Feb 11 2014

The Mum Tag!

Posted on February 11, 2014 by admin

I quite like these tag thingies. You get to read all about the people behind the blogs you’ve been stalking for the last few years, and it’s often the best chance you’ll get to see a picture of mum too! So it’s thanks to my buddy Helen from Mummy to the Max (and I can’t not pimp her newest blog too - Saving to the Max), that I’m having a go at this one today.

Without further ado…

1. Are you a Stay at Home Mum, or a Working Mum?

Every mum is a working mum - it’s the hardest job in the world being strapped to a teething, demanding, and paddy-prone toddler all day. Every day has the potential to land you both in A&E, and every day I have to take plenty of 5 minute time-outs to massage my temples free of a brewing migraine, or whack an ice pack on my head as Dexter has klouted it with a toy. But no, I don’t currently don a suit every day and transform into Lois Lane. My office is the living room, my uniform is whatever I can find in the wardrobe that isn’t covered in Sudocrem paw-prints, and my only client is this little guy (my adorable 21 month-old, Dexter).

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2. Would you have it any other way?

Yes and no. I love being at home with Dexter, and am soon to have my hands even fuller (if this is at all possible) when Mini Madam arrives. I like to think I’m pretty hands on. Although I’m not the Pritt Stick-wielding crafty type, we do fit in plenty of cuddles and learning experiences throughout day. In fact, I’m pretty much his teacher, his medic, his personal stylist, his caterer… there’s not a lot of time to cram in much else. I’m also not glued to the laptop as many might think (Dexter kicks off if I even dare to check my emails during Justin’s House).

Having said all this, I really do miss work and having the freedom to earn my own money. Dropping a wage is not an easy decision but one that (thankfully) we were able to make together.

3. Do you co-sleep?

Good God no. Craig and I have a super king size bed for just the two of us, and still manage to fight over covers and whack each other a few times every night. No way is our bed a safe place for Dexter! I’m also not sure I could cope with his constant finger-sucking and the smell of morning poo…

4. What is your one must-have item for your baby?

Hmm. Can I say ‘my Craig’? Okay, okay, given he’s not strictly an ‘item’, I’ll plump for a bouncer as it gives you plenty of hands-free time. I’m also really excited to be trialling a NCT Bed Nest over the next few months with Mini Madam.

5. How many kids do you plan on having?

This’ll make you laugh but I’d be happy as the UK’s answer to the matriarch of the Brady Bunch. I think I’d have to kiss my Craig goodbye though as I don’t think he could cope with me being pregnant again anytime soon. I have unprecedented mood-swings and absolutely hate the entire 9 months I have to share my body with a mini human. I certainly wouldn’t rule out adoption or fostering in the future though.

6. Date night? How many nights per month?

Not enough. This is purely because I’m pregnant though and we’re both too exhausted to come up with date night ideas that don’t involve alcohol. We’re not short of willing baby-sitters (nor cash thankfully), I just don’t think you can beat a nice meal, a relaxing glass of wine, and a spot of dodgy mum-and-dad-dancing.

7. Your childs favourite show?

Much to my annoyance, it seems to be Mister Maker. He has a little bop during the theme tune and looks eagerly at me when Mister Maker makes something naff out of yoghurt pots, googley eyes and cotton wall. This show riles me like no other as it requires so many bits and bobs that you just don’t have in your home - instead you spend a fortune in HobbyCraft to make something that entertains your child for all of 30 seconds.

8. Name one thing you bought before you had your baby and never ended up using?

A few things - nappy bins, nappy stackers and room thermometers are pretty high up there. I’m sure these things have happy homes in other people’s houses, but they never made it of my cupboard.

9. Your child’s favourite food?

Dex would be happy on a diet of chips, lasagna and shepherds pie forever more. He’s pretty partial to Mini Cookies too. Oh dear, this makes him sound like a future candidate for Supersize vs Superskinny… He does eat plenty of fruit too - honest! (Here’s a previous post on tips for dealing with fussy eaters - See? No need to get on to Social Services).

10. How many cars does your family have?

Two. Craig has a work van, and we also have a clapped out family car. I don’t drive - in fact, I’ve crashed three cars, run over a dog, and a person’s foot throughout my 5+ years of lessons. It is one of my goals this year to get behind the wheel of an automatic - but don’t worry, expectation is understandably low from my family members.

11. Weight gain before pregnancy, during and after and now?

I’ve always been curvy. In-between pregnancies I sat uncomfortably between a 14-16, but my natural size is closer to a 12-14. I’m sure I’ll make a few half-arsed attempts to lose some weight when Mini Madam arrives - maybe jog up the stairs a few times, or watch a few Davina McCall DVDs from the safety of the sofa, but I wouldn’t want to go any smaller than a size 12 as I have big boobs so might end up like Dolly Parton.

12. Dream holiday with your kids?

I suspect lots of mums have answered Disney Land / World / or whatever other garish monstrosity these guys have built around the globe. Personally I’d rather place my head in a vice but I’m reliably informed it’s great for mini people so assume we’ll wind up there at some point.

Instead, I’d plump for Australia. We’re hoping to move out there in a few years time despite the fact I’ve never been! Craig has been, and I trust his instincts on this, but I’d love to see it before I commit. Would be pretty scary stepping off the plane for the first time without a home to go home to!

13. Dream holiday without your kids?

Lake Como on a wedding planning venture.

14. How has your life changed since your baby has been born?

I’ve become one of those irritating women who spam people on Facebook with images and statuses about her children.

15. Finish the sentence: ‘It makes my heart melt to see …

Craig and Dexter playing together. I love my boys with every fibre of my being and couldn’t have dreamed of a better daddy for Dex… plus this means I’m hands-free for a few more minutes.

16. Where do you shop for your kids?

Anywhere really. We love H&M and Zara but you’re just as likely to find me looking for bargains in Primark or on eBay. I don’t see the need to dress Dexter in designer clothes everyday - he always looks adorable and that’s all that matters at his age. We’ll save the pennies now so we can deck him out in A&F, Superdry, and whatever else is deemed as ‘cool’ when he’s in the throws of adolescence.

17. Favourite makeup and skincare products?

Clinque, Lancome, Estee Lauder, MAC… you don’t really care about this, do you?

18. Huggies or Pampers?

We swore by Pampers when Dex was weeney but have quickly worked out that ASDA’s Little Angels are equally up to the task and ten times cheaper. It’s trial and error with these things but when it comes down to it, they catch poo = no need to spend a fortune. I feel the need to clarify that this is the only thing I’ll brave ASDA for - it’s my idea of hell in there.

19. Have you always wanted kids?

Nope. It wasn’t until I met Craig (aged 29) that I even thought about it. I used to smirk a little when I went on Facebook and saw old school friends with 2 or 3 kids and married - like I somehow knew better. Seems they had it right from the beginning and the joke is on me.

20. Best part about being a mum?

The unknown. I love the unwavering love that Dexter has for me, every cuddle, and seeing him hit each milestone - but I know there’s so much more to come from my little man (and his sister). There’s a whole world for them to make their mark in, and I can’t wait to wipe away their tears and celebrate their successes with the man I’m lucky enough to wake up next to every morning.

Now to tag some of you…

Jacinta from Jacintax3

Pippa from Red Rose Mummy

Donna from Redhead Babyled

Dawn from Mummys Little Peeps

Jan 27 2014

A Sneak Peek at Mini Madam & Some Bad News (28 Weeks)

Posted on January 27, 2014 by admin

Well the good times were short-lived. Just two weeks after telling the world I was finally feeling better with this pregnancy, I’m feeling rubbish again.

Emotionally, I’m beginning to worry about the stresses of having another little one to look after. As Craig is self-employed and solely responsible for supporting this mini family, the night-feeds will be my job (and my job alone) from Day 1. Of course, this would be the case anyway, it’s not like Craig can detach my boobs and get on with it without me! But all of a sudden it seems very real and very scary.

With Dexter not yet at nursery, and getting ever-more demanding throughout the day - I do worry I might see a resurgence of PND too. I also really worry about how my little man will cope with sharing me… and how I will cope being shared! I have this mental image of Mini Madam latching on and Dexter emerging into the room with various treasures he’s managed to collect from around the house - bleach, knives, and scissors… Of course these things are usually locked away, but what if I’m exhausted and get careless, or if Dexter develops telekinesis due to abandonment issues???

In other news, I’m positively ravenous. The odd cherry bakewell and satsuma doesn’t touch the sides anymore. I’ve read that an 11lb weight gain is typical in the third trimester but if this carries on I’m likely to surpass that and eventually require air-lifting to the hospital!

Baby Girl 3D 28 Weeks A Sneak Peek at Mini Madam & Some Bad News (28 Weeks)

We also saw our gorgeous daughter in 3D this week. Craig managed to get a sneak peek too, in-between liberating various medical instruments from Dexie’s clutches throughout the scan. We counted all her toes and fingers and all the right bits were in the right places… including her girlie bits. This was such a relief. There was however bad news to come.

It seems my wonky belly button is due to Mini Madam chilling in just the one side of my belly. My placenta is wedged in beside her and she’s largely confined to my left hand side. Her feet are also wedged in beside her ears in all the tell-tale signs of another extended breech situation. What are the chances???

So it seems I have yet another Tom Daley wannabe lounging in my tummy. Dexter adopted exactly the same position throughout my first pregnancy and it ended with a failed ECV and a ruptured placenta. On my first day of maternity leave I bled out in my living room and had to call an ambulance. Dexter was delivered by emergency c-section a matter of hours later.

Of course there’s a slim chance baby could do a few somersaults and get into position before D Day - but there’s not much room in there for her to pull out such gymnastic feats. Of course I’ll be offered another ECV to try and poke and prod her over-and-under. But I’m beginning to think it would be selfish of me to even attempt this. An ECV might seem like the safest option, but I’ve seen firsthand what happens when it goes wrong. The thought of her getting tangled in my umbilical cord, or kicking my placenta to bits and compromising her ability to get those vital nutrients, frightens me more than the prospect of yet another c-section.

Of course I’m really reveling in the ‘what if’s’ here, but I’m still disappointed and worried. I had been really excited about the prospect of giving birth naturally and it’s sad to think I won’t be able to experience this. I also worry about whether my body will be able to cope with another pregnancy after this.

I’m off to see my midwife tomorrow - seems we have lots to talk about…

Oct 1 2013

Every Pregnancy is Different - A Guest Post by Anna from In the Playroom!

Posted on October 1, 2013 by admin

I’m beyond excited to have Anna from In the Playroom guest post for you today. We’ve been virtual buddies for such a long time now! I’m addicted to reading tales from the playroom and all about her truly adorable boys Mr Z, Mr T, and Mr R. These boys (aged 2-5) have the brightest smiles, and trust me they have plenty to smile about! Their mummy is amazing and a real inspiration. She’s always crafting with them, cooking with them, and blogs extensively about the educational needs of her family. It’s not a normal day if I’m not popping over to hear her recommendations and advice for all manner of parenting bits and bobs. I hope you enjoy her post about her pregnancies (so far!) and will continue to read all about her gorgeous family.

I love pregnancy! Despite feeling rough, being sick all the time and ending up the size of a large whale waddling down the street, it’s a really special time and there is just something magical about it. My youngest has just turned two years, and this is the biggest gap I’ve ever had between children. (I do want more, but not expecting at the moment!)

Looking back on my pregnancies, they have all been quite different - especially my 3rd one which is why until my 20 week scan I had felt he was going to be a girl!

With my 1st two pregnancies I was sick for over 20 weeks. The smell of food used to make me so sick. We visited LA and the taste of their water (which seems quite different to London water) seemed so horrible to me that I had to brush my teeth with bottled water. Back home, I used to have to get up in the mornings and go and to make egg coffee for my husband. It’s a Sri Lankan thing made from coffee and raw eggs, and it used to make me feel so ill!

The good thing about 1st pregnancies though, is how you can just relax and take a nap whenever you like if you have a day off work. I did this quite a bit!

One of the boys in mums tummy! Who’d have believed something so little & beautiful could cause so many symptoms!

With my 2nd pregnancy, I didn’t have that option. As anyone with two children close together will know, you may be feeling so tired, sick and exhausted but the option to go to bed and relax just isn’t there! My 2nd pregnancy was unexpected and my first baby was just 8 months at the time, so it was a bit of a surprise but it worked out very well. Again, I was sick for a good 20 weeks+ and it was quite hard to manage that alongside an increasingly active little one. To help me out, I did slowly start to introduce him to a bit of CBeebies during that pregnancy, so that I could lie on the sofa a bit while he watched! I also started to rely a lot on my local children’s centres and groups so that I could take him out and keep him busy. That worked so well, and I really valued that resource so it is sad to see now some of the funding being reduced.

Towards the end of that pregnancy, I was so tired and I could hardly walk! My 2nd baby was a pretty big baby at 9.5lb and like my 1st - he was overdue. First time round, I remember being quite annoyed and perplexed as to why my due date had come and gone and there was no sign of my baby! I had him fairly young and was one of the first of my friends to have children, and I just didn’t really realise how common it is to go overdue. With my second I expected it, and in fact when I went into labour I didn’t believe it because I had been told I was really likely to go overdue again - so I kept saying no no, I can’t be in labour it must just be some random pains!

With my 3rd baby, I had a similar age gap again of 19 months between the babies so this time I was pregnant when my youngest was 10 months. I got really lucky that with this pregnancy, I didn’t really get sick at all. I’m very grateful for that, as I’m not sure how I would have managed really with a toddler, a baby, and bad sickness. I was convinced that the lack of sickness indicated he was a girl - but it was totally wrong. It was not a different gender, just a different pregnancy and all babies and every pregnancy is different.

With this baby, I ended up being diagnosed with gestational diabetes so it was quite a different pregnancy than the others having to track my blood sugar twice daily and inject insulin. It also meant that for once I wouldn’t be allowed to go overdue. My induction was scheduled for 37 and a half weeks and as I’m used to going to about 41-42 weeks, I never felt that I got to the massive and uncomfortable stage with this pregnancy. I was out and at playgroups with the children right up til the day before I went into hospital as I wanted to keep their routine the same as usual.

My favourite thing about pregnancy is the bit when you are no longer getting sick, and have a bigger bump where you can see the shape shift as the baby moves around! I find that so cool to watch, it is pretty amazing. My worst thing about pregnancy is an obvious choice - being sick!

If or when I hopefully do have another baby in future, it will be quite a different experience again with a much bigger gap. I had less than a year between each of my previous pregnancies, and with having late walkers this resulted in me having a crawling baby right up to the end of each pregnancy and having a new walker at the same time as a newborn. I have twice had double buggies and 2 under 2 so having a little one on their own with all the others off at school may feel almost like having a first baby again!

As my next one would probably have to be my last, I don’t mind waiting a little longer because I don’t want it all over and done with so soon! Pregnancy and the newborn days are some of the most special times in life and I wish Gemma all the best for the rest of her pregnancy, birth, and lovely new baby