My Hospital Bag

I have already posted about what I have packed for baby, so I thought I would share what I have packed in my bag as well.  Last time round I was in hospital for 24 hours after giving birth and this time I am hoping to have Squish in the midwife led unit where they like to have you out within 12. I like to be prepared though so my hospital bag has all the essentials for an overnight stay.

I have packed:

Biscuits

These come first on the list as they are by far the most important thing I will need!  I have given it a lot of thought and gone for chocolate chip cookies as even if it is really warm in the room they will still taste delicious and not melt too much

Maternity Notes

After a slight panic last week when I couldn't find them, they are now firmly tucked in my hospital bag so the midwives can see how my pregnancy has progressed.

Bikini

I am hoping for a water birth so have a bikini packed ready!

New PJs

I don't think I understood quite how I would feel after birth last time so this time I have a gorgeous pair of Melba maternity pajamas to help me feel clean and relaxed after the birth.  They are specially designed for breastfeeding and I have the matching dressing gown too so pretty sure I will be the best dressed on the ward!

Nursing Nightie

I have been sent this lovely nursing nightie and have it ready for labour as I don't think I will be in the pool the whole time and I can't guarantee there will be one available.  It is lovely and loose even with my huge bump and much softer than a hospital gown!  It also is designed for breastfeeding so would be great on the ward afterwards.

Slippers

I am definitely a slipper kind of girl and it was choosing which one of my 5 pairs to pack that was an issue! I love having cosy feet and this is my big home comfort.

Laboraide

I am really interested to try this natural pain relief method, it basically looks like a gum shield, but the idea is that biting on it stops your jaw from locking shut and can help keep you relaxed in labour.  Not sure how much I trust it to work but I am willing to give it a go!

Nursing Bra

I have a Bravado nursing bra ready for the hospital stay and at home.  My nursing bras from Dylan are looking rather well used now and so it is lovely to have a nice new one ready to wear.

Medela Breast Care pack

Nobody warns you how difficult breastfeeding can be and although it is the most rewarding thing, taking care of yourself does make it easier.  This little pack comes in a handy bag and has breast pads, cooling pads and cream to make the first few days easier.

Going home outfit

I am packing an oversized jumper, leggings and my bravado nursing vest for the trip home as I know comfort is the most important thing, and hiding the very wobbly tummy is a close second!

Big pants

Thongs are definitely not an option after childbirth! Rather than buying disposable I have a few pairs of old pants that I can throw away afterwards as I think they look so much more comfortable!

Maternity Pads

As glamorous as they look and unfortunately rather necessary!

Toiletries

I have minatures of my favourite shampoo, condition, shower gel and perfume as well as some moisturiser and creams so I can have a nice relaxing shower afterwards.

Phone charger, Phone, Camera

All for the obvious reasons - I want to capture those perfect moments when I get to meet my little baby for the first time!

Can you think of  anything I have forgotten? My bag looks nice and full and hopefully this means I am all ready for the little guy's arrival!

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Henry Hugglemonster

Dylan is finally getting to the age where he is interested in TV.  Although I am wary of him watching too much, I must admit that being able to sit him down for five minutes as I get on with something (sneak off to the kitchen to eat chocolate) is bliss and with the end of pregnancy becoming rather tiring it can be a real lifesaver!

Henry Hugglemonster is a brand new program coming to Disney Junior and will be on every Friday (starting tonight!) at 5:50pm.  We were sent a preview DVD of the show and it was a huge hit with the little guy.  The characters are fun and colourful and the theme music is very addictive! Dylan loves having a little boogie along with it.  

We were also invited to meet Niamh, the creater of Henry and the Hugglewugs and had a mini masterclass at drawing our very own Henry.  Dylan's may not have been very decipherable but he definitely got stuck in with some colouring, using every crayon he could get his hands on!  

Niamh started writing the book back in 2006 and we love it.  It promotes reading together as there is so much to look at and not written as a traditional story and we often look at it together.  The program is about a typical three child family and it is lovely to watch it with Dylan and see the mummy and daddy characters.  Hopefully he will love it even more when he has his own little brother too!

Here is what Disney have to say: 

Set to premiere on Disney Junior UK on February 8th 2013 at 5.50pm before rolling out to audiences in more than 150 countries worldwide, the family series follows the adventures of fun-loving, five-year-old Henry Hugglemonster, the middle child in a happy, madcap close-knit monster family – the Hugglemonsters. Each story will transport preschoolers into the world of Henry Hugglemonster as he guides the young audience through the ups and downs of being part of a loving, bustling monster family.

The 48 x 11 minute series (and two 30-minute seasonal specials) is developed from a series of books created by Ireland’s Children’s Laureate Niamh Sharkey called I’m a Happy Hugglewug and published by Walker Books. The illustration style of the books is retained in the series’ animation.

Geri Halliwell whose character Isabella Roarsome is never seen without her gold tutu and matching bling in the show’s fictional town, Roarsville, commented: “Being involved in Henry Hugglemonster has been such a joy. The show has a truly positive message, teaching kids to be themselves and reminding them of the importance of family values. What’s more, it’s been so lovely to share this experience with my own daughter, who helped me learn the songs for my role as Isabella!”


Brenda Blethyn, OBE, has been cast in the role of Ernestine Enormomonster, who is married to Eduardo Enormomonster, voiced by Brian Blessed. Eduardo and Ernestine Enormomonster’s daughter, Estelle, is best friends with Henry Hugglemonster, and together the Enormomonsters are always happy to lend an enormous hand whenever someone in Roarsville needs some help.

Blethyn, whose work has spanned theatre, television and film, has received various award nominations throughout her career including two Academy Awards*, two Emmy Awards and three Golden Globe Awards, winning one, as well as a BAFTA. British actor Brian Blessed who is best known for his hearty, king-sized portrayals on film and television, is one of England’s most treasured and highly respected actors.

Geri Halliwell, Brenda Blethyn and Brian Blessed will feature in the English-speaking territories where Disney Junior airs including the UK, U.S., and South Africa.

The series is directed by Emmy Award winning director Norton Virgien (Rugrats, Doc McStuffins), the lead writer is Sascha Paladino (Wonder Pets, Ni-Hao Kai-Lan) and the series is produced by Gillian Higgins (Doc McStuffins, Octonauts).

Created in May 2007, Disney’s London production hub drives the investment in and development of long form animation outside of North America, for both European and global distribution. It has already achieved great success with series such as UK-produced Jungle Junction, which has proved to be a huge hit with Disney Junior audiences internationally. The series has now rolled out in more than 150 countries worldwide winning a BAFTA nomination and more than 23 million viewers in EMEA alone.

We have it all set up on series record as I can see Henry Hugglemonster becoming a firm family favourite in this house!

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Special Times

I spent 90% of my week with my son and am priviledged to be watching him grow up into a gorgeous and clever little boy. We do so much together, from toddler groups, meal times, trips out and chores, but some days are just special.  Maybe there are a few more treats, or I am feeling a bit more relaxed, but we definitely have special moments whether they are planned or unplanned.

Every day with him is precious, but it is these special days that I will really miss when there is an extra little person.  I'm sure they will be just as amazing if not more with both of my boys around, but there is something about our mother-son bonding days that I will always treasure.

Some days we take a walk into town, and I have him in the parent facing buggy so we sing all the way down, giggling as we walk. I let him out and we explore the little things together, from jumping in puddles to pointing out every single car we see.   We may go into a little cafe, and share a cake.  I may treat him to some juice, and let him drink it from a big cup with a straw.  It is just the two of us though, and we go off into our own little world where nobody else exists.

Sometimes our special times are at home, and we will crawl around the living room floor together giggling and making silly noises, before collapsing in a heap and having the most perfect cuddles.  

Sometimes our special moments are when we are killing time and we make up our own games and get lost in them.

Every time is different, but every time I am aware that we are sharing something so special, so perfect and that we will never have that particular experience again.  I try my hardest to take in every little bit of his beautiful smile and remember the sound of his laugh.  I take mental pictures of us running along the seafront together or sat in the cafe having a cuddle and a glass of milk.  Most of the time I am too busy enjoying myself to even think about getting my camera out.

Today was one of those days . It started off special - even breakfast felt exciting.  We had things to do and got the train to Canterbury for a day out together.  We sat down and shared one of our favourite dinners in a restaurant together, doing some colouring and playing with our food.  I didn't care if we laughed too loudly or broke the rules as we were happy.  We walked around the town together, playing peekaboo and touching everything.  We splashed through puddles in the park without a care in the world and with Dylan in the pushchair I stomped up and ran down the same hill hundreds of times just to see the look of joy on his face.

We do all of these things often, but for some reason today felt different - special.  Maybe it is knowing that our little family will be a little bigger by the end of this month.  Maybe it was just a good day.  Either way, it was a perfect one.  I really hope that when the new baby arrives, Dylan and I can still have our special times.  That he will still look at me with those bright blue eyes and cheeky grin like no-one else matters.  I hope that Squish and I can have our own special times too, us against the world.

Giving Dylan a little brother is hopefully one of the best things I can give him - someone to play with, teach, fight with and learn from.  I just hope that he still needs me just as much!

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Hospital Bag for Baby

The time has come to make final preperations for the arrival of little Squish and this involves packing my bags ready for hospital.  Last time I put everything in one giant bag and had trouble finding what I needed, so this time I have decided to have a bag for baby and a bag for me so his little clothes are kept safe.

Pink Lining have sent me this gorgeous Twins bag blue bouquet as I will have two sets of nappies to be carting round soon and I thought it would be perfect as Squish's bag for the hospital. It has so many pockets and comes with a lovely padded changing mat and zipped bag so it has been nice and easy to pack everything into.  It's debut outing sees it full to the brim with gorgeous blue and white and I thought I would share what I have packed for baby's hospital bag



5 x 0-3 month Vests

I remember how fast Dylan outgrew newborn last time so we have gone straight for 0-3 months this time with the idea that this will be another chunky baby.  If he does come out smaller than expected then we do have some newborn vests at home just in case.

5 x Newborn Sleepsuits

Although we have packed bigger vests, I couldn't resist the teeny tiny newborn sleepsuits from Mothercare and I am sure they will fit for a day or two at least (I hope so!)  I don't have a specific 'coming home outfit' for Squish so whichever sleepsuit he happens to be in will be perfect.

3 x Newborn Hats

Having a winter baby I am going to be dressing him all snug and warm and found some dinky little hats that match the sleepsuits so he will look adorable!

5 x Muslin squares

These were my staple item for the first nine months of Dylan's life and I used them as cot sheets, to wipe up sick and dribble and as breastfeeding covers among other things.  These are one of the only things I haven't got new for the hospital bag as I did end up with so many last time!

2 x Scratch Mitts

Even though the sleepsuits I have chosen have inbuilt scratch mitts, I felt like I should pack a couple of pairs 'just in case'

1 x Booties

The best thing about winter babies is all the cute and snuggly accessories!

1 x Newborn Snowsuit

I want to make sure Squish is lovely and cosy when we take him home and I love newborns in all white so I bought this gorgeous penguin snowsuit from Kiddicare

2 x Blankets

I am sure I will only need one, but I just couldn't decide so I have thrown both in!  There is a lovely white and rainbow Frugi blanket and a knitted colourful one that I chose from Mothercare.

20 x Size one nappies

Self explanatory really!

4 x Cloth Nappies

I have packed four gorgeous and tiny Tots Bots Teenyfits.  I love the idea of using cloth from birth, but I am not sure if I am brave enough yet as I do remember how revolting the meconium really is! I have the option this way and will see how I feel when Squish is here

Baby Wipes and Cotton Wool

I intend to use cotton wool and water for all nappy changes in the first few days so I have packed a pack of cotton wool, but never understimate a newborn - baby wipes may well be a necessity!

Swaddle Blanket

We never swaddled Dylan but I fell in love with these gorgeous swaddle gro bags from Ergo Pouch at the baby show and have one ready in the newborn size to keep my new little man all cosy and help him sleep.



I will also have a newborn Car seat of course to take the little guy home in!  I have managed to fit most of this into my new changing bag but I have to admit that the blankets are in my bag now as they just wouldn't fit.

As you can see this fab changing bag makes a perfect hospital bag and I can't wait to have a tiny baby to fit into all these gorgeous new things!






Disclaimer:  I was provided with a Pink Lining changing bag free of charge but all thoughts and opinions are completely my own.

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Britax Mumbassador

I am delighted to say that I am joining the team of Britax Mumbassadors.  This means I will be able to share all their news and competitions as well as bringing you some reviews throughout the year.

Britax are one of the biggest names in child safety, and one that has been around a while.  My mum still remembers buying our Britax car seats when we were little as they were the most trusted brand and she wanted to keep her babies safe.  Now it is my turn to look after my babies and their safety is of the upmost importance.

I look forward to sharing more about Britax with you in the future!

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18 Months Old!

Somehow 18 months have passed since the little dude entered my life.  I cannot quite account for where they have gone but looking through the thousands of photos I have taken it is amazing to see how much he has grown and changed and the amazing things we have done together.

At 18 months he is no longer the gorgeous newborn baby, but a cheeky toddler with enough energy for us both! He is always running around and has so many words (although I still don't understand them all).  He will soon be a big brother which is as exciting as it is strange!

To celebrate his half birthday, I decided to go back through my photos and showcase one from every month of his life to show how much he has grown up! Every photo is a memory and I remember taking every one and thinking how gorgeous and perfect my baby boy is.

0 months, 0 days, 3 hours!

1 month old

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Win a Cosatto Yo!

Cosatto may just be my favourite baby brand and I am loving my role as brand buddy.  I have been testing some amazing products and have loved every one of them!  I am teaming up with Cosatto now to offer you the chance to win one of their gorgeous Yo! Toffee apple strollers worth £230!  You can see my review of the Yo! and how much we loved it.

Cosatto are renowned for their vibrant and colourful designs and the toffee apple is certainly not one you will lose in a crowd!   It is suitable from newborn and comes complete with a headhugger and matching footmuff as well as a handy raincover that can be clipped onto the side of the buggy, giving you more space in the basket for the all important shopping!  It is sturdy and well made whilst still folding umbrella style and fitting nicely in the boot.

So if you want to be in with the chance of winning one of your very own, just fill in the rafflecopter form below!  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer:  The prize is provided by Cosatto, I am receiving no financial reward for hosting this competition however I am a brand buddy for Cosatto and have received other products for review.

ThePrizeFinder - UK Competitions

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