When does Toddlerhood start?

This week Cora has started walking.  It has been six weeks since she took those first unsteady steps between two adults she trusts, but only six days since she started really walking.  There were weeks of nervous steps between people or furniture but this week she has decided she is happier on foot and has barely crawled since she made the decision.  She still looks a little wobbly, still falls over a lot, especially on uneven surfaces and she still looks immensely proud of every step she takes.

With eleven little white teeth filling Cora's mouth, her smile looks much older than her brothers at the same age.  Her hair is just about long enough to make little pigtails and she loves playing peekaboo.  From the outside Cora looks very much like a toddler.

When she curls up in my lap for milk, her eyelashes fluttering as she slowly falls into a land of dreams, her chubby little hands resting delicately on my top, her legs tucked up so that she is fully encased in my arms, her chest rising and falling next to mine, she seems so small still, a baby.

At 13 months Cora isn't talking yet but she is definitely understanding more and more.  She is trying to master a spoon and fork with varying success and she is getting pretty good at climbing.  Sleep is still a challenge and she is far from sleeping 'through the night'. She eats food on her terms and breastfeeds regularly.  It feels like she swaps between being a baby and a toddler several times a day and I think we are now in that transitional phase.

Each of my babies have been so different at this same age, some definitely entering the world of toddlerhood, others were definitely still babies.  I think the baby / toddler divide is determined more by milestones than age, and I am sad that my last baby is leaving behind another stage, that I will never have a little baby of my own again.  I love this little toddler that she is becoming though, so determined, so funny, so inquisitive.  

Where do you think the divide between baby and toddler lies?

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Travelling with the Pacapod

We recently went skiing and during our hunt for the perfect travelling baby bag, we discovered Pacapod.  I needed a bag big enough to cope with two under two and our hand luggage as well as being comfortable to carry with a baby in a sling.  The Hastings bag fitted every criteria, being spacious, easy to access and able to be worn as a shoulder bag or back pack as well as attached to a buggy.

Pacapod kindly sent us one to take away with us and we have been using it a lot over the last couple of months.  Pacapod's most unique feature is the pods that each of their bags contains.  Inside the main zipped pocket, there are two waterproof zipped pods, labelled 'change pod' and 'feeder pod'.  Each one has a handle so it can be attached to a pram or carried easily if you don't want to take out your whole changing bags and they are easy to grab on the go.

As Cora is breastfed and we tend to have a seperate snack bag for all the children together, we have ended up with a pod for each child.  When  we went away, we managed to fit in 5 disposable nappies, a pack of wipes, a few nappy sacks and a spare change of clothes in each pod, meaning I could grab Cora's pod when I needed to change her.  We have kept up this system as it means if I pop out with just Cora, I can leave Finn's pod at home for whoever has him.

The bag come with three easy ways to carry it, there is a long strap to make it a shoulder bag, which can feed through without any playing around to make it into a backpack.  There are also two pieces that mean it can hang off of any buggy making it really flexible.  This is my go-to back for babywearing as I find it easy to use with a sling on my front.

I love the style of this bag - it was perfect for our ski trip but the nautical colours will be ideal for summer holidays too, and of course it is a great changing bag to have for everyday use with all the inner pockets, easy access and a zip and clip fastening.

The Hastings bag comes in two colours and is available on the Pacapod website for £72.

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Little Tikes Playmat review

Cora has quite a few toys - the wonders of being a fourth baby, but her absolute favourite so far is her Little Tikes playmat.  She loves lying on her back batting and chewing the toys that dangle from it and staring at the toucan on the top.

We started her on the playmat at only a few weeks old and whilst she couldn't reach the toys, she was fascinated with the bird.  There is a switch on the back that makes it move over the arch and it was brilliant watching her tracking it.  The mat seems to be growing with her as she develops and the bar moves down to make it the perfect height for tummy time too.  As she gets a bit stronger, we will sit her up so that she can play with the toys that way too.

The mat comes with a selection of toys including a mirror - but that is rarely hanging on the bar as her youngest big brother has taken quite a fancy to it and comes and removes it for her.  All the toys can be taken off and rearranged and you can add anything else too.

One feature that we haven't used much is the vibrating bar.  Under the mat there is a bar that can vibrate to calm the baby and it is operated by a simple switch.  Cora wasn't overly bothered or comforted by it, but I know some babies really respond well to this.

This is a really great mat and I would completely recommend it.  Cora will happily play for ages lying there and the boys love rearranging the toys for her (and pinching them).  It grows well with her and comes with a booster pillow for when baby starts off doing tummy time too. We love that Little Tikes now have a baby range as it is the same quality we know and expect from the brand. 

As well as playmats, Little Tikes have a whole range of baby products from simple rattles to activity gyms for children of all ages.

Disclaimer : Collaborative post

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Finn and I

It began with a struggle, coming to terms with a third baby growing inside me, a baby so so wanted, but so so unplanned as well.  The bond wasn't instant, I felt tiredness more than love, and it took a while for it to sink in that this was a third little person growing inside of me.

I worried throughout the pregnancy that I hadn't spent enough time enjoying the moment, but that is what happens when you have two small toddlers running around.  With my first, I would relax in the bath every evening, telling my growing bump about my day, singing songs that he heard so often they calmed him instantly as a newborn and getting to know the tiny soul.  With Finn, my baths at the end of the day were to calm me down and help me sleep, he heard my voice and my songs as I sung to his brothers, but little attention was his own.

I found out at twenty weeks that I was growing a third little boy, and I started to plan for him,  thinking  of names, choosing clothes and things for his room, but still I didn't feel as connected as I had the first time.

When labour began, I went into my own little zone, suddenly it was just me and him, and everything seemed so real.  I was excited, exhausted, in pain and in love all at the same time.  It wasn't long until I was holding this child in my arms, so much smaller and more fragile than I remember the other boys being, so perfect and beautiful, a surprise that we had been anticipating for months.  I loved him from the beginning, I always had, but now it was different, he was so real and I was smitten.

I acted the same way all new parents do, counting those tiny digits, watching his face screw up to scream and relax as he was comforted.  I didn't want to let go, to put him down, he snuggled into me and I stayed awake as he slept on my chest, the bloke snoring away next to us after a sleepless night.  I counted my blessings, longing to see my other babies, to have our family complete and  together, to see the wonder in their little faces, to see their reactions.

We had to stay in overnight, and as much as I was desperate to take my baby home, I looked at it as time to bond, without anyone else to disrupt us.  We had a private room and whilst conditions were not ideal as Finn had to stay in the billibag to help with his jaundice it was just us two.  The night was difficult, with my baby boy so unsettled away from my side and in the morning he was taken to SCBU to find out what was wrong.  I was still a patient in the maternity ward, which meant he was wheeled away by the doctor as I waited to be discharged so I could follow him.

They took my baby away, he was only hours old and I was devastated - that I couldn't comfort him, that something was wrong, that he wasn't by my side.  We were told that it wasn't normal, that his liver was struggling and that he would need to undergo numerous tests to get to the bottom of it.

It was then that I realised how fierce my love for him was.  How intense and all consuming it was, there was nothing in the world but my baby boy and I.  I didn't see other mums as I walked the corridors to find him, I didn't hear any of the other newborn cries, I knew they weren't my newborn and I needed to be with him.

I barely left his side for the 19 days we spent in special care.  The unit was not set up for parents to stay, but I made it clear that I wasn't leaving and they adapted.  I love my other children, but my baby was the one that needed me most right then and I needed him right back.  Every moment I could hold him, I did, every piece of care I was allowed, I took, until he and I were living alone together, seeing the nurses only when he needed his drugs.  It was intense, we were alone in one room all day and night, we had visitors, but it was just us, no long walks, social groups, distractions, just us.  

Even now, I sometimes feel like it is just Finn and I, despite only having a few hours on a Tuesday when his big brothers are at nursery and it really is just us.  We went through so much in those early hours, in those first weeks and I feel a love so intense for him, that I can't comprehend how I ever doubted it.  Every night when he wakes up for a feed, I feel tired, exhausted even, resentful sometimes and then at peace, as we snuggle up together. I see his angry, hungry face settle into a contentment and I know that even though he is drinking from a bottle rather than a breast, this is something only I can do for him, only I can comfort him like a mother, wake up at the slightest noise, because we are still so in tune with each other, and stay up even once he has fallen back asleep just to watch his chest rise and fall as I know how fast this period of his life will go.


Finn and I have something special, a mother and son bond, what we have been through these past 4 months, we have been through together.  I love him no more and no less than I do Dylan and Archie, but differently.  He is our last, my baby and him and I, well we are snuggled up as I type this and I just don't want to put him down.

Did you know I am a finalist in the MAD awards in the best pregnancy category?  I loved recording my pregnancy with Finn and if you can spare 30 seconds I would love for you to vote for The Mummy Adventure - you can do it here

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Learning to Play

Finn is now 3 months and he has started showing more of an interest in playing.  He still isn't particularly strong or co-ordinated, but he is starting to reach out to touch the toys on his bouncer chair and when he is lying on the floor he is drawn towards colourful shapes.  We are working with Ambi Toys this year, a company who sell traditional baby toys, perfect for little hands to explore, and hard wearing enough to pass down to your grandchildren eventually. 

We were sent a few bits that are from 3 months + so they have no small parts and are big enough for babies to grasp. All three are suitable for Finn now, but should hold his attention for months as he explores them and learns to do more himself.

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The First Three Weeks

When our beautiful baby boy was handed to us three weeks ago, we had no idea what was in store for us.  He looked healthy and happy and as we counted his fingers and toes, wondered at how tiny he was and enjoyed those precious first moments, we had no idea it would be days before we could take him home and really start life as a family of five.

Our little Pretzel was born with a rare virus, which meant his first days were punctuated with tests and scans to try and find out more.  Thankfully many things which we find painful didn't seem to trouble the little guy who managed to frequently fall asleep during blood tests.  We were well looked after in the Special Care Baby Unit and once he had a diagnosis we could start all the relevant medicines.

After nearly three weeks, our baby was finally able to come home, and real life could start.  Things are not over and we were sent home with lots of medication and follow up appointments but our family is together, and on Monday night we all slept under the same roof.  We are so thankful to everyone who visited, messaged us, sent gifts, prayed for us and thought of us.  

Whilst there was plenty that wasn't positive about those first few weeks, the things I want to remember are those special moments, some completely ordinary, some more amazing because of the circumstances.

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Pretzel's Birth Story

For some reason, despite having had two babies born before their due date, I was convinced that our little pretzel would be late.  At 39 weeks exactly, nothing was ready, the crib sat waiting in the box to be built, a half packed hospital bag had a list of things still to buy and to pack and the car seat to bring our little guy home in was stored away for 'nearer the time'. 

Tuesday 24th February was my first real day of maternity leave, and after dropping the bigger boys at nursery, I went to get my hair done - something I tried to plan as close to the arrival as possible so that in those first pictures I look nice and blonde.  I had a few very mild contractions throughout the morning, but they were completely irregular and not painful - I knew they were different to Braxton Hicks but I could go between 20 minutes and 2 hours between them.  

I came home for a quiet afternoon, a lie down on the sofa and some catch up TV, and collected the boys from nursery.  Nothing seemed to be happening, but I felt like this may be a slow lead up to the big day and once the boys were in bed, I decided we should really start getting organised!  I got the crib out and gave the bloke instructions on how to build it, and I finished up my hospital bag, packing those final tiny sleepsuits and nappies. 

At 10pm, I decided to have a bath, thinking it would either stop anything completely and buy me some more time, or start something real, but after an hour's soak without a single contraction I decided it was the former.

At 11pm as I climbed out I felt something, and suddenly there was a regularity.  I was having contractions every 5 minutes and they were about 30 seconds long.  I found my birth ball and supervised the rest of the crib building, waiting to see if they progressed.  I started practicing the hypnobirthing techniques I had learnt and the wave breathing and I felt in control.

At midnight, I rang my mum, who we were relying on to look after the other two, and told her to keep her phone nearby tonight.  She decided to come straight over as it was late, and arrived about 1pm.

By this point, things were pretty regular and I was struggling to talk through them.  I rang the midwife led unit and they agreed that I should come in to be checked.  We arrived at 1:30am, but during the taxi ride over, things had slowed down and by the time we walked in, I could walk and talk through contractions.  I was shown into a lovely room, similar to the one in which Archie was born, and told they would come back in when things picked back up.

At 2:30, I was examined by both the student midwife and the midwife in charge, and told I was 5cm dilated.  One went to fetch some gas and air in case I wanted it and the other started running the pool as I was hoping for another water birth.  Things suddenly picked up though, and the space between contractions was not long enough for me to climb off of the bed.  My birth had been active and perfect until then, but suddenly I felt like I was losing control.

I felt a lot of pressure and was told it was my waters bulging, I grabbed the gas and air and I pushed to try and pop them, but suddenly the midwife's were back at the bed and as I heard the waters go, I was told to just do another short push.  I had no idea what was going on at this point, but with a little push, my baby was born.

At 2:46 am after a 16 minute established labour, my baby boy was placed on my chest.  His head had been born still in the water, and I had birthed him on the bed as there was no time to get to the pool.  Due to a bleed, I had to have the injection to deliver my placenta, but I didn't care by this point.

A tiny pink baby was screaming, opening his little eyes and kicking his skinny legs.  A baby much smaller than we had envisaged but one who stole our hearts all over again.

Baby Pretzel was born 5 days early after a quick labour with only a couple of minutes gas and air.   He weighed 7lb 1oz and had dark hair and dark eyes.  He looked like both his big brothers, and totally different at the same time.

After a quick shower, we were moved to a different room for skin to skin cuddles, and as there was meconium in his waters, we were told it would be 12 hours before we could go home.

Unfortunately, we didn't make it home that night, and our little Pretzel is still in special care, where he is doing really well.  That is a whole other story though, and one I will write up once we are all home.

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Preparing the Nursery

Last weekend, we moved Dylan and Archie into the same room (which so far has been a success), meaning we have a nice empty room waiting for Pretzel's arrival next year.  With Archie still being small, his cot and furniture has moved with him, meaning the room is literally empty (or will be once we stop storing 'stuff' in there, and we have a nursery to prepare.

We know that bump will be a boy but with him being our third, I am actively avoiding baby blue as far as possible.  We have chosen a relatively neutral theme, of grey, white and yellow and once Christmas is out the way, I can't wait to get decorating! I want the nursery to be simple and relaxing, but bright at the same time.  I need everything to be practical and I have learnt after two others what to prioritise.  Marks and Spencers have a new baby section on their website with some great nursery inspiration - This fabric giraffe would go perfectly in Pretzel's new room.

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Natures Purest

Despite finding out that both my babies were boys before they were even born, I didn't go too crazy on the blue.  I think there is nothing more beautiful than a baby in white and cream and I am loving the products from Natures Purest as they are perfect for little bundles.

Everything is made from organically-grown, naturally coloured cotton and the neutral tones are perfect for boys and girls.  They sent us a beautifully wrapped, gorgeous cable knit blanket and until you have touched it yourself, you will not believe how soft it is.

I loved tucking Archie up in his moses basket with it and it is plenty big enough for him to snuggle under in the coming winter as well.  This is the perfect gift for a new baby as you can't help but want one for yourself.

They also sent Archie a gorgeous stuffed toy, which again is deceptively soft and he loves cuddling (and chewing) it.  

We love the products, the simplicity, the natural materials and how beautiful they are and would highly recommend them as a perfect new baby gift.

Disclaimer:  I was sent these products for the purpose of an honest review but they really are unbelievably soft!

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Fisher Price Discover'n'Grow Bouncer Chair Review

Archie is a rather nosy baby and is no longer content spending his waking hours on his back.  He loves to look around and watch the world go by and with a noisy toddler around, he gets a full on sensory experience!  Fisher Price have sent us one of their Discover'N'Grow Bouncer and Archie has been loving his new chair.

Checking out the Giraffe

The chair comes with two removable arms that have toys well within the child's reach so that as soon as they start batting at things they can play.  One side has a musical feature when you move the arm and plays alternating music and animal sounds.  Archie seems to rather like the giraffe, and Dylan is desperate to play with the penguin.  

The bouncer also has a vibrate function which is genius for soothing and calming a baby.  Archie loves this feature although only for a few minutes but it is great to pop on whilst I am making lunch as I know he will be content in his chair for a while.

We have been busy putting this bouncer to the test for a few weeks now and we can definitely recommend it.  The harness ensures safety, the design is fun and engaging and Archie loves his new view on the world.  We have been chilling in the garden this week and he loves being able to watch his big brother play from the safety of his bouncer.

The only criticism I have is that there is no off switch for the music.  Although it is only set off by movement of the arm and so doesn't play music without input, I do like to be able to turn things off at the end of the day.

The Discover'n'grow bouncer retails at £49.99 and is suitable from birth until the child can sit unaided or reaches 25lb (whichever is first).  It requires and AAA and a D battery which are not included.

Disclaimer:  We were sent this bouncer for the purpose of a review but all thoughts and opinions are completely my own.

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Big Brother

I can't imagine a bigger change for an 18 month old than suddenly having to share all the attention with a new little person.  After a year and a half of being an only child, Dylan now has a baby brother to share with, and as parents we have two children to look after, to cuddle and to spoil.

I know that every child reacts differently but my little man has taken it all in his stride.  He has accepted the new little member of our family and so far we haven't seen any jealousy.  In fact, after two weeks of life as a foursome, when I took Archie out in the pram it was not the usual 'Muuummmmmy' cries at the door as we left, but 'Buuubbbba' instead! 

Dylan has been generous with his kisses and although he hasn't been bothered about cuddles with the little guy yet, he is happy to snuggle up to Archie and I during feed times.  He hasn't questioned Archie's sudden permanant attachment to me although we did have a confused face and an insistence that the milk came from the kitchen rather than from Mummy.

Dylan wakes up in the morning calling out for his Bubba and spends the day checking on him and stroking him.  When we are out in the buggy, he likes to keep checking that he is still in his carrycot and proudly telling me that Bubba Archie is there next to him.  It has made getting him into a pushchair much easier too! 

With the bloke back at work now I am really hoping that his behaviour stays this way as I am so proud of my 'big' baby boy.  I am trying to make Dylan feel as special as possible and am enjoying the fact that Archie still sleeps for the majority of the day but I know things will get harder as Archie gets more demanding.  I am hoping that the wonders of a brother and playmate will make up for the fact that the boys now have to share my attention.



Dylan is such a fantastic big brother and I am so proud of him.

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Paternity Leave

The first two weeks after the birth of a baby are a lovely time.  Granted, you may not feel up to making the most of them but that time as a new family is so precious and I have loved the bloke being off work as we learn a new life as a family of four.

Today is the last day of his paternity leave and he will be back to work as normal on Monday morning leaving me to work out a new routine with my two little boys.  

These first two weeks have been magical and having the bloke around has meant I can enjoy those newborn baby snuggles, and let Archie sleep curled up on my chest.  I can lay in bed and watch the little guy sleep and I can feed him as soon as he wants milk, however often that may be.  It has also meant I can sit on the floor and do puzzles with Dylan, kick a football with him in the park and curl up on the sofa with him reading stories.

Archie's favourite nap spot - on Mummy.

The ratio of two parents to two children is wonderful and has meant both boys have had lots of attention and help in adjusting to our new little family.  We have been out for lunches and for walks, we have spent time all cuddled up on the sofa and we have welcomed our newest member as a family.

The boys have cuddles

With the bloke returning to work though, it is all change and I am hoping that we cope with it well.  I haven't quite worked out the logistics of getting the three of us up, dressed, fed and out the house at a reasonable time yet and I haven't worked out how my little milk monster and my energetic toddler will share my time but I know we will cope and that we will find our own ways and routine.  It will never be as simple and easy as these last two weeks though and I can only imagine that cbeebies will play a much bigger role!

My Little Family

Today is the official end of our little honeymoon period although we have the weekend still to enjoy.  I am both dreading the bloke going back to work and am also really excited to jump into my new role as mother to two!  We have had a lovely day out today, fighting over who gets to push the double buggy and enjoying both boys napping at the same time with a lovely mocha and chocolate cake.  We have kept both boys happy even when they were needing attention at the same time and been a family of four.

Wish me luck for Monday morning!

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Squish's Birth Story

Baby Squish was due on the 20th February, and despite Dylan arriving early I was convinced that this little guy would be late.  I decided therefore to work right up until my due date and went to work on February 16th for my last shift.  Waitressing is physically demanding but I didn't feel like the birth was going to happen any time soon so after finishing  my day I decided to walk the three miles home rather than catch a bus.  I stopped off  at the park on the way back to meet the bloke and Dylan and after a play we all went home for tea and bedtime.   I had no idea  that the next time I saw the little guy he would be a big brother!

The bloke went out for his friend's birthday with a warning that my due date wasn't far away and that he couldn't get too drunk!  As the night went on I started to feel some tightenings but they weren't painful so I presumed it was just braxton hicks.  Just after midnight I decided to go to bed but once I lay down I realised that  the tightenings were getting uncomfortable and sleep was not going to come easily.  The bloke got home after a little while and I told him what was going on, but I still was not convinced that this was labour.

Around half one I decided that this may indeed be the real thing as I was still wide awake lying in bed and things were starting to get painful but I decided rest was the best thing so got out my book.  I had my Labouraide ready and started using the early labour mouth piece when the contractions started.  It was great to have something to bite down on and I think it helped.  By half three I had decided I was almost definitely in labour and started timing contractions.  I found that they weren't consistent with anywhere between 3 and 6 minutes apart and lasting anywhere from 40-60 seconds but they were definitely painful!  I woke up the bloke and we decided that I should ring the Midwife Led Unit to see what they said.  Halfway through the phone call I had to stop talking to have a contraction and the midwife told me to come in to be checked out.

My worst nightmare for labour was getting to the hospital to be told it was not real labour or that I was only one centimetre dilated so I decided to ring a taxi for myself and leave the bloke at home as I didn't want to wake my mum up in the middle of the night for nothing and someone had to stay with Dylan.  

My relaxing room

I arrived at the MLU around half past four and was taken to one of the lovely big rooms by the same midwife that showed me round a few days earlier.  She took my blood pressure, checked babies heartbeat and felt my tummy as I had a contraction.  Her reaction was that they were particularly strong contractions and if they kept up like that then it wouldn't be a long labour.  On examination I was 5cm so I rang my mum and the bloke and organised the changeover.  I had bought my hospital bag along with me but left the baby's at home as I didn't want to tempt fate so I told the bloke to bring it along.

The bloke arrived around half past five and at this point I decided that bouncing on the ball was not enough and I started on the wonderful stuff that is entonox.  It still didn't feel like my contractions were regular and baby still had to descend a bit furthur so I was sure that I had a long time left.  The midwives were lovely and I had a student in with me most of the time who told me that my contractions were still very strong and that she hoped the baby would come before her shift was up.  

At half past six I thought I would check that we had everything but upon asking the bloke for the baby's bag, he let me know that he had forgotten it!  This meant no nappies, no newborn clothes and blankets . . . nothing! We rang my mum but as Dylan was still fast asleep she sent it over in a taxi for us!

At 7am I decided I was really struggling.  I felt like I had only just caught my breath from the last contraction when the next one started.  I had been told to put off the birthing pool for as long as I could as getting in too early could slow the labour down but the midwives thought I was ready and they ran the water for me.  I got in to the pool - entonox still in hand and felt a slight relief on the next contraction thanks to the warmth of the water on my back.

The second contraction in the pool was strong and I felt a pop that let me know my waters had gone.  With the pop I felt a desire to push, but scared that I wasn't ready yet,  felt myself shutting my legs!  With my first pregnancy I had been stuck on the bed and monitored throughout so the sense of freedom and the relaxation at the midwife unit was lovely.  When I told them I wanted to push they told me to just follow my body.  No examinations to check I was ready and no help.  With three pushes my little baby Squish entered the world.  The cord was wrapped around his neck but as he was pulled from the water he started crying before it was even taken off.  He came straight onto my chest and I couldn't believe how perfectly it had all gone and how beautiful my baby son was.

We sat in the pool having a skin to skin cuddle as the midwives waited for the cord to finish pulsating and then the bloke got to cut it.  Squish and I went for a cuddle on the bed and to wait for the placenta to be delivered naturally.

The whole labour was so smooth and fast and I was proud of myself for doing it again with gas and air.   The midwives were really helpful and supportive but not interfering and I felt like I got the birth I always wanted. Squish was born at 7:36am weighing 8lb 5oz but he seems so much smaller than his big brother was! We didn't have a name ready for him and nothing on our lists fitted so he left hospital as Squish.  We were discharged at midday after less than 5 hours as there were no complications and they had had to close the hospital for births soon after I arrived as both the MLU and the labour ward were full!

Swamped in a newborn snowsuit

3 days later, on his official due date we finally had the perfect name.  I had never even considered it until I was in labour and then it came into my head, but it took us a few days to make sure that it was as perfect as he was.

One hour old- Baby Archie

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Where is my baby?

Sometimes I wonder where my baby has gone, that squidgy little thing with a little bit of black hair and those skinny legs.  The one who lay back and took in the world.  I console myself with the little boy who has learnt to blow kisses and clap his hands when he has done something well.  This child who waves and says hiya to every single person that gets on or off the bus.

I see something in him that I recognise but he is certainly not a baby.  When did my baby become a toddler?

He is learning new skills every single day and he amazes me with how fast he can pick things up. This weekend saw his first shaky steps although I think it may still be some time before he is walking around. This child, if you start counting with number one, will follows by saying 'two' and is trying so hard to copy our words.

He has a cheeky smile - he walks to the end of the sofa, gives me a flash of it as he waves and then dissappears round the corner.  He knows when he is being naughty although this doesn't mean he will stop doing something!

He loves nothing more than to explore and is desperate to discover everything. He crawls and cruises around every room finding the most everyday items more fascinating than his toys.  I have never seen someone look so impressed with a bus ticket before!

My baby used to smell of milk.  He used to spend his days curled up on my chest , never having to go far for his next meal.  He used to open his eyes only for a few minutes every day and only in-front of mummy and daddy.  No-one else was privileged enough to see those baby blues.  The little boy is wide eyed and curious - intently analysing everyone and fluttering those long lashes at all the ladies.

We measured my baby's life in days and eventually weeks.  This little boy is thirteen months - A whole year old and some more.  We waited in anticipation for my baby to meet his next milestones - to hold his head up, to smile. We watch the little boy growing bigger and smarter by the day and wish he would slow down.


I love both these children - the tiny newborn and the mischievous child but I do sit back some days and wonder where my baby is!

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Life with a baby changes Everything

Life with a baby changes everything - don't let people tell you differently.

Not in a bad way, but your priorities change.  

You find ten pounds down the back of your sofa and your options are that pretty T-shirt you were eyeing up in Zara or a day out at the zoo.  You normally pick the zoo.

It is a beautiful day and you are deciding what to wear.  There is a gorgeous strapless mini dress hanging up which will mean more skin on show and therefore less tan lines.  There is a dark T-shirt and shorts hanging next to it which will mean bending over the buggy and maintaining dignity and not flashing the whole beach when child decides to pull himself up using your top to steady himself.  You opt for the T-shirt and shorts.

You really fancy a take-away but you have everything you need in the cupboard to make a spaghetti bolognase from scratch.  It has been a long day and all you want to do is watch a film and eat something greasy, but you can't give the baby prawn toast and he needs to eat as well.  You sulk into the kitchen and cook some spaghetti.

Motherhood changes you.

The list may be a little one sided at the moment but my blog usually chronicals the wonderful things about being a mum.  Suddenly everything you do has a meaning.  

You see the beauty in

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Arbonne Baby Care Review

We were sent two products from the Arbonne ABC  Baby Care range to try out on the little dude.  

Water-Resistant Sunscreen SPF 30

Unfortunately, as soon as we recieved this through the post, the sun decided that enough was enough and the early summer weather was just a teaser.  Therefore, we have not had a chance to test this product properly, so if you would like to see how it does, pop back here as soon as the weather brightens, when I will be updating this post.

In the meantime, we decided to use it as best we could, as I have pale skinned friends that have managed to burn on a wet cloudy day before -  I consider that quite a skill!  The sunscreen was easy to apply, and reassuringly thick. The skin stayed white for a few moments after it was rubbed in giving me just enough time to ensure that I had a good coverage before dissapearing.  His skin felts slightly moist afterwards, but not particularly sticky as some sunscreens have a tendancy towards.

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10 Reasons Why I Love My Little Boy

So whilst slightly tipsy and very much missing my boy I started this and now sober with him in bed I have finished it.  10 reasons why I love my little boy.



1) He has learnt to wave, albeit not at the right times.  He tends to wave at me when I change his nappy, or show him a teddy he loves.  But lately, when he wakes me up in the morning I come into his room, look down into the cot and say 'hiya' and he gives me a huge cheeky grin and waves at me.  Simply adorable.

2) He has many different smiles, and I know them all.  There is the teething grimace which is a little smily but rather odd looking to be honest, there is the big open mouth smile which is pure delight.  There is his geeky little grin when he is enjoying his food, and there is the smile that says I have my mummy and I don't need anything else

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Returning to work after maternity leave

Today was my first day back at work after 9 months of maternity leave, and I'm not sure if it is ok to say it, but I enjoyed it.  Nine months of spending twentyfour/seven with my little man has meant that having a bit of time away from him felt great.

I enjoyed it so much, that I took a casual stroll home.  No rushing to get back, no pushchair to push, no heavy sling on my shoulders, no baby in my arms, just me.  I knew that he would be in bed by the time I got home and it didn't bother me.  I am only working two days a week so it isn't like I will hardly see him, I will still be there most of the time but I want the right to enjoy those two days without feeling guilty for leaving him.

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Caring for your Cloth Nappies - Guest Post

The lovely Sarah at Fluffy Dumplings has written a guest post for me about caring for your cloth nappies.  Looking after them well will not only keep them looking and smelling great, but helps them stay super absorbent.

Normally washing does not excite me, not one little bit. Now don't get me wrong I am house proud but I don't get any particular thrill out of washing and cleaning as a housewife/mummy/home maker the washing is just one of my roles.

Cleaning my daughter's nappies, now that's something I do get a little pleasure from. I have no idea why but its with immense satisfaction I see my little wicker basket full of freshly washed and dried cloth nappies. I imagine them all sitting in there fluffing themselves up, trying to be noticed first shouting "pick me, pick me".

So what is the best way to wash your cloth nappies? Here's a little guide:

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Real Nappy Week 2012

I would like to introduce. . . . . The Bloke, doing a guest post on the blog  about Cloth nappies for Real Nappy Week 2012. 

As it is Real Nappy Week, I have a few things to say.

Real nappies work much better than imaginary nappies.  We have tried imaginary nappies once or twice.  They smell better than real nappies but they leak quite a lot.  Definitely not the best option to use overnight.

As with many (but not all) dads, nappies have been forced in to my life.  My relationship with nappies is a bit love/hate.  I do hate nappies.  But I couldn't live without them.  Since having a baby, The Mrs has decided to swap her girly obsession of buying new handbags and shoes, and replaced it with an insatiable addiction to cloth nappies.

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