, Template 19), Urban Irish Cardstocks (slightly recoloured), Adventure 365 Occasion Flairs, P365 Basics Little Date Tags Extended and Edge Genius Volume 3 all by Jewel Goodwin (Mad Genius Designs). Fonts are Old Newspaper Types and Pea Squeaker by Amanda Bottoms (Fonts For Peas).
Journalling reads: One of your favourite things we bought for Halloween, was these orange plastic pumpkin sippy cups.They were 3 for £1 so we bought one each for you, Lukas and Josh. You had a great time climbing onto the chair and trying to drink out of the straw like a big boy!

Halloween Decorations

Halloween Decorations, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Adventure 365, Template 8), Trick Or Treat, Trick Or Treat Cardstocks and Trick Or Treat Glitters all by Jewel Goodwin (Mad Genius Designs). Font is DJB Writes A Lot by Darcy Baldwin.
Journalling reads: Since it was our first Halloween, we went a little bit overboard when it came to buying decorations for our little Halloween party. Plastic banners, paper chains and inflatable items for the walls. Tinsel to wrap around the light stand and cardboard chandeliers and paper lanterns for the doorway. We decorated the tv unit with flashing lights and Logan drove us nuts by constantly swiping them to play with. We bought a plastic tablecloth and paper napkins for the table as well as a tinsel fountain centre piece. We even went as far as buying lots of Halloween themed plastic plates and bowls. It took us nearly the whole afternoon to decorate the living room and when we were finished it looked more than a little tacky, but it was so worth the expense and the effort to see how thrilled and excited both of the boys were about the party when it was finally all finished.

Pumpkin Carving 3

Pumpkin Carving 3, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Adventure 365, Template 7), Trick Or Treat and Trick Or Treat Cardstocks all by Jewel Goodwin (Mad Genius Designs) and More Than Words Celebrations Wordart by Darcy Baldwin and Jenny Hutson. Font is DJB Rita Script by Darcy Baldwin.
Journalling reads: When the pumpkins were finally empty it was time to start on the fun part of carving the design onto the front. We placed the pumpkin into a large plastic bowl to keep it steady. Then we printed out a pile of carving templates I had found online. After a quick search we were able to find the masking tape to attach the stencils. The next part was quite time consuming, we had to pierce holes through the pumpkin skin around the outline of the stencil. We were surprised at how tough the skin was to get through. Both of the boys were fascinated by the process. Once all of the holes were punched we removed the paper and got Mark to finish it off. He used the knives provided in the kit to cut between the holes and remove the pieces of the design one at a time. By the time he was finished it looked nothing like the original stencil, because the boys had begged him to cut, “One more hole”. Conor decided not to use a stencil on his and carved his design freehand. I think for our first attempt at pumpkin carving they turned out great. We wanted to leave them to dry out for a while before putting the candles inside, but Conor insisted on taking his home still wet. It’s just a shame we forgot to take any photographs of it when we lit it!

Pumpkin Carving 2

Pumpkin Carving 2, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Adventure 365, Template 6, slightly altered), Trick Or Treat, Trick Or Treat Glitters, P365 Basics Date Strips White and Edge Genius Volume 1 all by Jewel Goodwin (Mad Genius Designs) and Worth Repeating Brushes and Stamps Fall by Katie Pertiet. Fonts are Kiddy Halloween by House Of Lime and DJB Rita Script by Darcy Baldwin.
Journalling reads: Conor has never had the same concerns as our boys when it comes to getting messy. He couldn’t wait to stick his hands into the gooey, slimy, gross contents of the pumpkins. Mark and Conor sat themselves on the kitchen floor and started by cutting a circle in the top of the pumpkins. Then using the scoops provided in the kits, they scooped out all of the seeds and pumpkin flesh into the little plastic bin we have for vegetable peelings for recycling.

Pumpkin Carving 1

Pumpkin Carving 1, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Adventure 365, Template 5), Trick Or Treat, Trick Or Treat Glitters and Edge Genius Volume 1 all by Jewel Goodwin (Mad Genius Designs) and Worth Repeating Brushes and Stamps Fall by Katie Pertiet. Fonts are Kiddy Halloween by House Of Lime and DJB Rita Script by Darcy Baldwin.
Journalling reads: I am always slightly jealous when I see other people’s Halloween photos. While we were living with Nan there were lots of things that it just wasn’t possible to do with the kids. So for our first Halloween in our own house we decided to indulge in trying some of them. We bought two pumpkins and a couple of sets of tools, then we invited Conor around to carve them. The boys had no interest at all in any part that involved touching the “pumpkin guts”.

Just You

Just You, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Adventure 365, Template 15) and Monkey-ing Around both by Jewel Goodwin (Mad Genius Designs). Font is Pea Angedawn by Amanda Bottoms (Fonts For Peas).
Journalling reads: I am not sure why it is, but I seem to get the cutest and most natural photos of you when I just stand and play with the various settings on the camera and take photos without you knowing. For as long as I can remember you have driven me insane by chewing everything, it almost seems like you don't even realise you are doing it. I have told you off so many times for doing it yet you still keep doing it. You were sitting watching television and chewing on one of your action figures. You had your feet on the sofa and your sweatshirt had ridden up to show part of your belly. I stood and just watched as you were completely engrossed in what you were watching, until you just couldn't sit still anymore so you slid down on the floor and started playing, it made me smile.

Fire And Stone

Fire And Stone, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Adventure 365, Template 14), Adventure 365 February, Adventure 365 February Glitters and P365 Basics Little Date Tags Extended all by Jewel Goodwin (Mad Genius Designs). Logo found on Google. Font is Pea Alisha by Amanda Bottoms (Fonts For Peas).
Journalling reads: When we go shopping in the city centre, we usually end up grabbing takeaway for dinner. Quite often we opt for Mcdonalds just because it’s cheap and quick. On this trip we were intending on going to Pizza Hut, to take advantage of a special offer but since the closer one was busy we decided to give somewhere different a try. Fire and Stone hasn’t been open long and it looked really interesting. We were met at the door by super friendly staff, even though they were busy they pushed two small tables together for us so we had room to park the pushchair. They were running a special promotion where all pizzas were £4. Lukas was going to order from the kids menu but we were advised to order him an adult one as it would be cheaper. So he got one from the menu called the American Hot, (Fire & Stone’s tomato sauce, sliced Italian pepperoni, green chillies and grated mozzarella), and they took off the Chilli for him. I went with the Sydney (Crisp oven-roasted smoked bacon, free range egg, shaved smoked ham, mozzarella, Fire & Stone’s tomato sauce, basil & chives) and Mark went for the Maui (Double smoked shaved ham, Fire & Stone’s tomato sauce, diced sweet pineapple, mozzarella, basil, red onion & tomato salsa). The boys got cokes to drink and I went for Pineapple Juice. The pizzas were all gorgeous and yummy I was so mad I forgot to take a photo of the pizzas because we were too busy devouring them. Hopefully we can go back again soon, it was a lot of fun to try somewhere new to eat!

Quad Bike

Quad Bike, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Adventure 365, Template 16), Boyish Mini, P365 Basics Beaten Up Alpha and P365 Basics Little Date Tags Extended all by Jewel Goodwin (Mad Genius Designs).

Angelina Ballerina

Angelina Ballerina, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Adventure 365, Template 13), Festival Of Colour Papers, Festival Of Colours Glitters, Adventure 365 Occasion Flair, Star Genius Volume 1, Brush Genius Volume Two and P365 Basics Date Strip White all by Jewel Goodwin (Mad Genius Designs). Font is Trajan Pro.
Journalling reads: The school organised a trip to see angelina ballerina performed by the royal ballet at the theatre, you were so disappointed when you didn’t get a spot on the trip, so I decided to buy tickets for me and you to go and buy 2 tickets for us both to watch it. We had a great time and you got some flashing mouse ears and the dvd from the souvenir stand.