Wow – I cannot believe 3 weeks have passed since Lyla was born. It’s been about 5 weeks since I last posted – sorry for that. I find it much harder to craft than I had expected with this time off. This recovery has been much more difficult than with my previous children.
Lyla arrived on April 4th, 2016 at 8lbs 3oz (we were all hoping she’d be smaller and she is my biggest baby yet!) She’s also the longest at 20 inches. I pushed for over an hour – at one point, on all fours – which typically would result in a C-section. Thank goodness she came when she did SUNNY SIDE UP and all! I didn’t realize what a beating my body had taken until the anesthesia wore off but every muscle in my body felt severed for an entire week. It was difficult to move and to be honest – I was afraid to move. Everything hurt. This was difficult for me because I’m used to being myself again after 2 days. She’s a great eater and I feel like feeding her is all I do sometimes.
I live in a wonderful neighborhood with great ladies who have made us meals and made sure we were comfortable for our first two weeks at home. I’m forever grateful and will remember this special time I get to spend at home with my little ones. The boys love their little sister and want to hold her all the time. My husband is still working crazy hours, but I’m glad his night shifts are finally over (for now).
I’m staying busy with my splitcoaststampers designs – I’m committed to do 6 cards per month so I apologize for not making/posting anything new here recently. I’m half way done with my term – I’ve got 3 more months to go and then I’ll be able to slowly share everything I’ve made for them. I wish I could share them as I make them!
I’m also suffering from pregnancy-induced carpel tunnel. My hands/fingers are going numb and tingling just about every 5 minutes of doing anything repetitive. Makes holding the baby difficult at times. Each time I sit down to craft, it takes at least two hours between letting my hands rest and tending to a needy baby. I’m hoping it will resolve itself soon as it should but it’s so disheartening after 3 weeks to still have these symptoms.
Aside from this, things are going great. I’m sure you’re wanting to see some pictures – so here’s two of Lyla that I got from our infant photographer. Lyla is 2 weeks old in these photos and I have to say – she is definitely a difficult one. It took 2 days driving 45 mins away (that’s 3 hours of driving time!) and over 6 hours to capture these shots because she would not sleep deeply enough to stage her. They are SO worth it, though!
This photo of Lyla in the balloon prop took over 2 1/2 hours on the second morning we were there to take! NO KIDDING!
I made a quick card this morning while Lyla was napping. It’s for the monthly challenge for the LiveLoveCards.com community featuring butterflies. I included butterflies…so it counts! hehe. By quick – I mean simple – no nifty techniques. Just straight stamping :). This stamp set is from Stampin’ Up! called Garden In Bloom. It’s a layering set that also stamps to give a watercolor effect. The blotchy stamping is intentional :).
I used a round die to pencil a circle on my card front so I could stamp in a wreath arrangement with various outline stamps in black ink and then filled the space with corresponding solid stamps using various colors of SU ink.
To complete the card, I used a Wonky Stitch Rectangle die from My Favorite Things and layered the card front over some Melon Mambo cardstock.
Hope you all enjoy! Until next time!
SUPPLIES:
*Disclaimer: I am not being paid by any company to promote their products. I make cards using stamp sets and materials which I love and I love to share. To view where these items can be purchased, click on the linked abbreviations below (SU for Stampin’ Up!, SSS for Simon Says Stamp, EH for Ellen Hutson, AMZN for Amazon, LF for Lawn Fawn, MFT for My Favorite Things, etc.).
![]() Garden In Bloom |
![]() SSS Nested Circles |
![]() Memento Tuxedo Black Ink |
![]() So Saffron Ink |
![]() Pumpkin Pie Ink |
![]() Melon Mambo Ink |
![]() Rose Red Ink |
![]() Marina Mist Ink |
![]() Old Olive Ink |
![]() Wild Wasabi Ink |
![]() MFT Wonky Stitched Rectangle STAX |
![]() White/Gray Big Shot |
![]() Big Shot Magnetic Platform |
![]() Standard Cutting Pads |
![]() Melon Mambo Cardstock |
![]() Neenah Solar White 80 lb |
![]() Recollections 110 lb |
![]() ATG Gun |
![]() MISTI – Laser Etched |
![]() Teflon Bone Folder |
![]() Martha Stewart Mini Scoring Board |
![]() Absorber |
Oh, dear Caly, first of all, I saw this photo of Layla on Instagram and fell in love with it! She’s such a darling, and while it took a lot of time, it was well worth it (and I know you feel the same now that it’s done). I’m so sorry for the carpel tunnel and will be praying that it resolves quickly. That’s a terrible side-effect that I’ve not heard of before. And oh my, what a rough delivery. You certainly had a difficult time, but I praise God for the safe delivery of Layla. And what a joy to see the boys love on their new sister! Must be heartwarming! So glad that you DH is no longer on the nightshift for now. That’s so hard on you all. Yes, after six months you can slowly show off your DD work each month as it passes. It will be fun to see them here. But I’ve been pinning some already. Your work is beautiful, and I love this card you’ve shared. I have this set and will have to use it now. I’m expecting this new Wonky Rectangles die set. It’s been on backorder for a while, so I snatched it up quickly. I love it! Beautifully done, as always! Sending hugs and so delighted to see this post. But don’t worry about how often you do. We’ll be here! xoxo
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Thanks, Cheryl! Lyla has been the biggest blessing through everything! I feel like every challenge and hardship is worth it for a healthy little girl! ❤ Sounds like you do a lot of cards with stamps (all I see on your blog is ones made with digital images!) – you need to share them on instagram and on your blog! I'd love to see your creations! Thanks for all your encouragement! Big SQUOOSHY hugs!
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When you “like” on your blog, I need to come and see what you’ve said. Sorry! But I know Lyla must be a big blessing and is being loved by you all. Yes, my blog this past year plus has been with mostly the Power Poppy digis. But I have a couple with real stamps in there too…hehe! I have posted one card on Instagram so far. I finally took the leap. It takes extra time, and I’ve been so busy with lots of other things. Big SQUOOSHY hugs back to you, mom! Happy Mother’s Day on Sunday! xoxo
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Congratulations she is definitely gorgeous! God Bless you and your family and may you heal of anything that has been left behind be healthy we love you take your time we’re all still here !
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Thanks so much!
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Congratulations Caly for your sweet Lyla and for your beautiful family. I do not speak English and I translate with google, sorry!
I always watch your videos and i admire your talent.
greetings from France
Maria
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Merci beaucoup, Maria!
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