The one where she has a glass of wine.

Ok, I'm going to have to fess up here.. I was intending to write a great big long post, but I can't. I just can't. Because I have had two glasses of wine and whilst I'm still perfectly sober, I wouldn't want to be in charge of a car and I don't think I should be in charge of a blog either. If for no other reason than my mother keeps sneaking on and reading this, and she'd tut and roll her eyes. So, I shall try to keep this short! (but no promises!)

First off,  I finished this quilt about a week ago.

It's for a very special friend of mine. Ages ago, just before all the crap really started, I mentioned that someone I cared very much for had had some bad news. At the time I didn't feel that I should go into it, but she's told me she doesn't mind if I share it here.
I met her at a mother and baby group that I went to when Bella was tiny and we quickly discovered that we had a lot in common, and I quickly discovered that not only is she the kindest, most thoughtful person I know, but she is also the absolute funniest. This girl could make you spit out your drink in polite company!
There are 19 days between our girls birthdays and we insist (yes insist) that they are the best of friends. Which means frequently ignoring the scratching and biting! Ack, I'm sure we've all wanted to bite our bestfriend at some point (actually Grainne, I can't think of a time - can you??).
Anyway, in July she found out that she was pregnant with her second child. Which was wonderful news that had a much bigger affect on Jim and I than we would have expected. We had been talking about trying for another baby for a long time but we were scared and kept chickening out. However, when she told us the news, we were both jealous. Very jealous.

And we realised that now was the perfect time and that we should just go for it. And we did. And it worked!
But here's the thing. The day that we found out that I was pregnant, my friend found out that she was going to lose her baby. She had been for a scan and found that the baby was not growing.
And we all had a truly shit week. She tried so hard to be excited for us and we tried so hard to ignore our excitement. We were all heartbroken.
But do you know what she said to me? She said that if either of us was going to lose our baby, she would rather it was her, because she's never had any problem with getting pregnant and I've already lost 3. Can you imagine?
The following thursday, we looked after her daughter, whilst she went in to hospital and lost her baby.
Exactly a week later, to the day, she looked after Bella whilst we went to hospital to be told that I had a coexisting ectopic pregnancy as well as the normal one. And she looked after Bella the following Thursday when we went to hospital to be told that neither pregnancy was viable.
I lost my baby exactly 19 days after she lost hers. There were  19 days between the first being born and 19 days between the second being lost.
And through it all we have both laughed (a lot) together and cried together and most of all sworn together. But whilst I am incredibly grateful to have her by my side, I would give anything for her not to have gone through it with me.
I'm not able to take away her pain, but I would like to at least make her a bit more comfortable as she lies on her sofa with a glass of wine in her hand, so I made her this quilt. It's one of the most important things I've made.

And because Christmas is only 3 months away (how the hell did that happen???) I've started on the christmas range. These two stockings accompanied the christmas cats to the US.

And finally, (because that third glass is calling to me and then all bets are off!), I recieved a wonderful package this morning from Jhoanna .
This is the absolutely beautiful Freya!

Oh my, if Jhoanna puts more of her dolls up for sale, you should definately buy one. They are perfect. Perfect in every way. I had originally thought that Bella might have her, but now that she's here, she's all mine I'm afraid.
Included in the package were these beautiful fabrics!

How beautiful are they? I. Love. Them!
And as if that wasn't enough, Jhoanna also included these magazines.

Thank you so very much Jhoanna, I really do love it all. And I'm so sorry that I haven't been in touch about my side of the swap. I will get to the post office this week. I promise! Although, now I'm worried that you won't love my package as much as I love yours!!!

That's all for tonight - Jim's just upped the ante by coming in with a packet of chocolate Hobnobs!!

Comments

[Kristy]

I didn't know there was an alcohol limit on blogging I must be more careful!
Who can resist a man bearing chocolate hob-nobs?
Aren't Jhoannas toys lovely we have one of her Schermpis and an elephant!
So glad to hear to have had such a lovely friend to support you through all this.

[lla]

Sounds like you have truly found a sister! We should all be so lucky as to have such a dear friend, and it does seem as if karma (or something) is keeping you linked cosmically...

The quilt and the stockings lovely - glad to see you crafting again! Enjoy some wine and HobNobs for me, won't you???

[June]

I am so very sorry about your friend's loss as well as yours--what a horribly devastating time for all of you. And the synchronicity involved is very scary!

Love the quilt--and think it's so wonderful of you to make this for her.

About the intoxicated blogging concept: I guess I could learn how to drink so I could be an intoxicated blog reader to help you balance the whole thing--that's the least I can do as a blog-reading friend.

[Patricia]

I'm so sorry for both of you. I miscarried last December.

[Mirre]

What moving story about your friend... hope your beautiful quilt will bring comfort to you all!!

[kath]

So good you're back posting. Dear friends are rare and so special - what a genuine and unique bond you share with your friend. It's obvious that you yourself are very kind, thoughtful and funny - your quilt is just beautiful! Hmm..I fear I'm no longer a "lurker" - because I'm compelled to respond to all your posts lately.

[rebecca]

I cant begin to imagine what you have all been going through. Pleased that you have managed to find some comfort in each other and what a lovely way to show her how much you care.

[meg]

I've missed you, Manda! It's good to "hear" you again. What a great quilt; it's sure to be well loved.

[tuscanycastlegirl]

I am glad that you have such a wonderful friend....you two sound so good for each other...just what each other needs.
Love the backing on your quilt. very special.

[molly]

what a blessing to have a friend like that. i'm so glad you were able to share the story behind the quilt. what a beautiful, heartfelt project. it looks fantastic.

[Keri]

A beautiful quilt (it looks like perfection- I LOVE the back) for a beautiful friendship.

[Toni]

That is a beautiful quilt, and a beautiful story behind it. How priceless to have the support of each other through such heartwrenching times. You're in my thoughts dear Manda.

[Grainne]

We have been having broadband problems too. We were off-line for three days because of a rain storm - I felt so isolated.

I was thrilled to see you back on-line when I checked this morning. The quilt is absolutely beautiful. I'm sure it will be treasured forever. You must be a great comfort to each other.

I love the Christmas stockings. Talking of Christmas, we are thinking of taking a trip into the Leeds area while we are in England over Christmas. Can you recommend a good place to stay?

No, there was definitely no biting or hair pulling when we were little, but there probably would have been if we had known each other at 18 months old! We had obviously grown out of that stage by the time we were 3!

[capello]

The quilt is perfectly lovely. Your strength and perspective through the past few months is amazing. You are such a strong person.

[shelly]

What a fantastic and special quilt. Thank you for being so open these past posts and sharing so much with us. You have put some things for me in perspective and I thank you.

[raspberryfairy]

Knowing someone else so close to you that you have shared the same experience is something I wish I could have had :( You are so strong, and so is your friend, I'm sure that over a period of time you will get what you desire the most :)
And that pink flowery fabric is divine!!!!!

[samantha]

no wonder you are having that third glass of wine. I get goose bumps when I read about things like the 19 days. it does put things into perspective. love the quilt.

[julie]

The quilt is beautiful - as is your friendship!!! Its wonderful that you have each other too!!
And the doll is gorgeous!!

[Chris Howard]

It brings a tear to my eye. Manda, you have been through so much yourself, and yet you always think of others. That quilt was stitched with love, and I know it will bring warmth and comfort to your friend. You are a brave, beautiful woman, and you keep writing this blog wine or no wine!

[Sue]

What a beautiful post about 2 wonderful people going through the same thing. It is awful going through that heartache on your own, but at least there is someone who understands your pain very well, and you can help each other through it. I absolutely loved the little doll that you received too, how adorable, and I am sure it wont stay yours for too long either.