Birthday girl!

Well little Miss Trouble is now 2 years old! She spent her birthday doing all of her favourite things. She ate pancakes for breakfast, went for a family cycle on the back of her dad's bike followed by a trip to her favourite park. She came home for a nap then some family and friends came over for a small party. It was a much smaller affair than last year but exactly what Erin wanted and we all had a lovely time.

'The' cake

cautious as ever

I had to make her birthday cake (those who know me will realise this was my first ever attempt at baking) as you can't seem to buy nut free ones anywhere. It turned out OK in the end so it's given me the push I needed to start baking properly so Erin can eat things at family celebrations, my nephew has booked me to do his birthday cake next!  Erin is a bit of a funny stick though and doesn't like to open presents, she will peak in if you open a corner but refuses to rip open any wrapping paper! Thankfully her big cousin Hayley is quite practised at opening pressies so she gave her a helping hand. She is delighted with her many new toys and particuarly impressed with her new dressing up outfits and I think she makes a very cute fairy.

Happy fairy

birthday fairy

 We've been enjoying the last few weeks of Erin being so well and full of energy. We've had a few day trips out recently, Erin particularly enjoyed chasing butterflies as you can see below.

Still a Daddy's girl

Chasing butterflies

She enjoyed a couple of days away with her Gran and Papa McIlvaney at their holiday caravan, as luck would have it we joined them on the weekend for an overnight and had some glorious weather and got to splash in the North Sea!

Taking Poppy for a walk

We are hoping to go to the British Transplant games in a months time, taking place in Kent, England as part of Leeds Children's team. To raise much needed funds for the team Erin is going to walk a lap of Lanark Loch on Sunday the 29th July. This is a 1 mile walk which may not sound far but it will be a big challenge for a toddler who is easily distracted by dogs and play parks!

The British Transplant games is a yearly event run by Transplant Sport UK. It allows all transplant children, together with their brothers and sisters to take part in a variety of sports including cycling, canoeing, sailing and tennis. For younger children events include running, jumping, obstacle courses etc.
The event is also open to children of adults who have had transplants, so making this a social event where all children can forget the pressures of living in what can be difficult situations, and play sport where they may have found it difficult before.

It also gives the parents the chance to have some time to discuss issues with others in the same situation.
The team philosophy is to have a good time and celebrate the Gift of Life our children have been given. It is a great oppertunity for families to meet, where children effected by organ transplant can socialise and see the benefits of an active life.

Sooooooo if you would like to sponsor Erin for her walk you can do so via the following link http://www.justgiving.com/erinslap We have already received so much support, thanks to all who have sponsored her!

Fun with her cousins

waiting for Daddy to get home