Thursday, March 31, 2011

I Swaddle. Therefore I Am.

Mr FF's colleagues sent me these flowers. Aren't they nice? I love it how flowers these days arrive in vases. So much better than having to arrange them yourself.
They're from Phoebe. Of course. Apparently she used to action the flowers at Buckingham Palace.
Here's a soothing vignette from the Fuschiadome. Not to be confused with a vinaigrette that you'd douse a salad with.
Do you love Liberty fabric as much as I do? It's so pretty.
My Mum's whipping up a Liberty smock dress arrangement for Niece FF who arrives from yonder shortly. I wish I could sew things.
Last night a cast of thousands descended for dinner. Luckily I'd never ever knowingly undercater and had made enough retrolicious Bolognaise circa 1977 with tinned champignions to feed the 8th Regiment.
Up until recently I'd never turned my mind to Swaddling or Muslins. ( Not to be confused with Muslims.) These days you can hardly move without hitting a muslin wrap round these here parts and I can action a muslin swaddle arrangement like No One's Business. Even in the middle of the night. While Half Asleep. Doesn't my baby's nose look cute?
Meanwhile I'm still actioning polish when I can

But some things have been neglected. Like these cushions.
My sister and her family arrive from Honkers tomorrow so Nephew FF can meet his new cousin. You can imagine my Mother's excitement. And mine too- I can't wait!!

xxxxxx
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51 comments:

  1. hostess of the humble bungalowMarch 31, 2011 at 3:50 PM

    Oh FF everything looks lovely and amazing...you must be getting your rest if you are actioning polish...nevermind the pillows!
    It's so exciting that your sister is on her way to visit...it will be fun to see how your niece reacts to baby FF!
    Hugs from here...
    Hostess
    XO

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  2. shu shuMarch 31, 2011 at 4:05 PM

    Swaddle is one of my favourite words. I often swaddle my cat in a purple rug, she loves it I swear. I'd loved to be swaddled in a rug during winter.

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  3. brismodMarch 31, 2011 at 4:12 PM

    There is nothing more retro than tinned champignons. Soon you'll be making flummery set in a jelly mould.

    Your little one looks so little in your arms! xx

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  4. Kate BMarch 31, 2011 at 4:14 PM

    FF You know my thoughts on swaddling and in this heat which is laughingly called autumn Muslin rules!
    Knowing how well you wrap things it is no surprise that Prince FF is so elegantly wrapped.
    Kate Bx

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  5. SiobhanMarch 31, 2011 at 4:24 PM

    I let out a big laugh just now as I thought "Oh, how cute is that nose?!" then read your comment!

    Your house must be buzzing with excitement at the pending arrival of your family. Happy days!

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  6. AnonymousMarch 31, 2011 at 4:26 PM

    FF
    You will not regret that swaddling - I was a hardcore swaddler till those babies of mine were 8 months old. have you spied Rachel Zoe's babe - he is little and cute and she looks like she was never pregnant
    http://pics.rachelzoe.com/
    I love your leopard print pants (pj pants ???) - very glam. Where did you buy - I think I might need them for my trip to Europe in July.
    How exciting that the Hong Kong crew are coming out to meet Baby FF. Those two boy cousins are so close in age - lovely.
    India

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  7. That's Not My AgeMarch 31, 2011 at 4:55 PM

    I love Liberty prints and I love your leopard print dressing gown. Keep on swaddling!

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  8. Heavenly IngredientsMarch 31, 2011 at 6:01 PM

    what a special time for your family. hope it is wonderful x

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  9. My Four Pretty GirlsMarch 31, 2011 at 6:21 PM

    Hi FF,
    I'm so pleased that you are embracing swaddling baby FF. My daughter did it for quite a long time, and her little boy just loved it, and he just seemed to know that when the muslin was wrapped around him it was time to sleep.
    So pleased that all is well for you, and how exciting that your sister is arriving soon. It will be such a lovely family time. xx

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  10. freefallingMarch 31, 2011 at 6:25 PM

    I used some muslin to strain apples for green apple jelly yesterday, but I like your muslin action much better.

    (and I love tinned champignons!)

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  11. MilenaMarch 31, 2011 at 6:43 PM

    You both look adorable! Superior cooking! I always loved so much when my grandma sewed things for me, my mom even kept some so my daughter can wear them. I also wish I could sew.

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  12. PaulaMarch 31, 2011 at 6:44 PM

    Having seen the photos from the recent days I not only get the impression that you are a beautfiul familiy, but that you are not likely to show us your son the way you showed us your nephew. I hardly found the cute nose on the photo above. I try to understand, why did you show your nephew's face to public but not your son's face?
    Your sister must have the same concerns you have, no?

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  13. curiousMarch 31, 2011 at 7:04 PM

    Did you see that reissued range of Liberty Tana Lawn watches? I was showing my girls some of their baby clothes the other day, including hand smocked Liberty tana lawn dresses made my sister (not me, who can not sew). Gorgeous. Glad that you are keeping up standards with that stunning bun in the photo. Oh, that baby looks pretty polished and perfect too!

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  14. DGreenMarch 31, 2011 at 7:19 PM

    I love the colours of the flowers from Mr FF's colleagues, I am having a family gathering on Sunday for Mother's Day here in the UK and I am going to make these colours my theme.

    My Granny was a great sewer, knitter and could crochet like a dream, unfortunately the only skill she passed onto me is the cooking one. I still miss her x

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  15. Faux FuchsiaMarch 31, 2011 at 7:39 PM

    Paula, my sister doesn't mind her kid being on the blog because she lives in a foreign country and is not known about the traps here. I however see this as a blog about the stuff I do, and my interests and am very protective of my baby. I would never put the faces of people on this blog without their consent. It's not appropriate for me to show the baby's face. Maybe one day I'll change my mind but not for the moment.

    India the leopard pjs were $9 from Big W at Chermside! Run Don't Walk.

    Curious must look for lawn watches pronto.

    Love Me x

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  16. Annie ~ Red Roses and CrystalMarch 31, 2011 at 8:28 PM

    Muslin swaddling must be the new black.
    How lovely that your family is arriving soon FF. Excitement levels must be seriously high at your house.
    I can sew but positively detest actioning it although I did make most of my first child's clothes until the age of 2 when my second bub arrived. Here was my excuse to cease production at the sewing machine. Too busy you understand. Although I did cave in and create ballet costumes and school fancy dress costumes.
    Nothing wrong with the cushion placement, it resembles my own arrangement at the mo.
    xx

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  17. Beautiful HouseMarch 31, 2011 at 8:35 PM

    Beautiful flowers, so glad you are actioning polish, I love your photo holding baby FF.x

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  18. LouMarch 31, 2011 at 9:36 PM

    I remember hiding under my mother's bed in the mid seventies in an attempt to escape her beef stroganoff concoction that contained, erkk, tinned champignons. Put me off "mushrooms" for a long while. Maybe your little boy's nose is like a little champignon!

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  19. MissFlissyMarch 31, 2011 at 9:45 PM

    This may sound silly but you have really inspired me in the short time you have had your little one into believing that being a Mother doesn't mean I will lose my identity, be in a feral mess or look like I have been hit by a bus. I love that you "action" the same life that you did without your baby and seem to have maintained your life while accommodating his. This is really SO nice to see. You hear so many horror stories and rarely nice ones like this so thank you, FF. :-) P.S LOVE those Pj's!!!

    -Felicity

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  20. Linda Back in CanberraMarch 31, 2011 at 9:52 PM

    Dear Ms FF, Whoosh! I went straight back to Hong Kong in the 1970s to my Mum's spag bol (except we didn't know this abbreviation then). Retrodelicious indeed! All food is tastier when it is associated with happy memories. That IS a cute nose. I bet you and your mum are counting the hours until your sisters arrive with their families. Cousins are the best pressies to give one's nieces and nephews. Before you know it they will be racing around together, happy as clams at the high-water mark! Super swaddling - bet Descartes couldn't action something so competent. Lindaxxx

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  21. ReneeMarch 31, 2011 at 10:07 PM

    FF, just a few things ... Baby FF is gorgeous, you look fabulous from what I could see in the mirror shot, you must be so excited to see your sister and nephew plus I can't help but get excited to read that another person still stocks their pantry with and utilizes champignons. As always, wishing you the very best! X

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  22. Linda C.March 31, 2011 at 10:09 PM

    Dear FF, you must be doing really well because you are Hilarious!

    Yes, your baby's nose is as cute as the proverbial button.

    I've just learnt to sew so I can "action" grandma sewing, just like your mother.

    Best Wishes to all the family.

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  23. Alicia - Sea Of GhostsMarch 31, 2011 at 11:04 PM

    Tonight I told my friend I needed to action some tea. It came out of my mouth without a moment's thought or hesitation. You're contagious, FF.

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  24. Mrs. ExeterMarch 31, 2011 at 11:06 PM

    Swaddling is excellent - my daughter could never sleep if her arms were free to flap about - babies love it. I'm glad your friends and family are keeping you supplied with floral tribute - how lovely :) Your sisters must be just dying to meet their new nephew.

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  25. Alison CrossMarch 31, 2011 at 11:17 PM

    Swaddling v important. Otherwise they batter themselves with their little fists and waken themselves up - or scratch their perfect little skins.

    Glad to see the OPI back out and on duty at FFs!

    Ali x

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  26. LPCApril 1, 2011 at 12:29 AM

    Baby FF makes the PERFECT accessory:). Seriously. How cute is his nose?

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  27. AnonymousApril 1, 2011 at 12:59 AM

    Your baby is beautiful and I'm with you on not showing his face completely. I worry when I see faces and names of children on some blogs. You seem to be managing beautifully and I love that your Mum is there and actioning sewing - takes me back. Watch and learn and you will be able to sew too :) Love the photo of you looking so glam with your little one.
    V

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  28. AnonymousApril 1, 2011 at 4:32 AM

    You keep that baby to yourself, no need for you to be showing his face...der! I love the fact we never see your face, clever's what I call it. Looking glam as ever, you go girl :) nice feet too, or does that sound a bit pervy? yikes. Glad you're keeping up standards, too many let them slip. If I could send flowers I would, but I cant so I wont. Blossom hereabouts are just wonderful, so that's what I would send. Very best wishes...South Coast Blighty x

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  29. AnonymousApril 1, 2011 at 7:45 AM

    You make it all seem so easy, dinner for many, painted nails, blog writing. And you seem so relaxed and confident. Good for you! I was a mess and still find parenting highly challenging even five years later. Enjoy it you're lucky! Very cute nose indeed.

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  30. AmandaApril 1, 2011 at 8:19 AM

    Champignons!! Had forgotten all about those tasty little morsels - have added them to the "hunting and gathering" list!! I feel an excursion to Big W may also be in order - love having a wander around there. Love seeing little girls in Liberty. Have a lovely time with your family xx

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  31. AnonymousApril 1, 2011 at 8:35 AM

    Your swaddled bundle of love looks so tiny & gorgeous! I have some Phoebe Stephens flowers coming my way this arvo - can't hardly wait. Whilst my girls were newborn as long as I could keep polish on my toe nails I was happy, sometimes you're just too busy with baby stuff to keep the finger nails done. Lucky you having a Mum that can sew, look forward to seeing what she whips up for Prince FF. Enjoy your family visit, Cheers Robyn

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  32. BODECI bodyApril 1, 2011 at 9:14 AM

    Nothing like a pedicure and flowers for a new mommy.

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  33. AnonymousApril 1, 2011 at 9:16 AM

    You truely are a superwoman !!! Entertaining a crowd, mastering swaddling (I never got the hang of it) and still managing to blog - I dips my lid to ya.
    A belated congratulations to you both on the birth of your precious son. Enjoy every minute and "don't sweat the small stuff" xx

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  34. Belle de VilleApril 1, 2011 at 9:48 AM

    I be willing to bet that you never knowingly underswaddle!

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  35. AnonymousApril 1, 2011 at 11:57 AM

    Thanks FF
    Running off to Chermside this weekend.

    India x

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  36. AnonymousApril 1, 2011 at 1:12 PM

    FF if the muslin cloths stop being effective swaddling material check out Woombies. They are designed to mimick the womb and wont let little arms escape the way they can from muslin wraps.

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  37. Make Do StyleApril 1, 2011 at 6:15 PM

    Oh I love the last photo at the end. The joy a baby brings is unquantifiable. You & baby FF look a dream ticket. I've just given everything up in some respects to spend time with the petit garcon because I love him so much.

    Swaddling is the cutest thing ever - can you believe it went out of fashion once..

    xx

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  38. KittyCateApril 1, 2011 at 8:51 PM

    That little swaddled bundle with his cute wee nose just makes me melt! He is beyond precious. You're looking pretty damn amazing too! xx

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  39. PaddyApril 1, 2011 at 9:05 PM

    FF, you know I'm a fan. But respect grows with every post. Especially now that you've Let Standards Slip in the pillow department and prepared to reveal all, in capital letters, for our amusement. Well played to the person who picked up the leopard print jarmies.

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  40. JennyApril 2, 2011 at 7:18 AM

    It was nice to see a pic you and the baby FF. There was a real sense of calm and contentment about this post. Happy days! ;-)

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  41. AnonymousApril 2, 2011 at 8:36 AM

    I just found Faux Fuschia - recommended to me by the sister of a friend of a friend of yours in Melbourne. How could I have missed it? I LUFF it!

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  42. Couture and Cantankerous CatsApril 2, 2011 at 12:25 PM

    Congrats FF, you are a legend and baby FF is adorable. I am in awe of your cooking skills and glamour post baby.
    PS I think Phoebe Stephens is the best florist in Brisbane

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  43. good intention paving co.April 2, 2011 at 1:12 PM

    I love little girls in a handmade liberty print, so lovely. I wish I could sew. My mum also has skills but it would seem they didn't rub off on me. Am so impressed that you are catering for the masses, well done!

    The little swaddled one looks so cuddly! Good work your excellent swaddling skills. Proves that you are a natural.

    x

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  44. AnonymousApril 2, 2011 at 7:28 PM

    Beautiful post! Very much hoping you'll show us the finished liberty print dress! xx

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  45. AnonymousApril 2, 2011 at 9:40 PM

    Congrats! And I'm glad swaddling works for you. My daughter HATED it and would bust out of the swaddle like the Incredible Hulk. (I guess being 10 pounds at birth makes you able to do stuff like that.)

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  46. SunlightApril 3, 2011 at 12:17 PM

    oooh the swaddling is so cute. I had no idea that was back in fashion. Its much nicer than a blanket.

    I thought I might tell you this as I know you like royals. My parents are currently on holiday in Seville. On Friday they were at the cathedral, suddenly all these police came in and then Charles and Camilla walked in to have a look. Then later on they saw him again at the Alcazar. If my mother turned paparazzo (highly likely) & took some sneaky photos of them i'll pass them on to you for a blog exclusive.

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  47. Faux FuchsiaApril 3, 2011 at 12:49 PM

    Sunlight- so exciting xxx

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  48. AnonymousApril 3, 2011 at 4:16 PM

    Hi FF

    I'm also mum to a new born and am curious as to what other mums are doing and feeling etc. Would you consider doing a post about feeding bub, sleeping techniques, what you do during the day, when/if you plan to go back to work, what form of childcare you will consider, and if you are comfortable a post with your labour story

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  49. Faux FuchsiaApril 3, 2011 at 7:55 PM

    Hi Anon

    I'm not going to do a post about feeding or sleeping or my birth story because these are all intensely personal. I loved how the birth went, and it was a very very happy day.

    I am going back to work when the baby is older and I have not decided conclusively on childcare options at this stage.

    I think that a new mum should do what suits her and her personal circumstances- what works for me wouldn't necessarily suit someone else.

    During the day I play with the baby, feed him, have visitors over, meet people for coffee, go shopping, cook, action domestic stuff, read- basically the stuff I did before the baby.

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  50. TracyApril 4, 2011 at 2:07 AM

    This reminded me of you: Martha Stewart Pies and Tarts Pop-up Shop. http://newyork.seriouseats.com/2011/03/martha-stewarts-pies-and-tarts-pop-up-shop.html

    Martha Stewart + frugal prices + baking = FF!

    Too bad it's in New York and that it's already done.

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  51. BeckApril 4, 2011 at 8:14 AM

    Good for you FF....these are happy days indeed!! Beck x

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