Meant for and made for

Usually the animals I make are not actually made for the people who end up with them. The first turtle I ever made now sits on top of the coffee machine that makes my morning coffee. I had just finished it on the train to work and when I went to pick up my coffee from my lovely barista I knew it was meant for her. Turns out that one of her close friend's nickname is turtle and they were talking, just before I arrived, about how much they were missing her.



The 2nd turtle I made I was determined to keep. The day I finished it I get a message from our close friend, they've had to put their puppy to sleep. Amber had been fighting (boy did she fight - brave girl) lymphoma for 6 months and they just couldn't keep watching her suffer.



When my niece asked if she could have a giraffe I was unsure if it would ever happen. A few times I've had request or even gone to make something for a specific person and it's ended up either not made or with someone else. Bean was quite specific about the colours and I guess Thomas really wanted his cousin to have one of his friends.


This is 'little purple' with the turtle Thomas gave Grandma

People you meet

One of the strangest experiences, for me, in this ivf journey is the lack of peer support during the process. The midwives and doctors have been amazing - available and supportive throughout the whole process. One of the key elements is the monitoring of your hormones which is done vi a blood tests. It's such an isolating experience you turn up to the clinic between 7-8 and write your name on the list. There can be as many as 20 women waiting for blood on any given day and NO ONE talks! Occasionally Kris will come with me and we find ourselves whispering to each other rather than use normal voices. I've always found is so weird because we're obviously all there for the same reason and it could be a built in support group but it's so serous and quiet. Except for Di. Di is the lady who takes the blood. She's an older lady and exceptionally compassionate and the perfect antedote to that austere waiting room.

This little guy keeps her company and greets me every time I go in for blood (I really wish I didn't have to go so often :( )