Baby number 2

So, finally I am getting round to writing another blogpost-how was it June since I last posted!! So much has changed since then- I started a new work post and we discovered that baby number 2 was on his/her way!.

I had an inkling I was pregnant very very early on and my suspicions were confirmed when I used an old *ovulation testing kit I had (No pregnancy test in the house!) . There are so many emotions when you discover you are expecting a baby- but even more so when it's a subsequent pregnancy, Of course I was overjoyed and delighted but part of me also felt guilty and sad. Guilty because I felt that maybe I was depriving Aoibhin of time as an only child-as being the complete centre of our world- maybe we should have allowed her longer with just us,more time with me- guilty that I could even be thinking these thoughts about our beautiful second baby, they deserved the same ecstatic joy we felt when we discovered we were pregnant with Aoibhin. Sad because it would no longer be just me and my girl, that soon I would have to devote my time to her sibling too.

                                The day daddy found out about baby number 2- on Fathers day.


Of course though I was overjoyed and felt extremely blessed that it had happened so easily for us again- that feeling in that moment is a special one and is the most dominant emotion I felt so when I let myself feel these other emotions I felt so bad....but these feelings are normal- Aoibhin has been the centre of our world since we knew of her impending arrival and it's ok that I feel sad that that close intimacy and only child bond will change.,change is good. Sure, I will have to adjust and learn how to devote my time between my two babies, but it doesn't change how much I will love both of them. Aoibhin will make the best big sister and I am so excited to see my two babies together and watch Aoibhin take on her new role. The bond the two of them will have is one I can not wait to watch.

From the minute you find out you are pregnant again- its different..a wise person once said to me " you definitely know your arse from your elbow the second time around "  and how right they were!. There is certainly no nap time for this mummy if she feels like it- Aoibhin makes sure of that! All those little milestones- first scans, first movements just creep up on you because you are just so busy running after your first born- it doesn't make these moments any less exciting or emotional-they just slip up on you before you realise. This pregnancy is just flying in- already we are at 24 weeks and little baby is kicking away all the time just like Aoibhin did not so long ago. One thing I know for sure though despite my mixed emotions is that there is plenty of room in my heart for loving another baby. I'm sure come baby's arrival my heart will be fit to burst.

*Ovulation test is probably not the best way to test for pregnancy (but it has worked for me both times) so best buy yourself a proper test!

the most beautiful dress ever

We just very recently attended our good friends wedding and I just had to share with you all my beautiful dress. I am absolutely in love with it. I came across this dress when a few of my friends were searching online for 'unofficial bridesmaid dresses' for another wedding ( story for another day..) and one of my friends mentioned chi chi dresses- I have never heard of this website before but as soon as I saw all the dresses I fell in love with them all. This particular style of dress though is so me and I literally fell in love with the shape and colour of it. So I ordered it straight away. It looks even more beautiful in person. It feels really luxurious and great quality material. I almost feel like a princess in it. It is such a stunning dress and would be perfect for so many occasions. I might even whip it out again for Aoibhins first birthday in a few months.

It's a website that I will definitely be browsing again as the dresses are fabulous. I paired my dress with my lilac and gold Asos heels and a lilac New Look bag, both which I already had-and they could not have been a more perfect colour match for this dress!. I seriously love it, you know one of those outfits that you just feel good in?. This is mine. I had so many people at the wedding commenting on how pretty it was so It was a winner all round. It was £67 whcih I think is great value for the quality of it.

Anyway I must go and admire my dress again...head to chichi london website if you want a browse.

maternity leave no more

 So this week marks my second week back at work after my maternity leave. The end of what has been the most amazing nine months of our lives. I feel so blessed that I could take that time to devote every single minute to loving and watching our daughter grow. They are nine months that I will never forget-the adventures, the cuddles, the baby classes, the sheer exhaustion but most of all the sheer joy and happiness. I feel like they have gone in the blink of an eye.

For a good few months before my return to work I was dreading the thought of going back and it seemed to hover over me like a ticking clock-every week that passed I mentally ticked off in my head 'another week over and closer to work'. I had really bad anxiety about it, the thought of leaving her with anyone else, the thought of her smiling and giggling without me and the thought of her having a 'first time' without me there to see it. I just didn't want to be apart from her and at times it made me feel sick and nauseous if the thought of leaving her came into my head....Towards the last month and a half though I decided not to even think about it and just enjoy the last of my maternity leave-and it was the best thing I did. I crammed so much into those last few months- every morning I packed up the car and myself and Aoibhín headed off on a daily adventure-even on the days we didn't venture too far, we still had a great day. Every weekend we had precious family time with daddy. I really think I crammed more into those last few months than the beginning of my leave. So I kept busy- and I didn't think of work; and before I knew it it was upon me. ...and you know what? It hasn't been that bad....because realistically I want to work, I need to work and I have found it so much easier than I thought I would. I didn't even cry-maybe because I kept myself so busy. Do I miss her whilst I'm at work? Absolutely, and I literally rush home to be with her again. It means that the time I do have off with her is even more special and  I am determined to squeeze as many memories into those days as I can. 

Those nine months were the most amazing months ever and I loved it all-okay maybe there were a few times when I wasn't so much loving it, but you get the jist. Watching Aoibhín grow and change over these past nine months has been such a privilege. She has blossomed from my tiny little baby to a beautiful, boisterous, energetic, pleasant little girl with her own little personality. 

So,now I am a full time working mummy- a mummy first and a nurse second. Whether you are a stay at home mummy or a mummy that goes back to work we are all still 'mummies' and no matter what else, being a mummy is the main job-a a hard one, but one with the most rewards. For any mummies returning to work after maternity try not to let it dictate the last of your leave-enjoy the time you have remaining before you return, plan nice things to do for when you do go back so you have special events to look forward to. But most of all don't be too hard on yourself, your baby will still welcome you home with the biggest smile and it will melt your heart. 

The many selfies we shared over the nine months.

Cramming memories into the last few months-walks in the park, enjoying the sunshine and just loving our time together.

Do I Need Someone to tell me I am Doing a good Job?

The health visitor was out to do our 6-9 month assessment and she was really pleased that Aoibhin was hitting all her milestones and was impressed with all her skills. My health visitor is lovely and we chat away and I was telling her all about my impending weekend away and how it would be the first time I would be leaving Aoibhín for an extended period and she commented 'dont be so silly-you've done an amazing job' and basically told me to go and enjoy myself..of course when she said what a great job I was doing I swelled with pride and almost (almost ) got a little teary. Then it made me think. Do we as mummies need that validation from others?. Do we need to hear from others that we are doing a great job, that we are giving it our all?.

For me personally No I don't.  Was it nice to hear-absolutely but I don't need to hear it..because I know I'm doing a good job-and a bloody hard job at that. I give my absolute all every single day, I do my best every day to make sure Aoibhin is happy, healthy and knows how loved she is. Even at the end of the day when I long for bed I love that I get to get up in the morning to do it all again, even through the exhaustion.

So, yes Its lovely to hear it from others but that one simple comment has made me realise that I don't need approval or validation from others. I'm parenting my daughter the way I want and I know I'm doing just great. So, all you mummies (and daddies) just remember that you are doing great and everything you do and give to your child is enough. And the only person you need a clap on the back from is yourself.

One smile from Aoibhín lets me know how good a job I am doing.

Sunny Day memories

The weather here in Northern Ireland has been beautiful lately and there is nothing like the sunshine to make you smile..with the dreaded return to work looming ever so close I am really trying to make the most of every day. Due to hubby working in England Monday through to Friday our weekends are even more special and I love going away for a day making memories just the three of us. Time as a family and opportunities to create some special memories. What better way than to head to the Beach? Aoibhíns' first time at the beach and she was mesmerised. There really is nothing quite like seeing the world through a childs' eyes. A beautiful sunny day and a long walk along Benone Beach followed by a Mr whippy 99 cone for mummy and daddy, then we stopped on the road back for a lovely lunch. Plenty of photo opportunities along the way!.

                                   I mean- You are never too old to write in the sand...right?

 
I absolutely love Cherry Blossoms and I can not pass by them without taking a picture- I intend to plant a long line of them around our home. They really are so beautiful.

                                                                   Peek- a-Boo

Daddys little girl- although I know she won't remember these early days, and that even my memories of the exact days and details will fade we will always have these photographs. Days like this make me so happy and thankful. I love my little family, I love watching Aoibhín see everything for the first time-watching as her little eyes take it all in. Days like this will bring a smile to my face and a warmth to my heart when I do eventually return to work and keep me going through those long 13 hour shifts.

 I have already planned so many more adventures for the three of us- I just need the sunshine to stick around for the summer days ahead. 

Mary

xx

Bank Holiday Fun

So April has passed ( where did it go? Time is really flying by) and May is upon us and what better way to start than with some Bank Holiday Fun.  We packed up our bags and headed off to a steam rally fair-full of vintage cars and tractors..plenty of steam trains, animals, crafts, funfairs and lots of things to see and do!. It was held in the local Shanes Castle grounds and of course the weather was as unpredictable as ever. Rain, wind, sunshine-today had it all. What it resulted in was the muckiest grounds ever and some very dirty pram wheels. Nonetheless there was plenty of fun had. 

I am really trying to savour every day now ( even more so) as the dreaded return to work after maternity looms over me. I'm desperately trying not to think about it. Kind of like ignorance is bliss type thing. I just have to stop and take in every moment that I get to spend with her whilst I don't have to rush out to work or think about work. Today was full of making memories- and it is days like today that I will look back on fondly in years to come and say 'Do you remember when we did that?'.

So for the remainder of May you will find me squeezing as may memories into my maternity leave as I possibly can. Time passes far to quickly and I have come to realise that rather than worry about that just focs on the here and now-savour today-the moment you are in. Tomorrow will come anyway so just enjoy the present. 

Hope you all had a lovely Bank Holiday Monday .

LOVING ASDA

 I have been loving Asdas' Homeware and Clothing lately-their baby clothes are just too cute and are super affordable! . I can't resist picking up a few new bits every time I am in. Shopping for baby clothes is an addiction. They have some lovely homeware bits too- and now that we are in our new home I am forever browsing for little bits to add to our home decor.  You can pick up some bits in Asda that are similar to high street but at a fraction of the price.

I spotted these little initial candles and just had to get them-bargain at only £2. I'm tempted to go back and get a few more of them!They make a lovely feature on our unit and I think they are so simple but yet so chic. I also was after a few cushions for our grey sofa-of course I was drawn to the pink, I haven't decided whether to use them on sofa or the bed but wherever they end up they look lovely and really brighten up a room.  I also picked up a few little outfits for her-I really wish they would make these clothes in adult sizes because they are just too cute...especially the dungarees. Too cute. I always find the quality really good and the price is always so reasonable. I honestly buy alot of her clothes here- I really am not the type of person to spend a fortune on baby clothes that she will quickly grow out of-especially at this age.

So a small haul these days compared to pre-baby days but its the little things now!

Thomas Sabo Charm Bracelet- My Mummy Bracelet

I tend not to wear alot of jewellery-probably because as a nurse its engrained into you that you are  not allowed to-so the most you see me wear is my wedding bands and earring studs and occasionally a necklace. I do however love jewellery and have some lovely special bits that I receive on special occasions. I love silver-I've never been a fan of gold at all. I had a beautiful charm bracelet years ago and I amounted some beautiful charms for it but unfortunately I've misplaced it somewhere ( read I lost it either on a night out or whilst moving house-I'm still clinging on to hope that I'll find it burrowed away at the bottom of a bag someday). Anyway I'm rambling-this beautiful charm bracelet that is now mine was a gift from the hubby at Christmas and I am in love with it, This Thomas Sabo bracelet is so delicate and simple which I love- hubby chose the perfect little charm to start my bracelet off-a silver disc with 'My Baby' engraved on it and a little bootie (I would prefer a silver bootie but I still love it regardless because it represents our beautiful little daughter). Thomas Sabo have some beautiful charms and already I have picked out a few I really want. I love the box it comes in and it takes pride of place on my dresser. 

Charm bracelets are a perfect gift to give to someone as they're literally charms for everything-births/wedding/graduation/birthdays-honestly Thomas Sabo charms are beautiful - they range in price from £20 up to £90 (ouch!) but personally if you are buying someone special a gift then you would tend to spend a bit more on them anyway!. It's a beautiful keepsake to have and I will forever look at it and be reminded of special times in my life-I can not wait to add to it-I love the clinking as you wear it (maybe that's just me?). I much prefer Thomas Sabo to the Nominations bracelets that everyone loves-they're really not my taste at all. 

So, if you are after a simple, elegant. personal and beautiful sentimental gift then I would definitely recommend Thomas Sabo bracelets!

Time Out from Mummy Duties

For the past 6 months I have worn the title of 'Mummy' and I absolutely love it. I'm not afraid to say that I am one of those mummies that want to be with their child all the time. I hate to be apart from her. And that is Ok. I am allowed to feel sad and anxious and guilty at the thought of being away from her. I am her Mummy. I am also a wife and a normal girl that before baby loved makeup and nights out and dates out. So although I WANT to be with her all the time I also am aware that I need some 'me time'. Because as much as I love every minute of time with her- its the humdrum receptiveness of the things that go hand in hand with a baby-the sterilising bottles/filling&unfilling the steriliser/packing&replenishing her baby bag with the essentials so we are never caught short/prepping meals/ freezing/unfreezing meals/cleaning up after the mess of playtime/mealtimes. All the things that I do day in day out because I love her and because I need to and also because I want to. Because I am her mummy. I love it all but I also need a break from it...just sometimes.

So last night I got myself ready for a night out..Makeup-check. outfit-check. Feeling good-check. Careful written and verbal instructions left with hubby-check.. And I was ready for the road- I'll fully admit I procrastinated when it was nearing time to leave-adding another five minutes to just sit but eventually I had to go. Did I feel sad leaving her-yes absolutely because I miss her when I'm away from her. Did I feel anxious-Yes because I know her routine better than anyone. Worried that she would notice me gone and miss me-Yes. But I kissed her and hubby goodnight and off I went- driving to belfast with the radio playing all my favourite old school dance tunes at top volume .Of course I checked in on hubby several times and he sent me a photo of her going to bed but I knew she was in good hands with her daddy. Did I have a good night? Yes I did but not as much as I would have pre baby-if anything it only confirmed to me that nights out just don't do it for me anymore. My life has changed. My priorities have changed. I want to spend my evenings putting her to bed and curling up with the hubby eating rubbish and watching films after hours of deliberating over which one to choose. That doesn't mean I am not 'me' anymore- I'm just at a different stage in my life. And that's Ok. I am sure I will have a few nights out again ( not to mention an entire weekend in Brighton soon for a hen do-dear god-the anxiety about it already), but the definition of 'me time' has changed. Reading a book again, siting with a cup of tea while she sleeps, a day away to do a bit of shopping that isn't baby related, booking in for a massage while daddy minds her-now that is what me time is for me now. A chance to rejuvenate and focus on me for a period of time. To think about something other than baby food recipes/ teething/ other baby related thoughts that constantly swirl around my head. Time for me. Time to just do nothing or do something. Whatever I want. Knowing that I am refreshed going back to her. Knowing that she will give me the biggest brightest smile when I walk in the door.  Knowing that I will be reminded a thousand times over how much I love every bit of her being.

So basically what my rambling is trying to say is a little time away is good for me-its good for her. It allows me to prepare myself mentally for returning to work, to take a breather and to think about only me for a few hours-and it allows her the chance to have quality time with her daddy alone and to learn that shes ok without her mummy for short times. Will I still feel anxious being away for longer periods-absolutely but I know she will always be in the best hands with her daddy. Will I still rush home to be with them after my time away-absolutely because being with them is my favourite place to be.

Weaning journey #1

  So we are now 6 months old and are getting well into our weaning journey! . We had previously started on rice and porridge and gradually added in more vegetables and a few fruits. To date we have tried the following vegetables and loved- Carrots, parsnips, broccoli, peas, potatoes, sweet potatoes, cabbage. Fruit wise we have tried apples pears, bananas, apple with cinnamon. She really likes more or less everything-she wasn't keen on the banana to start but likes it now and she just gobbles it all up.

We have moved from just the rice and porridge to now having porridge in the morning, and now lunch which we have just recently added in- and she has had boiled eggs which she loves also. Dinner is potato of some form with a few different vegetables plus we have tasted yoghurt's. She really loves her food which is great-not too fussy yet anyway!. I was a bit stuck for ideas on lunches so I bought the Ellas kitchen first foods book and have prepped a few of the recipes-they are all super straightforward and easy to make. I have cooked up a batch of leeks, potato and cheese and a batch of sweet potatoe and red peppers. I love making new foods for her to try and love to see her reactions and how excited she gets when she sees her little plate coming. She is still taking her milk although is refusing more of it as time goes on-but I use the remainder milk for her rice/porridge so I don't worry too much if she doesn't want to take the bottle.

The health visitor was out and weighed Aoibhin so we are now 17lbs3 and she is more than happy with what we are doing-I plan to add in meats after month 7 and look forward to making a few more recipes from Ellas kitchen book. I am still using the Tommee Tippee steamer/blender and love it. I have also introduced the 'sippy cup' with water just to let her get used to holding it and her coordination-we have had a few tipping he water all over our clothes situations! .

We haven't added any finger foods into the mix yet (other than rusks very occasionally) but intend to soon just to allow her to get used to it - but for now I enjoy our meal times together so will continue doing what I am doing!

Mothers Day

So today is Mothers Day and it is my first with my little Aoibhin earthside-this time last year she was just floating around in my belly waiting for her grand entrance into the world...so this year is extra special to celebrate with her in my arms-the little girl who made me a mummy. Becoming a mummy has been the most amazing thing in my life- that feeling of complete unconditional 'I would die for her' kind of love. She makes my life even more complete and I can not imagine not having her here. She is our world and every day is brighter with her in it. From her smile first thing in the morning-even when I am exhausted-to the days when she needs constant attention-I love it all because I am a mummy and she is my world. It is all I have ever wanted and more. Not everybody is blessed to be in my position and my heart aches for those who have lost a child. Today is a day for all mothers and for every child.

She has taught me to be more patient, more assertive, more organised (if that was possible), more empathetic than ever-dam you hormones!. She is my reason to work hard, to be a role model for her and to teach her the rights and wrongs. Being a mummy is hard but it is so bloody rewarding. I don't care about gifts or dinners on Mothers Day-as long as I have my daughter-healthy and happy that is the greatest Mothers Day gift of all. I will cherish every cuddle not just today but every day and I will always carry a piece of her in my heart. Mothers Day is about us-the two of us and the overwhelming love I feel every time I look, touch, see and think of you. You fill my heart with joy.

Aoibhin Rose I love you to the moon and back-Thank you for gracing me with the greatest gift of all. Being your Mummy is the best gift and I will hold it delicately and continue to do everything to ensure you grow up to be kind, happy, content, tolerant and gracious, compassionate and confident.. You are already shaping up to be all those things.

Today you are smiling as always, laughing, searching for me if I leave the room-and your face fills with joy when you see me-I hope that you will always look at me that way. And some day years from now, when you have your own child I hope you realise how much I do,have and will always love you.

mummy x

Tommee Tippee Steamer and Blender

To help us along on our weaning journey I wanted to get a food processor/ blender of some description and whilst browsing Boots website I spotted this new release from Tommee Tippee-I'll admit I was kind of in two minds as it is more expensive than some hand held blenders that I had been eyeing up-and especially as Tomme Tippee do another blender for £20 but now I can totally say it was so worth it-plus I received my Boots points so win win really.

This machine is a steamer and blender in one and it is a lifesaver. It is quick, efficient and you literally just pop your prepared food in and select the length of cycle and off you go to grab a cup of tea. There is a steam and blend cycle which you can use individually or you can use both cycles at the same time. It is super easy to use-there are clear step by step instructions but basically you fill a compartment with 450mls water (for steaming) and then lock the lid in place, select your cycle by pressing the steam and or blend function buttons and then select your time. The steam function has a limit of 30minutes whilst the blend function is set at 5minutes maximum. There is a pause and cancel option if you need it also.

The Tommee Tippee comes with two little pots and a spatula to mix the food. It is easy to work with-to clean you simply unlock the lid and remove the container and it all comes apart easily to be washed. There is no mess what so ever and you can literally clean it in seconds and store it away again. It is so quiet apart from the occasional blur of the blender but otherwise you don't notice it. I have used it for parsnips, carrots, peas and pears and I am super impressed with it. I pop it all in and just leave it whilst I tend to baby. It is really compact too-not at all bulky like some blenders I have seen. 

The consistency of the food is perfect and the best bit is you can control the texture with the different timing options so as baby grows you can experiment with bulkier textured foods. I love that it steams the food so all the nutrients are retained so baby really is getting the most from their food.  I am so glad I decided to buy it as it is a time saver and means more time to tend to other duties rather than standing over pots and pans to puree all the foods.

If you are after a gadget for your weaning journey I honestly couldn't recommend this enough. Money well spent in my opinion. It varies in price but it seems to be on offer in Argos at the minute for £80-but shop around and see-I chose Boots for my points just. Some people might not think it is worth spending that much for something for weaning but I intend to use it even after baby has been fully weaned-perfect for steaming all your veg and fish!. Really though anything that saves time is worth it for me as I would much rather have that extra time to play with baby or actually just sit and relax for those 20minutes than stand at a pot stirring veg. 

Weaning Journey

Everyone has different ideas about when to wean-the current guidelines state 6months or when your baby shows signs they are ready-such as sitting up or good head control. Personally I think it is up to each parent to decide when their baby is ready-all babies are so different so it goes without saying that weaning will happen at different stages for everyone too. I am lucky in that my health visitor is open minded and not judging me for weaning earlier than the 6 month period as I have heard of others who are set against mummies weaning before that.

Aoibhín has really good head control and although is not yet sitting up independently for any long periods of time she is getting there-plus her eyes never leave us when we are eating and I was starting to feel like Shrek and she was puss in boots with her big eyes staring at my food. So we took the plunge and started to wean just before five months (about the 21 week mark-why is the weeks and months age so confusing)...anyway we started her off with some baby rice- although not the most nutritious meal we wanted to ease her in gently and as much as I love the sound of baby led weaning-I just don't want to start off that way. Baby rice is quick and was the perfect way for us to make the transition. WE just make it up with her own milk and she loves it! She gets so exited when she sees the little pot coming and she just grabs for the spoon!. I generally give her the rice once a day-varying different times.

We then added a little bit of Ellas kitchen flavoured porridge in the mornings and again she loves this too! I love her little face when she tastes it and am so excited for all the new flavours she will be introduced too. We have also given her the Farleys rusk (the reduced sugar ones) I don't see any harm in allowing her these as it gets her used to the texture plus it massages her little gums!.

I intend to puree all my own foods and have bought the Tommee Tippee blender/steamer to make it easier-It looks super easy and efficient but I intend to do a review on it once I have used it. I also bought those little storage pots-a mixture of Tommee Tippee ones, Asda little angels and Tesco ones-they are so handy and perfect for popping in the fridge as it means you can have individual pots rather than having to defrost an big portion at once.

I was waiting on a big food shop today so now that it has arrived I intend to puree, puree, steam , steam-exciting day ahead!. I am starting her now on carrots, parsnips, broccoli, sweet potatoe pears, bananas, apple and cinnamon and whatever else was in my food shop!. Initially I will let her taste each food alone-that way I can gage her reaction to the food but also see if she has any allergies or  sensitivities to certain foods. I will incorporate some baby led weaning too but probably once we have established a good basis of purees-so basically any finger foods-a lot of supervision and mummy sitting watching like a hawk I am sure too!.

I am so excited to watch her try new foods and see what her likes and dislikes are! Also any new mummies sign up for the Ellas Kitchen website and you can get a weaning chart and stickers to document babys weaning journey!. 

I'll be back with updated posts once we are well into our weaing journey to see how we have got on!

Road to Postpartum Body and Beyond

Being Pregnant was one of the most amazing times of my life-and probably one of the few times that I loved my body. I loved watching my belly getting bigger and with each little kick and mexican wave she did in there I grew to love it more. I was just one of those pregnant women who constantly rubbed her bump and I made sure to show my bump off with clothes that fitted my body and showed my growing belly off. Even now at five months post partum I look at bump pictures and miss it so much.

 I put on exactly 2stone 2lbs whilst pregnant and I literally was all bump and oedema - the week of giving birth I had lost 2stone and 7lbs- so very quickly I was back to my pre pregnancy weight. Maybe it was the fact I had gestational diabetes that I lost the weight so quickly-or maybe it was all the oedema leaving my body-or maybe I just got lucky as it was my first pregnancy.  However, although I was below my pre pregnancy weight I wasn't where I wanted to be-I wasn't happy with my body before pregnancy and I think developing gestational diabetes gave me the kick of motivation I needed. It wasn't about a number on the scale or even a dress size for me-Its about being healthy and happy with myself. My stomach is soft and squidgy now but it homed my daughter for nine months so I refuse to dislike it or be too hard on myself. I will never have a 'supermodel' body and that's ok-as long as my body works and I feel good in myself that is the most important thing. Too much pressure is put on women to bounce back after pregnancy at a time when they should be immersed in their new baby. I'm not saying go eat all the chocolate (whoops) but just go easy on your post partum body-give yourself a break. Believe me as my fellow gd mummies will know-I eat allllll the chocolate after I got home from hospital.

For me it is all about everything in moderation-having gestational diabetes has really put me off sugar which has been a bit of a blessing and it is a lifestyle change that I will continue to incorporate into my daily life-that and walking. Those last few months of pregnancy had me practically bed bound because of oedema so now I love nothing more than getting out every day for a walk in the fresh air. Really all I want is to be healthy..and toned if possible. I refuse to hate my body anymore like I did before pregnancy but I also know that in order to feel good about my body I have to be kind to my body. For me that means eating good fresh foods, exercise to help keep me fit physically and mentally, and not being too hard on myself. I am proud of how far I have come and I feel so much better about myself and I love my body- the stretchmarks, the soft and squidgy belly because it gave us our daughter and I will forever be in awe of that. So be kind to your post partum body, Don't compare your post partum body to anybody elses-you carried your baby, nobody else. Your body has just done the most amazing thing in the world and it will be different to how it was before.And that's ok too.

DURING PREGNANCY

                                   2WEEKS POSTPARTUM

                                3-4MONTHS POSTPARTUM

                                  NOW AT NEARLY 5MONTHS POSTPARTUM

My Baby Changing bag

One item that you are guaranteed to need once baby arrives is a changing bag to hold all those baby essentials-and believe me there are a lot of things to keep to hand for a baby-who would have thought it! I remember searching for ages online trying to find a bag that was practical, big enough and that I actually liked. I stumbled across someone who had a Yummy Mummy bag on instagram and I just fell in love with the style of it. Stylish, Functional and practical.

I purchased mine from the pink lining website but they are also available on the likes of John Lewis and Mothercare websites or you could also browse ebay as a good few are on there for sale too! There are so many colours and different styles to choose from-I can't actually remember the name of my bag (dragonfly I think!) but they all have a different name. As I wanted a bag that wasn't too gender specific but yet still 'feminine' enough that I liked it I particularly loved that you could go neutral on the outside of the bag but inside was a lovely pink-hence the pink lining name.

When  my bag arrived I loved it immediately and was so impressed with the quality and space within in. . There are two straps to hand hold are an over the shoulder strap. The bag comes with a handy cushioned change mat and a zip bag to hold essentials-I use the bag for nappies, cotton wool, sudocream and wipes. Inside the bag there are two insulated bottle pockets, two nappy pockets for holding extra nappies-I usually use these for hats/glove/bibs etc. There is also a handy pen holder, an attached mirror with a keyring to attach your keys so you don't have to rummage around for ages!. There is a zip pocket inside to for loose change or your lipgloss and two pockets at each outer side of the bag plus one button pocket at the front. I use these for spare dummies (because I will drop one ) my little pots of baby formula and just extra bits and bobs. It really is so spacious-plenty of room!

To give you an example here is what I put in my Yummy Mummy bag
*cushioned changing mat
*Zip Bag-with nappies (4) wet wipes. cotton balls, sudocream and nappy bags.
*change of baby clothes-vest and babygro
*babies gloves, hat and booties
*babys medical records red book
*a few toys-rattle/and a couple of small hand held toys
*spare bibs and muslin cloths
*pots of baby formula(2)
*bonjela and teething ring
*my phone, keys, lipstick
*2 baby bottles and insulated bag( there is two insulated pockets in bag also)

So believe me there is lots of room!. The bags cost £79 which is slightly more expensive but Honestly in my opinion are more than worth it. Prior to seeing the Yummy Mummy bags I was going to buy a bag from River Island for £50 and it was nowhere near as good as this bag-so I think its worth paying that little bit extra. Stylish, Practical and Pretty!

Teething

So at the grand old age of 20 weeks we have two teeth-well technically one but the other one has just burst through the gum. two wee tiny perfect little teeth.The front bottom two are out!. She has been such a little angel too-god love wee babies-if teething is anything like an adult tooth ache then they have a right to be as cranky as they want!.

Every baby is different and not all babies will have the typical associated symptoms that go alongside teething-even some of the 'symptoms' are debatable as to whether they really have any association with teething at all..but here's a few that aoibhín had for weeks proceeding the tooth eruption-she was waking through the night despite the fact she always slept through. Now this of course could be put down to the much feared 4month sleep regression or maybe she was just keeping mummy and daddy on their toes-who knows? Babies like to remind us who's really in control. She dribbles-a lot-I'm talking multiple bib changes daily. She will chew on anything and everything-even mummys nose. She has a rash on her cheeks that comes and goes and she can not get her hands far enough down her throat...did I mention smelly smelly nappies? . Aside from that though she was her usual pleasant self-a little bit irritable at times but nothing major thank god it will continue that way!.

However, there are a few things we have been using to ease this whole teething process for her and make it as painless as possible. Teething rings/toys especially the ones that go in the fridge content her and she will chew at them for ages- basically anything she can chomp her little gums down on. Bonjela and teething granules-we don't use the bonjela alot but when we do it seems to settle her and I give her little gums a massage while I'm applying it. If shes particularly unsettled then Ill give her a little bit of Calpol which does the trick. Obviously it's parents preference if they want to give medicated products but I imagine this whole teething business is incredibly painful and so I am more than willing to give her a little bit to help her on the journey to a sparkly smile.

Basically though I guess it's just a game of patience and helping them the little ways you can- they say the first few teeth are the worst until the molars come along, so I am hopeful that she will not be too unsettled with the rest of the teeth, as and when they make an appearance. The next teeth that should make an appearance are the top front two (between 6-8 months) followed by the top lateral and bottom lateral (between 9-12 months) and lastly the molars (from 1 year to 30 months for both first and second molars)...obviously when these appear is individual to each child and although aoibhín has her front bottom who knows when the rest will come...we will just have to wait and see!. Good luck to all you mummy's with teething babies-I hope its a smooth journey for you all!

Mummy Guilt

So today got me thinking about Mummy guilt- well because this morning was our baby sensory class and I woke up and I was just exhausted, my back was killing me and I just wasnt feeling it today. So I decided that today would be the day we would miss our baby class...cue the Mummy guilt. Was I just being lazy? Was my back really that sore? Could I just suck it up and go?. Answers to all three were Yes but no we didn't go. Because sometimes you just need a 'day off'. .and cue the messages to family of 'should I just go', to reassure me that I was making the right choice. Yet still now hours later, I feel guilty. Is she missing out because of me, Am I doing enough-do we play enough games, do enough fun activities.. My daughter is not even five months yet but the raging mummy guilt is in full swing. Even when I sit down for a (quick) cup of tea I feel guilty-that I should be making use of that time.

I'm guessing too that this will only be the start of it and as she grows older this 'Mummy guilt' will rear its head again and again. I'm sure it will be unavoidable but yet at the same time I don't like this feeling and therefore I'm going to try and manage it. First and most importantly what I need to ask myself is 'Is it worth feeling guilty over?'..although I feel bad at present, really she doesn't care nor is she any the wiser that we didn't go to class-she is happy as larry here beside me rolling on the sofa with her toys so no I don't think I should feel guilty. It's important to look after me too-there's not much point me traipsing along to a class when I'm just not in the form. That wouldn't be productive for anyone: so we shall enjoy a cosy day together at home-god knows I'll long for them when I return to work.

Next-I just need to learn to let some things go-somethings just aren't worth the unnecessary guilt trip-feeling guilty that you didn't get enough 'play time' in today just means you have been busy raising and keeping a home. Everything can quickly become something to feel guilty about..couldn't breastfeed/wanting a night away/too much/too little tummy time...its the joys of motherhood I guess, but its important to remember that you are doing your best at everything and feeling guilty means you really care about your little bundle of joy.

So I guess what I'm really trying to say is that it's ok to feel guilty sometimes-it's what us mummy's do but don't let it overshadow the fact that you are doing a great job, as long as your little one is happy,loved and healthy then you have achieved all that any mummy really wants. The rest doesn't matter. Embrace the guilt, learn from it,make changes if you feel the need and move on.



*Image from Pinterest*

20 weeks in 20 weeks out

These past 20 weeks have absolutely flown in, We cant imagine you not being here. Your smile and little personality just warm our hearts and we really do love you to the moon and back. I can not believe you are 20 weeks old already-you have changed so much from your little newborn days.

I remember going for our 20 week anatomy scan and we both knew we were going to find out your sex-I knew from the moment I found out we were pregnant that you were a girl-I just knew, call it mummy's intuition. I even dreamt I had a daughter in those early months, but really all that mattered was that you were healthy and growing as you should be. Secretly I wanted a little girl but had you been a boy it wouldn't have made an ounce of difference to how much we love and adore you. Our scan was very detailed and we loved every second of watching you squirm about-I caught a glimpse of your bits and knew even before the sonagrapher said you were a girl that you were a girl, but as soon as she said it I cried and your daddy did too. It was an amazing moment and we will forever remember.  You have been such a sweet, content and happy little baby and we have been truly blessed.

We cat wait to see what the net 20 weeks will bring as you grow and develop your little personality. You really are Daddy's Girl and Mummy's World.

Baby Book Club

I love reading and it is one of the things that I want our daughter to love too-there's nothing like reading a good book to let your imagination go wild. I spent many a happy hour when I was younger reading The Magic Faraway Tree and believing that it did exist. Books let you escape and become entangled in another world and also are great for educational purposes for improving vocabulary...but really I just want her to love reading like her mummy.

We have a little corner of her nursery set up with a cubed shelve full of her books-you can spot a few Enid Blyton in there. She has lots more books but we plan on putting some shelves up to showcase them all. I cant wait to finish the nursery and have a little book reading corner with my Granny's old cosy armchair too. 

Books really are the best presents to gift, and were one of the main presents I asked family to get her for Christmas. I cant wait to see what kind of books she will love as she gets older-I wonder will she love Mallory Towers as much as I did?. Every night before bed we read a book to her and i love that time just before bed. As she is getting older and more aware she pays more attention to the colours and illustrations and loves when mummy puts on silly voices. 

The books don't have to be expensive or even very detailed books-and the likes of BM  and Pound stores are great for cheap and cheerful books-I cant resist buying a few more every time I am in. She is soon going to have her own little library...secretly I love to read them too. It's probably the closest I have got to reading in a long time!

Things that change when you become a mummy

Having a baby changes you..probably in ways you never thought possible. Of course your life will change with the new arrival-finances wont be the same nor will your sleep pattern but I'm talking about the ways motherhood will change you-as a person.

You will love your baby to the moon and back and you will become amazingly protective. I am like a mother bear looking out for her cub.My daughter is my priority and I will say/do anything to put her needs first. Don't like it or are offended ? Tough-don't mess with mumma bear.

You will sacrifice everything for your new arrival-and they wont even feel like sacrifices anymore.

You will wonder what you did with your spare time pre baby and amaze yourself at how much you can now achieve in a day with a baby.

You will live in the same clothes for weeks and you will wave goodbye to spending your own money on yourself. Boots has taken a dive in profits since I have been pregnant and become a mummy.

You will swell with pride at each baby burp that you have been tirelessly trying to get for 20 minutes.

As much as you appreciated your parents before and what they have done for you-you will find an even deeper appreciation.

Your relationship with your own mother changes.

You will miss sleep but yet those morning smiles will more than make up for it.

You will walk around like Superwoman the weeks after giving birth.Women are amazing,

If you can get through Labour-you can get through anything.

You think about someone else all the time. Always.

Your childs' needs are the most important thing to you.

You will become more confident and assertive. In yourself and with your body.

Your heart will explode with love everyday.

You will be more empathetic to others.

Every story about a child will make you think of your own and will cause you to hug them a little bit closer.

You will feel like you belong to a secret 'mummy club' and will exchange knowing smiles with other mummies.

You realise that the most important things in life really are free.

You will have the best job in the world.

You wouldn't change a thing.


**these apply to me so don't worry if you don't swell with pride at each burp**

Sensory Playtime

Even though my daughter is just 18weeks old we have included sensory time in her daily routine since she was just a newborn. I think it is so important to interact with your little one-from the moment she was born I was chatting and singing to her, as all other mummies do too, and I really believe that is why she is such an alert baby. Even at a few days old she was so alert and everybody always commented on how alert she was for such a young baby. She was noseying all around her at a few days old. I remember every time the heath visitor would come she would always say you could tell that she was a well stimulated baby and I would sit there proud as punch.

Sensory play is so important for a baby's development-mental, intellectual and physical-it allows them to develop so many skills and become aware of their senses. Stimulating babies helps them to become more aware of their surroundings and helps aid their social and cognitive abilities and it is so easy to do. It's not about expensive sensory toys-its just the little things you can do yourself at home. It's great for bonding and I probably love it as much as she does.

Singing and Talking are the easiest two things to do-and not just baby talk-actually having a conversation-even if it is one sided, really helps to stimulate babies and aids their language capabilities as they grow older. I love to read so from she was only a few days old I would read nursery books to her. Animated story telling is great for babies to allow them to distinguish between different sounds. As she has got older she now stares at the pages in the books and seems enthralled by the colours. Books are super cheap-you don't need to buy expensive ones-bargain stores and charity shops are a great place to buy some-or even the library.

We have a playmat with lots of hanging colourful toys which she loves and will lie and grab at the toys and coo and ahh to them. She loves lights so we have plenty of those-Bm Bargains is great for cheap and cheerful lights-stick off the lights and put on the toy and there you have sensory time. Cheap glowsticks are great for this too-but obviously I would be apprehensive about letting her near them. We have a mixture of different light feature toys-some play nursery sounds as well, and they double up as great ways to send her off to sleep too.

Different fabrics are great to allow her to develop her sense of touch-cosy soft blankets and soft fluffy Teddy's, as well as other everyday items such as bubblewrap which she can lie on and pop away as she rolls about. You can also use scarves-silk, woolen-any kind of fabric really. Stuff you have around the house!,

Noisy toys are great-rattles and all those sensory type of toys are great-again they are cheap but if you wanted you could  make your own-just fill a plastic bottle with items such as pasta, sweets, rice, buttons-just ensure you have the lid really really secure and never leave the baby with it if you aren't 100% that you have secured it well enough. There are so many things you can do with items in your house-just look around and use your imagination.

Baby Massage is a great sensory activity as it incorporates sense of touch and smell and awareness of their little bodies. We do massage at every bath time and she loves it-I wish someone would massage me every day!.  We also bought one of those Bubble blowing machines and blow the bubbles which she loves to watch-make your own with water and fairy liquid! .I.m excited for all the things we can do as she gets older-playing with paint, water, ball pits and making play dough.

Sensory play does not have to cost you a penny-just use what you have around the house, your little one will love it!.

Babys' First Christmas

It already feels like Christmas was a lifetime ago and so before it's completely forgotten about I decided to write a little post on Baby's First Christmas and what we got up too. With her only being just over 3 months at the time she obviously was really none the wiser but still we wanted to make our first Christmas as a family of three special,.There are so many traditions we want to start, but as we literally just moved into our new home the Sunday before Christmas I didn't get to do it all or have the time to do things exactly how I would have liked. Still it was a wonderful Christmas and makes us extremely excited for all the Christmases to come!.

Every year we have a real tree and an artificial one-I love real trees-the smells, the look and feel of it but the hubby likes the artificial trees. It's just what we have both grew up with and are used to-and so we have one of each which works well as I get to decorate my own-classic and simple. One tradition we have started is adding ornaments to the tree for our little girl-this first year was the classic 'Babys first Christmas' ornament which we bought at the Christmas market-each year we will add another and let her choose them herself-so god knows what my classic tree will end up looking like-maybe we will let her put them on Daddys tree!. We also made up her own Christmas Eve box-I had one made from a company called 'The Festive Studio' engraved with her name, and filled it with her Christmas card, a few christmassy books including The Night Before Christmas, The Snowman and Scrooge. I also put in her new Christmas pyjamas, a Santa key, Reindeer food, her handmade plate for Santa's Treats and a little cuddly elf toy. Over the years as she gets older I'll add more things-like a Christmas movie, Christmas music and sweets for her. I had wanted to make one for me and daddy too but I jut didn't have the time-although we did wear our new Christmas pyjamas. Christmas Eve for me is just for the three of us so we stay home with no visitors. I think its important to have that time together with my own little family.

Of course, there were plenty of Christmas outfits to wear-her sing along Christmas jumper, flashing reindeer tshirt, gingerbread leggings, her little pudding suit-she looked adorable in them all! Looking forward to next years!. The three of us wore our Christmas jumpers and I made it into our Christmas cards with Little Christmas frames I found in a book store. I think this will be our favourite tradition-seeing how hey change from year to year!.

Christmas was busy with lots of visitors so we made sure to have a good portion of Christmas Day for ourselves-we opened her presents in the morning-we didn't go mad as she is only little and that was one thing I stressed to family too-plenty of books was on the wanted list. She received toys from mummy and daddy but I really don't want her being overly spoilt so we felt it was bet to let family know there were limits to what they were allowed to buy. She has her own little library now and lots of lovely toys including a gorgeous rocking horse. We had lots of visitors, but we tried to make sure we had a bit of time to ourselves as next year I will be working Christmas again-which is horrible to think of, but that was why we didn't want visitors every day as not only was it out first Christmas as a family of three but my first Christmas off work in 15 years! Thank god for maternity! New years Eve was a quiet affair, just the three of us and at midnight we came down to her sleeping and just raised a glass o us all and to what a great year 2015 had been for us.

We look forward to all the Christmas's to come and to continuing with all our traditions and watching them grow over the years.