Baby bibs

I started making baby bibs the other day. There are plenty of tutorials on the web for this, and this particular idea was really easy. I bought white towelling for the backs of the bibs (nice and absorbent) and went through my stash for the fabric fronts. On some of them I added applique and on one of them I just left it blank because the fabric is pretty busy.

Before anyone asks - no, I don't know that we are having a girl yet. I just happened to make four girly bibs first. I've picked out some boy fabric too, that I will start on today. The pattern is a little small, these bibs will be good for a relatively young baby, so I'll need to re-draw the pattern and make some bigger. It is so fun!

I was thinking there is the potential to add ribbon and all sorts of stuff on there, and they work out to be super cheap and pretty quick to sew up.

I'll keep you posted of any new creations!

A little sewing project

I like to be organised. That is part of the reason why my husband and I are going to find out what gender our baby is - and I can't wait! We find out in a little under three weeks, and then look out sewing machine - I'll be sewing up a storm - creating a baby quilt, sewing some cute little clothes and creating the nursery.

Last year I made the boy version of a little raggy patchwork quilt - super easy design, out of flannels. My idea was to have a "travel" quilt that stays in the car and can be taken around the place when our little one gets cold. So, with the idea that this baby could possibly be a girl, I had to make a girly version too, just in case. I made this one out of pink flannel and a monkey design. I really love them - what do you think? They are super cuddly.

I'm now thinking of making simple little cotton carry bags to put them in. I'm really itching to sew, but I'm finding that I can't really do too much more until we find out whether it is a boy or girl. There are so many beautiful ideas on the internet and so many unbelievably creative people - it is very inspiring.

Anyway....I'm off to get some more ideas. Have a great day.

Our wonderful news

Well, I've been keeping this close to my chest for a while now, but thought it was definitely time to share the wonderful news - that we are expecting our first baby at the end of September! I am officially 15 weeks today and feeling really well.

I have been humbled and amazed by the many people who have shown such kindness in praying for this miracle - I thank you all so much. Sometimes I just can't believe that this little person is growing and forming....as I can't really feel anything yet. My tummy is getting a bit bigger and I have experienced some morning sickness early on, but I'm definitely looking forward to feeling the baby kick!

We have had several scans already, due to our history of miscarriages and each time we see our little one on the ultrasound, it just takes my breath away. During the last ultrasound it was sucking its thumb - so sweet!

Praise God!

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work in us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Ephesians 3:20-21

It has been awhile!

I can't believe it has been so many weeks that I last posted a blog post. A lot has been happening, but just wanted to say that I'll be posting an update tomorrow with some exciting news!

Keeping it real

I love to read. I'm not a particularly fast reader and I have a major problem with starting several books at once and having a pile on my bedside table that is far too high. But in saying that, it is such a privilege to be able to learn from many other wise people who have gone before us. I have been considering lately how difficulties in life really are opportunities given to us from God. The important thing is how we view them and who we decide to trust and follow right in the often ugly depth of our situation.

In "Becoming God's True Woman" by Nancy Leigh DeMoss, there is a chapter that is on nuturing mothers. It talks about the struggles that Hannah in the Bible faced before she had Samuel. I love the following,

"Hannah's story illustrates that wherever we are, and whatever the circumstances in our lives, God never forgets or forsakes us. That does not mean that we will not experience disappointment and loss - Scripture is clear that believers will suffer. Perhaps it is a mark of God's confidence when he lifts his hand from a godly woman - though for a brief time - and allows her to go through heartache and sorrow. I think of women I have known who have gone through great hearteaches and trials but have maintained a steadfast trust in the Lord. I, too, want to praise him , even in the dark, painful seasons of life." (p154-155)

Isn't that so true? It is only often at the end of our difficult season that we can see how God has worked and how he has sustained us - may I always know that whatever He leads me to, He will lead me through.

On the Metro Moms blog, they posted lyrics from songwriter Phil Keaggy. Great words.

Disappointment - His appointment,
Change one letter, then I see
That the thwarting of my purpose
Is God’s better choice for me.

His appointment must be blessing
Though it may come in disguise
For the end from the beginning,
Open to His wisdom lies.

Disappointment - His appointment
Whose? The Lord’s who loves best.
Understands and knows me fully,
Who my faith and love would test.

For like loving, earthy parent
He rejoices when He knows
That His child accepts unquestioned
All that from His wisdom flows.

Disappointment - His appointment
No good thing will he withhold
From denials oft we gather
Treasures from His love untold.

Well, He knows each broken purpose
Leads to fuller, deeper trust
And the end of all His dealings
Proves our God is wise and just.

Disappointment - His appointment
Lord I take it then as such,
Like the clay in hands of potter
Yielding wholly to Thy touch

All my life’s plan is Thy molding
Not one single choice be mine
Let me answer unrepining,
Father not my will but Thine.

Back to blogging

I haven't blogged for a couple of weeks - no real reason why I haven't. I guess I just haven't been inspired to write about anything in particular. The busyness of life takes over sometimes!

Some of you may have noticed lots of background changes on my blog lately....I've been changing my mind here and there - and decided to go with a simple black background.

Well, a lot has been happening around here - will update on past events in a little while, but for now just wanted to post about a really good book I'm currently reading. "Becoming God's True Woman" is edited by Nancy Leigh DeMoss and has some excellent chapters by other godly women. I highly recommend the book and if you haven't been to Nancy's website, Revive our Hearts, go there too! Her radio program is great!

Peanut butter and fudge ice cream pie and birthday fun!

Valentine's Day is my husband's birthday, so we really only concentrate on that - which is totally fine with me. We tend to celebrate our wedding anniversary as Valentine's Day anyway.

We had a small gathering of friends and family on Friday night for dinner, which was really nice. There was far too much food - but it was great. I made one of the best dips ever - tex mex. Absolutely love it!

I also made a Peanut Butter Ice Cream Pie with Chocolate Fudge sauce for dessert. Boy was it rich! I think next time I would change the recipe and not add so much peanut butter. But, my husband loved it, which I was happy with!

We went out for a delicious breakfast to a French cafe yesterday morning - YUM! Then our friends Simon and Lucy came over for lunch and to play boardgames. Then, we finished of the day by going to one of the Cirque du Soleil shows that is in town. It was fabulous and such a good show to watch. Birthdays are fun! Love you gorgeous - hope you had a fun day - here's to the next year together! xx