Better get a cuppa...

and a comfy seat, 'cos this is gonna be a long one!! I have so much to share, I even had to write some stuff down, so I wouldn't forget it. I write blog posts in my head as I am doing housework and errands, and then totally forget them when I sit down to write - does anyone else do that?

So, I have had a hard time from family members eager to see some photos from my baby's birthday party. But you know, there are over 500 photos to sift through!! So, I'm writing this post first, saving it for later, then sorting and editing photos, and adding them last. Although, by doing that, it mucks up my whole blog post ... adding in hundreds of empty lines, which is totally annoying. Does that happen to anyone else?? I really must move to Wordpress. Anyway, I will add the photos later on in the post, to save any scrapbookers having to wade through hundreds of boring kids party pics, to get to any scrapping stuff, lol.

I'm totally excited today; I entered a layout into the Webster's Pages monthly challenge, and I won. And even better, my layout was picked by one of my all-time favourite international scrapbookers, Iris Babao Uy. She's so awesome, and she, and I quote, 'loves my work'!!! (Sorry, just had to put that in there.) Her challenge was to use photo silhouettes on a layout, which I did find hard, but I found this pic of Aurelia and her best friend, Mikayla, and thought it would work well. I kind of did a garden theme. Unfortunately, Aurelia and Mikayla are in different schools now, and we don't see them very often. Anyway, I digress. Here is the layout:

I only managed to complete 2 layouts in the whole of August; this one and one for Prima, so I'll save that for another post! I've been so busy with the party, and school, etc. Anyway, I sure hope to get more done this month. I have a whole big bunch of lovely new Prima flowers from Scrappin' Patch I need to get through, lol. Don't you just love Prima??!!

Ok, so back to my little sweetheart. Her party was a complete success, despite my stupid nerves; mostly due to the wonderful pirate we had, and his very cool ship. Check out the photos (there are heaps of them mostly for family):

The last one is cutting the cake, which lovely lovely Liz made for us! It was so cute, a pink girl pirate! Aurelia loved it.

Aurelia had the best time, and I can't recommend him enough. He let the kids play on the boat for about 15 minutes while he got himself ready, then he entertained them for an hour, playing tug-of-war, treasure hunt, and other fun stuff. He also kept us adults entertained; we were laughing our heads off at the kids' trying to "grrrr" like a real pirate. If anyone wants his contact details, leave a comment and I'll let you know - he does all over Auckland, apparently.

Ok, so then the party was over and reality hit; my baby started school. And she was so cool! Her whole first week, she was totally fine, and not a tear in sight - well, except mine, of course. She declared her first day "boring", and her teacher said she was confident and fitted in well. And then we started her second week. Hmmm. Not quite so good. She told me she felt sad and like crying the first day of the week, then by the third day, she was actually bawling by the time I left her. Which was so blimen' hard!! And it's not her usual, attention-seeking, loud tantrum-crying. Oh no. It's the desperately sad, quiet sobbing that absolutely breaks my heart. So not great. Couple that with the toileting regression - she's wetting her bed about every second night - and all is not well! I'm hoping things get better soon. Luckily, her Dad is home nearly every day for the next month, so he can take her to school - for some reason, she's not clingy with him. And I can pick her up; hopefully should work ... Here she is on her first day, looking like such a big girl! I was only allowed to take 5 photos!! Luckily, they are ok.

OK, so I guess that's enough for today, huh? I did warn you. Have a great week!