Being Mamma

A brilliant birthday!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 14:48:00 +0000

What a difference a year makes...

12 months ago, after a lot of pacing, panicking and emotional exhaustion, I finally went into labour with you. Excruciating and exhausting, but afterwards was a joy, relief and sense of contentment like I had never experienced.
The world was ours.
You were perfect.
We could do anything and we could go anywhere...
You were so small, fresh and familiar - Brand new, yet I knew you.
A true wonder to behold.

Now you are pulling off the wall paper and unplugging the external hard drive...! Milo the monkey!

In true (this family) style we have been celebrating your coming into the world over 4 days (no birth 'day' here!) Like the royals, we seem to have adopted a 'birth week' of celebrations, and why not!

Your first event of the birthday marathon was a little afternoon party with your two friends. We set up a little Teletubbies grotto in the house, with a playhouse, slide, ball pond /tent, tunnel, as well as cake and all the toys in the world! (or so it seemed)

It wasn't the initial plan, as we were going to bubbles world of play, but the change in plans was wonderful as you truly had a perfect time, as did I. It was lovely spend time reconnecting with old friends, making new memories with our beautiful babies.

We followed that with your cake smash 'party' (there was candles!) with Theo. You two destroyed a strawberry cheese cake with a mountain of squirty cream and I filmed it for your birthday video song! I proceeded to go to bed at 5.15am this night...as I spent so long making your Teletubby house cake and making your birthday video! The plight of a creative mummy soul!

Saturday was your actual birthday and we had a gorgeous morning opening your presents and playing with them. Theo was very helpful in opening them with you and enjoyed playing with your toys too! The drum kit is a big hit!!! And I think we might have bought up the whole of teletubby land and it's other merchandise by now! You loved the Teletubby guitar and play set and you have many other wonderful things that you will enjoy in the coming months.

After the presents we headed to the aquarium and we looked at all the fish and sharks! You both really seemed to enjoy it, it was a nice little afternoon activity before your tea party! Busy Day!!

Grandma, Gran D, Gen, Joe and Pops all came to wish you a happy birthday, bring you gifts and eat from the buffet I made. Hanna and Sofia also came to add to the celebrations and brought u a lovely gift. Grandma bought u many lovely things but most notably a 'man bag' - a bag filled with a phone, remote, keys.. all you need is some make up brushes and It will be almost as good as hers! You do love disemboweling a bag!

Gran D bought some beautiful clothes true to form (she loves to spoil you, filling your wardrobe!) And a beautiful wooden kitchen which you really love (except the washing up bowl...that keeps getting flung!) 

We had a lazy morning today (Sunday) after a late ish night, and accumulative tiredness from all the prep and festivities. At lunch time we had party number 3 at Grandads with Aunty Janie's and all your cousins. Daddy took all the Teletubbies decorations, the huge helium Po Balloon and your tent etc as well as all the left over food/cake, to set up a lovely party there. Everyone had a nice time and you loved your presents...both my boys were on top form!

Come 4.10pm I realised I had written the time wrong, and we were actually meant to be at Sofia's Super Hero Party!!! so with a quick change into a Buzz Lightyear suit for Theo, and a new outfit for you, we zoomed to Mini monsters for soft play party!! You had a little play followed by pizza, chips and ice cream and enjoyed it all! Theo ran off all his sugar energy and had a great time with the others.

I have had an especially gorgeous time with you both these last few days, you have truly been a pleasure.

I am now however Partied Out!

You are both currently asleep in my bed with me, as Theo was so exhausted, that is where he fell asleep, and I daren't move either of you. I am going to wrap this up now, and enjoy this 1 off, a deserved early - ish night, snuggling you both to sleep.

Milo poem

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 22:49:00 +0000

Hello Smiley Miley

(A name so very fitting)

For my funny, gorgeous little boy

(Who is forever dribbling!)

Still only 7 teeth

Make up your funky little grin

A big gap between the front two

(You could fit some money in)

Big eyes full of twinkling mischief

Turn to half moons when you laugh

Giving cheeky, cheesy smiles

For some funny photographs

Already you're a joker

With a humour like your brother

You bite me (Hard) then laugh...

(Cheeky little buggar!)

You two already play together ,

Rolling around on the floor

Dolly gets involved too

3 way tug of war...

Theo likes to ride you (like a horse)

No matter how many times I say no...

You don't seem to mind..

But he's to heavy for u to 'Go!'

You can now crawl at the speed of light

Round the furniture you walk

MUMMA, DADDA, BABBA

Trying your best to talk

Nothing is safe from your reach

You grab everything you see

Table covers off

Pan handles, mugs of tea!

I hoover twice a day now,

Pick up every fluff (or screw!?)

If i've lost it, you have found it

Straight in your mouth to have a chew

Laptop wires are tasty

Holes are for putting fingers in

Cupboards are for opening and shutting

And exploring what's within

Bought so many toys for you to bite

So many things for you to play

But its empty bottles, packets and Baby Wipes!

That really make your day!

The only way you'll be imprissoned

Is in the jumparoo

15 minutes of manic bouncing

Like a baby kanagroo

The high chair now can't contain you

Once fed out you climb

So many things to see and do

Sitting just wastes time

When your finally exhausted

You're danced around to sleep

Not yet in a cot

You are still snuggled up with me

A boob monster without question

Milk is your favourite tasty treat

however there is very little (apart from greens)

That you don't seem to eat!

Such a Mummy's boy, (for now at least)

and I cherish every snuggle

Even the onse at 4am

when tiredness is a struggle

For i know how quick this time goes

I wish I could press pause

So I could immerse in every moment

of this wonderous life of your's

A 10 month poem for you, Milo

I wrote one for your brother

And seemed only right

That I should do another

To make note of all your little quirks

The funny things you do

I daren't forget these moments

And the things that make you, you.

With love Always

Mumma

NYE Year in Review and Annual Questionnaire

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 01 Jan 2017 07:30:00 +0000

Where has the year gone? I am sure I say this every year, but in merely a blink of Milo's beautiful eyelashes...another year has passed and at a full throttle pace! 2016 has been terrible year for many, and there have been a large amount of high profile deaths this year from Actors to Comedians and in Music world especially.

Donald Trump has been Elected US President, 'Brexit' happened, and too many lives have been lost and turned upside down, in Paris, Berlin, and most poignantly Syria - to name but a few! Families have been fleeing there homes, children have drowned trying to find safety in further lands...All proving the WORLD HAS GONE MAD. Feeling more of a hippy than ever, truly craving world peace and love to all.

Every year I become more protective of my Bubble, pushing out the media influences, the news is not welcome in my home, and I chose carefully what information my self and my boys consume, in my own personal fight against the toxicity around us.

In tragic new closer to home the boys Nanny has had a Terminal Diagnosis :( which is something we will need to work though next year, it is heartbreaking,

Disregarding all of the above, 2016 for us has been a great year, my little family has increased by 1 whole remarkable little human of whom we could now not imagine life without. It is amazing how my two boys have grown together, as little best buddies, already a little troublesome twosome, and I just cannot wait to indulge and watch them grow. Dolly throws another element to the mix and certainly gets involved too, I feel truly blessed and that my bubble is complete. I am so very lucky.

Don't get me wrong, there a plenty of really tough days, but over all I would't change a thing.

Work wise my business is slowly taking shape, I am learning a lot as I go, and don't have half the time I need available to devote to it. However given my circumstances and in choosing to look after my children full time, as well as trying to start my own tiny empire, things aren't too bad at all!

I have decided to create my own family NYE Tradition, of filling out a little questionnaire each year, to see how the kids have grown and changed, and what we have all achieved/ what our interests are etc, to look back on each year.

Here are our Updates of 2016... I will be sure to be cross referencing last years!

Age

Theo: 2.5

Milo: 9 .5 months

Height

Theo: 96cm

Milo:74cm

Favourite Colour

Theo: Blue

Milo: Red ( I think...judging by your favourite Teletubby!)

Favourite Animal
Theo: Sloth!!! followed by Turtles, Monkeys, Girraffes and the Mingo's! (flamingo's)
Milo: The sloth is his spirit animal...

Favourite Song

Theo: The finger song (mummy finger) Incy wincy spider, Old macdonald, Let it Go and Rudolf the red nose reindeer

Milo: Anything by Lou Reed

Favourite Story

Theo: Slowly Slowly said the sloth, We're going on a bear hunt, Bears on chairs

Milo: Just bites the book

Favourite TV Show

Theo: Mickey mouse Club house

Milo: Teletubbies

Favourite Film

Theo: Toy Story 1 2 3, Finding Nemo/Dory, Frozen, Dinosaur

Milo: Whatever Theo decides

Favourite Food

Theo: Toast and beans, chocolate pizza, banana porridge

Milo: Anything in reach! but loves mummy's homemade chocolate and banana pancakes

Favourite Toys/games

Theo: Jigsaws, Train set, Toy Story figures, Animals and Dinosaurs (that he baths!) Not forgetting Singing Rudolf he stole from Nanny!

Milo: Anything he can bite... and the Jumparoo!

Best friends:

Theo: Milo and Sofia

Milo: Theo

New friends

Theo: Mia from Pre School

Milo: Ivy and Josh

Milestone Achievements:

Theo: Started Pre School, Started Potty Training, Amazing Language, Drinking from a cup (at last), Jigsaw extraordinaire (24 piece with no help), Swims like a fish, Sleeps through the night!

Milo: Rolling, says Mumma, can crawl (backwards) Eats a variety of food (still on boobies too) , Stands holding on to, and walking the furniture

My favourite activities:

Theo: Swimming, Singing, Dancing, Painting, craft and playing outside

Milo: BITING Jumping, swimming, baths and being thrown about (playfully)

Favourite places:

Theo: The Zoo!!! The park, Rascals soft play, Tamo'shanter farm, The ice cream farm, Swimming baths, Nannys and Grandmas/Gran D's

Milo: Wherever mummy is!

Bedroom theme/colour:

Theo: Heritage Blue Nautical

Milo: Pale green Woodland

We have spent this NYE in bed early, as we are all poorly, sleeping in the Spare room at Gran D's - a huge change from the parties from years gone by! Both my boys are restless, and although I normally like them, the fireworks are loud and disruptive, however I feel grateful that it is only one night of Celebratory bangs. In my over tired and poorly state, drifting in and out of sleep, I cannot help but think of all the children in the War zones around the world, for whom the bangs, noise and disruption are the norm... I am so very lucky to be warm in my bed, safe with my two babies either side. May 2017 bring us closer to Peace on Earth. Love to All.

Until Next year! x

A perfect Saturday - Swimming and SANTA!!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 23 Dec 2016 22:50:00 +0000

2 weeks ago, on Saturday, was a perfect day.
Now most of our days are pretty special, but this one, in all it's simplicity, seemed absolutely perfect!

I wanted to make a note of it, but already the memory is hazy...there is just so much going on, my mind cannot recall everything I desire it too!

I will try to recall what I can, for I love to look back on our time, even now.

One thing that made this specific Saturday special was swimming with your best friend Sofia. We hadn't swam with her for so long, and as little Miley bounced up and down in grandmas arms from the side lines, spectating; you and I had a whale of a time! We splished and we sploshed, rolling around in the shallows, and we kicked our legs swimming in the deep. We bounced in the waves that threw us around, and you were just so full of smiles, and so elated I was set to burst!

There was a sense of guilt I had not taken you swimming on your own with Fifi before now, ( and likewise because Miley was on the sides)... but I enjoyed our moment, and it was amazing!

After we had got dressed, we were in a rush to get to the shop Thingwall, as I promised you could meet Santa, (you have been learning lots about him and his reindeer and the special job he has) I was unsure of whether you would be shy, scared, or pleased...turns out you two were best buddies!

Honestly Theo, I could not believe the confidence that exuded from you little body...this tiny tot with fine wild curls just tentatively edged his way closer and closer to see the big man in red. Once you had decided things were 'safe' you stomped up to Father Christmas, shook his hand and said "Hi santa!" I was almost crying laughing at your boldness. Perfect! You had bypassed all the other children looking at him, straight up onto his knee, and in no time you were having a (2 year old) chat with him, You told him you had sent a letter for presents, and that baby Milo liked Teletubbies, so could he get him some Teletubbies things?(as he is too young to write a letter) as well as requesting your toys. You stood to the side of him while the other kids sat on his knee, and i sat on the floor with you on my knee so you could watch...

When there was no one left, back up to him you went, shyly singing him songs, jingle bells, little donkey and the mickey mouse club house song 😂 You are so funny! A couple of bags of Haribo and a few high fives later, (and on receiving a full description of sleighs and reindeer antics,) you were content to come away. Milo was hungry so I fed him on the front seat of the car, and you watched Santa leave the building and get into his car (to take him to his magic sleigh of course) and sang "santa in the car goes brum brum brum" (wheels on the bus tune) all (ride home) long!

Love you, you little nutter xx

Pre-School and Puree's...Tantrums and Teeth!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 19 Nov 2016 21:07:00 +0000

Well what a month or so this has been! I would be misleading you if I didn't acknowledge my sheer level of what can only be described as an amalgamation of Anxiety and 'knackered-ness' ... a constant 'flying by the seat of my pants' venture, juggling tantrums with teething, puree's with pre-school and just to make things really interesting; an emergency ambulance escapade, to add to this thriller of a narrative...

So much happening, so little time... Mummy needs a glass of wine!

This month has been full of firsts for you both, my beautiful boys, Milo you have started to eat real 'proper' non boob food... Puree'ing like a Pro! Sucking on your little bag of strawberries (or spag bol!) You just can't get enough! While Master Theodore, you have taken your first strides into the big wide world (Pre School) without me!

I'm not sure which I have found more daunting, but it is safe to say I have been feeling very out of control and a little scared of the world at times! The potential for choking has me petrified..palpitations the lot, followed by a mounting trepidation of letting someone else look after my big baby!

The choking is a logical fear, maybe Pre-School not so much...however since birthing you two beautiful boys I have undoubtedly become a self confessed 'control freak' in every way, whilst gently attachment parenting, in the best way I can... on a wing and a prayer!

What I can't seem to get my head around is the lack of information that crosses over...Teachers see me coming and avert all eye contact! Of course I want to know if you have been on the potty, what you have had for snack, the activities you played, the emotions you went through and the songs you sang, (apparently your own choice, regardless of what the others are doing lol) did you get teary? Did you smile? Were you happy? BLAH BLAH They have much more important things to do than comfort me...when you are only there for 3 hours! But I just can't help but wish there was camera's, like a baby monitor so I could watch you ponder about your little business...

I suppose I have to stop looking at it like I have lost you to the world of mainstream education forever, and just relay to myself that you are indeed just going for a play with other children your age, for a couple of hours twice a week...this is NOT the end of US and our freedom, we still have plenty of hours for sillyness, baking, painting and Doh!

As it is.. You love it, you generally tell me what you have been upto, and tell me the teachers names etc. You have already been in your first 'show' for harvest festival, and 'sang' your own songs.. but mostly you were just excited we were there to see you ("Wook wook baby Miwo...wook my Daddy...WOOK My Mummy! Baby Miwo and Mummy amd Daddy!") All the mums and dads were hysterical at the dramatic excitement that flooded out of that tiny little body! I Love you Theo!

After starting your first afternoon at pre-school you seemed to get the obligatory school yard snots...and ended up poorly, but nothing out of the ordinary...little did I know I would be holding onto your tiny little body in an ambulance 2 weeks later! You hadn't been well and had been very tired and tartrum-y (which isn't really like you) then 1 day you just were burning up and we couldn't cool you down, you weren't speaking, just sleeping and hiding from the Tv light, you were so floppy, I was panicked. They sent for an ambulance for you and I held on so tightly to your clammy little body, holding back my tears in trying to reassure you, singing 'Let it go' and 'I'm a fluffy little cloud', to calm you.

Turns out it was ( 10 days of antibiotics worthy) Tonsilitis! Phew!!! You were back to yourself in no time! I have never felt so lucky.

Since the day you were born, I honestly wake up every day and truly relish how lucky I am. Truly.

I have your parents evening coming up this week as well as your two - two and a half year review. I cannot believe ho fast time is flying, you are growing too quickly my gorgeous boy!!

Milo, you sit like a pro now and crawl backwards at the speed of light! You have 2 big teeth on the bottom and 4 all cut through on the top (getting bigger by the day) You haven't enjoyed the process (neither have I) lots of sleep deprivation for us both, comfort feeds seem to help..until you bite!! Then I could cry in harmony! you too are very resilient though and more often than not wake up with a big eyed slothy smile. My Smiley Miley.

The only time you ever get really cross if when the newly experienced food runs out! god help anyone who takes away your little food filled bag of strawberries!! Or takes toast from you... No! You are a placid little thing until you are 'wronged' then God help that person! You can really shout!!

You have a real little sense of humour, quite like Theo's in fact... a little warped! As you chuckle when you have bitten me and I shout/react. Monkey! You have also started very recently to warble 'Mumma' I. am. ecstatic!

My favourite thing for us to do together, is to have a bath, we get in together and you splash and kick about, you just love it so much. Another water baby. It is also a time for just us, a peaceful but playful time, where I can indulge you solely.
You still like to snuggle me to sleep and If I am honest, I love it too, you still feed all night, and I am happier to just flip you from side to side. Theo has shown me how quickly babies grow and change, so I just want to appreciate every little loving moment.

I am finishing this post tonight after the longest I have been away from you for (I have re-visited this post 4 times..but am always too tired to complete it!)I have been trying to earn some pennies at the Frost fair today, and Daddy has been looking after both you boys. I came home for an hour to feed you, but otherwise I haven't been with you, which is certainly not the way I like it. You gave me the most gorgeous smiley Miley welcome when I came back though...and now refuse to be removed from my person..!

We have had a gorgeous night, just you boys, dolly and me, all laughing and giggling and being nutters. Lots of Love in the air and plenty of craziness...too many stories and too much pudding, but life is short and time is precious! (Sometimes it's nice to stay up later with chocolate mousse!)

Well 5 stories later and a feed for Milo, both my precious treasures are soundly sleeping. After a long day, I had an only family stuff rule tonight (no work) and I have now managed to finish this post, so I would call this a super successful Saturday night.

Until next time xxx

Theo, 2 year update x

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 26 Aug 2016 06:30:00 +0000

Well Theo what a little Character you are! A cheeky, chirpy chatterbox!

Honestly I am sure you now know more words than you don't!

Daddy was playing with you the other day, and asked you to pass him the 'squid' and you said "no daddy it's an octopus!"

Today I fell about laughing when you came out with "well I suggest..." I swear I could have wet myself! You also have started to say "I suppose" and "what happened?" every now and again. I chuckle to myself as I am now learning what I must say in abundance!

Your most frequent question is "what's that noise?" The sound track to my day, and because of which, you have now learnt to differentiate between motorbikes, aeroplanes, ambulances, police cars, lawn mowers etc.. you now tell me what they are!

The other big word is "careful." I realise I must tell you this 100 times a day. You now tell me to "be careful mummy" which is so very sweet!

You are a careful boy though, and gentle in nature although naturally quite heavy handed. You are very loving to you brother though, and know not to be rough as he is only little. You take on tasks with sensible caution, such as the big climbing frames and slides, you are brave and will accomplish them...but "carefully!" Haha!

You went to your first proper birthday party yesterday in a Soft Play Centre, and I was amazed. It was your little friend Charlies birthday (from swimming) and he was 4. You may have been only half their age but you were definitely braver than some of the big boys!

There were a couple of bigger girls taking you around the different slides and frames. At first you were apprehensive about going in the under 5's bit without me, however 15 mins in and you were with the bigger girls in the under 12's bit!!! Coming down a 3 story slide on YOUR OWN!!! The other parents were as amazed as me!! I have a thrill seeker on my hands! You had so much fun!

You ate very little real food, but enough cake and sweets to sink a ship...you were happy though :)

You sang and ate sweets all the way home!

You love singing, namely TV show theme tunes (FiFi and the flower tots, Mickey mouse clubhouse etc) but row row row your boat, wheels on the bus and twinkle twinkle all get a turn. The Hot Dog song is a firm favourite... Complete with dance moves! Mickey mouse has a lot to answer for.... I have had to stop giving you food in 3's such as blue berries, mini cheddar's, carrots and chopped banana ... anything divisible by 3 can be made into Mikey mouse heads...and then you won't eat them!!

You are becoming such a big boy! You have now done 2 poo's on the potty successfully, but little has happened for a while..we will keep trying though!

You are down to have your little trial at pre-school next month (only for 6 hours a week) and I am so not ready to let you go... but you are ready for new adventures, regularly asking for your "Ee-o" (Sofia) as you want a little friend to play with.

You have started for the first time recently to go out on short trips or walks with daddy, to see nanny or on the hill, and you love it. You don't want to come home! Your open mind and little legs want to explore, and I can't hold you back.

You keep asking me to go see the "winos" "muddys" and the "wraffes" again, so I am so glad I bought the zoo pass! I have a feeling there will be many adventures there...we've been 3 times already in a month!

You are so amazing and unbelievably cute, I wish I could bottle up the sound of your laugh and your energy; your little expressions, phrases and body language are just so sweet and funny. I am so proud to be your mummy, I love you so much, you funny little being!

Until next time xxx

Milo, happy 5 months!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 26 Aug 2016 06:30:00 +0000

Wow Miley...How time flies!

You are just over 5 months old now and still, you are a dream.

You have a beautiful, infectious smile and cackle, and you already have a funny little sense of humour!

We have a lovely little laugh the two of us. And I love hearing your stories. You love your big brother too, always flashing your little gummy grin when he is about, whilst rolling around the carpet.

Currently you are a drool monster, I have had to change your t-shirt 4 times today as you were soaked through from all the teething dribble! You have two definite little white toothy pegs now, and they are very sharp! You are so bitey bitey all the time... it's a real shame, but you are being a brave little soul about it all.

You had a friend over today while Theo was napping. Her name is Ivy and I know her mummy from when I was young and in school. You two gurgled away and we chatted, you both enjoyed the fresh air in the swing and looking at the fish tank, it was very sweet, your first little friend.

You have won a competition, looking for a beautiful baby boy model... to advertise their company! How exciting, so we are going to have your pictures taken on Monday! My handsome little chappy.

Today I gave you your first little meal...smushed up broccoli...you were quite interested, but much more so when I added some mashed potato into the mix, you got very messy but loved it! You are growing up too quickly!!

We are still breastfeeding and co-sleeping and I am very happy with this arrangement...you are too! You are now officially as long as the Snuz Pod I bought...that has barely been used! So hopefully I can find it another home...currently it is a very expensive bed guard!

Anyway just a short little update of where you are at... I am so scared of forgetting!
You are currently fast asleep in the crook of my arm. I love you so so dearly, you truly are my little ray of sunshine, always so smiley and giving of your wondrous little self.

N'night my precious treasure x

A Super Duper 2nd Birthday!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 19 Jul 2016 06:45:00 +0000

Well this past week has been a busy one to say the least! And there has been weeks of prep work prior to creating the perfect birthday for you!

Daddy has spent approximately 20 hrs in the Garden building your super duper 'climbing frame house/ meets den/fort with triple swings and a huge wavy slide!' Someone is a lucky boy!!! Nanny and Granddad, Gran D, Auntie Catherine, Mummy and Daddy have all chipped in towards it, and I hope you and Milo will have a good few years of fun out of it!

Grandma has even donated a cupboard from her bathroom for your cafe' /kitchen/shop and it doesn't look too bad at all after a simple paint job!

We started birthday celebrations the day before your actual birthday, and let you have one present that morning. It was a big dinosaur (Pachyrhinosaurus I think!) It seemed very apt as there is a big dinosaur exhibit on at Chester Zoo at the moment, which is where we were going for the day.

You just love 'Assaurs!' (Which does indeed sound like Ass holes from your cherub like chops!)

In honesty I cannot help but smirk to myself every time I hear it, before informing you 'dinosaurs' does in fact start with a D.... but no rush...

My favourite part of our zoo escapade was only 30 mins in... when you just walked up to a Chester Zoo worker in your little yellow raincoat and said "Me at Zoo!.... Anmals...Ephants...Monkeys!" All so excitedly ... I felt so proud of how confident and excited you were.

I Loved how you just wanted to share your excitement..and tell someone you were at the zoo!

"OOH lovely" said the lady "what are you going to see next...?"

"Anmals...Assaurs!" You confidently shout!

I smile and say "Yes Theo, we're going to see some dinosaurs" and watch her knowingly smirk as well.

I am really glad I bought a years membership pass as you really loved it. We will get our moneys worth I am sure as we didn't manage to see half of the animals that are there. There is just so much to see, and your little legs are only so long.

You kept trying to walk and direct us back to the monkeys...therefore I assume they were your ultimate favourite? Closely followed by the tortoises and turtles. There wasn't anything you did not seem to be fascinated by, asking "A FA?" (What's that) to all the ones you didn't know the names of. You liked the baby 'Bambi' Deer and were eager for us to go to the Bats (brave little thing in the black bat cave!) WE managed to fit in the Febras (Zebras) and Wraffes (Giraffes) which you have always liked, from the pictures of them. You were a little unnerved the closer you got to the Giraffes as I don't think you expected them to be quite so large!

We had a fab time and there was no tantrums! You were a bit unsure of the dinosaurs, hiding your eyes, but no tears, you were just wary. I think they were just overwhelming in size and to be honest I had no idea how real they would look and appear! I think you are one big brave boy!

I had a great time at the zoo with you, but it's definitely not as easy with 2 babies! Good job Daddy was on hand. Milo was excellent though all things considered. I certainly am learning that for a full day out, feeding stops and bathroom stops with a double buggy and 2 under 2's is hard going! Worth it though!

Wednesday was your actual birthday and I was so glad we didn't try to cram everything in to the one day. We managed to have a relaxed day whilst you did a little present hunt/trail.

The hunt started in the bathroom (bath toys/crayons, so you could use them in your morning bath) and they then followed through the house; around the lounge, kitchen and into the garden where the big outdoor frame and your 360 spin seesaw was.

I even dotted presents around the garden, in the swings and in the house and cafe.

You were really good and wore a blindfold to go outside, and I was so pleased to hear the "Wowee!" Uttered from your overwhelmed little self!

You were over the moon! The present hunt took almost all day as you played with almost everything you opened before moving onto the next, but I love that. You are so gentle with the paper and take it at your own little pace, you don't just rip it off and rush through them, you really take your time. In fact you have over the week said "No don't rip it" and "fix it" too many super-cute times to count!

After a nap Sofia your best friend came round with your presents and a big 2 balloon for you (and helped you open the presents you hadn't got to yet.) She also brought a chocolate Caterpillar cake and you both had lots of fun running around and scoffing your little faces (not with the tea I made for you both mind you!) It was all just too exciting for you both I think!

After your actual birthday we were organising for your Party Weekend! I changed the day from the Saturday to the Sunday after a promise of rain, so Saturday you opened a ton of fabulous presents from Grandma, The Aunties and Gran D (after a morning with Sofia at the madhouse Soft play.) You were spoiled rotten with Peppa pig play sets, and a Dancing Mickey, a big Vroom garage and plenty of other great educational and other fun toys! You are one lucky boy!!

So Sunday was the big party day and I had been ordering all the decor for your party weeks before, as well as making your cake and cupcakes in the day or two before hand. The theme was 'Theo's Round up!' As you are so utterly in love with Woody and Toy story! All the Family dressed up as Cowgirls/Cowboys and some of your little friends did too! You, Daddy and Milo were all dressed as Woody and you all looked amazing!

We played pass the parcel and you ate lots of sweets cake and wotsits...despite me making little boxed homemade 'happy meals' for you all... you can't predict the tastes of toddlers!

I hope you had lots of fun!

There were ball pond balls everywhere by the end of it and all the outdoor toys had been well played with. The space hoppers hopped and the cars were driven, seesaw was spun and bikes had been ridden!

I was absolutely shattered by party bag time! We gave all your little friends a party bag with sweets, cake, little toy story army men and a play doh set each. We ended the evening with lots of swings in the towel for you and you cackled away laughing, all sugar drunk from marshmallows!

Well that leads us to today after an exhausting few days...I am happy to say I didn't get dressed today! After opening the presents from your party, Daddy took you to Nanny's for a couple of hours this morning whilst me an Milo put some order back into our home. We've been cleaning up from parties and re organising all the cupboards; to now house all your new things!!

The lounge was like Toy story meets Fisher Price War zone this afternoon!

But we are all now back to full order (if there is any such thing) and I have enjoyed spending the late afternoon outside in our sunny garden..which is now practically as good as the Park! It is Safe to say that Smiley Miley loves the swings as much as you! Gurgling and giggling away as he goes back and forth. In fact he even falls asleep in it! He is such a little dream and you are such a gorgeous and funny boy! I have had great fun 'hiding' in your house with you both...who knew I could fit...never mind the 3 of us...and dolly! What a day! What a week!

I Cannot believe this time 2 years ago I was still just me...we had a rough ride getting you here, and although it still so vivid, it is also a lifetime ago. It is impossible to fathom that you, the wondrous little being I grew/created and will forever continue to nurture, has only been on this earth for two years!! 2 years!?!?! I feel like I have loved you a life time. Theodore, you make me the best version of me. My proudest and happiest moments have all been because of you and your baby brother. You are so full of joy and mischief, you are so full of love. Happy 2nd Birthday my big baby boy! Love you to the moon and back! Welcome to toddler hood...stay happy, inquisitive, caring and kind but most of all, keep enjoying the adventure! Xxx

Welcome to the World Milo!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 27 Jun 2016 13:10:00 +0000

Well its been a bit longer than I had hoped, you are now 3 months old and I haven't yet put down a tiny thing about you... I feel a little guilty, but forgive me, for with a Newborn and a strong minded toddler...there hasn't been much time!

I used to write things about your big brother Theo when I was feeding, or in the middle of the night...but these days I am just so tired I drop to sleep too quickly to write. If I'm not sleeping, or feeding, I am gazing at you, analysing your little face whilst you sleep, those little smiles, revelling in how wonderful you are.

As I said I have very little time between the two of you, we are breastfeeding, you and I, and I tell you what, you are a natural! From birth you latched on great, glugging away for 40 mins at a time...we had a few difficult days (where you fed for 5 hours at a time) and I was so terribly sore and thought we wouldn't succeed. I was bleeding and you were starving (not surprised..you were 10lb 3 born!) After some antibiotics for mastitis later and bath feeds..we were back on track and we haven't looked back!

The Dr's at the hospital said you were "absolutely perfect" (not that I needed reassuring) and you have been gaining on average 1lb a week!! You are a really big boy...but still my tiny baby. You have dark hair just like your brother did and your eyes are the brightest blue. I have a sneaky feeling they might stay that way...and then you might look a bit more like me...as currently you are both Daddy's mini me's!!!

You are starting to look like YOU now, at first you were so like your brother at birth you could have been the same baby! Twins almost 2 years apart... but you have now developed you own little expressions and you can see the little differences in looks and personality.

I tell you what, I am so, so lucky in how wonderful your little temprement is. You truly are the most content baby I have met..you are so happy, at first you were a little serious and hard to get a smile out of...
But now your little face falls into smiles all the time. You are just so beautiful and so happy, truly contented (I think it's the full tum!) I adore to just watch you. As well as bigger, you are much stronger than an average 3 month old baby and you have been throughout.

The Dr had to ask If I was sure you were only 6weeks at your check as you were as strong and as big as a 3month old then! I think I'm going to have my hands full with you! You can already roll a bit and almost pull yourself to sitting!

You are going through clothes at an insane rate and I am just so lucky Gran D is shop happy! You will never be short of anything while she enjoys shopping!

You love your dummy...I wasn't going to give you one (but after those 5 hr feeds) found that you needed it to help get you to sleep. You are great with it, and it really helps to get you to sleep, especially whilst you are teething...little dribble monster! I don't give you it unless you are due to sleep as I like to see you smile during the day!

You are quite a good sleeper...I am sure you would be even better if Theo didn't wake you every 5 minutes with his clodhopper feet jumping around, but he doesn't understand. He loves you very much and has been calling you "Baby" for 3 months, however we have now had one "Milo" and a few "Miley"s. He always checks you are coming with us, and isn't too keen on people he doesn't know holding you. You are his "Miley" of which he lets people know, "No my baby!"
He kisses you on the head (with sound effects.."MwAh" and shakes your arm (quite hard) shouting "Hewow" ....we are working on gentle...but you don't seem to mind, you just smile away in your happy little way, loving everything in little Milo land.

In honesty I was worried about what it was going to be like with 2 babies, and I couldn't comprehend how I could possibly have enough love for a 2nd baby...but My oh my...I was so wrong.
You truly are the most special little being, and I love you more than I can possibly express. You are edible! I am desperate to keep you little (although you are huge already!) Yet cannot wait to watch you grow and develop! I do love you so much at this little stage. You are perfect.

Already I am mourning the loss of each little stage that passes, I remember doing that with Theo...yet it seems more poignant this time. The little newborn milky stretch was a big one ...with your little bum and back arched like a snail...just so perfect. I am just trying to soak in as much as I can, try to absorb as much of this baby stage as possible, It is definitely harder this time around to just 'be' with you as there are a million other things happening all the time, but I try, everyday to take time out for just us.

My favourite things are sharing a bath with you, swimming (which you love) and playing 'mummy wobble head' where i shake my bun around on my head and it really makes you cackle laughing! I think there are probably some drivers laughing too, as it is definitely a favourite of yours on a pram walk...

Well now I am feeling exhausted, again...after a busy day, and having just finshed putting the 3rd size of too small clothes away into bags, so I am going to catch some sleep while you do!

You are lying in the co-sleeper sleeping soundly...so beautiful.

I am truly overjoyed and the happiest I have ever been. So many wonderful things to come...Welcome to the World Baby Milo, we're going to have an amazing adventure! Xxxx

Letting go....

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 07:30:00 +0000

Today has been tiring, but lovely. We have been swimming with Daddy at Aqua tots, and as usual you were elated to be there. You walked in by yourself today, kicking and splashing, desperate to jump in and go, like the little duck you have become.

Aside from swimming we have played 'village' with all your little people and the cottage, putting policemen to bed and fireman in the bath.. and of course we had the school children running the emergency services! We laughed as I did all the different accents for each person, and you started to gabble away too, making them chat to each other. I love watching your imagination develop.

My definite highlight of today however is your new singing. "Let it gooooo, LET IT GOOOO...." which happened for the first time yesterday, yet today from the kitchen I heard " Let it goooo, LET IT GOOOOO....no do do do anymoooo" (to the tune) ...you just randomly burst into song. It was hilarious! I am both proud and tickled at your funny little ways.

A lot of today was spent rearranging furniture and cupboards, for you and the new baby. We were mostly drilling things to the wall..and moving your room around. Most importantly today, my single bed that I have been sleeping on; in your room (for 18 months) has been dismantled....and you and getting to have your room all to yourself! Loads more space to play!

We have made a play area by your bookshelves and a quiet 'story corner' with a brand new 'chair bed' comfy seat (in case you need me or someone to sleep in with you at any point.)

Your soft glow moon light is above it with a bookcase. It looks really lovely, and your little face was a picture when I took you up to see it, you were so shocked, with your little hand gestures...followed by "wow" in your tuneful little tone.

You certainly seemed to like it... and there were no complaints from you at all at bed time. In fact you were quite eager to hop into bed with your milk... so grown up!

As I anxiously ponder over whether to turn off the landing light or not, while you sleep so soundly in your perfect little dreamworld, snuggled in your toddler bed with your favourite toys. It is safe to say you are more ready to grow up, than I am ready to let go of what we have had; just the two of us and our bed time snuggles. I am pretty sure I know who will be getting the better sleep tonight.... night night Theo, my darling boy, my chubby little cherub chops.... Until Morning xx

To Theo - 18 months

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 21:34:00 +0000

I seriously cannot comprehend the speed in which things are changing, growing and developing at the moment!

Theo,

From taking your first little steps 2 weeks before your 1st birthday, to positively walking 2 weeks after it, everything is happening so quick! Now... well I can barely keep up! You run everywhere!!! In circles, back and forth, you name it, you climbs the stairs like a pro (but are not quite so competent on the way down) I have been trying to teach you to come down on your bum, but you would much rather slide down on your tummy, and then laugh (the most beautiful and infectious laugh) when I tell you that you are being a monkey!

You love pushing boundaries...and at this age, that is exactly what you are meant to be doing, you turn to me regularly when you are unsure, to gauge my reaction as to whether you are doing something you shouldn't or not. My current favourite is your little tuneful "uh oh" and "oh dear" when you think you have done something 'wrong'. It truly is the cutest thing... and even though there may be spaghetti all over the floor, your apparent awareness of your 'mistake' of plate throwing (as one example) even though it is usually 'accidently on purpose' really shows your understanding of this crazy big and confusing world you are a part of.

You absolutely love to snuggle and cuddle, especially when there is a film on, you now come and sit on my lap and rest you head on me, especially if you are a bit tired and nuzzle yourself in. These moments are perfect. I feel so lucky that you are such a loving and affectionate little being. You are pretty generous with your kisses now too, regularly coming over just to give me a kiss, because you want to, and not because you have been asked. I love that.

Waving! Well waving has been an off and on thing over the last 6 months, you have had the capability, but lacked the urge to bother to wave 'hi' or 'bye' for quite some time. In the last month though you have started to wave and sing "Hiiii" or "Byeeee" (depending on which is relevant) in your ever so tuneful song voice, to almost all that you meet...to me, Dolly, Daddy, Grandma, the lady behind the till, the man buying bread, the security guard at Tesco... yep you are a friendly little soul!

If you are not waving and saying hiya to strangers a plenty, you can be sure to find that you will give them a little dance, stomping your feet and wiggling for a reaction (you are a born showman!)
Either that or you will be offering up your juice and toys to others in the doctors waiting room, supermarket, restaurant...etc etc.

You are a very kind little boy, who loves to explore his surroundings, making friends with all the ladies, charming your way to a 'sweety' and a smile. I have a feeling that charm will stick with you throughout life. That smile and those dimples will get you a long way...

Your best friend is Sofia, we met her when u were 3 months old and she was 6.5 months. You two see each other weekly (sometimes more, sometimes less) and we go on lovely days out swimming or to soft play, for dinner and to the parks etc. You two are real partners in crime, wild and free, wearing us poor mummies out!! But we wouldn't have you any other way!

Talking about swimming, your dad and I take you swimming every Tuesday morning, and from your first dip in the water, I knew you were a water baby! I first took you at 3 months old, and you were content then. I held you in the water letting you slowly gain your confidence bit by bit.. and now at 18 months you are practically a fish! You wear little foam floats on your arms and swim round, unaided by me or your daddy. You laugh and splash and jump in the water without a care in the world. You are physically strong and you are very brave, carefree and such fun to be with.

As well as swimming we take you to gymnastics.. and you have come on in leaps and bounds since the first time we took you. You use the trampoline and do forward rolls and even practice them at home! Your favourite thing is to run about though and throw the balls on the parachute at the end.

You are so clever and developing in so many ways, you now say your animal noises for 'dinosaur' - raaaaar 'cow' - mooo 'duck' - quack quack and 'dog' - woofwoof! You also have tons of words that keep popping out of nowhere...! Your first proper word apart from Mummy and Daddy was probably Dolly, and you shout up the stairs "doyey...doyey" every morning for her to come down and play with you. You love her!

Your first sentence (apart from "where's doyey") was 2 days before xmas at Bubbles Soft Play where you said "mummy where are you??....where are you mummy??" I was right behind you, but were so busy exploring the 'big kids bit' you panicked for a moment... i was sooo proud, I had no idea you knew so much!

You are a fruit bat! You love love love strawberries and blueberries...so much so, we are going to grow them this year just to keep up with your tummy's demand! As for other food you are much more picky than you were...yet you are getting better. Your absolute favourite veg is corn on the cob, and you devour every morsel! You are also a big fan of chips (no surprises) and spaghetti... very funny to watch you eat that with a fork... but not for the faint hearted! (I spend a lot of time bleaching the floor!)

Well it is getting late now, and I am really due some sleep...as last night I didn't sleep at all. I have taken the side of your cot you see, and you are doing really well. AMAZING in fact. You have never been a good sleeper, and in fact we have practically co-slept for 18 months...as I can count on my hands the nights you have stayed in your cot all night...you usually end up in with me from as soon as you first stir. But not the last couple of nights. I am still sleeping in your bedroom (I am the clingy one!) I feel happier that way...but you are getting bigger now...and I soon will have to sleep with your new baby brother, so it is only fair to get you settled and happy in your big bed by yourself. I am watching your chest rise and fall in perfect sleepy peace, and realising it is me with the problem! I have separation anxiety and cannot sleep... ! But I am being good...last night you woke, and I sat next to your little 'big boy bed' and sang every Disney song I could think of for 40 mins... until you drifted back off into dreams. How much I wanted to scoop you up and hold you close to me, but I have to let you grow.

I wish I could freeze time sometimes to spend a little longer enjoying everything...as life is moving so quickly... you are at the most perfect stages right now, everything is new and exciting for you, everything is a 'first' and I can barely keep up. But my mission is to just enjoy every single moment, every tired tantrum and every sleepy snuggle, every hysterical giggle, playing dinosaurs and tickle... for one day you will be big and the kisses you give me won't be so 'cool'... I wish you could be my baby forever! You will never know how much you mean to me, how much I love you, and how my life revolves around you. Only when you are big and grown and have your own babies will you understand. I now know true love, and you are mine. My beautiful little bundle of joy, my forever perfect baby boy xxx

2015 you have been amazing...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 06 Jan 2016 22:30:00 +0000

Well what can I say... 2015 you truly have been the best year of my life so far!

There is so much I want to say about how wonderful life has been this last year, and my only sorrow lies in how quickly time has passed, and how many amazing moments are now merely memories, making way for more.

2015 is the year I failed at blogging! Yes I definitely failed there, but in hindsight...I don't care. I mean, I absoloutely wish in some ways I had documented everything in writing, rather than just in copious amounts of facebook photographs, and status's about Soft Play...but we really have been just too busy. Too busy having fun, enjoying the moment, working hard at other things (not to mention dealing with the mandatory pregnancy exhaustion and sickness.)
Don't get me wrong though, documenting/journaling my boy's life is of massive importance to me. I want to leave our little legacy of memories down on paper (or floating in a tiny morsel of web space) in the hope they can be revisited in the future; by our older selves. So we can look back at how things have changed, and laugh, and cry, remembering what has gone before. I read my last post (the letter to my son poem) before writing this, and realised how much has already slipped my mind, and how many things I haven't written down that I wanted to since then.

I feel that because I started a 'blog' I suppose I felt over pressured to create 'content' as people might read it... and not just being true to what 'Being Mamma' is about. Which is just that. A diary of what it is like 'being mamma.'

Therefore I am going to use this as just that. A diary, a log of our adventures, with some cute pictures along the way. Documenting the things that feel important, and the emotions along the way. I am not doing this to please other people, but to look back and be pleased that I spent a moment to reflect on what I wonderful time I am having.

This in itself has felt cathartic, as I was feeling pressure from myself just to put something down to explain why I hadn't kept up with it...but seriously. Life happens..and you just have to go with it... so here we go! X

Silly poem to my baby. May I never forget this time x

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 20 May 2015 23:38:00 +0000

A letter to my baby,

you're only 10 months old

getting stronger everyday,

(and heavier to hold)

I felt I had to put this down,

In so short time, you've come so far,

And I dare not forget a moment,

of how wonderful you are.

You now stand unaided,

'Testing' every door,

Such a sense of accomplishment,

Pulling open every drawer.

Your mobility amazes me,

already learned to climb the stairs,

cruising around the living room,

supported by the chairs.

Your energy is unstoppable,

Until the time you go to bed,

Exploring every inch of ground,

(I need eyes in the back of my head!)

So I tidy and I hoover,

I think I've managed every chore,

and you still find every little fluff,

that lingers on the floor...

I'm sure it isn't tasty

but determined, you'll still try,

and like lightning crawl away from me,

a cheeky glint across your eye.

Everything is an adventure,

so many things brand new ,

Often I wish I could see things,

from your sweet unjaded view.

Your laugh, it is infectious,

It never fails to make me smile

your sense of humour (so developed)

for such a tiny little guy

You feel emotions deeply

clench your fists and shout, when mad.

I can't help but chuckle to myself,

you're such a funny little lad,

There's only one food, that you don't like,

Blue veined Stilton cheese,

everything else goes down a treat

(especially strawberries and ice cream)

Your a showman, love the lime light,

do lots of actions with your arms,

you flirt with all the ladies,

with your cutest baby charm.

You love to be praised for doing things,

and turn to me, for reaction,

playing games and reading stories,

you love the interaction,

As for TV it's Waybaloo

that currently has your vote

and Disney films with singing in

(as you chew on the remote)

I think Queen Elsa' is still a favourite,

With that song, 'Let it go'

For the millionth time I've heard her,

watched her running in the snow.

Dolly fast becomes a faithful friend

both playing tug of war,

but you are still a bit too interested

in her tail, ears and paws.

You babble away, your made up words

a language sweet divine,

you say say 'Muma', 'Dada', 'Hiya' too

and 'Yea' all the time

There's very little that you hate,

but getting dressed is number one,

in 2nd place, closely behind,

Is the changing of your bum

The bath, is a favourite place,

with rubber ducks and bubbles

followed by a towel rub,

and lovely mummy snuggles

Now your bathed and changed, and in your bed

but of course it won't last long

your not quite yet accustomed

to sleeping on your own.

But for a couple of hours i'll watch you,

on the baby monitor screen,

chest rising up and down,

drifting in and out of dreams.

And every now and then,

I'll come upstairs to watch you breathe,

my most amazing creation,

my beloved masterpiece.

Sofa Style Struggles...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 20 May 2015 19:11:00 +0000

After a long wait, my beautiful grey shaded leather sofa has NOT arrived! Safe to say, I'm not impressed, given that it has taken the company 3 weeks to inform me it will not be coming at all...
They apparently can no longer source the fabric. (Even though I was told it would be with me in a few days, TWICE!)

Anyway Rant over, onwards and upwards!

It took me a very, VERY long time to decide on the sofa in the first place, as I have never been a fan of the look of leather sofas, yet with a little mess machine, I thought modern and wipe-able won, over the more desirable teal Chesterfield.

A sofa is a strong focal point within any room design, and as I cannot source this same (or similar) from anywhere else, it looks as though the original living room plans have gone out of the window entirely.

Soft greys, heritage teals and ballet shoe pinks are shades of the past, for this house anyway.Delicate accents, Moroccan tea-light holders, bohemian drapes and pom pom cushions no longer have a place within the new space; dictated and dominated by a soon to arrive BLACK AND WHITE COUCH!

I cannot believe I have said it, but yes, you read it right. They have offered me a different (more expensive) sofa set, for the same price (due to the inconvenience) a million miles away (to me) from what I had planned.... and I've ACCEPTED.

I am already starting to question this decision, but life throws these obstacles around, and to hell with it, I'm going to make it work. It isn't what I planned (by any stretch) and the sofa is more 'Starship Enterprise meets Formula One' than my intended 'Grey Serenity,' but I'm going with the flow. Room styling has taken a 180.

Here's hoping I CAN actually make it work into an artistic and eclectic space, rather than a tacky boy racer room...

I'm going to be bold (but not as bold as the sofa) and say Italian style and monochrome are always 'in' 'Classic even!?'

Here are some of my styling ideas.

Have I gone entirely mad?

Chaos and Cupboards

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 14 May 2015 21:08:00 +0000

So a fortnight ago, I wrote that I was moving house, and at that point I hadn't yet picked up a box...and now we're in!

What a roller coaster it has been. Moving with a tiny 'wannabe toddler' just finding their feet is no task for the faint hearted I tell you! Last time I was moving whilst 8 months pregnant...I learnt both these lessons the hard way. I wave my flag, I am staying put.

So after the boxes being houses themselves, drums, chairs, hats, trampolines and many other objects (other than a box) they finally were filled, and moved to their new place of residence (some still waiting to be unpacked.) The furniture is also in and up, after plenty of dissembling and reassembling. Walls have been painted with help from a painting fairy (my mum) who spent in total approximately 24 hours up and down a ladder with me, in order to make this little house a home.

I honestly would not have made it to this point without any help. I am the queen of doing everything myself, but I have quickly learnt that when you have a little living being as your main priority, you have to let go of a little control. I can't say I was happy to let go... but needs must, and Wholla, I've handed back my old keys, everything's here, and I'm not too far off schedule!

Surrounded by chaos and cupboards, room plans awry, couch-less and losing my mind; yet one day at a time I am getting closer to my desired results.

So far...

The 'nursery' has been painted in Dulux silk 'blue reflection' I am happy with the colour, yet would have preferred a matt finish... however, sticky fingers have priority!

My room, I have painted 'Crushed Aloe' a gorgeous calming green, it's fresh and airy and only needed one coat! I absolutely love my woodland view (from almost every window!) and this green really compliments the scenery, bringing the outside in.

The lounge... well this is an interesting one, I chose to mix my own paint, as I couldn't get my desired shade in a silk finish... (greasy palms/sticky fingers problem again) the first coat went on, and it was what most would describe as 'light black.' (Even Abigail Ahern would have been worried) yet luckily enough, after a rough sleep and a remix of the paint; (tutorial to follow) the finished colour is a deep teal, with a dark duck egg on 2 walls.

What do you think?

I've also been spray painting Ikea Ung Drill picture frames (better late than never on that bandwagon) and white washing bookcases...what would I do without nap time!? Oh and thank you Waybaloo!

More Progress updates to follow!

Exciting Update!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 21:12:00 +0000

Okay, so some of you may have noticed my blogging has taken a bit of a back seat these last few weeks, and I do apologise, but I have a good reason...or so I believe. There hasn't even been any fashion Friday posts... however this is due to my distinct lack of any fashion forward behaviour of late, leggings, baggy t-shirts and a floppy topknot has been my uniform of choice... as I've been packing! Yes packing! I'M MOVING HOUSE!

I have had weeks of phone calls, emails, hoop jumping and uncertainty, but it's finally happening, in 2 days I get they Keys to my New Home! I can now officially say I am excited, rather than stressed...

Only the kitchen left to pack up here, and some little odds and ends (like reducing the piles of laundry!) and we're off!

I have only been in my current home a year, and I am sure some think I am mad for moving so soon, yet I have been waiting for my preferred location to pop up, and with a garden, and wholla! These things don't come up often and certainly don't stay around forever, so with a ton of large and heavy boxes..off I pop!

Don't get me wrong, It's no Mansion or Palace... yet (she says..) but I cannot wait to work some 'arty magic' on this little home, that I intend to spend the foreseeable future in. Hello Pinterest :)

SO YES, you can expect some decorating and design updates.. as well as how I manage it with a tiny tot, now trying to stand unaided (yikes!) and a very tiny and attention demanding Jack Russell.... I should say 'if' I manage it!

Come along with us for our moving journey, new home designing, accessory picking, and eventually settling into just living, being mamma, x

Coordinating Casual

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 13 Mar 2015 10:36:00 +0000

Doesn't Friday come around quickly?! This is made more noticeable by partaking in Fashion Friday posts...and this week, well we haven't been anywhere that requires dressing to impress...

but here is our favourite 'laid back' look of the week.

Coordinating Casual

Out of all of his little outfits, one of my absolute favourites has so far been his denim shirt ( everyone loves a cowboy!) Unfortunately however in the last week, his trusty tiny denim, has become a little tight (time is going too fast) so I couldn't help but pick up another (or 2) from Florence and Fred at Tesco for spring.

The new ones however are short sleeved, and although the weather is on the turn, and spring is on it's way, it wasn't quite warm enough to wear it on it's own.

So we teamed it with a coral red long sleeved vest.

The motorcycle print joggers are a new purchase too (also from Tesco), and they will look great with his leather jacket (featured last week) amongst many other suits.

The cap is from H&M.

For my outfit, I opted for a comfy lightweight extra long line cardigan (Florence and Fred @ Tesco) with acid wash jeggings (we love comfort in our house - Joggers & Jeggings)

The Top was a Primark purchase a while back, but I thought the red star complimented little T's outfit perfectly... and he gets dressed first!

The T-shirt reads 'FLAWLESS FICKLE & FAKE DOLLYWOOD'

(If you didn't know already, I am a die-hard Dolly Parton fan!)

I completed the look with Coral Red lips for clumsy kisses

I hope you like our choices this week! Let us know what you think

x Ciao for now

Mirror Mirror on the wall, I wish I could afford you all!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 14:59:00 +0000

So this weeks 'want's' list, again comes from Dunelm... somewhere different next week I promise!

After a joyous peruse though the catalogue, and around the store.. it is safe to say I am mad about the place!

Spring is definitely on it's way, bringing with it the annual (probably tri-annual) 'itchy feet.'

I just can't help it, a season changes, and I need to move a sofa, paint a wall, or buy a dresser... I'm sure some of you know how it goes!? (Please tell me I'm not the only one!)

Winter is of course excluded from this, as it's 'normal' to completely rearrange for Christmas!

Well after being completely bowled over by the beautiful and glamorous mirrors, dressing tables and linens in Dunelm... I've decided maybe the bedroom needs a subtle sprinkle of summer.

I love colour, and my lounge shouts that fact loudly, yet my bedroom is much more serene. The room was based predominately around a restored vintage quilt I bought, in shades of Olive and Terracotta, a sort of paisley print, yet the rest of the room is very neutral. I have the white IKEA HEMNES furniture, and off white/cream walls, with the wall behind the bed as a feature, in a pale olive meets Cotswold green.

Now don't get me wrong I like the room as it is, yet there is no harm injecting a little freshness, romance and glamour surely?

In honesty I am not a huge fan of butterflies, yet the bedspread above looks so fresh and feminine, and I think it would work very well with some vintage glamour/boudoir accessories.
I also like that this bedspread/duvet set, is so different in colour and style from what I have already, yet the subtle green tones, would compliment everything that is already in place .

I love cushions and this little fringed beauty is no exception!

I have always been a lover of 'fancy' gilded frames, and I love the modern twist you get with this one, its sort of 'aged turquoise,' a little distressed, but very glam. I am currently very taken with everything turquoise, (If you watch my baby clothes haul, you will see!)

This is another bedspread that I like, and it is extremely reasonable too...too many choices!

Did someone say cushion? I love this satin round cushion, it would look fabulous with any colour scheme, and just adds a little touch of class, I think this would work in the middle of the bed, or in front of a pillow either side... pile them up I say!

And last but not least a dressing table! I have promised myself one every year to no avail. but I am glad I have waited... just look at these beauties! White, Gold, Antique Silver and Black... the only trouble is which to choose!?

Rock Chic and Chap #fashionfriday

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 18:10:00 +0000

Ok, so far my blogging hasn't had much structure in regards to when and what, therefore I thought along with trying to organise my life, it would be good to organise my blog... And who knows, it might even organise my thoughts a little!

My blog is broad in it's topic terms, so much so that I could have daily topics... But baby steps...(I don't want to scare myself!)

Firstly along with my 'What I want Wednesday' I have decided to do a 'Fashion Friday' post. I am pretty sure this title has been taken 10 times over, but it fits. The plan is over the course of the week, to decide on my ( and little T's) favourite outfit - we have worn during the last 7 days; then take a few pictures and let you know where they are from etc.

Here is this weeks outfit from a Birthday Party we attended:

THE LOOK - Rock Chic

I say rock 'chic' rather than 'chick' as I'm not sporting a leather. For this look I teamed a black swing dress (£12.00 Boohoo) with a Photo printed duster jacket (£25.00 Boohoo)

Bold Red lips anyone?

Photo galaxy print jacket

As much as I love my necklaces, and I did think one would set this look off perfectly, I was spending the night holding little T, therefore I thought better of it... Little hands get everywhere... As well as hair! I opted instead for long wing earrings... 'pull-able' as they are! (Please excuse my potential addition to the dictionary) These were a gift from my mum, bought from a craft fair, but you will find similar ones around.

The bracelet is Prunella, and I love the way it hangs down your hand with chained fringing, this was about £40, bought whilst I was on holiday some years ago. I love it. The only snag... (I feel a horrible pun coming...) is that it frequently 'snags' - catches on the clothes I am wearing.

Tingy's outfit was also rock inspired with the leather jacket, I actually bought it before he was born, in fact it was the first baby item I ever bought, before even knowing his gender... (Totally practical of course!) It was a total bargain at £12.00 ( half price) from the Next outlet. I am so glad I didn't pass it up!

I teamed it with a pale blue striped shirt from Mothercare, and some navy chinos/jeans from Florence and Fred at Tesco.

The cutest little tan boots were also Florence and Fred, and unfortunately are not going to last very long, as they only just fit comfortably... But at £1.50 in the sale... How can I complain!?!

What I Want Wednesday! - Vintage Nautical Nursrey | Dunelm

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 04 Mar 2015 22:53:00 +0000

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So today was my very first time encountering Dunelm Mill! My mum mentioned she had heard great things about it last week, and then out of the blue... one popped up out of nowhere - at a business park local to me...... So it was only right to go and see for myself what it was all about...and guess what... I'm sold!

Miles of aisles of home-ware heaven.

Now it would be so easy to just post pages upon pages of home inspiration... but that's what Pinterest is for right?

Therefore this post for my new 'What I Want Wednesday' features the items I would like to eventually purchase for little T's Nursery... so bye bye bank balance....

Although his bedroom is Nautical in style, with little vintage boats scattered around, vintage seaside themed curtains and a seaside patchwork cot quilt etc, I am seriously considering this gorgeous vintage plane duvet set for the day bed. I am currently sleeping on the single day bed, and temporarily the bed and cot have been moved together (for the meanwhile whilst we try to get the sleeping 'sorted;') yet I had not chosen the quilt cover for the room, as nothing had really taken my fancy... until now!

This is the print of the flat sheet... how cute is it please!?

Although I hadn't originally planned to includes planes in the theme for the room, I feel the vintage look will fit perfectly, with his globe and map printed lampshade.... I've even seen a ceiling hanging vintage wooden plane in TK Maxx ... Plane to Neverland anyone?

This rug is just the cutest and reasonable too at just £12.99

Now I'm sure I don't need any more cushions, but eventually I'd like to have the day bed visually more like a couch (if that makes sense?) therefore I'd like to cover the whole back in them eventually! So here are my Dunhelm favourite cushions for Tingy's room...

I just think they are all so gorgeous in their own right, and would look lovely together, alongside his others .

Well there you have it, these are my Wednesday wants!

There were so many things I loved in store... I might think I will end up doing this for every room...!

All pictures posted are from Dunelm, I have NOT been sponsored for this post, I just honestly thought it wonderful, a true home-ware haul heaven.

New Look Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 03 Mar 2015 17:00:00 +0000

So, if you are new here, great! If you have been here before you will notice some changes. Unfortunately my original Website/Blog I created was not compatible with certain sites including Mumsnet Bloggers, Bloglovin etc, therefore I have had to start entirely from scratch! I wasn't entirely sure what I was doing when I started (not that I do now...) and some money down the drain later, here I am on Blogger, a free blogging platform, I wish someone had told me; but new year, fresh start, I'm being positive about it! I am yet to change my domain name over, here's hoping I can do that!

So with this new blog, comes a plan, and a structure (who'd have thought!?) I don't want to have put my energies in to it without purpose. I intend to join up with some Linky's on Fashion, Food, Parenting and more, so hopefully I will have a few posts weekly.
Linky's are something I read about all the time on twitter, but in honesty I do not know where to start or how to join them! But watch this space _____!

Also regarding Youtube, I am still finding my feet, but expect some new Vlogs, ( I feel I have been getting a bit lackadaisical in filming him recently, and I don't want to forget a thing!) as well as some Hauls and favourites videos!

Let me know what you think of my new look blog and If you have any tips on what could improve it!
I am always open to blog post and video ideas too, so don't be shy :)

Approaching my birthday, and enjoying getting old!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 11:26:00 +0000

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So as the days draw closer, my 'Big Birthday' beckons... Not your traditional 'big birthday' but for me this birthday is a pinnacle point in my life. In 2 days time, I am going to be 25! Still a spring chicken yet halfway to 50, and the age I focused around throughout my teenage years.

At 25 I was going to be a settled 'grown up,' educated, having had my 'fun,' (whatever that means) knowing what I was doing, where I was going, in a great career, married, starting a family and living the dream.

I spent most of my late teenage years pretending that I was indeed 25, I looked much older, in fact I don't seem to have aged at all...(think Dorian Gray - except since 15, I have looked 30.)
I chose to 'be' and 'act' 25, as I was convinced it was the age I wanted to be. I thought that being older - 25 to be precise, somehow commanded more respect.. (and helped get you into clubs when you are just 16.)

Now looking back I find it quite humorous that I was so certain it was the 'age' for me, and I wonder what my younger self would make of the real aged '25' me? I wonder if I will live up to my own expectations?

So as the big day beckons, for the year I put on a such a pedestal; here are the things I am now most looking forward to, at 24 about being 25:

1. Not going out partying -
Yes you read that correctly. I actually cannot bear clubbing, crowded pubs, lack of personal breathing space, too loud music, sore feet, cold shoulders, long waits for taxis and hangovers.
Having a small baby helps to stop me feeling socially obligated to go out and 'enjoy' myself, and it's also nice to feel of an age where I no longer feel I need to prove to myself that I am 'young and carefree' needing to get the partying out of my system before it's too late.

2. Not feeling so body conscious and competitive -
I have now passed my prime, and I am never going to make it as a Victoria's Secret model. I have grown a human, have stretch marks, sag in places I don't like, and would like to be slimmer.. but to be honest, I wasn't much different at 15. Except now I need not compete with the toned torso and beautiful bum brigade, as I am a grown 'Woman' and mother, and have more important things to worry about.

3. Not being hung up about that Hogwarts letter. . .
OK so deep down I probably know that my mum didn't hide the letter from me, and therefore didn't actually single handedly prevent me from accomplishing magical adventures with imminent dangers; giving me a chance to save or change the world. It isn't her fault the space between platform's 9 and 10 do not open for me. You make your own story and I just never got around to slaying a dragon or saving the whales, I didn't even manage to prevent a war of elves, or successfully survive in a Zombie Apocalypse... I haven't been a hero. Yet now with a tiny tot under my constant supervision and being my sole responsibility, I don't feel it would be wise to part take in such adventures these days anyway. Protection is paramount, and parenting is it's own magical adventure, where I am the Hero everyday.

February firsts - 7month update

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 23:12:00 +0000

So it seems like Christmas was only last week, and here we are at another 'holiday.' People laughed when I said the year was flying by in January, but it really is!

There have been so many little developments in my house since the festive period and my heart is ready to burst!

Yesterday for the first time he went in his new 'big boy' car seat, facing forwards! I have to say we loved it, as it is so much easier for me to comfort him, if he is upset when we are driving...he also seemed more content at being high up and able to look out of the window - the little nosy parker he is!

This month he has tried his first slice of birthday cake...(I'm sure there's still crumbs around to prove it) and has started to take a regular nap time (Hip hip Horray!)
Development wise he is chatting away with variants on dada, baba, iya, nada, nana, wawa, mama, umum, etc... and is pulling himself to standing on the furniture..then bouncing! He is still crawling backwards, yet I am pretty sure he will give up on that all together when he can muster standing and moving unaided. He has been sitting since 5 months unaided, but still only has the two little toothy pegs that arrived at 4 months.

The biggest change I have noticed though is his little personality shining through, he is charmingly cheeky, funny and flirtatious, and finds so many things hillarious, with an infectious dimpled darling giggle that melts my heart every time I hear it. He truly is the love of my life and my most perfect February valentine! ♥

Understanding a 'clingy' baby

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 15 Feb 2015 13:38:00 +0000

There is plenty advice on how to 'prevent' your child being 'needy' of you, and likewise advice on how to stop them from being 'clingy' when they already do not wish to leave your side -

You should be strong, stick to your guns, you need to be consistent and resilient.

Let them'cry it out,' and eventually they will 'self soothe.'

Let me take you somewhere....

Imagine you have just disembarked from a plane, You are the other side of the world (wherever that may be for you.) On arrival into this country, you realise the language is unknown to you.

The culture and customs are unknown to you. The food, traditions, smells and temperatures are all different, strange; unlike anything you have experienced before.

At the Airport you find that you know one person. You know and trust this person, They have a full understanding of this place. They understand how to interact and converse with the locals, how to order food, find the toilet, and organise a place to sleep. You have no money, no phone, and no language book.

After making you feel a little more secure about being in the unknown, and completely inferior, the person you know disappears; with no way for you to contact them.

You do not know how long the have gone for, or if they are even coming back. This person is the only constant you can 'cling' to. It would be understandable at this point that you would feel anxiety. (some people would use this as an opportunity; to explore and find there feet, merely go with the flow.Whereas others would pine, worry, stress and even cry at being alone; in the unknown.)

Your baby is in a new world, he/she doesn't know language, or routine, he/she does not realise that we have things to do, or that when you are away you are not the other side of the world.

His/her one initial form of communication is to cry, if he/she is anxious and upset. You are his/her food source, his/her comfort, warmth and longest memory. You carried this baby into this world, you are the protector, provider and stability.

Being a parent should not be a battle of wills, but that of trust and understanding.

Trust is learned and developed, and by leaving our babies to scream and cry to 'prevent' them being 'clingy,' we are abusing our 'power' and their trust. It is inconvenient to have a 'clingy' baby, yet if we could change our perception, on what 'clingy' is, then maybe it would be easier to deal with. Instead of thinking"my baby screams whenever I put them down" we need to realise the counterpart, which would be that "my baby is much more contented and secure when in my arms."

Having a baby that is more content in your arms, than anywhere else, surely cannot be negative?

Honesty, Anxiety and Procrastination - An honest and personal introduction to change in 2015

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 05 Feb 2015 13:02:00 +0000

This is my introductory blog post to 2015.

Yes it is February, and indeed I am late on the bandwagon, but here I want to explain why that is, and why I am taking the time to post something that people likely will not read... as this is soooo last month; in a world of instant information.

I am a procrastinator, to the bitter end, I would find a reason not to do this now, if at all, if it wasn't that I am consciously deciding to take a hold of my life. If I don't write this post, and if I don't publish it (who knows whether I will or won't, at just a few lines in) I will not have anything to answer to, when I continue not to succeed at a simple task.

For a bit of background, I am a 'new' mum. I gave birth to the most wonderful light to my life in 2014, and I adore just everything about him. I could talk about him for hours and pages alike, yet this one is about me.

Before I had my little bundle of love, I spent most of everyday worrying what I was going to 'do with my life,' where it was going, and how I could change it; to be 'fulfilled' and 'happy.' It's not that I was unhappy, more that I felt I needed a purpose, to do something 'worthwhile.'

I suffer with anxiety, like so many, and these daunting thoughts of the future filled my head to tipping point on a regular basis, causing me large amounts of stress, leading to ponderous procrastination.

I acknowledge I give myself too many options, look at too big a picture and unnecessarily worry about both the significant and insignificant aspects of my life. I have a head full of ideas, a mind map of spider diagrams and flow charts, all conversing with one another about potential pitfalls of any given situation, solution or suspicion.

Giving birth was a near death experience - literally, but it gave me the most wonderful things ever. It gave my beautiful child; but it also gave me a beautiful outlook. I relish every waking moment we breathe, every smile, laugh, cry and temper; because we are here, living, breathing and happy. I am truly happy, and likewise fulfilled. I am the happiest, most contented and fulfilled, that I have ever been. For this I am very lucky. I have a beautiful baby who is blossoming everyday into his own little cheeky character, with bags of personality, giggles and babbling, and in all honesty, all I really want for the year, and years to come; is to be as content as I have been so far, since the moment he arrived and we were both safe and well.

Unfortunately, I cannot afford financially to sail along so swimmingly as I have done so far. Maternity leave is coming to an end, and all the uncertainty, apprehension and perplexities leave me vexed about the future.

I spent part of the Christmas holidays crying that life had to change, as for the 'first time in forever,' (Might be quoting FROZEN there - he loves it) I had found what I had been looking for, and now it has to change.

Of course this is looking at it negatively. This isn't one of the worlds greatest disasters, but it feels catastrophic to me, time running out, decisions not yet made, and no-one else understanding my sheer trepidation of things to come. This transitional faze, is exactly what I said, a transition, not the end, nor even the beginning of a destination, yet it causes my stress levels to soar; high and out of control.

Some things are clear to me, the things I do not want, but as for what I do want, I am struggling, as all I really want to do, is make memories and protect what I have. I don't have a flash car, or own a home, I work to a budget and shop in 'Poundland;' but I am content.

I 'am' a lot of things, in regards of abilities- I'm a singer, hair and make-up artist, artist, designer, photographer, writer, blogger (dare I say youtuber) amongst many, many, other things. There is a list a page long of what I 'can' or 'could' do, yet the list of what I do, 'do' is considerably smaller. I spend the time I could be 'doing' worrying, tormenting, stressing all the while in an anxious rut, about what I 'should' 'do.'

What is the most sensible? What is enjoyable? What gives me the most time to spend with my baby? Does this one give me something back emotionally? Could this one could go the distance? Is this the one which might last long enough for me to decide on something else?What availability does this have for progression? Who else is doing it? Is there room for me? What if it doesn't work? What if I fail? BLAH BLAH BLAH NEGATIVE THOUGHTS OVERLOAD!

Someone please give me 'the wheels on the bus' on repeat, a sleepless night and a cup of cold coffee. I'll think about it another day...

I now, before even making my point about how I plan to change this cycle, worry about posting something so personal, and how it will be perceived if read by anyone. Yet I also feel there must be others out there in very similar boats, and I think it needs to be voiced, and needs to be out there, if we expect to change. I am a great one to working to a deadline, I may be last minute . com but I am reliable and a hard worker, and thrive on 'triumph' and 'success.' In fact I once described myself as a glory hunter, seeking out opportunities to be 'great' as it made me feel good. Now I see a slobbery smile and feel elated.

Getting to a very long winded point (cathartic as this has been) I didn't post any New Years resolutions. I am not the largest fan of setting myself goals I will likely not accomplish. Disappointment and I don't get on so well, so normally I don't make a point of setting myself up to potentially feel low, guilty and inadequate. (Boy am I aware of the pre-emptive negativity. ) This year however, I feel it is the only way to fight off the anxieties, and accomplish things.

I intend to set myself small do-able tasks. Not long vague to-do lists IE. 'Set up my own business, more like ''Write down 3 blog post ideas' or 'Write a pro's and con's list for XYZ.' 'Make that dentist appointment' and 'Send an email to ___'

This was an idea I picked up form watching one of Alex Beadon's youtube videos. http://www.alexbeadon.com/ and it inspired me to just 'get on' with creating this post. Rather than wait until I had something to say, that people wanted to hear. This is my itsy-bitsy fragment of Internet after all?

I want to focus less on the the big picture, and more on the simple baby steps that lead to bigger things. The one vague thing I am adding to my list however is, to: Nurture my little piece of Internet

I say nurture, as another way to say 'not neglect.' This Blog and my Youtube channel are ways to keep a journal of of our little life, and I look forward to looking back fondly with nostalgia on the wonderful time we are having. Sometimes I am enjoying a moment too much to take a photograph, or enjoying the sounds of his babbling and infectious laugh too much to pick up a video camera, but the thing I am most scared of is forgetting. I do not want to let unnecessary self made stress, impact on the incredible adventure ahead of us.

I hope to post some monthly 'To do lists' or video's or somehow let you know where I am 'at,' maybe I will or maybe I'll wait until Next month....