Beetroot and Gherkins

Enhance paediatric first aid training review

2011-07-27T14:16:00.000-07:00

Picture credit

Disclosure : I was given the opportunity to do this course for free in exchange for a review on my blog.

It is every parents nightmare for their child to get ill. The thought of your baby stopping breathing or starting to choke is enough to make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up on end.

So the best thing we can do is not spend time worrying about it, but to prepare for how you would handle such an event should it occur.

Enhance first aid services booked me onto the 12 hour paediatric first aid course. It took place over 2 Saturdays or it is available as an evening course over a longer period.

It costs £65 and at the end of the course you do both a practical exam and a multiple choice paper. If these are passed the you are a certified first aider. This qualification lasts for 3 years and then must be re taken to remain certified and up to speed with current best practice as medical procedures change.

The course was informative and covered:

Allergic reactions
Asthma
Bleeding
Burns
Choking
CPR
Diabetes
Epilepsy
Head injury
Hypothermia and heat stroke
Meningitis
Poisoning
Shock
and sprains and strains

It was taught in a very hands on way and was easy to digest and understand.

The over all thing for me was the confidence I now feel in the event of an emergency. Despite having done paediatric first aid before I had always worried at the implications of doing it wrong.

CPR in particular. But very plainly put if a child has stopped breathing they are DYING. If their heart has stopped they are technically DEAD.You cannot make them more DEAD but you can save their life by administering those rescue breaths and chest compressions. The worry here is breaking a child's (or adults for that matter) ribs but better to be alive after receiving CPR and with damaged ribs than dead with the ribs intact.

Sorry to put it so bluntly but it really hit it home to me what a valuable skill first aid is, not just as a nursery nurse but as a parent too.

If you have no idea what to do in an emergency should it arise then read up or do a course. It could just be the most valuable lesson you have ever learnt.

These are my views and experience of my first aid training. Training should always be given by a first aid specialist.

(Oh, and by the way I PASSED!)

Wooden sandpit review

2011-07-15T13:21:00.000-07:00

*We were sent this item for free in return for a review

We love wooden toys in this house. So when I was approached by the lovely Wooden toyshop to sample whatever I liked (within a set budget) for a review I didn't hesitate and chose this sandpit for our garden.

Monty is so enamoured with his sandpit we often find him playing outside early in the morning before nursery. Which does then equate in a sandy nursery uniform but never mind.

It's just the right size for our very small garden, and being wooden blends nicely with our decking and doesn't intrude in the way a garish plastic one would.

I was very surprised at the £44.99 price tag which includes the cover as well. We just had to add the sand! Great value for money and would make a great gift for a child with a summer birthday.

My only bug bear is the soft cover is quite hard to pull over the hexagonal shape. I seem to get one side sorted and then the other side pops off and have often ended up straddling the sandpit with my butt in the air trying to get all the sides covered. Also, if it has been raining, which it has this month when removing the cover the rain invariably ends up in the sandpit.

Other than that small moan it is a great value , classic toy. Easy to put together and will give Monty and Blossom years of enjoyment.

Rainy days with my children

2011-06-29T04:32:00.000-07:00

This month has seemed to have more wet days than any other I have experienced and to say I have irrational hatred for this month of June would be vastly understating the point.

June 2011 was a total washout and an utter plonker and needed to have a word in it's own ear and buck up and dry out and just basically sort it out.

Thanks goodness we have sunshine today or I would have developed some sort of weather directed tourettes and been the mad lady shaking her fist at the sky. Actually we do have a tourettes chap that lives by us so for pure originality's sake I'd have to come up with a different mode of attack.

Anyway.

These are the things that have made me happy this sodden month

You see rainy days are perfect for making colourful splodges on paper and whilst we're waiting for our art to dry well it would be rude not to make biscuits wouldn't it?

And unfortunately we always seem to eat them all before Daddy gets home. Sorry about that.

String

2011-06-25T14:29:00.000-07:00

Monty seems to be infatuated with joining things together. He constantly requests ''Mummy can you get me just a little bits of rope because I just have to tie some things together.''

The toy boxes are full of cars joined together with string. The boy loves the stuff so much I just took this photo of him in bed with his beloved string.

I just don't get it. But then again. Not many things small boys do make sense. Well, to anyone other than themselves of course.

Steps

2011-06-25T13:22:00.000-07:00

It had to happen of course but taking steps is a skill my girl seems to have managed in the blink of an eye and we feel like she was born upwardly mobile.

Trips to the park have definitely taken on a whole new dimension and we seem to be on the cusp of a whole new element of fun. Running around after this small tubby gal is exhausting but exhilarating. She seems to travel at the speed of light and in the time it takes for me to fetch the wipes from the change bag she always seems to be in some kind of imminent danger.

With the steps come big girl shoes. But that is a whole other post entirely as I seem to hate most of the affordable girls shoes available and only fall in love with ridonkulously expensive footwear. Best foot forward and all that.

Don't hate me but...

2011-06-24T12:29:00.000-07:00

I want to stay at home and be the one looking after my children.

This is not a post knocking working Mums, nothing of the sort but it is a post about choice.

I haven't posted in a while. And mostly it's been because the big money, work, childcare debate has been taking over mine and the gorgeous husbands lives. We need more money, but all I earn could be eaten up by childcare. And round and round and round again.

Huge arguments have been had.

When I was on maternity leave with Monty as my time off with him was drawing to an end I knew by the quickening of my heart and the panic setting in that I couldn't do it, couldn't leave him. Coupled with the fact I worked in childcare I felt sad at the thought of going to work to take care of other peoples children, when what I really wanted to be doing was taking care of my own.

So I set about registering as a home based childminder, it was the best decision for all of us and I loved it (aside from the fact my home resembled a nursery and I became a bit taken with cleaning.As people were paying me to take care of their kids- In my mind that meant my house had to sparkle!)

Monty started preschool and then Blossom came along and my childminding came to a close and I settled into my routine of another maternity leave this time with Blossom.

I love it, I thoroughly enjoy the beating of the drum that is what some might describe as the monotony of family life. I enjoy the baking and the painting and the snuggling on the sofa on rainy days with my two precious little people.

But we do desperately need more money.

I have recently obtained a qualification and this meant that I was able to apply for jobs that I wouldn't have been able to before. So I applied, and went to interviews and worked out financially that after tax, national insurance, childcare and petrol that my salary virtually halves.

The thought of leaving my children with someone else 4 or 5 days a week, then my policeman husband rarely getting a weekend off and THEN having little more to financially to show for it was a little too much to bear.

So, I'm continuing with the social media work that I've been doing with Claire, someone I've been hugely indebted to as this work has allowed me to be at home with Monty and Blossom. And I shall be going back to childminding.

I do wonder if I'm letting all the feminists down by not going out there into the world of work. But isn't feminism about choice?

But for now, this is right for me, and for my family.

And that's what it's all about right?

I'd love to know your views, were you deperate to stay at home with your kids or do you enjoy the independance you get from working? Do you work because you had to or did you want to go back? Is there ever a right choice? Is there really a choice? What do you think?

Creating traditions

2011-05-01T12:27:00.000-07:00

The older Monty and Blossom get, the more I am realising that I want life to be about the experience of an occasion ( I'm talking Christmas and Easter here.) Rather than the stuff it brings (I'm talking piles of plastic crap and double figure of Easter eggs.) Not that they get much of a look in at the eggs as I eat them for them for medicinal reasons.

Anyway it is on that ilk that we spent Easter in a park hunting eggs.

The excitement Monty had at snaffling springtime treats from the trees was blissful to watch

Blossom watched her brother in bemusement. Already can't wait to see her with her basket next year.

This is a part of parenthood that I am seriously enjoying. Watching the magic and seeing them believe.

This summer the plan is to go camping and partake in a dusk fairy search. I want it to be the children wearing pyjamas, with torches, little lit tea lights, letters in elf scrawl and treats left by the fairies.

I can't wait.

(Monty's super cool trousers were made by Nat at Sophie 4 Sophie - they were an Easter treat for both the kids and I love them. Because quite fittingly they make my children look totally Innocent. Which is exactly how it should be. Thanks Nat.)

Dear kids. Sorry Mummy has gone a bit crazy over the royal wedding.

2011-05-01T12:02:00.000-07:00

If you had asked me about the royal wedding a few weeks ago I would have scoffed at the cost at the tax payers expence.This based on the fact that I am married to a police officer and public sector cuts are hitting us hard and blah blah blah!

I also had reservations as to the role model of marrying a rich prince and all your wishes coming true. I'm not so sure how healthy that is.

But anyway.

Boring.

The closer it got the more excited I became. For the children of course. I arranged for us to spend the day at the park with our family and watch it on massive screens while scoffing a picnic. I wasn't born when Diana and Charles married so I suppose I was excited that this was something that was happening in both my childrens lifetime.

But on the day itself, I seemed to go a tad bonkers.

Both Monty and Blossom were dressed in red ,white and blue.

I was overcome with emotion at what was a beautiful day. I question my hormones frankly.

Memorabilia was purchased, we have fridge magnets, flags, mugs, newspapers and magazines. All for the childrens memory boxes you must understand.

Now I am obsessed, I keep googling for new facts, I must know where they are going on honeymoon I MUST!

And not only that, it is contagious, this wedding fever. Monty has stalked all the newspapers with me. Looking at 'that man and lady who did a kiss.'

He is even planning his own wedding now. He will be marrying me, and there will be a steel band.

Let's play silly games

2011-04-21T10:49:00.000-07:00

Monty: Let's play a silly game Mummy!

Me: Ok you have to ask me questions to try to get me to say yes or no, if I say yes or no you win the game.

Monty: Ok. Yes.

Me: Ask me a question then.

Monty: Why?

Me: To make me say yes or no.

Monty: Yes but I already said yes. Yes yes yes! I win.

Daddy : No you have to try to make Mummy say yes with your questions, like this.
Mummy are you a good driver?

Me: I'm ok

Daddy : See ?

Monty: Ok.

Pause

Tugs at my sleeve

Monty: Say yes Mummy. Could you say the word yes?

I don't think he got it.

A meme that I finally pulled my finger out and did!

2011-04-20T14:14:00.000-07:00

My blogging buddy Mumra has tagged me in this meme started by Kerry Jean Lister.I quite like a meme but I am ridonkulously bad at remembering to do them. In fact I think Mumra tagged me in one where you get your kid to draw a picture of you. And I have forgotten to do it. Sozzles Mumra. But she obviously still likes me as she has ~~inflicted~~ tagged me with this. So anyhoo, here goes.

Which living person do you most admire, and why?

My Nan. I adore her. Big style. We are very close.

When were you happiest?

Right here right now baby!

What was your most embarrassing moment?

After having Blossom I was carrying her down the stairs to pass to someone so I could nip and have a wee. Except I didn't manage to pass her to anyone in time as my pelvic floor well......Basically I peed all over my stairs. Then burst into tears as my gorgeous husband sighed and went to grab the mop.

Aside from property, what’s the most expensive thing you’ve bought?

Our car. Shit that's dull isn't? Why did I not lie and say a unicorn or something.

What is your most treasured possession?

I want to say my children but they are not my possessions, as they'll only be 'mine' for the blink of an eye. And I do not 'own' my husband as he actually loves me voluntarily! Zoiks. So it has to be my dog, Lenny, a gorgeous natured black labrador. I went into my overdraft to buy him and it was totally worth it!

Where would you like to live?

Brighton ( everyone who knows me and is reading this has just yawned. I bang on about not living in the Bn1 a fair bit!)

What’s your favourite smell?

My babies.

Who would play you in the film of your life?

Drew Barrymore.

What is your favourite book?

I do not care if it is uncool. Harry Potter. Pure regression is a healthy thing no?

What is your most unappealing habit?

Farting.

What would be your fancy dress costume of choice?

A gerbil. Or a rabbit. Not a sexy one an actual fluffy one.

What is your earliest memory?

With my Nan, I had a ladybird crawling on me. I was perturbed.

What is your guiltiest pleasure?

Really rubbish TV.

What do you owe your parents?

A lot.

To whom would you most like to say sorry, and why?

I say sorry far too often. Sometimes I feel I apologise for my own existence.I'm kind of done with always being sorry. Life is too short to be eaten up with guilt.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?

James. I knew at nineteen years of age that he was the one. Nearly ten years later he still is and always will be.

What does love feel like?

Like a big blanket and a mug of tea on a rainy winter day, coupled with the adrenaline burst of the promise of summer. Add to that the feeling you get at the promise of spring and the excitement of Christmas. That is what my love feels like anyway.

What was the best kiss of your life?

The first time I kissed James it felt like the rest of my life was starting.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

"Errrrr" (coupled with a gormless face.)

What is the worst job you’ve done?

In a theme park dressed as Gnasher the dog. I didn't last long.

If you could edit your past, what would you change?

Zilch.

What is the closest you’ve come to death?

When I was 15 I drank too much vodka and was found by a coastguard on a beach unconscious moments from hypothermia. Luckily he found me as I would have definitely died if he hadn't.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

This life that I am leading right now is exactly what I wished for. Not everyone gets to make their wishes come true. So I thank my lucky stars.

When did you last cry, and why?

Last week, because I felt so proud of my baby and the boy he has become. My babies can make me cry at the drop of a hat!

How do you relax?

I rarely do. I find it very hard to switch off.

What single thing would improve the quality of your life?

Money. Huh. Original!

What is the most important lesson life has taught you?

That the people in it are what is important. No man is an island, we need people rushing through our veins to make us alive!

I'm not going to tag anyone as I am a tardy blogger and have taken ages to get round to this so everyone has probably already done it!

Congratulations!

2011-04-16T12:07:00.000-07:00

Picture credit

Yesterday was a good day. One of my closest friends had her second baby, a little boy to add to her brood joining a doting big brother.

Congratulations lady. I don't think I could possibly be happier for you or your gorgeous family. Which is now complete.

From Mummy, with love #2

2011-04-15T12:58:00.000-07:00

I recently paid homage to the gorgeous letters that a favourite blogger (and friend) of mine writes to her son Piran at her blog A place of my own.

I have had this letter to lil legs swimming around in my head for a while. Here goes.

Dear Monty,

We have had a bit of a difficult ride over the years. It has taken me a long time to work out your quirks and what makes you tick.

But you know what, sometimes if you've not worked hard at something you don't know you have it.

And I definitely have you buddy. And you have me. As you say to me daily. I love you mega.

After Blossom was born I felt like I lost you. Or lost a part of you. You were besotted with your sister but you seemed angry with me somehow. Her first year has been a hell of a ride for us and it is only now I look back I see it with clarity. You were very poorly and went into hospital for an operation, you have had a difficult time with eating and we have struggled with temper tantrums that have reduced me to tears and tested every ounce of me as your Mummy.

But you know what? I may have lost you for a small time, but now you are back and I realise how much I missed you.

You are the best friend a Mummy could have.

You chatter from the moment you wake up until the very second you drift off to sleep.

You have so many hugs for me in a day I could easily lose count.

I love the secret kisses you send me when you think no one is looking as I watch you do your weekly gym class.

No one can make Blossom laugh the way you do. Despite how much we try only you can make her laugh like a drain.

You are my special helper.

I never expected that the protective big brother would be so innate in you, if Blossom even attempts to crawl near danger you throw yourself in front of it like a human shield!

You will be four soon, in August, weeks later you will start school. You are ready. I am not.

I was once in a play (over a decade ago)and in the dressing room I found a beautiful silver ring engraved with this phrase:

''At my back I always hear times winged beast drawing near''

The truth in that was lost on me at the time, but all of a sudden it seems to ring bells in my head. Soon I will lose you again this time to 'big school.' You can't wait to go. I will sniff your neck daily until September, refuse to cut your hair, grab all the kisses I can and enjoy your free spirited urchiness before society put their stamp on you.

Nearly four years ago I gave birth to a boy, but you were the maker of me.

Love you little legs. More than you will ever know.

Mummy. x

The day where so much crap happened I can't think of an appropriate title for this blog post

2011-04-07T11:10:00.000-07:00

Today I congratulated myself on being super frigging women as by ten a.m I had achieved an awesome amount of domesticity.

Word of warning people, never ever do that. The washing may be done, the floor may be hoovered, the bogs may be skid free, and this evenings dinner may be bubbling on the stove but listen. THERE IS SO MUCH THAT CAN STILL GO TITS UP. Sky high I tell you.

Firstly I had achieved greatness only to look down and realise that I was still in my pyjamas and smelt not dissimilar to a builders bum cleavage. Whoops. And what is that noise? Oh that would be Blossom waking from her nap. So no chance of a shower.

Blossom has had a bit of a bug so on that theme had crapped right up to her ears. I am a poo ninja so it takes more than that to rile me.

I wash and quickly bung my hair up so we can get out for a walk with the dog in the sunshine, we all need the fresh air. Monty still has his pyjama top on, no underwear or anything on his lower half for that matter and if you were to google feral urchin his image would pop up. Obviously not quite super women then given that I neglected to get both of us dressed.

We venture out, Monty looking less Russell Brand,I no longer smell of an armpit and Blossom has all traces of poop removed from her earlobes. Monty is on his balance bike and about five minutes into our journey my heart sinks. We are never going to get home before my fifty second birthday. Could a kid move any more slowly on a wheeled vehicle? I swear he is talking in reverse and it's actually last week on account that time is now going backwards.

Finally we stagger home but we are now stars of a black and white movie and it is 1963 or something. We eat our lunch and Blossom doesn't throw up all over the table which I take as a positive based on yesterdays bench mark.

We head back out into the sunshine, this time to the beach and with the scooter ~~thank god.~~ Monty narrowly misses scooting through the fresh pile of vomit of a lady who clings onto a wall as I feebly ask if everything is ok in a very high pitched voice. Apparently according to her husband she was a bit under the weather. I hate to think what that spew is going to be like under this weather. It's really hot!

Just as we get back to our house a dog runs out in front of a van as I screech and flap my arms like big bird to make the van stop. I called the owner who comes to pick the dog up as Monty informs her we are heroes. Well we are aren't we? The kid is not wrong.

Of course just as I am about to start sorting dinner I realise I have made spaghetti bolognaise and we have naff all spaghetti so out we trundle again to pick some up and I also remember some other bits we need from Boots so we dash in there as well. Monty shouts very loudly that Mummy needs lady nappies to everyone in the shop which I do not and that is not what they are but that is now what everyone thinks I have in my basket. I would like to reiterate my pelvic floor is in top condition despite having two children and I was not buying tena lady.

It is only when I am asking the lady at the counter about nit shampoo because oh yes I forgot to tell you MONTY HAS NITS when I clock someone I know smiling at me . Shitshitshit! She heard about the nits.

'Hiya' I squeak.~~who says hiya I mean really?~~
'You look well' she beams back at me.
'Yeah hot innit?' I reply aware that my answer has no relation to her previous statement.

Cringing I slink away trying not to scratch my own head in case she thinks I am riddled with lice.

Does anyone else have days like these because I am starting to think that a documentary is being made about me but no one has told me? I mean it's fine, as long as I get a large amount of money at the end.

Oh plop

2011-03-30T13:38:00.000-07:00

This is a too much information blog post. If they make you come over all unneccesary then I suggest that you toddle off now as you will not like this.

Both Monty and Blossom were in the bath and I was in the kitchen emptying the dishwasher. Before you scorn in disgust Blossom was in a bath chair and the bathroom is downstairs directly off of the kitchen like it is in a lot of Victorian houses. So I was within earshot and only a few feet away.

I digress.

I am emptying the dishwasher and I can hear Monty talking to his boats and Blossom making a noise that I can only compare to Shaggy on the song boombastic.

You know the one. Playing the song in your head? That grunty growly voice?

Mr lover lover....grunt....

Got it? Yes. That.

Odd I think to myself and pop my head round the door.

I am greeted by Monty sailing his boats through floating lumps of turd, totally unperturbed. Blossom just grins.

I scream, Monty suddenly clicks and starts shouting 'get it off me, get it off me, her plop is on me.'

Having no idea what to do first I grab him out of the bath and then grab Blossom, turn around to throw a towel around Monty and as I do Blossom finishes off what she started and proceeds to move about thus treading the offensive bodily function into the bath mat.

Gosh I knew Motherhood would be rewarding but no one told me it would be this glamorous!

Three by Nine meme

2011-03-16T12:17:00.000-07:00

My buddy Claire has tagged me in her three by nine meme. I am crap at doing memes but as it is Claire I couldn't not.

Simply post your answers and tag your blogging buddies and learn a little something new about each other, so here you go:

Three names I go by: Bec, Rebecca and Boo

Three places I’ve lived: Gibralter, Cornwall and Brighton

Three places I’ve worked: Chessington World of Adventures, The Fold School and at home (my fave!)

Three things I love to watch: The Big Bang Theory, Glee and my really guilty pleasure 90210!

Three places I have been & love: Paris, Jamaica, Bath

Three people that email me regularly: Claire Lancaster, PR's ! and the worst for temptation - stores offering discounts. Darn it!

Three things I love to eat: Cake, cake.......CAKE!

Three people I think will respond: Hopefully the three I have tagged. Capische?

Three things I am looking forward to: Easter egg hunts, Blossom walking, the summer holidays so I get a whole six weeks of my boy before I lose him to school.

I’d love to read a “three by nine” meme post by: Crap. I cannot remember who Claire has asked. Ok, Kelly at A place of my own, Laura at Are we nearly there yet Mummy? and Karin at Cafe Bebe.

From Mummy, with love

2011-03-15T12:13:00.000-07:00

One of my favourite bloggers Kelly writes her son Piran a letter every few months. I always read them and they envelope me in such a feeling of warmth and love that I'd like to do the same for my children. So with homage to Kelly and Piran here is my first of hopefully many.

Dear Blossom,

You have been a very busy girl the last few months. You began crawling just after Christmas at ten months old and have left a trail of devastation in your path ever since. I could never get mad though as I watch you and your steely determination and already at only a year old I admire you.

You pull yourself up on every available surface using all sorts of things as leverage. Recently after bath time you used your brothers bits and bobs to help you up. He was not that impressed. I expect it hurt!

You walk with your brick trolly and your wooden dolly pram and everyone tends to keep out of your way as you bang and crash in to all in your wake. You walk holding just one of my hand s and i know it might not be long before you let that one go too.

You have some new teeth, seven in total. They have been causing you to be moody and make very loud screams. Much to the annoyance of your brother who covers his ears.

Monty is the source of all your amusement and you like to mimic everything he does and then fall about in cascades of delicious giggles. This is currently my favourite sound in the world and it could cure all cases of the blues I am sure.

You love nap time and as soon as you are snuggled into your sleeping bag you turn your head to the side, pop your trusty thumb in your mouth and nestle into your comfort blanket.

I am so proud of your appetite and your ability to self feed delicious and nutritious food. Your current favourite is Mummy's home made fishcakes.

You enjoy our weekly trips to sing and sign class and love to bop along to the songs. No signs yet but you will.

It feels like only yesterday that you were passed to me, seconds after you were born. You were covered in yuck and sounded like a seagull. Despite this you were beautiful, and still are. You have eyelashes to die for and a smile that makes me want to cuddle you up immediately.

I remember our first night, just you and me in the hospital. You woke for a feed and I stirred and lifted you out of the crib and looked deep into your eyes. I was very aware of drinking in every moment of you. You looked at me in such a way that it was as though you already knew me. I have fallen more deeply in love with you ever since.

I love this time of year, the spring and the promise of newness. Lighter evenings and fresher weather. But it is even more special now as it coincides with your birth and I can't help but see your namesake Blossom on the trees and feel incredibly happy that you are here, and that I know you, and you are mine. For now.

Love you baby girl.

Mummy. xxx

A much required night off

2011-03-14T15:02:00.000-07:00

I never realised that having children would sometimes make me crave leaving them with somebody else, shirking all responsibility and having a bloody good night out.

But this is exactly what I was craving. And this is exactly what I did.

My lovely friend Claire arranged a heavily reduced price hotel stay at The Grand in Brighton. Massive thank you to this beautiful hotel as it was a fabulous stay and I am still gutted I could not manage waffles and syrup after my cooked breakfast.

We went for a lovely meal, where the waitress was moody and walked off mid sentance during one of us trying to order. We cackled like witches and ate till we were full, and fuller.

Then many cocktails, where we drank 'cheeky ones' and people watched and boyfriended and weasel faced and laughed till tears rolled down our faces but I couldn't tell you what about.

Then a cab ride, and a gay club, and Lady Gaga and a Podium and a walk back to the hotel.

Then chatting and farting and giggling and falling asleep mid sentance.

Then waking up and eating an epic fry up and mooching around Brighton and then returning home to my babies refreshed and in need of Mummy cuddles.

Can't wait till next time girlies!

365 days

2011-03-14T14:41:00.000-07:00

Last week Blossom turned one.

It is a complete cliche to say that I cannot believe a whole year has passed. But it has and she is now a bouncing, bubbly ball of energy. A one year old. Gosh.

I have felt so much guilt this year since Blossom arrived. For so many things.

For not doing the same things for her that we did for Monty, in particular a massive birthday celebration.

How silly. I look back on this special day and realise that it was absolutely perfect and exactly how it should be. No anxiety over cupcakes. No incredibly late night housework or cake icing. No stressing over large numbers of people in our petite terraced house. No keeping everybody else happy.

Just us. Us four. My gang, my brood. And a day all about Blossom.

See for yourself.

Happy Birthday Pickle.

Baby loves disco review

2011-03-03T12:44:00.000-08:00

* I was given free tickets for myself, Monty and Blossom by Baby Loves Disco to attend this event in exchange for writing a review. I did not receive any payment other than having our names on the guest list.

I can remember way back when I had just had Monty finding out about this craze over in America that was just hitting our shores but only in London at the time. I was disappointed and strongly believed it would go down a storm in Brighton. I mean whats not to love about mooching along to your fave evening establishment during the day and having a boogie with your baby? Beats rhyme time at the library hands down!

''Yeah! Lets like totally boogie yeah?''

As we arrived we were greeted by the DJ box spinning some actually pretty decent tunes ( definitely something for everyone.) And a gaggle of pint sized groupies bopping along in awe.

Woah!

Monty found it all a bit much to begin with. There was a lot to take in! But before long he was wiggling and shaking his thang in an inappropriate Lady Gaga fashion (seriously he loves her!) and emptying the snack table before dragging me over to get his face painted.

I was very impressed by the snack table, which was an open buffet of healthy snacks and juices and particularly liked the fact that it was all covered in the price of the ticket. As was the face painting. Great stuff.

Another fab fact worth mentioning is the great buggy storage, a whole floor dedicated to keeping your buggy safe. So often the bane of a Mamas life is where to put your sodding wheels!

But the moment I really fell for baby loves disco hook line and sinker was when Monty asked a member of staff where all the free ice lollies were and she told him they had all gone. His little face was so forlorn she dashed off and gave him hers out of the staff quota! Talk about service.

All needs are catered for, there was plenty to keep Blossom amused as she crawled around the play area, while the others danced.

I am totally doing crawling on nice soft carpet while my big brother struts his stuff!

There was also a cool down chill out area where the kids could grab a crayon and create some art.

Cost of a ticket is £8, and non walking babies are free. The details for the next Brighton Baby Loves Disco are HERE

and for more information about other venues are on the main website which is HERE

I really enjoyed it, and the kids experience will get better each time as it becomes less overwhelming and they get older. We will definately be at the next one in May!

Thanks so much to Baby Loves Disco.

Say Cheese!

2011-01-31T14:34:00.000-08:00

Monty all of a sudden has taken an interest in my camera and wants to take photos as well as be in them. He has taken a lot which are of his fingers and with his entire hand covering the shot but my absolute favourite has to be this one he took of his Bobobs!

Snigger!

Story time (for those that listen)

2011-01-23T09:57:00.000-08:00

This weeks entry to #silentsunday. Click the LINK to be taken to Mocha Beanie Mummy's blog to take a look at all the other entries.

Brother Max review

2011-01-20T12:14:00.000-08:00

For the purpose of this review I was sent a bib set and a set of bowls from Brother Maxx free of charge.

I have to say I have found these scoop bibs preferable to the normal scoopy bibs on offer, most are really rigid and don't seem at all comfortable for the wearer but as these are made of cotton Blossom was completely happy in them.

I loved the concept of being able to just popper the insert in and out of the scoop and it was very easy to do this.

A scoop bib is an essential with baby led weaning as a lot of food gets dropped in the early days and instead of it being given to the dog I was able to grab it back from the scoop and give it back to Blossom. They are available to buy for a reasonable £6.99 from amazon.
The only negative was on washing one of the inserts the edge of the bibs colour (red) ran onto the white bib itself, I would of thought the braiding used arounsd a white bib would of been colour fast?

These bowls were great when Blossom was in a high chair with a plastic tray as they stuck very well to the surface. But I have a tray less highchair and they didn't stick brilliantly to my wooden table to be honest.I like the bright colour as it avoids staining and I love that they are bpa free so no harmful chemicals.I also thought at less than £6 for the set from amazon that they were very reasonable in price.

CLICK HERE for brother max stockists.

Words you don't want to hear while you are baking

2011-01-20T08:44:00.000-08:00

''Mummy this bowl that we made the dough in is the bowl that I sometimes do sick in when I am poorly''

In real life

2011-01-17T14:21:00.000-08:00

I love twitter. For so many reason that I won't bore you with but the main reason being that some of the people that you tweet become 'in real life' friends and they come to your house and bring you flowers. And that is really rather lovely.

A little bit lovely

2011-01-16T01:49:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was one of those perfect days.

I took Monty and Blossom to Brighton, on the train as requested by Monty. We stopped by the pottery cafe on North street and Monty decorated a plate and we made foot imprints on Blossoms plate. They are to give to a very special someone on her imminent birthday.

I took them for lunch and they behaved beautifully which always makes me incredibly proud.

We spent the afternoon exploring the North Laines aimlessly, one of my favourite things to do and Monty loved looking at all the street art while Blossom looked on from the buggy.

Have you noticed that he's refrained from the inane grin that was his usual pose for pictures and is now adopting the mean and sultry look? Ever the artistic temperament.

We finished the afternoon with a trip to the toy museum, on Trafalger Street.Mecca for retro train sets and dye cast cars and buses and puppets and and and........all those things that leave 3year old boys in awe and Parents smiling at the nostalgia.

And then to top it off by chance I ran in to the lovely Naomi aka The Kids Coach and her gorgeous boy.

As always I have childfriendlybrighton.co.uk to thank for brilliant suggestions for things to do with my little people what ever the weather.

I'm only sorry that the gorgeous husband was on a night shift the night before and slept through all the fun.

Brighton Banksy

2011-01-16T01:44:00.000-08:00

Here is this weeks Silent Sunday photo. Pop over to Mocha Beanie Mummy's blog to see all the other gorgeous contributions.

The one with 'nastics'

2011-01-13T09:34:00.000-08:00

Finally after two years, yes TWO YEARS of having Monty's name down at the gymnastics centre his name has finally reached the top of the waiting list and he had his first lesson this week.

He was always going to have gymnastics classes, (or 'nastics' as Mo calls it.)I am sure it is written somewhere in his DNA as his Daddy is quite the gymnast.Many a drunken back flip I kid you not, even on our wedding day, in his suit, across the beautiful lawn. He used to teach gymnastics and has always encouraged Monty to do his exercises and point his toes as he executes them.

So off we trundled to the next town to a centre where I used to take the reception class children weekly in my former life as a teaching assistant. It was nice to see familiar faces in his teachers but odd to be a 'parent' this time and not trying to get eleventy small people back into sweaty *gags* tights and spinning backwards jumpers around on tiny torsos. But I digress.

I paid my extortionate amount of money over and thrust Monty towards the other kids and the class began, warm ups and jumping into foam pits and such like.

Then of course the tears, and the 'Mummy cuggle' came.

Shit! I have just paid quite a sum of moolah and he's not even going to join in? What? I had not even considered this. Bugger.

So we sat. And sat. And sat some more.

And we watched. And watched. And watched some more.

Then his group go over to the trampoline.

'Mummy can I be able to have some goes on that?'

So I did what any nurturing Mother would, I took him to the trampoline, I shoved him in the queue and ran off and hid.

With Mummy out of eye shot hiding stealth like behind a pillar and looking like an utter twat to all the other yummy Brighton Mummy's, he waited patiently in the queue and once he got his turn he executed a perfect seat drop and a 360 degree turn.

Something odd happened that day, as I watched him spin on the bars and listen intently to his teachers and stand straight as a pole, eager to please. I had goose bumps, my eyes were a little wet. He seemed to grow up before my eyes in the space of an hour.

I'm starting to come to terms with saying goodbye to my baby, he'll be going to school in September a few weeks after he turns four. But I hope my big boy will stay by me for a bit longer.

Favourite people favourite place

2011-01-09T12:35:00.000-08:00

As usual I'm a bit slow to the party here but the ace of bases blogger Mocha Beanie Mummy has been running #silentsunday over on her blog where by the idea is that us bloggers post a picture on a Sunday that has been taken that week and you DO NOT ADD ANY WORDS!

So here is mine.

If you want to check out all the other entries CLICK HERE

So this is Christmas, and what have you done?

2011-01-05T14:51:00.000-08:00

Yeah sorry for the naff lyric in the title but it did make me giggle. I wish I could have been a bit more organised over Christmas and New Year and posted right while we were in the thick of it but I didn't. However I want to sum up how magical it was for us this year as we did more, experienced more this year than we have previously. In fact while I'm here I should probably thank childfriendlybrighton.co.uk for pretty much sorting my children's Christmas festivities as we did so much that was suggested on the site and I had it booked in it's entirety by early November!

So anyway, here is what we got up to in mostly pictures.

We had snow, Blossoms first experience of it!

We took many trips to Brighton and warming hot chocolate were always needed by lil legs. (Shortly after this pic he then threw up all over himself. The second time he has done it at the same place. Can't imagine we'll be going back there again. Ho hum.)

Took the children to see their first pantomime. Cinderella.Blossoms face was such a picture it had me in tears. And they had a Shetland pony pulling the pumpkin carriage. Amaze!

Blossom (9months) was stuffed into Monty's old 2-4 months snowsuit while I waited for hers to arrive. Sorry about that lady bug. x

Monty did his first carol concert. This is him waiting outside the church. VERY excited.

Reindeer ears were required

Last day of term dressing up, the theme was Christmas. Superman is festive no?

Snow boots were purchased for what seemed like the coldest winter ever.

We saw the most realistic Santa. I BELIEVE!

It was emotional.

After stuffing Monty into his snowsuit he had an epic tantrum, which was rather like watching Barney on acid. Oh well, we then went to see the burning of the clocks parade in Brighton on the shortest day of the year

It was a fantastic evening

The procession was fantastic

The fireworks were phenomenal

But Blossom did not even bat an eyelid

Stockings were left out and filled

And Christmas day was enjoyed by these two

Presents were played with

And we learnt to stand with support

It turns out plastic toys are not needed (I knew this already)when you have a discovery basket with a whisk

Blossom has nearly mastered crawling

And is rocking a towelling robe not dissimilar to what I imagine Barbera Windsor wears in her dressing room

And obviously lil legs has one too! ( I bet Paul O Grady has one like this? Except his would say Paul, not Monty of course)

We had a very Merry Christmas and we hope you did too. x

Change

2011-01-05T14:48:00.000-08:00

Last year my lovely friend Claire (Cheshire Mum ) tagged me in the theme word meme, whereby instead of new years resolutions you choose a theme word to live your life by for that year. Last year I chose family.And boy did I live by that word.

In March I gave birth to my beautiful little girl who I see as completing my little family, a trio was amazing, a gang of four? Immeasurable joy. I threw myself completely and utterly in to my little unit and have held my babies closer than I ever thought imaginable. I have made time for the close family that are important to me and likewise they have reciprocated.

So a part of me still holds on to that theme word. But this year my, or our theme word is CHANGE. I don't want to say too much because as a family we are in the initial stages of making the changes that we want to. Those of you who read this blog that are close to me will know what changes I mean. Big ones. Exciting ones. Drastic ones. Changes for the future of myself and my family. I can't wait. But am also a bit scared. the changes are somewhat sacrificial (not in a slaughtering a lamb way just to make that clear!) but for the greater good of the four of us. I will stop there as I don't want to let the cat out of the bag for fear of jinxing any plans.

We have reached a stage where life is for living, no regrets, it is not a rehearsal and all those cliches.But often times the cliches are true. They are in this case.

I'm not going to tag anyone as this is not one of those posts really where I need to, although having said that I am so glad that Claire tagged me last year. x

Not a great quality picture but a very Happy Christmas day image all the same. And these two kind of sum up my post as they have instigated changes in our family in so many ways. Some mental, some physical, some just circumstantial. But changes none the less. And I'm psyching myself up for one of the biggest ones of all.

Baby led weaning - a follow up

2011-01-03T15:22:00.000-08:00

I posted a while back when Blossom was showing signs just before six months of being ready for solid food about my concerns with trying baby lead weaning. And as usual, I received so much help and support, advice emails, tweets from you guys that I decided to give it a go.

I am so glad I did as it has probably been one of the best decisions we have made for Blossom.

So firstly a big thank you to MTJAM, Kelly, Nick, Tasha, Claire lovely CW (who lent me the book) and Hannah. You all gave me so much advice and gave me the confidence to go for it and I have really not looked back.

It's quite liberating to not have pureed one single batch of anything and she basically eats whatever we do- this little lady really has been weaned on olives and humus!

Great early foods were sweet potato wedges, good quality sausages, split down the middle banana (great tip as if you cut it it is too slippery for little mitts) but the most resounding success has been blueberries. She loves them. Big style.

I have no worries food wise for my little lady and she really enjoys eating whatever is on offer. It has been so easy to go out to eat as a family, she's tucked into garlic bread, chunks of meat, roast potatoes, fried holoumi, fish cakes are a particular fave when dining out.

Sometimes I question whether I am a purist in baby lead weaning terms as after allowing Blossom free reign with a yogurt once I realised that this was an experience never to be repeated until her fine motor skills are finely honed. Ditto that with shepherds or fish pie. Oh and soup.So sorry but in those cases its spoonville. But never pureed mush.Just straight up exactly how we would have it.

So if you are reading this wondering whether to take the BLW route, do it! Chat to people on twitter by using the hashtag #BLW or comment on this post and I can direct you to lovely people.

But in the words of My Daddy Cooks 'Just give em what you have!'

And here she is enjoying her food. Good girl!

All hail the biddy tots!

2010-12-05T13:28:00.000-08:00

On a Wednesday morning while lil legs is at nursery Blossom and I attend a Mum and baby/toddler group. Myself and my kooky friend have renamed the group 'biddytots' on account of it being run by a group of church goers who are lets say, senior in years.

Each week we pay our fifty English whole pence for our pink wafer biccy and a cup of Iceland's instant coffee and stifle giggles as the biddies get run ragged by the toddlers and make inappropriate comments as only those ~~past caring~~ over seventy do.

I always find the experience surreal as my buddy Cheshire Mum spends her Wednesday with Coleen Rooney (~~you know the one that married Shrek .)~~ I know! Glam right? They go to the same toddler music group. And there we are experiencing a different type of Hollywood tan altogether. Mainly the pop sock forty denier kind.

These last few weeks both of us have had to feign excuses more believable than 'we are washing our hair' as the biddies are trying to force us to come to the Christmas party that's in the evening sans kids. There will be 'festive food such as lasagna, something with chicken and food for those vegetarian people ~~snort~~ and if you don't like that then I'm sure there will be quiche.' Apparently.Funnily enough we've both managed to weedle out of going but part of me thinks maybe we should go just to see what the biddies are like after a few pints of cooking sherry?

But the star of biddy tots is Micheal Caine. Not the real one you understand. But he is pretty bloody close. He takes the fifty pence when you arrive and ~~gets yelled at~~ takes instruction from the main biddy. I'm not sure how the main biddy got the important role of main biddy. Maybe she was voted the main biddy? I'm doubtful. I think she probably forced the title on herself. I'm sure a Lord of the Flies scenario only with biddies is on the cards at some point. In fact if she's not there after Christmas I would put money on the other biddies having got fed up with her and putting her in the lasagna at the adults only Christmas party.

Oh blimey.

Do any of you go to a similar surreal group run by senior citizens?

I heart Build a Bear. I mean my kids do.

2010-12-03T00:51:00.000-08:00

Let us get the boring bit out of the way first huh? This is not a sponsored post, the payment I received for my review was two cuddly Build a Bears for my kids, and what Mummy would refuse her kids that hey?

Our adventure started here

and as we arrived at The Build a Bear workshop in Brighton Monty was, lets say, a little excited.

See! GRIN! The staff at the Brighton branch took care of us so well, I would personally like to thank Hayley, Jo and Perrie for really spoiling my children and they thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience.
Before we arrived I had mentally decided that Monty could choose what ever he liked and I would have artistic direction over Blossoms choices, that Blossoms Build a Bear would be a classy affair and Monty's would be just as he wished. I had no idea Monty would choose a lilac sparkly bear, give it the star wars theme tune when you squeeze its tum and dress him as a policeman. Lets just say 'Teddyson' as Mo named him will definately be coming to gay pride this year and I am so proud of Monty for his choices.

So, once the bear had been chosen and a sound effect decided on Teddyson was then stuffed and a bar code was placed in him so if we were to ever lose him he could be returned to a Build a Bear branch, unstitched,identified and returned to his rightful owner. Bear genius that!

Monty then chose a heart to put inside his bear, and granted him lots of love, lots of brains and a full tummy always. Very cute to watch.

And then we got to the best bit. The clothes. Oh my lordy I was in hysterics. Build a Bear boxers? Got em! Hannah Montanna outfit for Bear? Of course! Along with flip flops, roller skates, a diploma scroll, a mobile phone.....basically all your bears needs are catered for. And catered for well.

Here is Mo holding up his well dressed bear!

Then every bear needs a birth certificate with name,date of birth, height and weight details all included of course.

Earlier I mentioned Blossoms classy bear as chosen by me. Well that was my intention. This is what we went for

I couldn't help it, next thing I knew I had chosen a mini skirt and sparkly cardi for an ice skating Hello Kitty. I love her. I mean Blossom does. Obviously. Ahem.

The whole experience was a joy to watch as the kids had a whale of a time.

Price wise I think the sky is the limit, Bears start at around £15 on average, and outfits can be bought for around the same price including shoes. So they can be pocket money treats or big spends for a special occassion. It's up to you.

You can check Build a Bear out on facebook HERE

And their website HERE

38 weeks

2010-12-02T10:57:00.000-08:00

In homage to my good friend Claire's lovely blog post about her beautiful daughter baby G when she reached the same age outside as she had got to inside. xxx

Dear Blossom

So 38 weeks. I never did manage to get to my due date. Your brother was the same.

38 weeks feels like an entire lifetime ago and it feels almost as though you were always here. But at the same time I feel as though you have just turned up to the party and still struggle terribly with there being two gorgeous beings for me to love unconditionally and uncontrollably.

These last few weeks have been hard, I've been to some grim places (a phrase only a Mother can understand.) You've had coughs and colds, sickness and then the chicken pox all in the space of six weeks.

You are a clingy baby, there is no denying it. You seem to feel as though the safest place for you is in my arms and anywhere else may prove the end of your little world as you know and understand it. I love feeling you close but sometimes I ache and find things very hard one handed.

But this soon shall pass and before I know it you will be running away rather than snuggling in.

So for now I'll hold you close and hold you near.

Love you forever and a day and to the moon and back.

Mummy. x

Who likes cupcakes? Meeeeeeeeee!

2010-11-10T12:18:00.000-08:00

This is not a sponsored post and I have not been paid to write it other than in baking equipment to make delicious cakes.Yum.

When I was on maternity leave with Monty a gorgeous little cakery cafe opened selling the most beautiful cupcakes you have ever seen. I spent many an afternoon there, eating cupcakes and cooing over my gorgeous boy.

This is what their cakes look like. Amazing aren't they?

It was then that my cupcake obsession began. I try to bake and ice them as beautifully as they do at Parklife but usually fail. The last chocolate batch I did looked like curly dog turds but there you go.

And so with my adoration for all things cuppity cake, I'd like to tell you about a competition over on the tescos website which opens today.

All you have to do is add a photo of your cupcake creations onto the Tesco website

There will be two winners and they will be judged on the beauty of their cupcake.

So what do you win? Well I am glad you ask because it is quite a treat if you like baking. The lucky winners will be able to bring a friend and enjoy an afternoon of cupcake creating with a chef on Friday 10th December in London. Ten runner ups will win a cupcake kit (which I myself have sampled as a thanks from Tescos for writing this post. I will be blogging my next attempt at creating the cupcake of dreams of course!)

The last day that you can enter is Monday 29th November.
Get baking and good luck!

And that's how Mo sees it (vol 3)

2010-11-09T14:03:00.000-08:00

My boy is growing up so fast it makes me want to throw myself on the floor with annoyance and shake my fist at the sky.

Which is slightly ridiculous but there you have it.

His language and ability to throw a sentence together has me floored daily. He's like a little old man.

Some recent gems have been:

Mummy that is just i-dick-u-lous (storms off.) I have to laugh at the early stages of Victor Meldrew appearing in my toddler.

Then we have the Toystory obsession much like a lot of three year old boys. Normal yes? Yes. Do most three year olds shout 'To infinity and beyoooooooond?' Of course they do. Mine doesn't. Recently he was jumping up and down on my bed while stark naked shouting 'IN-FANNY- AND - BEYOOOOND'
a strange porny homage to the pixar classic I'm sure you'll agree?

Then we had the 'fark we got to make the bed' incident. This was coupled with the gorgeous husband stomping down the stairs and relaying to me that lil legs had just used afore mentioned phrase. After about 6 repeats it was obvious he was saying first not *ahem* the other word but I did snort at the immediate assumption that Mo had turned into the offensive Nan from the Catherine Tate show.

We are also dealing with a lot of indignance. Is that a word? Anyway, that is what he is. Indignant. A lot. I find it hilarious how I have managed to produce a two foot know all, apparently 'sea water does taste nice Mummy h'actuallally, yes, I sink it does.'
Oh really kid? We live about five minutes from the sea hows about we find out huh? The saddest thing in this scenario is that I actually want to prove to my three year old that sea water tastes of donkey piss by marching him down to the water. I know!

Don't call social services.

Please?

Photobox review

2010-11-08T11:24:00.000-08:00

When the lovely people at Photobox contacted me and asked if I would trial a product of theirs of my choosing (for free) in exchange for a post on my thoughts it was a bit of a no brainer for me. I got to choose some thank you photocards free of charge and it had just been Monty's birthday so these were very much in order- perfect timing!

So I went about uploading my image, playing about with it until I was one hundred percent happy with it. I then placed my order and within about five days I had my postcards in my hands.Great.

I am a bit of a thank you card addict.At twenty seven years of age I am still sending them. And I get a bit miffed when people cannot be faffed to say 'ta for the gift.' I know it is old fashioned but I am just a bit like that, I like to put a bit of effort in so people realise that their kindness has been noticed. So I am an old hand at the upload your photo and choose a thank you card malarky. I have used all the big websites on offer. Photobox has been by far the easiest and the quickest and I would definitely use them again.

What I loved about the experience

Ease of use
Ability to really play with the image and make changes (I changed my from colour to black and white Without losing quality)
Speed of delivery

Price- if I had paid for this item it would have been just over £20 for the 40 cards. I think this is reasonable for personal cards and I have paid a lot more when doing Christmas cards!Hence I'll be back.
The quality of the product was brilliant and I really could not fault it.

#Twineup Venue and details

2010-10-03T11:46:00.000-07:00

I have booked a table for a quick dinner HERE at 7.30, before moving on to the main event (which handily is just opposite Carluccios where we are eating) where we have a reserved area booked HERE for 8.30pm Saturday October 23rd.

The venue is Merkaba cocktail bar which is in MyHotel (17 Jubilee Street Brighton BN1 1GE)

Brighton train station is just a 5 minute walk away so plenty close enough for those on the last train home.

Full map and details HERE

So far there is 10 of us but there is still time to let me know if you are coming just leave me a comment, tweet me (@becaboop) or drop me an email (rebecca dot metcalf1 at ntlworld dot com)

Oh and by the way the drinks list? Thats HERE I for one can't wait to do cocktails and chats with you all!

sleepytot review

2010-09-27T14:18:00.000-07:00

The lovely Hello Baby Direct sent Blossom her very own sleepytot to review.

When I was a newborn I was given a yellow rabbit which as I got older became known as 'Rab.' He is present in many a baby picture of me, came with me on my first day at school and then when I was 22 and the gorgeous husband and I got Lenny (who was then a tiny puppy) he had his face chewed off by said puppy. Hmmmm. He now has a new face provided by my Nan, who is a very talented stuffed toy surgeon. While she was at it she gave him some furry leg warmers as his legs were looking a bit threadbare and worn. Well bald actually.

What I'm trying to say is, sometimes a toy just stays with you and I'm hoping that the sleepytot will be to Blossom what Rab is to me. I still have him. I still love him.

It is described on the site as ''a baby comforter whose cuddly paws fold over to secure baby’s soother so it's always close at hand.'' well Blossom doesn't have a soother, she has her thumb in her mouth and her sleepytot in the other hand and it is the cutest thing to see them snuggled up together. I hope she still has hers aged 27 just like her Mummy! I wonder what she'll name him?Maybe Rab 2? Shall I ~~force~~ encourage her to call him that?

I apologise for the lack of images in this post. Is anyone else having problems with getting pictures uploaded onto blogger. Actually want to rip my arm off and throw it. To show my distaste obviously.

Anyone else have a shitty smile?

2010-09-24T13:37:00.000-07:00

As Blossom sat wedged into her bumbo shovelling food into her little gob with her little fingers I watched as she paused and the expression that crept across her face was all too familiar. One I had seen many times before on her brother.

You see, they share the same poo face.

Yes that gurney smiley face they both do when they are doing a farty party in their pants.

Which leads me to wondering, do we all have the same number two face? Is it the family resemblance of many a generation that we all share the same appearance when we are dropping the kids off at the pool of the white porcelain variety?

I am considering jumping in on the gorgeous husband when he is taking a dump to see if he is sporting that all too familiar face that my kids do, that beetroot faced, blood vessel popping, feint poopy grin. Is it him they get it from or me? I rather think it is him, and definitely not me as obviously I never do them, and if I did I would look serene and somewhat like the mona lisa or someone equally as fab.

What about you? Do your kids share similar traits or expressions? Is it a trait shared by the whole family?Obviously not poo face. Think that's just us.

#TWINEUP! Calling all South Coast Mummy/Daddy bloggers/tweeters

2010-09-21T14:32:00.000-07:00

We've been talking about it for months and now we have a date!

On Saturday 23rd October the lovely Cheshire Mum who I adore is arriving down south and it would be rather rude of us not to show her a good time (snigger) so, Brighton is the venue and I'm making arrangements as we speak but basically the evening will involve a lot of lovely people, cocktails, karaoke and of course the obligatory dance in a gay bar. It has to be done.

So if you want to come along, can you leave me a comment so I can arrange numbers and drop me an email (rebecca(DOT)metcalf1(AT)ntlworld(DOT)com so that I can give you all the finalised details. Or you can tweet me HERE

Also Queen Hannah will be staying at mine, I have done my front garden in preparation for her visit. Oh that sounds kinky. Not like that. But anyway, if you want to be educated on the crapest TV ever, she's your gal! Reason enough to come out and play I think?

A tasty lunch with a guru!

2010-09-21T13:42:00.000-07:00

On Monday I pootled off to London for a lunch date,having been invited by Dorling Kindersley to meet Annabel Karmel and discuss her new book and range of sauces and snacks.

I was joined by some fabulous Mummy bloggers, the lovely Katie Hill who blogs for i village HERE and Mumsrock.

Now when I initially got the invite I was in two minds, one because the gorgeous husband was off work and we've been having a stay cation whilst Monty recuperates frpm his operation so didn't want to swan off and leave him with the kids. Also the fact that I have gone down the baby led weaning route and Annabel is a puree guru.

However I was soon persuaded otherwise when the lovely contact from DK mentioned that Annabel would be only to happy to talk to me about getting Monty to enjoy food again after his operation. I also was reminded by a friend that Annabel doesn't just do purees, but also amazing finger food and family recipes too. I looked at my bookshelf, where many Annabel Karmel cookbooks already reside and decided I'd be silly to pass up such an opportunity.

Annabel was great when I opened up about Monty's eating quirks since he's had such a bad time with his ear nose and throat problems. I explained how little he eats and although what he does eat is very healthy, his diet is quite limited as he'll only eat certain things.The things that he does eat Annabel thought were great but I really would love him to have a bit more variety.

Annabel suggested:

as Monty has a preference for lunch/snack/tapas type food to relax and go with this. So for example he likes wraps so she suggested lots of different fillings or making quesilladas.
choosing a new bowl or plate that he likes and only serving small amounts so he doesn't feel overwhelmed
knowing that it will get better!Annabel set my mind at ease that it is understandable he eats so little after having a permanent cold for two years.
hiding fruit or veg in his food, blending more veg into soups or sauces. A needs must attitude!
Stop worrying.He doesn't eat a large variety of fruit.He only eats dried fruit,or bananas. She said not to worry as dried fruit is fruit after all!
Cooking and baking with Monty, she even gave me one of her toddler cookbooks to keep and it has some great recipes for family meals in.

Annabel has some great products out such as dried fruit which is (unlike most other brands) not fried and doesn't have oil added to it, corn snacks a bit like puffed rice cakes and fabulous sauces that have NOTHING nasty added. Check out her website for details here but honestly I have studied the ingredients and done the taste test- huge thumbs up!

And if you are just about to wean and want some fab recipes and really good inspiration for finger food then you can buy the Weaning book HERE.

I'm sure he's plotting to bury me under the patio

2010-09-14T13:47:00.001-07:00

I found this the other day, discretely pinned on our noticeboard in the kitchen.

I know. It is quite obvious that the gorgeous husband is plotting to quieten my incessant nagging for good. I shall no doubt be bashed over the head and buried under the patio no? Or would the decking be easier? Anyhoo, this is definitely what it is.

Except it probably isn't. But then, what is it?

Happy half birthday Blossom!

2010-09-14T13:47:00.000-07:00

Last week Blossom turned six months so Monty and I baked her a little half birthday cake

And here's the half birthday gal

Blossom loves...

boobs
food
her rabbits
being on her feet
stroking faces
her brother

Blossom is...

babbling
nearly sitting
kind of rolling
giggling
saying mmmm when Mummy walks in the room (nothing to do with Mummy and more to do with milk I think!)
sleeping through the night- yay! twelve blissful hours.

I have no idea where the last six months have gone but if anybody knows i would totally appreciate it if you let me know.

Zoooooooooooooom!

Sharing is caring, isn't it?

2010-09-14T13:20:00.000-07:00

I found these in the gorgeous husbands dressing gown pocket.

Git.

Hiding treats is so selfish. Unless obviously they are mine. And I've stashed them in the bathroom somewhere.Then it's fine.

A little trip to the hospital

2010-09-08T06:22:00.000-07:00

As you all know from this post Monty had his tonsills and adenoids out last week, his ears thoroughly drained and he became the owner of some grommets.

He was so brave and coped so well with the lead up to his operation that I have to admit to being a teeny bit proud of lil legs.

He chilled out with the Peppa Pig hospital episode on his TV, and checked out the gas mask that the anaesthetist would be using

When it came to the op itself he took the transport provided by the hospital to travel in style down the corridors

It's been pretty horrible for him since the op, it's too difficult for him to understand why he's feeling like this. He was hysterical for over two hours after coming round from the anaesthetic. And has bouts of sobbing uncontrollably. It's kind of breaking my heart a bit.

I just have to keep telling myself that the really really poorly ones don't make any sound and to be thankful that he is letting us know that he is MIGHTILY PEED OFF!

Massive thanks to all the staff that looked after my boy at The Royal Alexandra Children's hospital in Brighton. They did a fantastic job and continue to do a fantastic job. I have so much respect for anyone who looks after tiny poorly people.

So there we go, all done.

(insert massive Mummy sigh)

The original no tray high chair

2010-09-08T02:37:00.000-07:00

I have to admit to being a little bit chuffed at being sent the no tray high chair to review.

Designed in 1962 by an architect (Stephen Gip) who was frustrated by what was on offer it has become a design staple known to us all.
Find me a parent who hasn't popped their little one into one of these at the likes of pizza express, Ha Ha bar and canteen, Las Iguanas etc etc. I doubt you'll find one! Its kind of the archetype of highchairs, the Morris Minor of the kid cuisine world!
And now it's available to us, joe public. Hurrah!

So here's what I thought of it:

Great points

it has a fairly small foot print, not a great deal larger than an actual dining chair
it sits right up to the table so your mini person can enjoy eating with you
very easy to assemble
reasonable price (approx £75-85) depending on where you look.
easy to keep clean as there aren't too many nooks and crannies for the food to travel into
has a clippable safety harness (purchased for an additional £2.50)
its stack able, great if you have more than one child, I'm thinking twins?hell, triplets?
its solid, durable. I honestly think this highchair would outlive me, probably even my kids!
Comes in a variety of funky colours so as well as the light and dark wood it also now comes in black, white and the dreamy blue you see pictured. The blue is my fave.

Not so great points

Blossom at 6 months was in my opinion too small for this. I don't personally think it is suitable until they are sitting really well at possibly 7 or even 8 months? On the flip side my 3 year old Monty wasn't too big for it.
It's a bit hard for a really small one, it definitely needs a cushion. They could design a range of highchair inserts in funky fabrics and parents would love them (I think so anyway.)

I asked Monty what he thought about the highchair. He said '' I think it brilliant.'' Blossom gave no comment but then to be fair, she can't actually talk yet so we'll let her off.

Photo credit- thanks to Scandinavian selection for the image.

I want it to be this time, tomorrow.

2010-09-02T11:48:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow we will be getting up, convincing Monty that going without his morning milk is a good thing and making our way to the hospital for 7.30 am.

I have been trying to pretend it's not happening but I cannot bury my head up an emu's bum any longer, apparently Rod Hull (rip) needs it back and denial (as well as not being a river in Egypt) is plainly stupid.

He is only having his tonsills and adenoids out and a couple of grommets chucked in for good measure. It is a routine op. So why do I feel sick?

The operation should change his life dramatically. His hearing will improve. He will hopefully no longer be that kid with the snot. Hell he may even eat something as he should gain the luxury of being able to breath through his nose. Hopefully the sleep apnoea will go and we may manage to get 11 hours solid sleep from him again and he'll stop being such a grouch through tiredness?

All this is great.

I really want him to have this op. I do.

But I wish that I could have it in his place.

And so I guess THAT is why I feel sick. Because THAT is what happens when you become a Mummy. And I am learning THAT all the time.

Hopefully he'll be back to grinning like this in no time.

Five years? Five years!

2010-09-01T13:37:00.000-07:00

Tommorow is our wedding anniversary. Five years ago I married the love of my short lifetime aged just twenty two knowing that I wanted to be with my best friend forever.

He still makes my heart skip a beat.

He is the best Dad you could ever imagine, better even.

I take him completely for granted in the knowledge that he adores me.

He makes me try to be a better person.

And his farts stink worse than mine!

The Gallery: #Blogadesh

2010-08-31T14:17:00.000-07:00

This weeks theme for the gallery at sticky fingers is One day (the 29th to be precise) in August to bring attention and raise awareness of the fact that three great Mummy bloggers Josie,Sian and Eva have travelled to Bangladesh to help Save the Children with their amazing work.

The brief is to use any photo that you took on the 29th of August.

So here is mine. It's not arty or sophisticated, the camera work lacks skill but it basically sums up a lazy Sunday in my house, Monty and Lenny lolling about and Blossom kicking away on her play mat. I look at this photo and realise how lucky my children are, hell even how lucky my dog is! My children are fed, watered, clothed and happy. My dog is walked and if I am being honest a little tubby. All are healthy.

I have heard grumblings this week of the state that our country is in and yet we still send aid to crisis ridden countries. Anyone who thinks like this needs to have a long hard think.

If you are ill we have the NHS in this country.
If you are hungry there are many charities and support agencies that will do their best to make sure your welfare is improved.
If you are in poverty we can to some degree rely on our welfare state to do something.

A lot of people have it so much worse. We have been lucky to have been born here not there.

Think about it.

Diet what diet? Whoops.

2010-08-31T13:47:00.000-07:00

This week I have not excercised other than some big beefy walks with the twin stroller.

Oh and I appear to have forgotten I am on a diet. I keep eating things and then remembering that I am not supposed to be eating things like that. You know, cake! If I am honest I am finding it hard to be good while breastfeeding, I'm good all day and by the evening I need comfort food.

So not a good stroll back to shape week for me but next week I endeavor to do better.

A superhero party and a decorated cell

2010-08-29T14:18:00.000-07:00

Last week we had a party for Monty to celebrate ~~having kept him alive for 3 whole years~~ his 3rd birthday.
The theme was superheroes, as you can see from the picture,lil legs was a rather cute Sportacus from Lazytown. He desperately wanted his Daddy to be Sportacus too, as did the Gorgeous Husband as he is ~~unhealthily~~ OBSESSED with Lazytown let me tell you. But they don't do them in grown lanky fella size so we had to make do with this outfit

Yes (snigger) Daddy was Superman!

We hired the local ~~hellhole~~ sportcentre for two hours where mini people dressed as Spiderman, Batman, Buzz Lightyear, Stormtroopers,Ben 10 , Indiana Jones and about five kids dressed as Superman ~~went mental~~ played virtuously and wholesomely on a bouncy castle and assorted ~~highly flammable~~ plastic toys.

This was all well and good but then we came to the eating part. The sport centre had provided a ~~cell the size of a gob of spit~~ small but perfectly formed function room. They failed to mention that the room next to ours was holding a C~~hav Wedding~~ classy affair where people ~~smoked fags~~ celebrated the nuptials of two ~~barely legal~~ fresh faced individuals.

Oh well at least there was cake!

Monty certainly enjoyed the cake and his sister had a Buzz Lightyear dress ~~which someone kept calling a bib~~

I know, cute right?

Incidentally Parklife Cakery baked the cake. But on the day I passed it off as my own handywork (as you do.)

Our house.

2010-08-29T11:13:00.000-07:00

I look at my babies and pinch myself.

I am in awe of everything they do. I cannot believe I have produced such wonderful beings.

I hate the speed at which it is passing and want to pause this moment forever.

As a Mum of one everything is the next stage, the next development.

As a Mum of two everything is happening too quickly and I want my babies to stay babies. I don't want the next stage yet as I want to savour the current one.

With Monty's babyhood I was determined to maintain a sense of balance and order. In Blossom's I relish the chaos and breastfeed in my sleep!

Three years ago today we moved into this house and filled it with boxes and a tiny twelve day old baby. (And a big dog!)

Three years later it's just filled with love.

Ahem. Well and a whole load of other stuff, but, y'know.

Last week it was shorties birthday

2010-08-26T13:16:00.000-07:00

We were having a party for Monty the Saturday after his birthday (the Tuesday) so wanted to keep his actual day really simple, just a picnic, cake, scoot along the seafront and not much else.

It rained, just drizzled initially.

My family are so British when it comes to summertime, carry on regardless and all that.

So I Just slung on a coat and set out the picnic in the drizzle. The drizzle became rain and my poor little Nan just dutifully put on her cagoule. My Grandad put on what I can only describe as a dodgy Tommy Hilfiger fleece ( the fake kind that you buy from the market with a shirt with Kelvin Cline emblazoned across it) I started to laugh hysterically until My Mum informed me it was not even my Grandad's fleece but her soon to be Husbands. Whoops.We sat and ate in the rain.

Then I noticed there was snot on my trench coat. A long silvery line of snail trail courtesy of lil legs.

Then Blossom sharted over herself. And me. I literally had shit all over my top.

Monty opened his presents and we packed up the picnic and literally flung everything into the car and drove to the closest soft play place we could find.Monty was none the wiser and just thought it was all part of the treat. He ran rings around my Grandad and exhausted my Mum. All good stuff.

The gorgeous Husband saw his Sergeant with his kids, and I joined in with the chitchat.

It was only afterwards I remembered the shit all over my top.

Oh. Bloody hell.

This was the day after his birthday. There was no rain the day after. Typical.

New wheels!

2010-08-25T12:30:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned here I have been using a new double stroller generously given to me by Maclaren.

I push a Phil and Teds sport with the double system, and my other buggy is a bugaboo. So I guess I am a tough crowd as both buggies I already own are great in the most part.

But I have to say I am so impressed.

Good
I like the fact it is so light in comparison to the Phil and Teds.t fits in the boot easily (if it makes any odds I drive a Mercedes A class where the boot is small.)
I like the double storage, this gets lost with my Phil and Teds as the storage becomes the foot well.
The hoods are a decent size and have an added rain canopy.
The raincover is excellent and folds small. Therefore not taking up all your under buggy storage space.
The pockets on the back of the hood are great for storing phone and keys and the drink holders hold both my water bottle and Mo's cup with grabbing reach.
I can virtually fold and unfold it one handed with Blossom on my hip! Hurrah!
The hinges have been covered posing no worries to tiny fingers.
It is reasonably priced by comparision to most doubles at just over £220-£270 depending where you buy.
It steers beautifully for a side by side.

Bad
It doesn't do curbs well, I have to get all my weight behind it to tilt it.
The two seperate handles as opposed to a handle bar can make one handed pushing hard.

To be honest I really dont think any double buggy is going to be easy peasy, it is double the weight and width. I have got this one wedged in my front door where I just left it for the gorgeous husband to deal with when he got home!!! But that is not a bad reflection of the Maclaren I just live in a narrow victorian house with silly sized doorways!

This buggy has really changed my mind on strollers, I have to admit to being a stoller snob before but I've had such an easy ride with this that I am contemplating putting the Phil and Teds in the loft!

So THANKYOU Maclaren!

Losing pounds (and I don't mean money!)

2010-08-25T11:39:00.000-07:00

I want rid of my baby weight.

It doesn't suit me, some women suit being bigger, more cuddIey, they glow with bigger boobs and have an hourglass shape. Not me - my face looks like it should have two postcodes and my tummy leaves a lot to be desired. That coupled with normal sized arms and legs I cut a rather odd looking figure at the moment. Kind of an apple (fruit not the brand!) version of Mr Potato Head.

I was lucky enough to be sent a double stroller by Maclaren in exchange for blogging my journey back to shape. The idea is I exercise with the buggy and fit exercise into my everyday life.

I started my journey here .I've got to be honest it's really hard! My difficulty is keeping the kids happy in the buggy while I try to exercise. They love breezing along during an epic power walk and I love walking too. But the stress sweats from the small people shouting shouting every time we stop is frankly a bit annoying.

Maybe I need to time exercise around nap time and give Mo a muffin?

Anyway something is obviously working as I have lost 3lb and am now under the 11stone mark which was a huge deal for me.

So I'll keep bombing around, and watching what I eat as it's obviously working and I'll report back!

Oh and I will be reviewing the double stroller soon too. I am very impressed with it!

How to prevent a head that is shaped like a box?

2010-08-24T11:39:00.000-07:00

When Monty was Blossoms age his head was box shaped. I am not exaggerating, it was due to the fact that he did little, him being one of those babies that was in no rush to get, well, doing. He just lay on his back, sat in his chair, screamed on his front or toppled over when I attempted to sit him up. Obviously he ended up doing all of these things he just liked to keep me on ~~the gin~~ my toes!

So with all the arduous lying on his back he developed what between my Mum and i became as affectionately known as 'slap head' due to the back of his bonce having the appearance of being slapped (just for the record I did not slap him, nor did my Mum and baby slapping is not something I am making a joke out of.)

So when I was offered the theraline baby pillow to review I thought we'd give it a go as I am a vain Mummy and did not much like my boy having a box shaped head.

She has been using it for months now, and has never shown signs of slap or box headiness!

Other than square bonce prevention it also claims that it

keeps babies head in an ideal sleep position
allows head to turn
free circulation of air allows baby to breath easily
supports rapid correction of deformities

It is machine washable and costs less than £20, to check out their other items go to http://www.theraline-shop.co.uk/

Personally I think it did what was required of it successfully and would be money well spent if your childs head was severely deformed from lying on their back.

Many thanks to theraline for use of the cute baby image.

Three years ago

2010-08-16T12:34:00.000-07:00

Three years ago I looked like this!
Three years ago I woke at 6am with 'period pains.
Three years ago I ignored them.
Three years ago I had 'a show.'
Three years ago I ignored that also.
Three years ago I got up and made a picnic.
Three years ago I went to a picnic on Hove seafront with all of my Husbands colleagues thinking that braxton hicks really bloody hurt.
Three years ago I walked around that picnic holding my back and unable to sit down.
Three years ago I paced up and down to the toilets thinking I probably just needed a dump!
Three years ago my Husbands colleagues kept asking him 'if Mrs M was alright?'
Three years ago I convinced myself that there was no way I was in labour at 38 weeks as the flat was in boxes and we were waiting for the sale to go through and move into our house and it would all be perfect and......oh.....ouch.....

Three years ago I was wrong!

And this little fella came to say hi

Monty will be three tomorrow.

I think he will anyway, if you ask him he says 'I think I'm probably gonna be three?'

The foods the thing

2010-08-07T13:50:00.000-07:00

Blossom is five months old and it will soon be time to start weaning.

Its been two and a half years since I weaned Monty and things have changed. Baby Led Weaning was something I read about when I was pregnant with him and was very popular in Brighton where he was born. I thought it was a fantastic idea. Then we moved when he was a few weeks old and I kind of forgot about it and went along my merry puree way thinking I was Annabel Karmel in converse. I just kind of went the route that the Health Visitors guided at the weaning talk. He loved his food and progressed to lumps and finger food in a matter of months so it never really was an issue.

He's not so good with his grub now though, but I guess it is hard to eat a meal when you can't breath out of your nose. I have no idea how he survives on so little calories but that is another post entirely!

So this is a post for pleading for advice. Books you can recommend, personal experience, top tips, great websites etc. Hit me with the good stuff please as I am in a bit of a quandary. I like the idea of BLW but I am concerned about the initial stages, getting enough protein into her before she can really chew. I know that food under one is just for fun and breast milk will largely be enough for her. Can you do a combination of the puree way and the just giving her what we are eating for her to discover or is that the silliest thing you have ever heard? Does that defeat the whole object?

See what I mean? Help mucho appreciated!

The one where I become less of a fatty?

2010-08-05T13:11:00.000-07:00

Blossom is five months old and despite losing a stone I am still not happy with the amount of baby weight I seem to be clinging onto.

So I intend to do something about it.

Unfortunately for me it is going to involve eating less and moving more. But still consuming enough to breastfeed. Yes people this means cutting out chocolate. And cake. (I am sobbing as I type.)

I know. YUCK!

Luckily for me I have the support of Maclaren who have given me a twin stroller to review whilst using their stroll back to shape programme

By blogging about it I hope that will give me the incentive and the willpower to succeed. The alternative is public humiliation. And we all know that I have had enough public humiliation in my ickle life (see my urinating on stage post)

So, target weight is 9stone. No time limit but before Monty and Blossom go to university would be just grand.

Wish me luck people! Oh and Nudie Princess if the next time I see you you flaunt cake at me. That is just mean ok?

An operation and a Mummy wibble

2010-07-16T05:53:00.000-07:00

Monty has finally been given the go ahead by his ENT specialist to have his adenoids and tonsills removed.
This is fantastic news as my poor boy suffers from awful sleep oapnia, has glue ear, a constant runny nose, dribbles 24/7, eats very little due to being unable to breath through his nose and all this has really made an impact on his life.

The symptoms feed into everything, tiredness and lack of food are not a great toddler combo. Sometimes it feels like a miserable viscious circle and it effects his mood incredibly as you would imagine.

So why am I so anxious about this op? It hopefully will be the answer to everything?

The thought of him on the operating table,he is so little, not even three yet.

Can you all just tell me it will be ok?

Pathetic wibble over,~~oh but it's not.~~ YES IT IS.

And that's how Mo sees it (vol 2)

2010-07-15T13:06:00.000-07:00

We had a bad night last night in our abode. Both Monty and Blossom are poorly sick with coughs and colds. I must of been up about four times with Blossom and Mo ended up in bed with us,cue multiple kicks to the head as he always chooses to sleep sideways and I always seem to get the foot end on my side.

I kept Monty off nursery and despite his cold he has kept the comedy coming today. Here are a few:

Mo: I hungry Mummy
Me: OK do you want these, or these ( I show him banana chips or organix crisps)
Mo: (Looking left to right quickly) WHAT?! What you showing me women?

As we eat our cheese scone for lunch
Mo: Are you gonna give Blossom some cheese Mummy? From your Boooooobies?

I'm outside with Mo hanging out the washing, Blossom is inside in her bouncy chair
Me:Mo can you just pop inside to keep your sister company?
Mo: Of course Mummy. (Arm out front superman style) TO THE RESCUE! (runs inside)

We are chatting about his birthday party coming up. It's going to be fancy dress with a superhero theme.
Mo: I gonna wear curtain just like superman. No actually I be Wobby Wotton.

So a day that could of been pants with two poorly miniatures was actually pure solid gold.

Cheers Mo. x

Blog of substance award

2010-07-14T14:22:00.000-07:00

Ooof The lovely Mrs L J Hall has gifted me the Blog of Substance Award. I love awards, it's like a big hug for your blog and who doesn't like a hug? People with personal space issues and huggists I guess, but I am neither so thanks for my blog hug and....what was I saying?

Anyway.
THE RULES:

1) Say thanks to the blogger who awarded you

2) Share your five word blogging philosophy

3) Nominate further bloggers of substance

My blogging philosophy is....

*insert swooshing wind sound and roll tumbleweed across page*

OK I got it

PICKLE CRAVINGS TO POTTY TRAINING

The name of this blog is indicative of the frankly ludicrous quantities of Beetroots and Gherkins that I was shovelling into my gob when I was pregnant with Pickle (now Blossom)and a large part of this blog has been dedicated to diarising my pregnancy and subsequent labour. The rest is a load of shit. Well potties full of it anyway, as I verbally vomit my experiences of potty training little legs.And then there is a whole load of in between. In essence my blog is my keepsake of my babies while they are babies as I never want to forget and they will not be babies for long. SOB AND SNIFF.

Anyway, I pass this blog of substance to two blogs that I have discovered in the last few weeks and have REALLY enjoyed reading

I know I need to stop talking

and

Where the brass band plays

The Naughty Step

2010-07-13T13:21:00.000-07:00

Claire at The Good,The Bad and The Ugly tagged me in this meme. All you have to do is choose who you would put on the naughty step, link back to who tagged you and tag some other peeps.

I knew as soon as I had been tagged who I would choose.

So without further ado, I give you Richard Hammond. Urgh.

I cannot stand this dude. I know he had an accident and learnt to talk again with lego and that is super duper amazingzillas.

But.

He has awful hair.

And he is so small he makes my flesh itch. Scratching now actually! I am you know.

They actually call him the hamster, those blokes off the car programme. Cringe.

He ruined a gig for me last year. He did. I tell you for why. The Nudie Princess and I went to see The Enemy. I love their music but didn't really know what they looked like if you get what I mean?

Turns out the lead singer is a younger version of old gerbil chops.

Christ I wanted to rip my arm off and throw it at the stage I was so annoyed.

Anyway. I tag Long Tall Ally and The Nudie Princess.

I am off to be pissed off now. Can't stand that dude.

Yes but I said sorry?

2010-07-07T13:40:00.000-07:00

Little legs has been somewhat of a little shit of late.

Awww bless him your'e thinking.

I am not kidding.

We have started to dread picking him up from nursery as for the last three weeks both The Gorgeous Husband and myself have been told of him pushing, pinching,punching and (sicks up a little in my own mouth.....) BITING. Sigh.

The nursery are concerned as its so out of character for him. And nursery isn't the only place he's been doing it, at home he's been dealing out the slaps and then looking at us with a kind of rabid look in his eye as if to say ''come on then, outside, lets 'ave it''

And the weird thing is when he does it at nursery he explains to the staff, that's it's really ok, because he said sorry.

Well jeez that's alright then. Blimey, well in that case I can think of a few people who'll be getting a slap from me in the not too distant, namely Richard sodding Hammond, or the hamster or whatever his name is. The little fella off Top gear. Cannot stand him. Any way I digress.

So basically I have come up with a plan. I'm sure this is all down to Blossom's arrival and he wants a bit of attention. We've done our best but there's two not one now and I'm splitting myself down the middle as much as possible. So I want to draw attention to the positive behaviour and try to ignore the rest.

Previously he would have a two minute time out on the sorry spot for undesirable behaviour after being given a warning. But this is losing impact so I need a different tactic.

I've made a chart for kind behaviour and we take it everywhere including nursery. He gets a sticker for being a nice chappy to others and we reward on Daddy's rest days by treating him to a day out. He wants to go swimming so all being well that's what we'll be doing.

It's been going quite well and he was excellent at nursery today.

Shit I have to wear a swimming costume.

Oh well my thighs can't have as many rolls as Blossoms.

Mas frickin titis

2010-07-06T12:41:00.000-07:00

picture credits

Women!

A word of warning.

Mastitis sucks donkey dinkle. Ok a few words but all true.

I have just got over my second bout, I had it once with Monty which made me give up breastfeeding (only to go back to it a few weeks later.)And then I noticed the all too familiar signs this weekend whilst feeding Blossom.

It feels like you have the worst flu. Raging temperature,shivers,sweats, aching in every joint and your boobs go hard and red in area's. See the picture THAT is what it looks like. OUCHIEEEEEE!

The best thing to do is get rest, plenty of fluids, paracetamol, and feed through it. Make sure the breasts are emptied after every feed and if they are not, express the remainder off. Also get some antibiotics asap. All this advice was provided by my brillo bud Sam at The (Nudie) Princess Diaries. Follow her blog for she is funny and wise you see.

And finally a rant.

I was at my Dad's when it happened. He lives a few counties away so on our journey home I called my out of ours doctors service and was told they would not even speak to me until I crossed the border of the county I live in????

Errrr just slide the lock to the left Monty!

2010-06-25T13:33:00.000-07:00

You may remember from previous posts the very special relationship Monty has with my Grandparents who he calls Bobbobs and DeeDee.

They adore him, he adores them.

And at seventy years old I am always amazed at their boundless energy around him.

They make up any excuse to scoop him up and take him back to theirs, his little suitcase gets packed and he trundles off down the path with them chattering away.

This week was no different, the excuse was:

''Now we've been talking and seeing as you need to have us look after Monty for two hours while you take Blossom to baby massage, well he may as well come and stay with us for two days don't you think?''

So he drags his little suitcase off, all excited to be staying at his special Great- Grandparents house.

Apparently this time he insisted on taking himself to the toilet.

Nothing unusual, until, clink....he locks the door!

My Grandads eyes go wide and my Nans heart rate rises. ( did I mention she has a dicky heart?)

''Monty''

''Yes BoBobs''

''Have you locked the door?''

''Yes BobBobs''

''Can you unlock it there's a good boy''

Long pause.

''No''

Oh how I laughed! They got him out but not before he had made my poor old Grandparents voices go quite high pitched!!

Naked Bear Wrestling

2010-06-25T13:05:00.000-07:00

picture credits

Monty has a a thing about clothes. He likes to remove them.

I brought him home from nursery last week and took off his nursery shirt so that I could wash it ready for the next day as it was invariably covered in chalk, paint, marker pen, snot, yogurt and dirt.

But he didn't want another t.shirt on, so we are nekkid torso from here on.Then first pee he needs once he's home he removes his shorts and underpants and refuses to put them back on. His red converse boots however, they are allowed to stay on as he needs them on if he wants to go in the garden doesn't he Mummy?This is pretty much what we do now.

So the afternoon is spent completely stark whatnot naked apart from boots. Which does have a rather surreal look to it.

I ignore it and we carry on. This particular avo a spot of baking occurs where he and Daddy create cookies. Monty thinks it sensible to don chefs hat and apron (thank god.)

Then just after Dinner I look down to see Monty naked wrestling his teddy bear under his mini table, legs spread eagle and all his bits and pieces keep disappearing and reappearing behind different bits of teddy.

Luckily I had already eaten.

Anyone else's kid do this?

No?

Just mine?

Raising Awareness

2010-06-18T13:24:00.000-07:00

THIS IS NOT A SPONSERED POST

I was approached by Arthritis Research to raise awareness of Juvenile Arthritis.I of course was happy to oblige,if you want to find out more then just click on the link
http://www.arthritisresearchuk.org

What is juvenile idiopathic arthritis?

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis, or JIA, is really a group of illnesses that share similar symptoms. Idiopathic arthritis is arthritis with no known cause and, just as in adult arthritis, it causes inflammation, pain and swelling in the joints.

Arthritis affects 1 in 1,000 children in the UK and can begin at any age. Most types of JIA are more common in girls.

Most children won't have lasting problems from childhood arthritis. JIA doesn't turn into rheumatoid arthritis in adulthood. And having juvenile idiopathic arthritis doesn't mean that your child will go on to develop adult forms of arthritis.

It's not known exactly what causes juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Every child's illness is different and responds differently to treatment, so it's very difficult to predict how arthritis will affect your child.

Some children may have joint damage that limits their daily activities to some extent, and some could develop osteoporosis when older. Others may need continuing medication, and a few may need joint replacements in adulthood.

However, many children go into what doctors call remission, which means their symptoms disappear, often permanently – about 60% of children with JIA have few or no further problems with arthritis as adults.

About a third of children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis will have some continuing problems as they become teenagers and young adults. The transition to adult life can be full of anxieties for any young person and having arthritis can bring additional challenges.

There is no cure for juvenile idiopathic arthritis at present, but there are a number of drugs that can help to relieve your child's pain, reduce the swelling or inflammation in his or her joints, and slow down the advance of arthritis.

If you were interested in donating to aisd research please go to http://www.arthritisresearchuk.org/get_involved/donate.aspx

*many thanks to arthritisresearchuk.org for providing the information in putting together this post

Hello, Hiya waves

2010-06-16T12:56:00.000-07:00

Hi!

Remember me? No probably not.

I've been away ages. Naughty blogger. Smack my hand etc etc.

But I'm back NOW and I'm not really sure why I went away. I think I just lost my mojo to write all the daily craziness down, and then I felt guilty and then that just made blogging feel a little bit like homework which defeats the whole object. Also I was busy with my babies!

So I had a holiday, a blogging holiday, and now I'm back all refreshed!

So, a little catch up......well....

This little Pickle, is now 14 weeks old.

Obsessed with my boobies, a few more pounds and she's half the weight of her brother!! She is zooming up the weight centiles and absolutely thriving.

Shes smiling, cooing, gurgling and I heart her a great deal. I wish she'd kick her 3a.m boob habit but it's still early days.

(Please excuse the scabby head look in that pic. She had HORRENDOUS cradle cap. Gone now. Phewy! Could of picked a different pic but love her pickle tee in this one)

And this dude....

Excuse the lack of trousers (but he does have his pants on) and the only wearing one sock look. Mo's new favourite thing to do is have teddy bears picnic's. Sometimes it gets a bit far fetched and teddy eats too much and Mummy has to go and get a bowl from the cupboard so teddy can have a hurl. Yup. Seriously!That's some imagination my kid has eh?

Oh and he has also taken to dunking oatcakes in my tea, yes the savoury taste of dust variety. I know. Shudder.

So anyway, I'm glad to be back, and I'll be popping in on your blogs and squishing their cheeks asap!

All the help you can get

2010-05-05T13:52:00.000-07:00

Whilst breastfeeding Blossom I have come accross some superb products that have really helped me. And lets face it, breastfeeding can be tough, and sometimes you feel you need all the help you can get.Anything that makes you feel more comfortable and confident can only be a good thing.

The breastvest has been invaluable. Any Mum will tell you, when baby is still new, your gut is....well...JELLY! The thought of lifting my top up and exposing my gut leaves me far more concerned than exposing my boobs!

If you are worried about exposing your postnatal tummy when breastfeeding, as I was then this is the product for you.

Here is the blurb:

Created, designed, tested and approved by breastfeeding mums, breastvest is held in place by specially designed straps and sits just below your nursing bra, comfortably covering your postnatal tummy whilst offering a comfortable layer for support and modesty.

Born out of frustration with boring, expensive breastfeeding tops and stretched necklines, breastvest was invented to make breastfeeding in public easier and to let new mums open the doors to their pre-pregnancy wardrobe while still doing the best for their babies.

I literally wash and wear this product day after day. My only annoyance with it is that I do find the straps slip down my arms slightly. But I am willing to put up with that and keep my tum hidden.

Reasonably priced £14.99 each and available in many great colours.Check them out on their website HERE

Thanks to breastvest for the use of their image.

Another fab find is the MAMASCARF

Mamascarf is an award winning breastfeeding scarf that not only allows mothers to breastfeed stylishly and discreetly but also provides essential support without the need for a cushion. This was something I found extremely useful as it's great being able to feed with your support cushion at home, but this helps when you are out and about by lifting the baby up to you.

It covers you before and after feeding. Which is great for getting baby latched on properly with out Tom, Dick, Harry and everyone they went to school with seeing your nipple!

I find this useful when feeding at my Grandparents house as although they are completely supportive of my feeding, my poor Gramps does blush if he accidently see's a flash of tit!

Well worth the £17.99, this lives in my change bag and I use it regularly.

Thanks to mamascarf for use of the image.

Roll up Roll up! I have an announcement to make!

2010-05-05T13:08:00.000-07:00

So I finally have got round to officially announcing Blossoms birth to family and best buds with the this gorgeous artwork created by the fantastic DANDELION LOUNGE
We thought something official was required as even in this modern age twitter, facebook and text is a bit of a poor way to holler to the world that you have had a baby, no?

Actually no it's not as I loved having my hundreds of birthing partners on twitter but you know what I mean. Something pretty and tangible was required to mark the occasion.

I mean with a shiny postcard that can be stuck on a fridge and cooed over. Perfect.

Isn't it yum?

It was so easy, I simply emailed the photo's, and the wording that I wanted, and super quick this stunner winged it's way back to me. CLEVER!

I love the fact that I will have this little beauty to keep forever as a keep sake.

They are providing artwork only designs for just £19.99.
Printed postcards, folded cards and other items are also available at
www.dandelionlounge.co.ukhttp:///

Blossom hits the bottle!

2010-04-21T13:28:00.001-07:00

So the time has come to introduce a bottle to Miss Blossom. She is exclusively breastfed but I cannot deny I was looking forward to giving the girls (Salutes the boobs) a well earned break. Plus I have a hen night to go to in May and a wedding in June so the bottle will need to be established by then so that I can have a jolly (ahem I mean a break!)

I am lucky enough to have been sent some bottles from BABYBORNFREE to review.

I have reviewed their toddler cups before HERE where I have commented on the use of BPA chemicals in infant cups and feel passionate about the Baby Born Free product. You can read more about BPA in this fantastic post written by MUMMYTIPS. It makes extremely interesting reading and I have certainly had my eyes opened to what goes into our infant feeder cups and bottles since researching the subject on the internet. They have banned the use of these chemicals in infant bottles and cups in Denmark, hopefully it will also happen here, but until then we need to make an informed decision as to what products we use.

So, I expressed the milk and being the control freak that I am decided that I wanted to give her her first bottle! Which is bonkers as it kind of defeated the whole aspect of me having a break but there you go. I wrapped myself in the Husbands dressing gown to hide my milk smell and got on with it. I have to say I wasn't sure how she would take to it as the bottles teats aren't particularly nipple like. But she took the bottle no problem!

Success. She took no exception to the teat and had no sign of gas afterwards, I was chuffed and she was full! Happy days!

I'll continue to use these bottles for Blossom, and Monty continues to use the cups. And I am happy in the knowledge that they are BPA free.

So to the hen night I shall go, leaving my Husband with a freezer full of my house white!

They are available from Boots,Mothercare and amazon.
Prices start at £12.99 for two 5oz bottles.

*I may have scarred Monty for life, he saw me expressing and eyes wide said :

"MUMMY! WHAT.ARE.YOU.DOOOOOOOING???"

hmmm.

What they don't tell you about breastfeeding

2010-04-21T12:42:00.000-07:00

1. Around day four, you wake up and your boobs look like two bald heads, adult bald heads.

2.Cabbage leaves help engorgement. True. Cabbage leaves stink. Also true.

3.You're other half walks in on you expressing. Bang goes your sex life, he'll never see you in the same way again.

4.Before you get into your breastfeeding groove (and it still hurts) after every feed you are on a countdown to the next one...A COUNTDOWN TO PAIN!!

5.If anyone wakes baby before they are due a feed, so that you end up having to feed early, that person is quite honestly off your Christmas card list. In fact all they will be recieving is a dog turd. (Not the fake joke kind)

6. If that person is male and they make any kind of comment about your disgruntlement, they are met with :
"HOW WOULD YOU FEEL IF EVERY THREE HOURS A SPARROW CHEWED ON YOUR TESTICLES???"

7.Anyone making the comment that baby needs a feed (with that annoying sorry smirky face) you are mentally counting the ways you could murder them ,bury them, hide the evidence and get away with it. Or something like that.

8.When you are feeding in the middle of the night and other half is sleeping like a baby next to you, you actually consider smothering him with a pillow. But realise that is a tad dramatic. So you turn the tellybox up loud instead. Hah.

9. Your let down reflex put quite simply is like a hose. If baby stops feeding and you don't realise, you will most probably spray their face, maybe the chair, and yourself a little bit. I did this once in a Mothercare feeding room> And a cafe> And a doctors waiting room.

10. When you are due to feed you boobs start to fill and then go rock hard, as if someone has sprayed freeze spray on them. A kind of boobie ice age?

11. You will wake up, panic you have pissed the bed, then think you have knocked a drink over yourself, then realise your boobs have just exploded. A breast milk crime scene has occurred and the duvet is wet as are you.

All of this is normal.

And it does get easier.

And when it does it is awesome.

And thats how Mo see's it!

2010-04-18T12:43:00.000-07:00

All these little gems were uttered by Monty in the space of one day. I had to write them down for fear of forgetting them and these little Montyisms are far too precious to be forgotten.

"Quick Mummy Blossom crying, get your boobies"
(On hearing Blossom waking up from a nap)

"It's tidy up time in five minutes, if you wanna make a mess, do it now"
(Cheeky bugger)

"My hair looks brilliant Mummy"
(On catching a glimpse of himself in the mirror)

"It's too loudy"
(noisy I think he means!)

You need this

2010-04-16T12:53:00.000-07:00

Since having Blossom I have used many newborn products, some of which have been fantastic.

In the next few months I'll be sharing the best stuff in my YOU NEED THIS posts.

This beautiful swaddling blanket comes from the fantastic website MANUKA BABY, founded by the brilliant Alaina Morris.

It is gorgeous. And it is the quality and detail that set it aside from your run of the mill swaddlers. I have a white one with a cute little rose on the front. Too flipping sweet!

They are made from organic New Zealand cotton and are not cheap but make a great luxury baby gift. If you are pregnant, I'd drop hints now!

Blossom is only loosely swaddled in the picture, but at bed time she finds being swaddled comforting and I find it helps to settle her, it's also great for preventing wake ups from the startling morro reflex present in new babies.

An artistic trip(up my bum)

2010-04-15T14:07:00.000-07:00

I'm standing in the kitchen making breakfast whilst simultaneously trying to stop my contact lenses falling out from the not sleeping. I'm also silently asking myself if I am tired or if perhaps I have had a stroke as the left side of my face seems to have dropped somewhat.

Monty bouncily trundles into the kitchen jumping down the step and trips into me. He falls over,landing flat on his front on the floor.

If this was me I would have lay face down and screamed until someone showed me some sympathy. But I guess when you're two it's less far to fall? He springs up. I carry on buttering toast.

Then his little voice pipes up "LOOK MUMMY LOOK! IT BEHIND YOU"

So I turn, I look.

But he jumps behind me.

Again "Look Mummy Look!"

So I turn around again, but again he's moved behind me.

We repeat this what feels like twelve no, even 13 times (ok probably three times but I am shattered and prone to exaggerate)

Now I am an incredibly patient Mummy especially early in the morning. (Previous sentance big fuck off lie)but even I was getting annoyed. And then I realised. He was standing staring at me with a stub of mint green chalk clutched in his mitt.

He was referring to the massive chalk line he had drawn down my arse as he fell over.

Sigh.

It's rubbish when your boobs wet themselves. Really rubbish.

2010-04-10T13:11:00.000-07:00

Last night was utter pants. Great big skiddy, paisley, y fronts pants.

I can't complain too much. No sod it. Yes I can.

Gorgeous husband was on a night shift, Mo sneaked into bed with me and I was too knackered to argue and to be quite honest was quite enjoying him snuggling in. Obviously it's a tad annoying when he starts to sleep star shaped and starts rolling over and slapping me round the face. That's rubbish. But the cudding is rather nice.

The night started OK with Blossom waking for her last feed of the day at around 11.30pm, this then usually means that she goes till 3ish then again till 7ish. All perfectly acceptable times.

Not so last night.

Every time I fed her, changed her nappy, settled her down, then tried to put her down and BAM she was wide awake. Seriously I am sure I heard her whisper "no chance Mummy!"

So in the end I think I slept 1am till 3am, then 6am till 8am.

At one point tears came. Not hers. Mine. Tears that anyone who has been up half the night with a 4week old baby will understand. The repetitive sleep deprivation has started to kick in and a toddler during the day means fat chance of a daytime nap for me.

But the sweetest thing happened as I started to cry.

This warm little body snuggled in beside me, wrapped his arm around me and with one hand , gently patted my arm. All the while he gently shhhhhd me and said "It okay Mummy."

My sweet little man. Being Mummy's little helper. Taking his role very seriously obviously.

When I woke up to Mr arriving home from his night shift, the duvet was wet, as was my top. Cheers boobs. Way to make a bad night, worse.

Friends

2010-04-10T05:37:00.000-07:00

We spent Easter Sunday with very good friends of ours, eating occurred as did drinking wine, giggling but best of all an Easter egg hunt took place.

Monty and his gorgeous buddy N went searching for their chocolate prizes and it was quite possibly the cutest thing I have ever seen.

We have known N and his parents a few years, since I got chatting with N's Mummy S at a sing and sign class that I took Monty to. The rest is history.

But the loveliest thing is for now Monty and N seem to have a genuine friendship, not just based on the fact that myself and N's Mummy are great friends, but based on spaceships, dee daws, giggling and running in circles.

OK they have walloped each other a fair few times, and pulled each others hair, but underneath that they have started to genuinely interact. Gone is the parallel playing of babyhood, replaced by something honest and pure and wholesome in a way that probably only exists in two year old children.

I love to watch them and listen to them. I also love to eat cake and drink red wine with N's Mummy.

So happy days really!

My loves my sister my do

2010-04-08T13:24:00.001-07:00

This is a relationship that took me by surprise. When I was pregnant I had no idea really what kind of reaction Monty would have towards his sister. I expected tantrums and jealousy.

We tried to prepare him as much as we could. We took him to scans. Told him it was going to be a little girl, his little sister and he would be a big brother. Countless sibling books were purchased and read at night before bedtime, the same books were packed in his nursery bag and read to him there. We encouraged him to do paintings for his sisters bedroom. He grasped the idea that his sister was in my tummy but took it literally to mean that everyone had a sister in their tummy.

And then Blossom arrived. As soon as he came into Mummy and Daddy's room that first morning, that first meeting, we held our breaths and hoped he would be happy to see the little Winston Churchill look alike in her moses basket.

Straight away he wanted to 'have a go' and 'my want to hold her.'

He adores her, he cuddles her constantly, often too tightly. He plants kisses on her face that leave dribbly remnants. And he puts his face so close to hers his hair tickles her.

The only difficulty we have had is he started to wet himself again, but this didn't last long and we didn't make an big deal about it.

I am so proud of him and the love he has for her.

Pickles nursery!

2010-04-08T12:45:00.000-07:00

I know she has a name now, but we still refer to her bedroom as Pickle's room for some reason.

Those clothes hanging up are my baby clothes, twenty seven years old! Retro!

I mentioned in this post that as Montys room is so fab I was finding it hard to create a room for Blossom (who at that point was Pickle) that was equally as lovely. It is not completely done, I add things as I see and buy them but it is yummy!

The blind was a made especially by a fab company called Coppybridge Blinds. I am really pleased with it and I love the Cath Kidston Strawberry fabric. They are a brilliant company and put up with a lot of pregnant divvyness on my part.

My favourite detail is the bunting made for Blossom by the super talented Sharon Turner founder of scrummythings.co.uk She is so clever (AND she made bunting for Jamie Olivers daughter Petal's bedroom!)

I still need to find pretty curtains and put her name up on her door but I am sure when she snuggles down for the night in a few months in her stokke sleepi she'll just be pleased to be out of that sodding moses basket. If I'm honest, I'm dreading it. Why can't they just sleep in a little bed next to you forever?

Just coming up for air!

2010-04-07T13:23:00.001-07:00

Hello! Hurrah! Alright!

It has been a while. It would seem that a second bambino adds some interesting to the mix.

I have spent the last four weeks since Blossom arrived with mostly no make up, funny looking hair ( I left it to dry naturally one day- gorgeous Husband calls it tropical when I do that, very curly you see) and bumping into walls quite often with either a breast pump attached to a tit, or other times a child. But with less wall bumping when a child is attached on account of sittingdownness.

Today I feel a sense of 'I can do this.'

And I can. Because I am these Babba's Mummy, and a good one at that, and it has taken me this long to realise it. As now I know it is not about perfect make up, tight tummy. housework and washing completion or any of that other 'stuff.'

It is just about Monty and Blossom, and a whole lot of breastfeeding, cuddles, food prep and pulling sesame street yfronts up and down and up and down.

Oh yes.

Welcome to the world little one

2010-03-31T11:36:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the world Blossom Iris Edie!

I can't believe she is finally here!

As you can imagine life has been one big whirlwind. It is only now Blossom has reached the ripe old age of 3 weeks that I feel I can pause to catch my breath.

I need to apologise though.Sorry.

I have been a crap blogger. But my excuse is valid. I can only describe what I have been doing as this, living the moment instead of blogging about it, due to no time because of the previously mentioned, ahem, living thing.

But now I shall get my blogging mojo back. Starting with Blossoms birth story, So here goes!

As you all know I had been working my little( ok not so little) tushy off in the lead up to Blossoms birth to get my childcare course completed 7 months early. My gorgeous Husband had also been working pretty damn hard studying for hios Sargeants exam. There had also been some serious house decorating and nesting organistaion going on aswell as evil SPD and carpul tunnel syndrome (crappy side effects of my pregnancy) this is added to the usual tiredness that goes with pregnancy and the daily exhaustion of looking after my headstrong toddler Monty.

I look back and think phew!

So my labour twinges started on the 9th March, late afternoon, I sneakily kept completely schtum about this fact as I knew if I went to college that evening I could complete the course, as I had handed my last unit in the week before and wanted to work on any feedback I had. I remember feeling odd back ache and like I was slowly wetting myself. I knew it was starting as I had the exact same feeling with Monty when my labour was starting.

I commented to J that I thought our little girl would be here by the end of the week(it was Tuesday) and we both breathed a sigh of relief that she had waited till he had taken his exam (which he had earlier that day!) I didn't let on it would be sooner rather than later. I went to college. Completed and came home. Mild contractions started in the car on the way back. Within minutes of me getting home I had my pyjamas on and got into bed. I knew I needed to be resting before things really got going. I told James. He hoovered and ironed like a nesting female!!!
I started tweeting to take my mind off it and watched, ironically, One born every minute!!! I called my Mum to prepare her as she was going to be at the birth, and also needed to let my Nan and Grandad know as they would be having Monty.

By 10pm I had had a 'show' and contractions were getting more 'real.'

I went to sleep listening to my TUMS2MUMS hypnobirthing mp3s. I had been listening to these for a few months. Little did I know what an amazing effect they would have on my labour.

By early hours of the next morning I was in pain, and the contractions were regular. Mum, Nan and Grandad came over and J ,Mum and I made our way to hospital.

This is the worst part of labour I think as you arrive at hospital and all you can hear echoing round the corridors is women screaming in agony. I went into my nice cosy room, changed into my labour 'outfit!' and was examined. Not even dilated. For fucks sake!

Back home we all try to rest! Hah!

Dany Griffiths (of Tums2Mums) voice is on a loop on my ipod, the house snores. I have very irregular contractions and generally feel like crap. The tens is annoying me and my hair looks crap. I fume at not having painted my toenails.

By the next morning it feels like it's all stopped. I needed the contractions to get as close as 3mins apart befre it would be a serious option for me to go back into hospital. I was having maybe 1 or 2 every half hour. J even went into work (to be sent home again)

By 4pm J and I order pizza and I have had a bath and got my tens back on as things were starting again, slowly, the contractions starting to intensify.

Then all of sudden at around 5pm the contractions suddenly get so sharp, and literally coming every 2 minutes.

I am screaming at the top of my voice, wailing :

''HELP ME ...HEEEEEEEELPPPP MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!''

I distinctly remember being on my upstairs landing holding the banister for dear life.

We call the hospital and agree to come in although they ''are very busy!''

We leave the house just after 6pm, and as I get in the car I feel pressure in my pelvis, I tell J to ''just DRIVE!'' and secretly thank my lucky stars he is a police driver and knows how to get from a to b, lets say.... efficiently!

This is where it all gets a bit surreal. We arrive at the hospital, I stagger to the labour ward and get seen by the lovliest midwife. I am plopped on a birthing ball which feels fabulous as it takes all the pressure away and start my gas and air. Amazing stuff.

Suddenly the contactions are coming so quick and fast I can hardly feel a gap and I start to panic and mumble about an epidural, then I bark

'' get my shoulders down, calm me down, I am panicking, it's making it hurt more...hand me my ipod''

bless, as if I am going to listen to my ipod now, but I guess in my mind I was trying to gain control of the situation and at the time I thought listening to my hypno was a sensible option. My midwife , who knew best at the time whispers to J that this baby is coming quickly and asks to examine me. I thought hah! I know her game, she is trying to make me think the baby is coming but it is ages yet. I tell her to hurry up so she can examine between contractions, and plead with her to please tell me I am dilated.

I will never forget that moment as she said

''dilated?? you need to start pushing!''

So I am thrust onto my knees, clinging onto the back of the bed, sucking the gas and air and floating around as high as a kite. It all became intensly surreal, I could hear her voice guiding me through it, but my body completely took over, I could hear J encouraging me, and in the back of my mind I had the hypnotherapy whirring round in my head. I felt like I was on the ceiling looking down on myself and I remember saying

''I get it, I understand''

as I was pushing, and the midwife laughed as she agreed, as at this point I had nearly pushed out Blossoms head, one last push and then the panting to let the body come out and whoosh! Blossom is passed between my legs to me. She sounded like a seagull, was covered in yuck but was and is immensely beautiful.

So there we have it. Blossom Iris Edie was born at 6.49pm, no more than half an hour after entering the hospital. She weighed 6llb 7oz.

The whole experience was amazing enough to give me goose bumps even as I write this. Ireally want to thank Dany for introducing me to hypnobirthing, I may have been a bit sceptical in the beginning but oh my, it is fantastic!

I look at her and I look at Monty and I never knew how much love a human heart can hold. A whole lot apparently.

xxxxx

POOTASTIC!

2010-02-16T14:39:00.001-08:00

A meme!

(Excuse the graphic picture but I never said I was subtle?)

It had struck me how often I blog about my sons bowel/bladder control or lack thereof.

I have done HERE, HERE,HERE, oh and HERE! (Bloody hell!)

I know this is down to potty/toilet training and the big shift in development that comes with it.

It is also to do with the number of hilarious anecdotes that come with it, a lot of my funniest posts are completely about Monty's poops n pee! Gross? YES! Funny? Well, I think so and it's my blog so........

Anyway in the last week I have had moments of 'my life has come to this??? snigger' as I have sat waiting for Monty to finish on the loo as he has chatted away.

This weeks little nuggets (excuse the pun !fnar!) have included:

During a stomach bug:
'oh Mummy I doing another wet poo!'

Early hours of the morning to his Daddy after hooping off the loo to inspect his 'work!':
'Look my done lot of little Pooh's like crisps, like purple crisps at Nanny's house! '
(I can only assume she had given him a bag of nicknack's? Oh I fancy a packet of those now!)

After eating courgette and pea soup:
'He did a big poo with a dollop of pea soup on top'
This gem was relayed to me over the phone by my Nan when Monty stayed at theirs on Valentines night!!!

Which got me to thinking. It is not just me, surely? All parents have poop/pee stories to share don't we?

So I thought I'd make this into a meme. Then I thought no that's grim. Then CAFEBEBE saw my talent of writing about shit (at least I think that was what she was getting at or maybe she meant my writing was shit??) and suggested the very same. So I have decided to go for it!

I am laughing as I type! This could be a success, or go down like a cup of cold sick (another post entirely) but hell, I'll give it a try!

I tag

Emma at Me,The Man and the Baby(sorry! Not sure you'll like this tag!)

Dawn at The Moiderer

Karin at Cafe Bebe

Claire at Cheshire Mum

and Amy at And One More Means Four (she's bound to have some gooduns!!)

So bring us your wee n dump stories, link the post back to my blog and then tag more innocent bloggers, and so on and so on! Please title your posts as 'Pootastic '

( as I like the word!!)

Go forth and poo/pee blog people, like blogging is our religion and pee/poo is our errrrr communion!!! *snigger! And don't forget to gimme a shout when your done so to speak, so that I can have a read and a giggle!

PIC REF

Sunshine Blogger Award!

2010-02-16T14:38:00.000-08:00

I have been given a sunshine blogger award by the lovely Dawn who has a great blog The Moiderer that you really should check out. So first off thank you very much. Shucks, I am chuffed in an almost child like way. OK, yes, in a definite child like way!

I have also been awarded it by MAKE DO MUM. Yes. Double whammy! Get in! Her blog is also 'mazing if only for the fact that she blogs daily, yes, DAILY. She is good!

So here's what we do with it!

•Put the Logo on your sidebar, or within a post.
•Pass the award onto 12 Bloggers.
•Link the nominees within your post.
•Let the nominees know they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
•Share the love and link to the person from whom you received this award.

I now have to nominate more blogs which is mega difficult as I follow so many blogs it is hard to narrow down! Any way here goes! I haven't done 12 as I kept finding people had already been nominated. Pah!

Kelly at You found Kellys hiding place because SHE ATE A WHOLE SNAIL! Way before I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here. Yuck. She's nice though.

Claire at The Good,The Bad and The Ugly because of her and Phil's surreal Mummy and Daddy Moments.

Leslieanne at Life with a little dude as she did h'actually describe me as having the Souths most rockingest bump in her latest post. MWAH! Love oooooh!

Tara at Stickyfingers because Mia makes me laugh so so so very much!

Laura at Are we nearly there yet Mummy? due to her fantastically funny (as always) post on smizing. (The smiling with your eyes kind and nothing to do with love juice in your peepers kind!)

Karin at Cafebebe as she has a best of the rest carnival going on at the moment.

Emma at Mellow Mummy as she has reached her goal and lost all her baby weight! Well done hon. x

Dany at Tums 2 Mums as she has a fab comp on the go for the next month.

Claire at Cheshire Mum as she is so good at making pancakes, and lil H is good at eating 'em!

If you've already been awarded then just ignore, but if not, please link back to my post, and get awarding!
x

Get messy!

2010-02-16T14:37:00.000-08:00

If there is one thing I learned from the course I have just completed it is that child lead creative play is vital in extending toddlers development.

Child lead is a bit of a buzz term in child care and often gets completely overlooked. Basically it means if a child brings home an Easter card from nursery with a perfect Easter bunny on the front constructed entirely by the child being told what to put where, what have they learned? Nothing. However if the card is covered in what looks like a mess to you and me, with two eyes peering out at you and the child tells you its a rabbit then this is child lead. The child has been given the freedom to create a masterpiece of their own to feel proud of and has probably thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

There are so many ways to encourage creative play. It really does not need to be left to the childcare setting, most of us are probably doing them without realising it. But if you need some ideas then here are one or two ( OK a lot) that I love.

Fill a tub up with rice/pasta/dried lentils/sand/water and let the child use cups, spades etc to move the medium around. Let them get their hands in, let them feel the rice, the learning is through the touch and the sensation.

Plasticine or play dough is great for encouraging creative language and manual dexterity in using tools, as well as extending fine motors kills.

Cooking- measuring the ingredients is early maths, combining them to create a product is early science and generally getting their hands in is creative!

Get them to clean the outdoor toys with lots of water and washing up liquid, they can roll play as they are doing it and use appropriate language thus extending vocabulary.

Use voice with dolls, puppets, farm animals to create a story. This captures and encourages their imagination and extends their use of language.

Put paint, paintbrushes, paper and objects (a toy car, a wooden shape, a straw, a sponge) in front of them and let them, do what they want to do, it may not look like anything to you but you'll be amazed what it is to them.

Fill a tray with shaving foam, chuck in their farm animals or toy dinosaurs and away you go - they love this one!

Put out glue and lots of different coloured and textured paper and leave them to create their own collage, you can obviously guide them whilst using the correct vocabulary but try not to take over, let them do it.

Combine cornflour and water to make a loose paste and they can create marks in it on a plate with their fingers, they love the sensation and texture and you can extend their mark making and fine motor skills in this way.

The great thing about creative play for kids is there is no right or wrong for them, with puzzles the pieces have to fit, with counting the numbers have an order and so on. But in some areas of their life it's nice for them to be allowed to just be a bit free.

All too soon, they will be assessed on yes and no answers, multiple choice questions and what they can and can't do. I want Monty to enjoy the freedom of being creative, and if it extends him in so many areas even better!

The labour bag is packed, but what have I forgotten?

2010-02-16T14:08:00.000-08:00

It has been packed for a few weeks but I've not wanted to jinx things and go into early labour! I'm 35 weeks now, I had Monty at 37 weeks so Pickle could arrive nowish, or I could go 2 weeks overdue, who knows!?

So this is what I have crammed into these two holdalls:

ME

Clothes

A comfy yet glamish outfit to go home in( it should hide my belly and make me feel better about the fact that I am walking like John Wayne)
Socks
Normal knickers and 'maternity' knickers, y'know the (*whispers) throw away ones? (Incase it seems as though my (ahem) fanny is falling out!!!!)
Daytime feeding bra
2x sleep feeding bras
Mocci's slippers (as I have long been jealous of Monty's! Now I have some! Yay!)
A nightie for labour and comfy jimjams for after
A cotton dressing gown

Other Stuff

Toiletries(shower gel,shampoo, cleanser,toner, moisturiser, deoderant, eyelash Curlers ( errrr WHY!) razor, body moisturiser,toothbrush, toothpaste)
Makeup
Hairbrush
Hair straighteners!!!! vain ...moi?
Breast pads/maternity pads
Energy food and snacks
Relaxing CDs
Pillow
Video and digital camera, ipod with tums2mums hypnosis mp3's on

* can iI just say, these hypnosis mp3's are amazing for dealing with pain, they have really helped with my SPD and if you want to know more check out Dany's (founder of Tums2Mums) blog where a fantastic competition is taking place just CLICK HERE

Deoderant, tshirt and pants for James
My maternity notes/labour plan *snigger! But may come in handy for paper aeroplanes?
My ticky (Don't ask!)
My mamascarf
Phone, change for carpark etc.

PICKLES BAG

Vests
Babygroes
A going home outfit
A jacket
Cotton wool
Nappies
A cuddly rabbit
A blanket and a b.e.a.u.tiful MANUKA BABY swaddling blanket.

I have to make it as good as this!

2010-02-16T13:57:00.000-08:00

Think of this as a Wordless Wednesday post, with a shit load of words attached ok?

This is Monty's nursery. Cute Huh?

I am so pleased with it. It is a vision in Cath Kidston Cowboy wallpaper, gingham, polka dots and wooden toys. A proper boys room. Traditional but not boring. Boyish but not gimicky and not a border or Winnie the Pooh in sight ( I hate that bloody bear!)

But the trouble is. I now have to create a room for Pickle that is equally amazing!

I am working on it.

I shall keep you posted!

Valentines cookies, washed away and a farting back drama.

2010-02-16T12:39:00.000-08:00

So I hope everyone has had gorgeous Valentines?

Monty and I made Valentines cookies for James but we made the mistake of baking them on Thursday, and they were eaten by Friday! Whoops! ( But the thought was there.)

So anyway, the day started sweetly, cards exchanged, Mr M loved my present (a massive framed pop art canvas of Bruce Lee) and I had chocs, the promise of a meal out that evening and a 'surprise!' (Which was a bouquet or roses which arrived on the doorstep later on that day.) I am a lucky lady I know, or at least I must be doing something right to get so spoiled?

I made pancakes for breakfast and we all went for a family walk along the beach, the dog was swimming in the sea, Monty and James were throwing stones into the sea. It was blissful.

Then all of a sudden a massive wave comes along, scoops Monty up,drenches him and spits him out! So we walk home, Monty's teeth chattering, the dog in a huff at having his swim cut short.

Monty needs a wee, we have come out without the potty. We decide when he's gotta go he's gotta go and start to go about holding him up against a wall to piddle, he can't hold it and pees in his wellies.

I guess it warmed him up at least?

We sort him out and warm him up as soon as we get home, and My Nan and Grandad (Bobbobs and DeeDee) come to collect him to stay over at theirs to babysit so that we can go out for dinner.

I jump,OK, hobble into a deep hot bath as my hips feel like chalk. This is where I make a school boy error.

I can't be bothered to then have a shower to wash my hair. So I decide to sit in the bath and wash it with the shower attachment, I sit sideways crossed legged and get on with it. All fine.

Then I try to get out.

I can't. I am stuck. I cannot uncross my legs and a combination of my crossed pins and my mahoosive bump means I can't get out,I'm wedged, I had no strength in my arms to tug myself out!

Luckily I didn't lock the door so I can call James to come help. Can he hear me? Can he feck?! (He later told me he was out in the front garden sorting out the recycling. Jeez!)

OK so now I am panicking, I am even doing that thing where you funnel your hands to make yourself louder. I am channelling my inner Pamela from Gavin and Stacey as I often do (SEE THIS POST) except obviously I'm not shouting 'Mick...Micheal...Mick!!' Because that's not his name and he's not coming to my rescue anyway so I do not want to delay things further. I'm getting quite high pitched now with my ' J, James, J!!!!!!' and I am getting cold and oh god what if he's gone to the tip or the shop or something and 'HEEEEEEEEELLLLP!!!!'

Footsteps.

Thank Jesi Chrisi!

He tries to pull me out but I am wedged. And I have no strength to hold onto him properly. Every time he tugs me my back sucks against the bath and makes an almighty farting sound. I get the giggles and start to cry a little bit in hysteria too. My legs are full of pins and needles and I feel a little bit light headed. Finally one big tug and a massive guff sound from my back against the bath and I'm out, but my legs have gone and I've got the giggles.

Dignity is dead I tell ya!

Cold Turkey!

2010-02-11T12:32:00.000-08:00

So yesterday I had the physio appointment for my SPD or pelvic girdle pain as it is also called.

The physio lady was lovely(she was not wearing birkenstocks which unnerved me but as I sayshe was nice all the same) but she gave me some very bad news.

If I didn't take her advice seriously my pain would get worse and I may end up on crutches.

The advice was, NO HOOVERING, NO HOUSEWORK!

Errrr lady, I am 34 weeks pregnant and am nesting like a tweety bird on LSD! I have been known to hoover the back of the hob to get rid of crumbs - I kid you not.

So poor Mr has to do it all and I am only allowed to do the folding of muslins etc.

In the absence of hoovering. Sigh. I have made a batch of bolognaise for the freezer when Pickle arrives so we have some quick dinners,I have baked cookies with Mo, done more organising of the nursery and basically started my cold turkey with distraction tecniques.

It is like the episode of Father Ted where they all give something up, fags, booze and roller blading. There are mini versions of my Miele hoover with wings flying around the chandeliers in every room, taunting me.....

I know, I'm a knobber.

I also have to be fitted for arm splints because of my carple tunnel syndrome and I have coning of the abdomen, never heard of it? Neither had I! Apparently it is common in women who excercised a lot pre pregnancy and the stretching of the tummy rips the muscles sometimes irreparably. Now this was not me the only sit ups I did were to get myself off the sofa to get a can of coke but I am fairly smallish build so she seems to think it's because of that?

*Could not make this shit up!

Mr thinks it's all a bit funny as he reminded me of the time I had to wear a gum shield after I had had Monty as I became a bit of a teeth grinder! So dentist took the moulds, then constructed something out of see through plastic. I wore it for a few nights.

One of these nights Monty was sick in his cot and James still laughs at him hearing me shout from Montys's bedroom :

''Jameshh Jameshh can you help me Monty'shhh been shick everywhere and I need to change the sheetshhh''

I never wore it after that.

I cannot see why he would find it so funny? Can you?

Oh.My.Christ!!!

2010-02-09T22:57:00.000-08:00

So I arrive at college yesterday evening, feeling the countdown - six weeks left of pregnancy, seven of college(whoops!)

But it's OK as I have handed in seven out of nine units, only two to go and they are nearly completed. Phew. All on track to complete the eighteen month course in eleven months. Smug me? A little! Proud of myself. OK a lot!

But wait, whats this ... a whole unit has had to be written off due to a technicality. Bum. Shit. Bollocks. Big Bollocks.

Lots of 'Oh my Christ' (to be said in the style of Pamela- you know Gavin's Mum in Gavin & Stacey) was internally said, as my tutor did her best to stop me going in to labour.

And in actual fact it's fine as I have another unit I can do that I already have most of the evidence completed due to my lovely tutor going through all my assessments and previous evidence and cross referencing it all.

So it's OK.

But it did get a bit OH.MY.CHRIST for a while there. Shheesh!

In other news, here is the bump!

Nesting is commencing like you would not believe, Pickles nursery is done,well decorated and nearing organisation. Prettifying has yet to commence but bunting has been ordered so do not worry, it will be a vision in Cath Kidston Strawberry print! Babygroes are washed and folded neatly in drawers and the moses basket is ready. I know at 34 weeks pregnant this may seem a bit nuts but Mo arrived at 37 weeks, contractions got under way at a police picnic with the husband and ALL his colleagues on Hove Lawns, our flat was full of boxes due to us moving when I would have been 39 weeks. This time round I am going to be ready with the precision of something very precise that I cannot think to compare to?

I have physio this morning for my SPD and carpel tunnel syndrome, which is good as I wake up with hands that feel like they have been to the dentist and hips that feel like they belong to a ninety year old break dancer (I'm sure there are are ninety year old break dancers. No? )

So we are nearly there, the home straight and I for one, am EXCITED!

I am really quite extremely very sorry, sort of.

2010-02-05T06:58:00.000-08:00

This particular post is for my (long suffering) Husband.

I am sorry for the following things:

Leaving the interior light on in the car which then ran the battery down. And you had to walk to work. A long way. In the night.

Leaving the parking light on in the car. Which ran the battery down again. And you had to walk to work again. But at least we have jump leads now after the last time eh? (And I didn't even know what or where the parking light was so, well, so not really my fault?)

Changing rules. I am sorry for the new communal chocolate rule in the house. Where if it's your chocolate and you have left it I can eat it. But if it's my chocolate you can't. And if it's my chocolate and I can't finish it I hide it in the bathroom. But usually I do finish it. I know this must have made the bottom drop out of your world drop out as you were the chocolate addict in our house and now I get very animalistic over chocolate. I don't know what has happened to me. But it has, so get over it- touch my choc, feel my force. Ahem. Sorry .Again.

Bursting into tears over random things, like you coming back from picking Mo up from nursery and saying he wasn't talking to anyone on the lunch table. Tears.
The ad for the dogs trust home. Tears. And so on....

Ringing you from upstairs in bed as you watch TV to ask for rice cakes and cream cheese. I was watching 'Big bang theory'

Texting you from upstairs in bed to ask for an apple. I was watching 'How I met your Mother'

Making you do all manner of DIY 'before Pickle is born' and constantly adding to the list, you have decked the garden, decorated our bedroom, decorated Pickles nursery, put up pictures, put up mirrors etc etc etc. I'll leave you be now.

Falling into such a deep sleep after listening to my tums2mums mp3 that you were unable to move me,despite trying to lift,push and shove me across the bed and repeatedly saying my name. You thought you might have to sleep on the sofa. Whoops.Sorry about that. hehehehehe!

In the same vein I'm sorry that I we now resemble a silent night advert in bed. I am the hippo one and you are the duck one. I grunt and groan as I repeatedly have to turn over every 3.8 minutes. And beat my chest like a chimp because of heartburn. Can't be nice for you.

So, I am sorry for all these things.

BUT I am going to be having a baby very shortly and babies mean pushing presents.

If I could have flowers, champagne, pretty things and a maternity (eternity ring) that'd be fab.

Love you. xxx

Creative Crapping! Who knew?

2010-02-03T00:50:00.000-08:00

My son has a skill.

It was one I was not prepared for. At all.

He can poo animals.

I don't mean he has eaten a plastic pig and it's made it's journey through his intestines. I mean he can dump in the image of living creatures.

I have wondered if I should start taking photo's and sharing with the world, or at least the world wide web, I mean someone burns their toast with the image of Jesus Christ and look at the buzz that got? But no, I realise that's a bit minging.

It started when he was first potty trained:

''Look Mummy I pooed a snake! I did it!''

Yeah yeah I thought, that is kind of a given. But since then, well he has excelled himself I kid you not. A whole array of creatures has been crapped.

We have had a frog- exact replica, a lion- it really looked like a, well a LION! A dragon that I could of sold to the Loch Ness Monster gift shop.

We have also had a perfect round gingerbread biscuit. With eyes. ( God bless granary seeded bread for authenticity!) That particular plop had to be shown to his Bobbops of course, Mo insisted on carrying his potty into the kitchen as my poor Nan and Grandad were eating spaghetti bolognaise for their dinner. Stupid thing is they were impressed and only marginally disgusted.

Sorry if your reading this while eating.

A private poo and a item of a personal nature.

2010-02-01T03:34:00.000-08:00

Monty is doing really well with the depositing poo/wee in loo or potty lark.

He has impressed me no end.

So it came as no surprise when I lifted him onto the loo and he balanced on his plastic make loo hole smaller adaptor thingy when he said :

''Mummy go away, I call you when I done. OKAY!''

OK I thought, normal for him to start to want a bit of privacy. I waited outside for his call, which of course came, and trotted in to assume my 'duties.'

I found him on the loo, pants and trousers flicked off from his ankles, slippers still attached, chewing on a Tampax.

Makes no sense to me?

Where's my long haired boy gone???

2010-01-27T02:57:00.000-08:00

So after much heel dragging we had decided to get Monty's hair cut. I was reluctant as I had become stupidly sentimental over his locks, the blonde, the curls.....weeeeep!
BUT we were also getting fed up of second glances from ignorant peons, and constantly having to say 'HE' to strangers as if it was the most ridiculous thing to imagine that Mo was a boy, who happened to have long hair.Also practicality wise, it was getting so knotty, and getting caught in his nose snot. Gross.

So here is his new barnet.

Cute stuff eh, and still longish and lovely.
What do you think eh? looking good Mo!

Paul Weller and a Marilyn Monroe wig!

2010-01-25T12:01:00.000-08:00

Thanking you very much MUMMYTIPS for tagging me, and obviously Rosie Scribble for coming up with the meme in the first place. Tis a clever one and I likey!

The rules are..

1. Name a song that makes you happy - a song you would listen to if you needed a sudden injection of happiness;

2. Post an image that makes you smile. It can be anything - a silly photo, an image taken from the internet, It just has to make you smile. Like this. *Smiles at computor monitor, I know you can't see me but you have a visual image I bet?

Usually I ummm and ahhh over memes but as soon as I got this I knew exactly which song and image I was going to use.

So without further ado, here they are!

This is Monty in my Marilyn Monroe wig. I don't really need to add anything because it is obvious why this makes me smile, hell, LAUGH every time I look at it!

And then obviously being the Paul Weller nut that I am, this song always makes me feel on top of the world. Strange really as I was one year old when it was released! Of all the Paul Weller gigs I've been to, it is THE song that gets the crowd going every time. Which is so odd as most Jam fans hated The Style Council? I guess it's the string section, get's everyones hearts pumping?
Couldn't actually upload the vid but please click the link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7m94ip38UKs

So, in the manner of meme,
I tag

new mummy tips
and
cafe bebe

Your it...GO!!!

Frock Me!!!

2010-01-24T13:00:00.001-08:00

The lovely CLAIRE LANCASTER tagged me in this clever meme, the task is to get my wedding frock out!

I can't believe it's over four years since we got married, and SO much has happened since, Mr has become a Policeman, we have bought a flat, sold it, bought the victorian house of my dreams (well my dreams for now anyways!!) done it up (all bar the kitchen and bathroom) and not to forget Monty and our soon to be newest addition - Pickle!

Claire commented in her post as to whether she should sell her dress, I have had the same dilemma. On the one hand there is nearly £1000 worth of dress there. We could really use that money.

On the other, surely if I wanted to sell it I would have by now. Something is stopping me?

I am about to have a daughter, who is to say she won't have it customised and wear it, it'll be almost vintage by the time she may get married?

It doesn't take up that much space in my loft and it is beautifully packed in tissue paper to stop discolouration, in a flowery box with a big bow on it, to protect it , and errrr to look pretty?

And... it's MY dress?

What do you think? What have you done with yours?

And in the manner of meme,

I tag........

Tara at Sticky Fingers

and

Laura at Are we nearly there yet Mummy?

And if you are reading this and want to be tagged, the consider it done, just gimme a linky in your post?

Enjoy ladies!

Bloggers for Haiti

2010-01-16T13:40:00.000-08:00

As I watch the drama and devastation unfold on my TV screen I feel pretty helpless. I look at my child and I feel an all encompassing sense of the enormity of the situation in Haiti, some of these people have lost their kids, some of those kids have lost their Parents. I cannot imagine the magnitude of it. I look at Mo and cannot begin to imagine my life without him, or his life without me.

There is a buzz at the moment amongst parenting bloggers, started by ENGLISH MUM, who contacted her fellow bloggers and urged them all to do something.And do something they have. I was inspired by Tara at STICKY FINGERS who wrote a beautiful post where her son, aged seven was giving his pocket money, money that he had been saving for three weeks.

We'd like to be raise enough money to send many of these boxes to Haiti.
And so we are supporting the work of Shelterbox.org
and encouraging as many of your readers, commenters, friends and family to donate through a Justgiving page.

Each Shelterbox costs nearly £500 and contains urgent supplies for disaster relief, including:

•A 10-man tent designed to withstand extreme weather conditions
•A stove for heat
•Cooking and dining equipment
•The containers themselves can be used as a waterproof cot for a small baby
•Thermal blankets for warmth
•And a children's pack, including drawing books, crayons and pens.
One of these packs could save a family. Read about them at Shelterbox.org
Every single pound counts, so please please don't feel you can't make a difference, because if we all join together we can.
If you've stumbled on this post do something: even if it's to spread the word.

At the time of writing this we have raised over £1600, enough for atleast 3 boxes!

If you want to join in, donate and create a post on your blog and encourage your fellow bloggers to do the same. Make sure you include a link to the
Bloggers for Haiti Justgiving page.

Please bring this post to as many peoples attention as you possibly can, spread the word, donate, 50p or £50, it doesn't matter. Retweet this on twitter, post it as a link on your facebook page, anything to raise awareness and help get those boxes to the destination where they are so desperately needed.

10 best things in life (that also happen to cost zilch)

2010-01-15T13:27:00.001-08:00

I was tagged over by the brilliant blog that is MELLOW MUMMY to think about ten of my most favourite things in life that are free.

1.
Walking, I walked loads when I was pregnant with Monty, and this pregnancy has scuppered those repeated plans as have had a terrible back and am now suffering with the widening of my pelvis, so walking hurts. I miss it. I have a Labrador that needs exercise, and a family that loves fresh air. I live by the sea, and the South Downs and so hope as soon as Pickle is born, things settle down, James completes his Sergeants exam and I finish my college course (phew! I know tall order) then we will get back to our long family walks in time to enjoy the spring weather.

2.
Smiling. In the words of Buddy in the film Elf ''I love smiling, it's my favourite.''
I love that feeling of passing on a smile, whether it's an old lady at the post office or another Mum with a buggy at the park. Try it, if someone smiles at you, smile back, and make damned sure you then smile at someone else, kind of like a smile chain letter? Nice! This world can be a miserable place, lets try to cheer it up a little eh?

3.
The seasons. My bedroom is south facing so the light is always really good, and we overlook a junction of another road, so our tree lined street meets another. It's lovely to look out the window at different times of year and see the changing weather, the blossoms on the trees in the sping, that bright glaring sun in the summer, the reddening leaves int he autumn and then of course the bare branches and even snow covered branches recently in the winter. Lovely.

4.
Baby farts! Ever since Monty was born his bodily pumps and now his full blown bum guffs crack me up! Fact!

which leads me onto

5.
Laughter, no one makes me laugh more than James and Monty. I love that satisfying belly laugh, or something that makes you laugh until you cry, tears rolling down your face.

6.
My Nan and Grandad, or BobBobs and DeeDee and Monty calls them. They are beautiful people with wonderful kind hearts. I adore them. And loving your family costs nothing!

7.
Watching my boy grow, he changes before my eyes and I daily take a moment to stop and stare as he says things, does things that are new and exciting.

8.
Day dreams and memory lane, James and I love to remember our last eight years together, it's gone so fast and our lives have changed so much. And we also love to day dream about our future, who knows what it will hold!

9.
Rainy afternoons stuck inside, I know mad aren't I? I used to hate these exact afternoons but as Monty gets older, he's more 'company' like a little buddy, and I love to snuggle up on the sofa and watch The Jungle Book (again) Or paint, or play with play dough or read or...you get the idea!

10. My family, my gang, my tribe, the three soon to become four of us. Technically not free....but the love is so I think this one still counts?

So have a go, ( sorry if you've already been tagged

SOPH4SOPH
THE GOOD THE BAD AND THE UGLY
LIFE WITH A LITTLE DUDE
CLAIRE LANCASTER
AND KELLYS HIDING PLACE

MY #Themeword

2010-01-15T13:26:00.001-08:00

My twitter buddy, my twend, one of my tweople, oh sod it, SOMEONE I CHAT TO ON TWITTER, the lovely Claire of Dandelion Lounge blog has tagged me in a meme, in which the task is instead of coming up with new years resolutions, you choose a #themeword. You must choose this word to make a change in how you live your life.

Yeah.

Not easy eh?

So I thought..........

And I did more thinking...............

Hmmmmm. The only big thing I want to change about this year, and stop it from being like last year is basically family.

This year has been a tough one for me family wise, a lot of emotions have been felt. Nothing regarding James or Monty, those two are my rock. Or rather, my rocks.

I'm not going to go into details, as I do not have the words and I'm tired of the thoughts.

But basically this year my family, my unit goes from three (I'm not including the dog- sorry Lenny) and becomes four. We instantly become a tribe. And this makes me feel very emotional. Monty will have a sister, a sibling. Hopefully a playmate, a buddy, someone he'll want to protect. James and I are both only children and I'm ecstatic we are bringing someone else into Mo's life.

So I'm going to enjoy it. So very much.

By the time Pickle arrives, I'll have finished my college course. Finally, as I have been killing myself to get it done in twelve instead of eighteen months so that it's not hanging around while I'm welcoming my newborn litle girl in to the world.

A few weeks before my due date James is sitting his Sergeants exam. This means once these two big hurdles have been jumped we can go back to having 'proper' quality family time, instead of sharing childcare so that each of us gets study time crammed in when he has his days off.

Can't wait. I've missed it.

So my #themeword is family, and I will cherish and protect that little unit like my life depends on it. I'll hold them close and hold them dear because no matter what, they are everything there is, and without everything what is there?

Nothing?