A Trip To Clinic And Remembering A Special Friend

As arranged we had our second visit of the week to this place:

Here we met with our diabetic team, I like to think of them as the " A-team".  Between the four of us: Consultant Paediatrician, Diabetes Specialist Nurse, Dietitian and myself( unpaid front line nurse) we usually manage to thrash out the difficulties associated with Benedict's diabetes.  I came away from the meeting hopeful that we should be able to make the pump therapy work and given time stabilise the condition which so readily dominates our life.  We have another follow up meeting on Monday and my clever husband has managed to upload the necessary software, so that we can download info from the pump and glucose sensor and glean an accurate picture of trends over the course of a week.  This should enable us to fine tune his basal doses further.

Leaving clinic Benedict pointed out this cheerful mural and as promised I whipped out the camera and here it is:

"The Weaver of Tales"

Coming home, I even managed to purchase a few Christmas presents, thank goodness!  This time last year I was super organised, mind you I had to be, I had a baby on the way!  This year presents have been bought in dribs and drabs but slowly, slowly the Christmas list is getting shorter.

After lunch of leek and potato soup and cheese toasties we wrapped up warm and headed over to the cemetry to place a birthday wreath for my friend Kȁcka.  She would have been 33 years today.  It is nearly two years since the Lord called her home.  It was through her I found out about babywearing; she could always be found with Ami strapped to her back/front.  She could be very outspoken at times and was unwavering in her opinions regarding birth, breastfeeding and organic food, yet she had a heart of gold.  She supported me through a miscarriage the year before Pip was born.  Not only was she a dear friend but she was also my prayer partner.  For months after her death I thought about her daily, yet as time has gone on and family life has been hectic, I realised today that the last time I had visited her grave was actually a year agon.  I know that she would understand.

The Birthday Wreath

Whilst Dave was reading one of our favourite holiday reads to Benedict, I was able to organise our nativity display for the mantlepiece.  The only other outstanding item of Advent decoration is the wreath for the front door.  In the past we have made an advent centrepiece of greenery, candles, ribbons and decorations; in our current family scenario it would be an open invitation for prying fingers, so the door wreath it is!

" The Legend Of The Poinsettia- Tomi de Paola"

 

Our Nativity Scene- the manger is empty of course and the wise men are still travelling!

"Oh Christmas Tree..."

" Oh Christmas Tree, How Lovely Are Thy Branches" 

Mummy's Little Helper

A Photograph A Day In December

Have decided to rise to the challenge (with a lot of help from my lovely husband!) and be involved with this interesting project.  Go click on this link and check out the contributions from folks all around cyber space: http://www.tredways.org/december-photo-project/

A Late Weekly Round-up

Benedict actually managed half days at school last week, the rhythm was much needed for us all.  Right now however, we are back sailing uncharted waters with insulin pump therapy.  This little guy takes it all in his stride.  We have already refitted our second glucose sensor in less than 24 hours.  These mini chips are an expensive piece of kit and so far I am yet to be impressed, not only that but the needle used to insert them is nearly an inch long; no joke for a little guy with very little flesh to spare!

We had a visit from Nanna and Grandad H late on last week.  It was good to see Grandad in fine fettle since he has been below par these past weeks.  He very kindly brought Benedict a pocket watch to help him learn to tell the time. Benedict thought it cool especially since the guard on Polar Express has one just like it.  You guessed it, I caved and let him watch said film as a treat yesterday, for being so compliant with regards to restarting the pump (We try to avoid Christmas fillms until a bit closer the time).

As with every Advent we do our best to make way for the Lord but often at this end we are fire fighting daily.  Having said this we all managed mass at the weekend albeit at different times and for the past two days, Dave and I have managed a short Advent reflection at the start of the day.  Like all thing it is early days and a lot can happen between now and Jesus' birthday.  Part of today's reading ws based on the prayer by St Francis of Assisi:

Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace.  Where there is hatred; let me sow love.  Where there is injury; pardon.  Where there is doubt; faith.  Where there is despair; hope.  Where there is darkness; light, and where there is sadness; joy.

Am hoping to celebrate a few of the Saint's feast days that are due around this time, so will be googling a few of the online resources for ideas and crafts. Keep warm on this first day of December.

What Do You Do...

Q: When a little chap wakes at 11:30pm and announces he his thirsty?

A:  Become mighty suspicious and check blood glucose.

The dratted monitor decided to greet me with a HI , not a friendly way of saying hello but confirming my suspicions that Benedict's blood levels are not good.  In fact they are so not good that the monitor cannot read them!  Out comes the insulin pen and three units of rapid is administered. Now we have a three hour wait on our hands.  First we need to check that his levels are coming down and then we need to ensure insulin has peaked before administering another dose if necessary.

Q:  So how do we fill the time whilst Benedict sleeps on, peacefully unaware of Mum's concern for him?

A:  Why, we keep on with the major long overdue Autumn clean that has been ongoing since 8pm last night!!

  The downstairs hall, dining room and lounge have had a major purge and are looking all the better for it.  All I need do now is finish the mopping, fold the laundry and make myself yet another cup of tea before doing my hourly obs on this wee man.  It is now 2:15am.

Benedict  is a real witness to acceptance in all circumstances, he never complains of his lot in life and still manages to raise a smile despite feeling so unwell at times.  May God Bless You Benedict love Mum x  

Seasonal Craft and The Winter Faerie

Today is the feast of Christ The King and the last Sunday in ordinary time.  This naturally leads on to the preparation of Advent and The Joyous Feast of Christmas, so this weekend heralded the start of our Advent crafting escapades.  First up is the Christmas Cards.  In an effort to by-pass mass consumerism these past two years we have made our own cards.  Benedict and Sara decided to undertake this task as their joint project and here they are discussing the format and construction of each one.

Hey Benedict you're supposed to be listening not looking at the camera!

Benedict adding the gold outline to some of the nativity figures.

Since our days have been one big blur these past few weeks, Benedict had forgotten that today was our planned visit to our local Steiner School for the Winter Fair.  Needless to say he was over the moon when Aunty Dorothea (a much loved and long standing friend) arrived in her car, to take me and Benedict on a treat of our own.  I have to say it was my first visit to the school and I was very impressed with the layout and obvious care given to the children throughout the year.  For the princely sum of £1.00 Benedict and I set to and made the gnome garden displayed below:

Our gnome friend in his new home at the top of our stairs.

Whilst waiting for the Winter Faerie to take her place we perused the various craft stalls and bought some presents for two big sisters.  No pictures as they sometimes read this blog!  At long last our wait was over and we slowly made our way along a tunnel of twinkling lights, a nativity scene and faerie houses, to be greeted by the lady herself sat on a faerie bower.  We threw our stars in the wishing well and made a wish!

Apologies for poor picture quality in my excitement I forgot the flash!  Darling husband came to the rescue and enhanced the image using the wonders of technology!

By now our rumbling tums led us into the cafe area where we ate baked potato and salad and warming soup, washed down with a mug of tea for the grown ups and an orange juice for little man.

Benedict and Aunty Dorothea.

The afternoon really resonated with Benedict and he came home buzzing with ideas.  Sara came to the rescue and between the two of them they tried their hands at a felted picture.  No surprises for guessing the main character all dressed in winter wool finery!

The beginnings of a special Christmas present sprinkled liberally with faerie dust and love!

Not wishing for Pip to be outdone since she missed the whole event, Benedict decided that he would be a winter faerie king and so the remainder of the afternoon was spent devising a costume and making an improvised throne.  Pip is truly blessed to have such a loving brother.

Faerie King Benedict waiting for his special visitor with her surprise gift.

Blessings to you little one!

Mission Accomplished!

Encouraging Words For Tired Mamas

A link to a lovely blog post that says it all:http://gentlemothering.blogspot.com/2009/07/if-mamas-frazzled-everyones-frazzled.html

Knitted Goodness

Since the pump debacle I have been knitting like crazy it is the only thing that calms me.  Here is Pip modelling the latest items, a knitted pixie hat and poncho.  The poncho is courtesy of Lion Brand Yarns via www.ravelry.com

Pixie Hat Pattern

Materials: 50 grammes of Double Knitting Wool and size 9/3.75mm needles

Head Piece:  Cast on 63 sts.

Work 7 rows moss stitch, every row K1, P1 right across the row. Next row moss stitch 6,(inc. in next.,moss stitch 9 5 times, inc. in next stitch, moss stitch till the end. 69 stitches.

Proceed in stocking stitch throughout( knit one row, purl one row) until work measures 7" from the begining.  Cast off.

Tie: Cast on 7 stitches.  Work 24 inches in moss stitch.  Cast off in moss stitch.

Make Up: Fold head piece in half with moss stitch at the front edge.

Using a flat seem join back seam to form pixie.

Stitch Tie in position, stitch lower edge of Pixie to centre 8 inches of Tie and easing in fullness to centre 5 inches of Tie.

Press Seams. 

Brotherly Love

Benedict set to this morning and made Pip a very cosy nest to share with monkey at storytime.  He is reading a favourite " Five Little Ducks".

I think he must have reached a gripping part in the proceedings as she has moved in for a closer inspection and cuddle at the same time!

Here is the wee lass enjoying an after tea treat... her first taste of a Tunnocks teacake minus the biscuit base(we are gluten free at the moment with this little one).

I really enjoyed that mummy!

When.......

The washing machine and tumble dryer are on overtime.

 The kitchen sink is full of dirty dishes and not a single mug can be found for your early morning caffeine fix.

 Two small children leave a trail of destruction in their wake that would rival any tornado.

 There is only one thing for it...... EAT CHOCOLATE!

 Happy Monday!

 

This Weekend

We rose early on both days as Pip (aka Early Bird) began her day at 5:30 am.


 We did lots of cooking:

• Two lots of cooked breakfasts, hash browns, cheese and tomato scrambled eggs, bacon and tomatoes.
• Homemade soups: Roasted tomato and onion soup and Chicken and vegetable soup.
• Homemade Belgian waffles and a pear and almond cake courtesy of Hugh.

 Tackled a never ending stream of washing and drying with a baby in tow

 Made an attempt at a two step

 And dropped hints at some bedtime viewing which was promptly ignored by tyrant mummy!

 In amongst all of this we were trouble shooting The Pump yet again! Have to say this insulin pump therapy is a real joke. I naively thought it would stabilise Benedict's diabetes, instead the situation has been made far worse. Not one night goes by without me having to check him several times in the night and take corrective action where necessary.

Martinmas

A timely reminder from Grace at Uncommon Grace, led us scurrying to the craft cupboard to unearth, tissue paper and glue. The jam jar was rescued from the recycling boxes at the front of the house. With our supplies at hand we set about making a lantern in honour of the feast of St Martin of Tours.

St Martin was a Roman soldier who converted to Christianity and became a monk living a very simple life. Legend has it that during a snow storm he cut his cloak in half to share with a beggar. Little did he know that he was ministering to The Lord Himself. The lit candle is a tangible reminder that, as Baptised Christians we carry the Christ Light with us daily and as such we should attempt to be beacons of light to others. An insurmountable task? Yes if we attempt it in our own strength, yet with God " All things are possible!"

Pip watches on as we discuss the best method to follow.

The covered glass is now stuck to the lid of the jar as a base

With cut out squares of tissue paper the sticking begins!

Sara helps Benedict with the first few squares

  Off he goes flying solo!

And a light in the window

This is what happens when........

 Your big brother leaves his pencil case unattended- good job mum was suspicious about the eerie silence in the front room! It seemed a shame to spoil her fun maybe we have a budding Picasso in our midst!

A Canon came to tea

And learnt to french knit at the same time!

Benedict teaching Fr L the basics

 Fr looking slightly perturbed!

Call in the cavalry! Mum rectifies the error

If at first you don't succeed try again

Got it! Easy Peasy!!

First Steps

Actually, Pip made her first steps two days ago and we have it on video, but these were taken today and she is now really moving well!

Maths, Quiche and Fireworks

Dave our resident Maths teacher and Engineer kept Benedict on task and Pip entertained. Multi-Tasking in action!

Benedict helped make this quiche once school type work had been completed for the day.

It was very tasty!

A garden treat with dad watching the neighbours very expensive firework display. Treacle toffee anyone?

Taking After Mum

Benedict was given this french knitting fork some time ago and now is having a go for himself.

Happy chappy

Engrossed in his work

Therapy

Benedict still at home as there are continued issues with the insulin pump; it has been a very loooong month. Thank God for wool I say. Benedict was next in line for a handmade treat, so together we visited our favourite local knitting shop and came home with the pattern and wool for one of the hats shown below. The pattern was knit in super quick time and was enthusiastically received. A win win result - warm head and ears for little man and reduced stress levels for me! Cheapest therapy session I have ever known!!

Self patterning wool that resembles a Fair Isle design

Pattern shown in greater detail

Finished Hat

 One very happy little chap

 Just Chillin'

I think he likes the hat

Warming Foods On All Saints

With some leftover blackberry coloured Debbie Bliss cotton wool I incorporated the woven style pattern from Pip's jacket in this very basic hat design. It will be nothing short of a miracle if Pip actually keeps it on her head as she is not big on hats!

Hey mum let me in on the picture too!

Quick Cheese and Onion Bread recipe listed below

 Potato, Leek, Courgette and Onion Soup

 Hurry up mum we are waiting

 Thank goodness tea is ready!

Quick Cheese And Onion Bread- Serves 8 People

12oz onions finely chopped

2 tablespoons olive oil

12 oz flour

2 teaspoons mustard

4 oz strong cheese grated

1 egg medium/large

approximately 5 tablespoons milk

You will need a solid baking sheet well greased.

Pre-heat oven to gas mark 5, 375F, 190C

Heat oil in pan and saute the onion until soft and golden. Place flour, mustard, onions and cheese in a mixing bowl. In a smaller bowl beat egg and milk and then add this liquid mix to the dry ingredients. Mix with a palette knife and then finish off with your hands to form a dough.

Transfer dough to the baking sheet and press down to form a round. Using a sharp knife make deep cuts in the dough to form eight wedges. Brush with any leftover milk and egg mix, then bake in centre of the oven for about 45 minutes, by which time it will be a good golden brown colour. Serve it as fresh as possible, but it does freeze and will re-heat without any ill effects.