5 months today
You are so strong and definitely know what you want and you are not afraid to give those vocal chords a workout to get it.
You are so besotted with Austin and devastated when he isn’t around, he is normally the only one who can calm you down.
You don’t care for day time napping .. 20 mins a time and only in the pram, but at least you go the full night in your bed.
It would be quite wonderful if Austin would sleep the whole night again, he has at least 2 wake ups to use the potty.

September has been the hardest month yet, I have cried and I have shouted more than I ever thought I would.
Daddy has been doing exceptionally long shifts which means it’s just the three of us most of the time.
Everyday A doesn’t see him he asks where he is, multiple times a day. A has started saying he’s going to work with daddy, packing his bag and standing at the door shouting “bye bye, see you soon” my heart breaks for how much he misses him.
A started nursery this month, I thought I would be OK with it, he needs to have some time with little people now and just play, and I need time to bond with G. Dropping him off that first morning was awful, he wasn’t fussed to leave me, he was excited to make some friends and play in the sand. I felt sick leaving him with strangers (we did settling days which I think are as much for parents as they are for the kids), my eyes shining with tears as he walked away from me. I cried all the walk home. Well, there was a mother running at me in her dressing gown and fluffy slippers asking if the kids go back to school today, I told her I didn’t know as mine was at nursery, this stopped the tears for a few moments.
I didn’t have time to continue my crying at home, it was time to spend one on one with G, she had other plans and decided she just wanted to cry non stop, unless she was having her bottle.
This is a routine that has continued the whole month, I put it down to a 4month sleep regression, but this is just her thing.
Next month I’m going to start going to classes with her, baby massage and the like, things I did with A so they both have the same experiences.
It’ll be good for me to get out and start socialising again too, some days pass by where the only vocal conversation I’ve had is with A and as articulate as he is, I need a bit more.

Nursery has unsettled As routine which is taking some getting used to, he is overtired from the early wake up, long walk and full on morning of play. Some days he won’t nap, even though he really needs it. He is really pushing buttons now and testing me, I don’t want to blame it on terrible twos, but these tantrums have been some of the worst I’ve seen. Everyday they get a little worse and a little longer. The catalyst can be anything from me asking him come eat his tea or not being able to find his beloved Thomas dvd.. My way of coping is to put him in another room to calm down, tantrums love an audience, some times it works, sometimes it doesn’t.
Sometimes I lose control and shout and hate myself for shouting. Especially when he asks me to pick him up and give him a “kisses and cuddle” because I’ve scarred him.
I have started to see flashes of jealousy from him, him shouting at me, telling me to put G down and pick him up.
For every difficult moment I’ve had, there has been a great one too; A and G chatting and laughing the whole walk home from his first day at nursery, him sharing his toys with her and reading to her.
I’m ready for September to be over and start a fresh in October, we have birthday parties lined up, G’s first Halloween and now my confidence is growing taking them both out on my own, we’ll have a lot of trips to the park in the crisp autumn weather crunching leaves.

Oogaa Love

If you’ve followed my Instagram page for a while, you will know that we LOVE the Oogaa!

Oogaa was the first big brand that I fell in love with, before I even set my weaning page up, I was a serial stalker and couldn’t wait to get my hands on some of their amazing products.

I remember going into town to collect my delivery and being so excited that I opened my parcel right there in the coffee shop!

Since that day I have loved Oogaa, and use it pretty much daily.

Made from silicone, it is perfectly safe for your little ones and soft if they need to have a little chew (those pesky teeth!), and if they fancy practicing their throwing skills unbreakable! You can cook in them which is amazing, because as parents we all need a #lifehack and one less thing to wash up – oven safe and microwave save.

Pop them in the fridge or freezer and if you’re fancy; the dishwasher – daddy has that title when he’s at home 😉

I was absolutely jumping for joy when I was chosen to be an Oogaa brand partner, getting chance to try out new products, which I knew I would love!

Bowls, bowl lids, divided plates, flat plates, mats, teethers and the most fun spoons. Whether you are traditionally weaning your little one or heading down the baby led weaning route it is difficult for your littles to refuse food from these spoons!

And the colours! All in a rainbow of colours to choose from!

I can’t wait to see what else Oogaa come up with next, and from having a little peak at their Instagram stories, I just know it they’re going to be great!

If you are in the UK and want to get your hands on some Oogaa then click the pictures below.

Childs farm

I am so incredibly lucky to be a Childs Farm brand ambassador, being sent some of the most amazing baby and children bathing products to try and review.

But lets face it, they don’t need my help, this stuff is amazing!

Why I love Child Farm:

The smell. Oh. My. Goodness. It is just divine. All of it from the baby products to the children’s products.

It is perfect for sensitive skin and eczema prone skin. My daughter was suffering with a milk rash, the doctor wouldn’t prescribe her anything. I was using plain water on her skin, which I felt was drying her out. I was nervous to use any perfumed products but when I read that Childs Farm was perfect for sensitive skin I couldn’t wait to get her in the bubbles.

The packaging is gorgeous and such a hit with my son who also cant wait to have his bath – he loves his ‘tractor bubbles.’

When Georgia was born, I decided that bath time would be ‘mine and Austin time’ but this hasn’t happened, especially since daddy work shifts I struggle have a ‘bath bed’ routine for him. Instead daddy baths him whatever time hes home during the day. This is easily managed because Austin loves the bubbles and loves the special time he gets to share with his daddy.

When he’s in bed, I run Georgia’s bath. Mummy daughter time. A special bonding moment for the two of us, where she can throw her arms and legs around creating a splash, feeling the bubbles on her skin and I can relax knowing that its not harming her delicate skin.

Finally some time she gets me completely to herself.

I love the baby moisturiser too and do some baby massage moves to complete the experience. When Austin starts nursery in September, we shall be going to a baby massage class and I will certainly be taking the moisturiser with me.

This routine that we are in also seems to be helping with her sleeping, she was a ‘wake every 2 hour kinda gal’ but after introducing some gorgeous bubbles to our routine she now goes from 7:30-8pm to 3am (totally jinxed that now haven’t I!).

There are not enough compliments I can give to this gorgeous company, but don’t take my word for it, head over to http://www.childsfarm.com to have a full read about what they are about and browse their products, plus if you use my code: CFAMB278 you will get 30% off – what are you waiting for!

 

 

Bento 6

If you’ve seen my Insta page, then you will have seen my take on Michele’s Little Bento.

I wish that someone would make me meals like this!

Georgia was getting a little fussy and I knew she would need a bottle mid meal time, and since we are in the thick of potty training, he needs access to his potty … instead he took his opportunity to play while I was distracted the crafty little fella!

However we have to take wins wherever we can, and an empty plate is an empty plate, even if it did take over an hour to finish. I kid you not!

I am so excited to try my hand at some of the other Bentos and I am certain they will be as well received. Expect to see a lot of inspiration from this book.

I seriously love it.

If you want to pre order a copy, click the book below, you wont regret it.

Little Bento

I have been lucky enough to receive a copy of the new amazing book by Michele Olivier – Little Bento.

And trust me when I tell you, this is going to change your lunch game!

Hubby was a little annoyed when he found out yet another cookbook would be arriving, but I have found him browsing through – he is very impressed!

Forget the soggy sandwich, (the sandwich does still feature, but its better than anything I had in my packed lunch as a child!) and crushed bag of crisps. This will revoluntionise your lunch; whether you need to pack a lunch for school, day trips, the office lunch or simply need some inspo for when your at home.

You NEED this book.

With 32 gorgeous Bentos set out by season you are sure to find something for everyone.

If you follow my instagram account, you will see that this week is dedicated to Little Bento, the whole #healthykidscommunity have been making Bentos from this book, so give everyone a follow to have a proper sneak book at what this book has to offer.

Tomorrow I shall be sharing my take on one of the Bentos so don’t forget to pop over and a look.

Not only are we sharing the Bentos, we are also giving one lucky follower the chance to win this book.

If you want to pre-order click here … Little Bento: 55 Irresistible Bento Box Lunches for Kids

Michele Olivier is also the author of Little Foodie – another great read with plenty of meal ideas for your baby through to toddler.

You can find Little Foodie here:

Mum of two

Its been a while since I posted something, so firstly, an update is in order.

I am now a mum of two!

“one is one, two is twenty” – seriously this is so true.

I absolutely love it, but some days are hard, especially when they both need you and you have to make a judgement call and deal with the consequences.

This time is completely different, I would never say that I am an expert, but I have experience now that I can bring to the table … the feelings of being overwhelmed with your first aren’t the same this time. Purely, because you don’t have time to be overwhelmed, there is a toddler to keep out of mischief!

I will be the first to admit I didn’t take proper care of myself the first time round, constantly worried for his needs, I often skipped meals and had no energy crashing out as soon as daddy got home to take over.

That is not an option this time, Austin needs to eat, so I eat with him, he needs a healthy balanced diet for his growing body, so do I (although I hope my body has stopped growing now?!). Since we did baby led weaning, we have pretty much eaten the same foods at the same time since he was six months old, so this was perfect preparation for Georgia’s arrival.

She is already 3+ months old and time to start thinking about her weaning journey.

Again we will be doing baby led weaning, so not starting until she is 6 months old.

I am SO excited to document our journey from day one, show how she eats, what she eats and how this fits in with a toddler and family meal.

Make sure you follow along!

 

Zebra Crossing

ok, stay calm, I mean it’s just a bag… But is it?

No its so much more! It’s my identity in a world that no longer revolves around me.

I am a mum of a 22 month old, and 28 weeks pregnant with my second child.

Gone are the days when I treat myself to anything new, makeup is replaced when it’s run out, my handbag was a Christmas gift and clothes, well I don’t remember the last time I just treat myself to anything.

..because I am a mum. And the need of my children comes first.

And let’s face it, I don’t mind too much because buying gorgeous little clothes for my son and new arrival fills me with excitement.

A whole new world of shoping! But to buy for them I neglect myself.

things for me need to be rationalised; “do I need this?” And often it’s no.

The time came to start getting things ticked off my list for the new baby.

At the top of that list was a new pram / change bag. My current one was fine, dirty, used but fine. It was also black and boring and not, me. I bought it so that daddy could use when he was out too.

But it was not going to be big enough to accommodate the new borns essentials and the toddlers essentials and mummy’s essentials.

I spent night after night lusting and pining over the Pink Lining website, Instagram and Facebook page.

I was drawn to the gorgeous prints and it felt like I was reclaiming some part of me back. A bag to math my personality again. To show the world I’m not just mum.

My poor friends, I’m pretty sure I got on their last nerves, screen shorting bag after bag with a justification of why I needed it!

My wish list changed almost daily, but the top contenders were always the ‘Wonder bag’ and the ‘Henrietta.’

I finally narrowed it down to the wonder bag: the description matched my needs perfectly, for a mum that needs both hands free at all times…

I have a toddler who enjoys walking without the pram, the rucksack function is perfect for this. I am able to walk with him and hold his hand while the bag is comfortable on my back.

Carrying the bag on my back is perfect for when Austin will be on the buggy board as there is no bag getting in the way.

When he needs to go in the pram, I quickly attach the bag to the pram handle with the detachable straps.

Its also the perfect size to just carry by the handbag handles.

On our first outing with the bag, I was able to fit our lunch, water bottles, a toy, a book, nappies, wipes, post, diary, maternity notes, purse, newspaper and makeup case and there was still room for more!

(On our walk, Austin had a nap, so I stopped to recharge with a coffee and write some happy mail to my bestie.)

This bag is insanely practical. The amount of extras puts a Swiss Army knife to shame.

There are quick go to pockets on each side. A hidden zip on the back, perfect for storing the changing mat (which comes with it!)

A zip at the front with space to put our lunch, and my purse.

The next pocket is ‘mums’ pocket, with a mirror attached which is just genius! A pen holder, a key fob, or you could attach a dummy? A massive space for anything you need for you.

The main company has even more pockets, for wipes, nappies, a change of clothes, a detachable bottle compartment and there is a gorgoues Yummy Mummy wash bag for those essential toiletries that you don’t want leaking.

But if a leak did Spring, the bag is water proof thus keeping it safe!

The rucksack handles can be tucked away for a polished look when hanging off the pram with the detachable pram attachments.

And the handles can be clipped together, again completing the look.

While it is the ultimate mum bag with the gorgoues and signature pink lining, the exterior design is not too feminine (in my opinion) a gorgoues off white with a recurring colourful zebra print and red detailing.

But saying that, I have banned daddy from using it. This is for me, for my children, to make our lives easier, but ultimately for me.

 

 

Heritage Week

at healthy kids community this week we are sharing dishes from our heritage. 

When I began planning this week I knew it had to be the Yorkshire pudding, I’m a Yorkshire lass born and bred so there really was no other choice!

I put a slant on it, and created the herby Yorkshire pudding.

If you’ve never made one before, you should know they can be a bit hit and miss (or maybe that’s just mine!) 

First rule, you need a hot oven, hot Yorkshire tin and smoking hot oil.

Second rule, once they go in the oven, do not open that oven until they are cooked or they won’t rise. 

Ingredients 

• 200g plain flour 
• 3 eggs
• 150ml full fat milk 
• 150ml cold water 
• 1/2 tsp mixed herbs 
• Pinch of pink Himalayan salt 
• 3 tbsp olive oil

Method 

1. Preheat oven to 220degrees
2. Share the olive oil out between your Yorkshire tin and put in he oven to heat up 
3. Mix your dry ingredients together
4. Add the eggs in a well in the flour and combine 
5. Add the water and the milk and mix together until smooth 
6. Remove Yorkshire tin and add batter to the tray, be careful not to overfill 
7. Put tin back in the oven. Close the door. Do not open again until completely cooked, risen and golden. About 20 mins 

   
 

Batch Cooking

Healthy Kids Community 

This week we are focusing on batch cooking. 

As we all know, our time is precious so it’s always a win when we can claw some time back by making meals in advance for the freezer stash. Admittedly, I’m not very good at getting mine to the freezer as we normally have left overs the next day. 

Now, if you’ve been directed to this post via my Instagram page, you will have already read that Austin had NONE of this tonight, instead favouring a major meltdown, that I’ve put down to teething. 

He tried to eat this, scooped with the spoon hut couldn’t get it to his mouth, he became more and more frustrated with every attempt and the screaming became louder with every failed attempt. He refused to allow either of us to help him, at which point the screaming increases again. 

So he actually had banana bites between screams, he wouldn’t entertain a yogurt, and had a biscuit instead. 

45 minutes later, he’s calmed down in front of Peppa Pig, at which I’m dreading bedtime but he went like a dream !? 

So, back to the bolognese, I just chuck everything in the slow cooker and let it do its thing. 

• 500g mince beef 
• 2 rashers of unsmoked bacon
• 1 onion cut to babies preference 
• 1 garlic minced 
• Couple of handfuls of mushrooms, cut to suit baby
• Couple handful of cherry tomatoes, halfed
• 2 tins of chopped tomatoes
• 1 tbsp tomato purée 

You could sneak any veggies in, I like to throw in some carrots and peppers too but I had run out. 

The other perk to this dish is, it’s great to use leftovers for another dish; pasta, spaghetti or lasagna. 

Enjoy! 

  

Refined Sugar Free

Healthy Kids Community

For this week, I made apple peanut butter bars, except I changed an ingredient at the last minute, and they are more like flapjack bars. But what ever you decide to call them, I’m sure you’ll agree they are delicious, and so easy to make! 

Ingredients 

• 2 cups rolled oats 
• 1 cup shredded Apple (I shredded 1 Apple)
• 1/4 almond butter (you could use smooth peanut butter)
• 1/2 cup honey 
• 2 beaten eggs
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon 

Method

1. Grate your Apple to shred
2. Best your eggs
3. Combine all ingredients and mix well 
4. Press into a greased 9×9 baking tin 
5. Oven bake 200degrees for 20 mins until the edges start the brown and crisp 
6. Serve warm or store and eat when cooled 

Perfect snack for your little ones (no honey to under 1s!!) or even a delicious treat for you!