Planning Ahead for the New Year

Hi folks,

Well, we’re getting to that time of year when we’re starting to think about New Years resolutions, the goals we want to set & plans for the year ahead. And what better way to plan & stay on track, than with a lovely personalised note book.

You all know I absolutely adore the personalised planners from Personal Planner. So I thought, why not add to my collection with a stunning notebook. Perfect for jotting down important lists & writing down those all important targets.

I love that these books can be 100% customised. From the front cover to what the page layout is like. And… you can even get fancy leather covers too!!! I just love love love mine! It’s fab with all of its little pockets to keep important things in like receipts etc… in fact, mine is going to double up as travel organiser while we go on holiday over the festive season! Ideal for keeping booking documents & vouchers in! I’m just so excited!

Did you know that Personal Planner offer free delivery & they also do gift cards!!! In fact – you can have the gift cards emailed to you digitally, so they’re fab for those last minute Christmas gifts!!! So why not give the gift of organisation this Christmas!?

You’ll also find a massive selection of accessories too… pretty pens & stunning stickers.

Personal Planner make something for everyone, as you literally customise the planners, notebooks or wall planners to suit you. If you’ve always wanted that perfect planning companion – look no further!

And… I have a little discount gift just for you. Use discount code: SLEIGHRIDE for 10% off. Valid until 25th December.

And… I’ve also got an amazing give away too!!! I’ve got a gift card with a value of £39.90 to spend on anything from Personal Planner. To enter, head on over to my Facebook Page or Instagram Page!

Thank you so much for reading as always & MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Love & Huggles,

Hayley xxx

Disclaimer: This is a collaborative posts – I have received gifting &/or compensation for featuring some of these items, but all opinions are my own.

Feeling Comfortable in My Own Skin

Hi folks,

More than ever, we seem to be bombarded with images of picture perfect people… flawless skin… perfect figure… nothing seems to be out of place. I’ve always been a bit of a self conscious person when it comes to how I look. I’m so confident in who I am as a person… but when it comes to how I look… I’m so critical & self conscious.

After having the boys… I have noticed a massive change in my skin. The problem with a change in your skin also effects your make up! So, not only does your skin look & feel different with a naked face, but it also looks & feels different when you’re wearing your make up. Such a nightmare. Especially when you’re already feeling a little self conscious from just having a baby. And… you also have the added pressure of not having oodles of time either to start a brand new in-depth skincare regime!

So… what changed with my skin after pregnancy.

Under my left eye, I developed a little prominent blood vessel. I know it looks small… but to me it looked like a beacon! I think it happened during pregnancy while throwing up so much. I’ve always had a rosy pink complexion & that’s fine as it’s always something I’ve had so I’ve always bought & wore make up that hid it a little. However, after pregnancy I always felt it looked more patchy. And, my cheek area became super dry in areas & under my eyes which meant that my foundation & powder started to clump, which is not a good look. But, my T Zone area became massively oily. This meant that my foundation was clumping in the dry areas & then smearing off in the oily areas. My pores were becoming visible under my makeup in the oily areas, if that makes sense… almost like the inside of an aero bar.

I just do not have the time to spend hours on my skin & make up with a 3yr old & a 10month old to run around after. But… I still want to feel & look good.

Starting on 22nd August… I began using my new products from ESK. I decided to document the results & I’m so glad that I did.

I’ve added dates to the photo’s so you can see how skin has improved.

The areas that I feel have improved; my skin isn’t as greasy, fine lines seem to have improved, no dry patches & I feel like the small blood vessel isn’t as prominent.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/156200586@N06/48775436543/in/dateposted-public/

So… what is my new skincare regime I hear you ask? Well, firstly I can promise you that my new regime is super simple & hardly takes up any time! I am completely in love with the ESK Hydroxy Cleanser. I use the Hydroxy Cleanser morning & night. I wear make up everyday & I do tend to go for a smokey eye look complete with black liquid eyeliner & black mascara. So I need a cleanser that will be gentle, but will also remove every bit of make up. This cleanser does all of that! You use it just like a face wash. The 100ml bottle should last you around 3 months. I’ve never been a fan of cleansers & toners… I always found cleansers to be too greasy & toners to be too harsh, which would end up making me too pink. The hydroxy cleanser, cleanses while being nice & gentle, & it’s also soap free. It doesn’t make me red & I never feel any skin tightness after using, which I’ve always found that I get when using other face washes.

After cleansing on a morning I then use B Quenched. This product can be used at night or morning. I’ve been using each morning & I can honestly say that this moisturiser is my most favourite skin care product EVER! It is absolutely gorgeous! It’s everything I’ve always wanted in a moisturiser. With having an oily T Zone, I always thought other moisturisers used to sit on top of the greasiness. So I’d avoid putting anything on my T Zone. So I’d only end up moisturising my dry cheek area. This products helps to improve the skins barrier function, reducing hyperpigmentation and acting as an anti-inflammatory agent. I think my redness has massively improved. Also, I never knew that when the skin is super oily, it can be a direct result of the skin being too dehydrated. This product helps the skin to retain moisture, but my oilyness has greatly improved. My skin overall just feels less greasy, less dry & looks less red. My make up has been going on so well. I’ve stopped using a primer under my make up as this moisturiser gives such a lovely even base.

My make up isn’t clumping or sitting in lines. It’s also staying put all day… so that alone tells me that my oily skin has improved.

I’ve been using Ultimate A everynight before bed after using my Hydroxy Cleanser. I just want to say first off – that this product is not recommended while pregnant or breastfeeding due to the content of Vitamin A. This product is an amazing anti-aging product. I absolutely love this. I feel like my fine lines around my eyes have reduced. I’m now 37 & fine lines are my main concern. I think we’re all looking for that wonder cream that will make us look a little younger. I have no problem being almost 40… but I also want to look good too. This product promotes collagen growth, increases skin elasticity and reduces hyperpigmentation effectively and without irritation. It’s a lovely light cream, not too heavy or thick. It makes your skin feel so super soft. Again, like the B Quenched – I feel like this product has helped to reduce the redness. Normally after cleansing & moisturising on an evening, my skin would be so red. But I can honestly say, my skin looks calmer.

My 3 stand out products are: Hydroxy Cleanser, B Quenched, & Ultimate A. I honestly feel like I have new & improved skin, with no extra effort. When we feel good about ourselves, I think we can deal with the pressures & stresses of a busy lifestyle so much easier. Another great feature to these products, is that they give you a full run down on how to use them & when to use them. They really feel like a tailor made skincare regime just for you.

I will be continuing to document my skin progress & will be writing a progress post about it 🙂

I hope you’ve found this post useful & interesting. I’ve added the links to the products that I’ve been using so you can read further & even treat yourself.

Thank you so much for reading!

Hayley xxx

Disclaimer: This is a collaborative posts – I have received gifting &/or compensation for featuring some of these items, but all opinions are my own.

Wobble, Wiggle and Grow

Hi folks,

Seth went back to pre-school last week. He was so excited. To be honest… I think he likes the routine of school Monday – Friday. Over the Summer break he has asked a lot for School. It’s so quiet in the house without him now he’s back. But looking at the positives – it gives me some one & one time with Ted.

Ted is 10 month old now… I just cannot believe that he’s going to be a year old next month. That time has flown. I know I always say it – but the time does just fly by. When people said to me that time flies once you have children… I don’t think I really believed them.

Ted has been having so much fun with his new toy from Hape & Baby Einstein. It’s no secret that Hape are one of our most favourite toy brands. We all just adore wooden toys. Ted’s new toy is Balancing Cal. Cal comes in 5 pieces & is a mix of wood & plastic. Some of the pieces make sounds too when you shake them. Fun & musical. The aim of the game is to stack Cal as tall as you can make him, without him falling down. This toy is great for encouraging & developing motor skills.

Each piece has been beautifully crafted & is the perfect size of little hands. Ted has had fun shaking them to make noise, clacking them together & has enjoyed giving them a good old bite lol. Each piece is lovely & smooth with no sharp edges & the materials feel very durable. The colours are stunning too. So vibrant.

Each piece has a different texture to feel too. The balls are perfectly weighted to be able to stack in a wiggly, wobbly way. Ted loves it when they all fall over. It’s really just a lovely little toy that does so much… makes music, rolls, stacks etc…

https://www.flickr.com/photos/156200586@N06/48704127768/in/dateposted-public/

I know some folk think it’s a little too soon to be talking about it… however… Christmas is only around the corner! Balancing Cal would make a fantastic gift.

I’ve added some links for further reading & info on the product.

I hope you’ve found this post useful!

Thanks as always for reading,

Love & Huggles,

Hayley xxx

Disclaimer: This is a collaborative posts – I have received gifting &/or compensation for featuring some of these items, but all opinions are my own.

Out and About with Versatrax

Hi folks,

We’ve had such lovely weather for the last few days… I really do hope that this is it now… Summer has finally landed!?

I can’t believe that Seth has completed his first full term of pre-school. I’m so glad that we decided to take early intake with him rather than waiting until September. He has come on so much & his development has been amazing in the last few month.

I love that each day he gets excited for his walk to school with Mammy & Baby Ted. It’s one of the first things he says when he wakes up. Driving whilst doing the school run is so not enjoyable. Parking is a nightmare! We walk too & from school everyday. I think it’s good for kids to walk & to get out in the fresh air, rather than bundled in to a car all of the time. We’re very lucky in that our school is only a very short walk away. It only takes us 10-15mins to get there… depending on how slowly Seth wants to walk lol.

Ted just loves being out & about in a buggy too. We’ve just received the Joie Versatrax. It is absolutely gorgeous.

With Joie you always know you’re going to get safety & quality. But the Versatrax isn’t just reliable & safe… it also has that ‘fancy feel’. It has lots of added little extras that just make it all the more luxurious. The tan leather trims & cup holder – really finish this travel system off perfectly.

I love that this is a sturdy travel system, yet folds so compact. It literally folds down in half. Also, there’s no back breaking manoeuvres or fancy footwork needed to collapse this pram. It’s so simple & quick. I am quite literally the most clumsy person I know, & even I have mastered this easy procedure. A click of the safety switch & you’re pretty much done!

Once folded this pram will stand freely. So it’s perfect if you’re short on space. Also, you won’t need to prop it against your hallway wall. There’s nothing worse than a pram or buggy that doesn’t free stand & has to be propped against your cream walls. It’s also great for if you’re in a restaurant etc… you can fold it & stand it out of the way with ease.

I love that this pram gives you the option of forward or rear facing. Ted is 8 month now & loves to be nosy & look at what’s going on. However, he is teething & it’s been making him a bit upset. Sometimes he likes to rear face when he’s feeling a little under the weather. So the Versatrax gives us that option. It’s so simple to unclip & turn round.

Like all Joie products… the Versatrax is super comfy. We’ve had no complaints from Ted. The seat is comfy & has a nice soft feel. No sharp edges or corners. Everything is finished off beautifully. The seat will fully recline & has a soft touch harness. There’s also calf/leg support too. So your little one can really kick back & relax.

The Versatrax handles beautifully. The push bar is comfy to hold & has a one handed push. Now you all know that one handed push is a big requirement for me. I need to be able to push the pram/buggy with one hand while I’m holding Seth’s hand too. We have 2 busy roads to get across on our school run. So need to have hands available. Also, I’ve been diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome in my right wrist/hand. Vibrations can really trigger the pain. The Versatrax has lovely foam filled rubber tyres making it a smooth ride for your little one & a comfy one for you while pushing it. There’s hardly no vibration.

There’s also a really big storage basket on the bottom & is very easy to access. A big basket is a must for us, as I just seem to have so much stuff with me all of the time lol.

Here is a list of the features:

• Suitable from birth with flat reclining seat
• Adjustable forward and rearward facing seat
• Pairs perfectly with Joie infant carriers gemm™, i-Gemm™, i-Level™, and i-Snug™ with the included adapters or with other infant carriers using Maxi-Cosi® style attachment
• Pairs perfectly with ramble™ XL carry cot using the included adapters
• One hand easy fold and setup, with seat rearward or forward facing
• Freestanding when folded
• Carry strap built in
• Water repellant canopy
• Full-size UPF50+ canopy with eyeshade visor
• Multi-position recline for backrest tilt options
• 2 position calf support
• Front and back access storage basket
• All wheel suspension for a smooth ride
• Sweet Stride™ single front swivel wheels
• One touch brakes
• SoftTouch, 5-point harness
• Height adjustable pushbar
• Locking front swivel wheels
• Cup holder

This really is a fantastic travel system. If you’re looking for a travel system that you can rely on, look fancy, is great on space & easy to use… then this is the one for you. Travel systems have a reputation for being big & bulky. But this certainly isn’t like that. It’s sturdy, lightweight, easy to use & folds very compact. It really is perfect for everyday family life! It’s going to be great for travel too as it doesn’t take up much space in the car! So look out for my review on how it is on holidays!

Thanks so much for reading & I hope you’ve found this review helpful!

Love & huggles,

Hayley xxx

Disclaimer: This is a collaborative posts – I have received gifting &/or compensation for featuring some of these items, but all opinions are my own.

Weaning Must-Have, Teething Troubles and School Styling

Hi folks,

Can you believe we’re at the weaning stage already with Ted!? It feels like only yesterday that he was born. And yet here we are… already at the foodie stage.

Weaning can be so stressful. Finding foods & textures that your little one will entertain. Then there’s the worry of finger foods… I get so anxious in case they choke!

Of course weaning always feels less daunting when you have plenty of Nuby products on standby.

Stackable Bowls with Lids

These bowls are fantastic! In the pack you will get 4 bowls with lids & 2 spoons. The bowls are microwave safe & also dishwasher safe when used on the top shelf. They’re great for feeding on the go, as you can pop the lid back on to save any mess getting in your bag. They’re also perfect for food storage too!

Catch All Bib

The bib in this pic of Ted was actually Seth’s! So it’s already seen us through 1 weaning journey. Proof that Nuby products do stand the test of time!

This bib wipes down easily & also catches any foodie falls! It fastens with Velcro. This bib may be 3yrs old… but it’s still fantastic!

Titan Grip & Sip Cup

This little sippy cup is fab for getting your little one used to a cup from using bottles. The handles are great for little hands to be able to hold onto. It’s also non spill & it comes with a little lid too for keeping it clean & hygienic on the go.

Ted’s really enjoying trying to hold his own drink at the moment & this cup is great for that.

Wacky Teether

Any parent will tell you that teething is so upsetting & traumatic. Poor Ted has 2 teeth poking through on his bottom gum. He’s been so upset with himself. Luckily though, he’s gotten some relief with his Wacky Teether. It’s a lovely size for little hands to be able to grab on to.

With all of the different textures, it’s perfect for massaging sore gums. The crinkly fabric & bright colours will also keep them entertained too.

Ted loves his Wacky Teether!

Trendz Mini Backpack with Reins

Trendz Water Bottle

Seth has recently started Pre-School… he absolutely adores it! His Trendz Backpack has come in so handy. To avoid all that awful traffic, we walk to school. But with having the buggy too for Ted, I feel like I need several arms to be able to hold Seth’s hand & push the buggy.

With Seth being a ‘big boy’ he doesn’t always want to hold hands, so it’s great being able to attach the reins on to his bag & then keeping it on my wrist. It’s just a little reassurance that he’s not going to wander too far or jump into a road.

Inside the backpack – there is plenty room for spare clothes… we all know what it’s like during toilet training. There’s also a zip compartment inside as well as a big pocket.

The water bottle is a great size for school too & also has a push button that releases the drinking spout. Great for keeping it clean & hygienic. Its non-spill too!

It’s easy to wash – it’s dishwasher safe… Hoorah! And… it’s shatterproof! Durability is a must have when you have a rather boisterous 3 year old!

I do love Nuby products they just seem to make everything a little easier lol.

Thanks so much as always for reading!

I hope you’ve found my review helpful!

Love & Huggles,

Hayley xxx

Disclaimer: This is a collaborative posts – I have received gifting &/or compensation for featuring some of these items, but all opinions are my own.

Sleeping Soundly Side by Side

Hi folks

A few weeks ago we got our gorgeous Kubbie Sleep from Joie. It’s no secret that Joie is one of our most favourite baby brands. We have lots of Joie products that we use everyday. Our latest addition – the Kubbie Sleep certainly does not disappoint.

First off… Ted is a really big bambino lol. He’s measuring above average on the 75th centile. He’s incredibly long. This side sleeper has plenty of room. Ted has slept so soundly in it. The mattress can be lowered, but right now we’ve been using it on the higher setting as Ted is only 5 month old. The cot is nice & wide too. So much so that there’s plenty of room for Ted to roll around. In fact he’s started to roll over on to his tummy in his sleep…. not ideal I know. He also likes to do a spot of baby yoga too lol.

The mattress is completely removable so you can easily use for play time & tummy time. The metal rods on it make it super firm & nice & comfy. Lots of travel costs seem to be to too soft & flexible n the base I’ve found. This is perfect & loses no shape when you lay your baby down in it. A cot bed flat sheet will fit this mattress perfectly… thats what I’ve been using as you can tucked it under better than a fitted sheet. I’s like to also mention that with the mattress being so firm – you could easily use this form birth.

Another great feature is that you can afix this to your bed for safety & you can also drop the side. So it’s a perfect side sleeper for home & for travel. We’re actually going away next month & then again in June. So we will be sure to take our Kubbie Sleep with us. It folds down into a carry bag. It’s becomes so slimline that it easily fits into the footwell of the backseat of your car leaving your boot space completely free.

Exact dimensions:

Setup Dimensions: l 99cm x w 59.5cm x h 80.5cm

Folded Dimensions: l 27cm x w 25cm x h 80.5cm

Product Weight: 8.79kg

Product Usage: birth to 15kg

 

All four sides of the cot are mesh lined for ventilation & there’s integrated wheels to, perfect for moving around.

Here’s a list of the exact features:

• Bedside cot for safe and cosy side-by-side sleep 
• Simple and stylish design with exposed tubing complements any space 
• Full size bassinet removes and attaches easily 
• Compact, ultra secure frame for naptime or playtime 
• Removable mattress doubles for naptime or playtime 
• Two integrated wheels 
• Mesh lined for ventilation on all 4 sides 
• Compact, folded package for easy travel or storage

• Tidy travel bag included for travelling and storage 
• Zipper on side for easy entry

Ted has slept so soundly in his Kubbie Sleep. He literally goes down at 10pm/10:30pm & wakes up around 6am. If you’re having trouble settling your little one… maybe the Kubbie Sleep is the magical answer you’ve been looking for lol. It’s nice knowing that when we’re travelling to places, we can take a safe, secure & snuggly bed for Ted. We like going for little vacations & weekends away so this is perfect for us. This would also be ideal to keep at a grandparents house if you have family who babysit on a regular basis.

Overall… this gets a 10 out of 10 from Ted. I’ll be writing another blog post all about it after our weekend getaway next month, then again after our seaside week away in June.

Thank you so much as always for reading & I hope you’ve found this review useful. Don’t forget to check out the Joie website for more info & for a list of stockists.

Love & Huggles,

Hayley xxx

 

Disclaimer: This is a collaborative posts – I have received gifting &/or compensation for featuring some of these items, but all opinions are my own.

Toddler Toilet Time

Hi folks,

We’re still in the throws of toilet training. Well… when I say ‘toilet training’ I do actually mean potty as Seth shows more interest in the potty than the toilet.

We were sent the most gorgeous potty from Nuby; The Tots Toilet. Seth is a bit obsessed… which I’m totally taking as a massive positive step in the right direction to a ‘pull up’ free life! The first day it arrived he sat on it to eat his dinner in front of the TV lol.

Firstly… this is a lovely little potty. It’s a perfect mini toilet. There is a potty insert inside the little toilet that comes out easily for cleaning etc… with the potty being a little higher than a traditional potty, it’s great for little boys to be able to do a stand up wee without it going straight over the top. Boy mama’s… we’ve all been there. Now, the most exciting part to this Toilet, is the sounds & light. There’s a little flush button on the top. Seth is so obsessed with pressing the button. I also love that it has a toilet lid that you can close over after a successful toilet time. Seth gets a bit freaked out seeing anything in the toilet, so being able to close the lid is a massive plus for us.

As this potty looks like a toilet, Seth has been happy to keep it in our downstairs loo. Again, a massive plus for us as we’ve managed to get the idea of toilet time moved into the bathroom rather than the potty being in the front room.

Is Seth out of pull ups? Nope… not yet. He’s still a bit freaked out about the whole thing. Some days he’s very amenable to the whole toilet thing. Until we got this potty, he wasn’t. Other days though, he just does not want to know & cries & gets very anxious. I just feel that a tough love approach would not be right in this scenario as I don’t want to enforce anxiety & fear around the toilet. So, right now he can use the potty when he feels confident. And when he doesn’t, it’s not a ‘big deal’. Seth will be starting nursery next month after Easter. I’m hoping that seeing the other kids using the toilet – this will make him want to use it too. I say this because his friend Ruby used our Tots Toilet & it totally inspired Seth to use it too lol. Maybe Ruby can be his Toilet coach? Lol.

Seth isn’t pooping whilst we’re out & he’s completely dry on a night. So I know he has full control over when he ‘toilets’… it just seems to be his anxiety taking over. Like I said in a previous blog post… slow & steady wins the race. I’m hoping the calm & positive approach will help him to conquer the toilet once & for all.

We do love our Tots Toilet… & so does Ruby!

Thank you Nuby!

Thank you as always for reading!

Love & Huggles,

Hayley xxx

Disclaimer: This is a collaborative posts – I have received gifting &/or compensation for featuring some of these items, but all opinions are my own.

Holidays… Breaks… Vacations… Travel

Hi folks,

Is it just me or does travelling abroad as a parent sometimes fill you with sheer dread? We’re planning a little European vacation this summer to Germany. I’m already trying to think like a million steps ahead… what do I pack!? Toys, formula, buggy, nappies, wipes, calpol… blah blah blah. I mean… do I even have luggage big enough!? What I wouldn’t give to have a private plane lol.

Then there’s the travel insurance. While I was pregnant, with both Seth & Ted, we holidayed in the UK. We always just purchase the travel insurance through the company we’re booking with. To be honest… I was always to scared too about travelling abroad whilst pregnant. So much so that we cancelled our trip to Sweden & Denmark whilst I was pregnant with Seth. Now looking back… I wish we’d not cancelled. But I mean… what is the advice? What are the guidelines whilst pregnant!? Well, the fabulous folk over at Columbus Direct have put this statement together:

Stuart Lloyd, travel insurance expert at Columbus Direct comments:

“Like Meghan & Harry, many parents-to-be will be looking to travel whilst pregnant but perhaps are unsure if it’s safe.

“If you’ve had a straightforward pregnancy, you should be safe to fly up to 28 weeks as normal. Beyond 28 weeks there are other considerations including whether you’ve had an uncomplicated pregnancy, the specific airline you’re flying with, as well as your insurance policy.

“Most airlines will require a “Fit to Fly” medical certificate from your GP beyond 28 weeks and the majority of airlines will not allow you to travel beyond 37 weeks for a single pregnancy, and beyond 32 weeks for a multiple pregnancy. Our advice is to always check with your airline as many have their own guidelines and you don’t want to be caught out.

“Before travelling, ensure you’ve not only bought travel insurance but have also checked the policy terms to see what is required of you and what you are covered for when travelling whilst pregnant in the event that you need to make a claim.

“Always consult your midwife or visit the NHS website for any medical related questions.”

I wish I’d read this statement back in 2016. But, I’ll just have to book Denmark & Sweden for the future!

Thank you as always for reading!

Love & Huggles,

Hayley xxx

Disclaimer: This is a collaborative posts – I have received gifting &/or compensation for featuring some of these items, but all opinions are my own.

Well hello there 2019

 

Hi folks,

HAPPY NEW YEAR! I hope you have all had an amazing Christmas. Don’t worry… this isn’t going to be a ‘New Year – New Me’ kind of blog post, but more of a ‘New Year – Same Me – Positive Vibes’ kind of post.

We have had such an amazing Christmas. From the moment Ted has been born, the time has flown so much. We’ve had lots of visits to see Santa & an amazing Christmassy vacation to Centre Parcs for Christmas week.

Every year we go to Centre Parcs for the lead up to Christmas… it’s just perfect. It really gets you into the Christmas spirit & full of magic. It was even more amazing going as a completed little family. We’ve already booked for next year… I’m literally already planning for Christmas 2019… I know – I can’t help myself lol. I actually bought myself a Rachel Ellen 5 Year Christmas Planner. It’s fab! I didn’t get mine until September, so it’ll be great having it a whole year in advance this time round.

From August last year I started to save up those Morrison’s match & More points… I managed to save up £50 worth of vouchers which I used for my Christmas grocery shop 2 days before the big day. Can I just say though that shopping 23rd December was like Hell on Earth! So, this year, I’m going to start saving my vouchers now & I’ll be placing a ‘Food to Order’ shop so I don’t have to battle the crowds. If I can save up £50 in just a few month… then imagine what I can save in a whole year. It’s so worth doing if you shop in Morrison’s regularly. I downloaded the app & I keep an eye on offers where you gain more points on certain items etc…

Christmas this year was made even more magical, as Seth totally understands Christmas now & Santa Clause. Last year he cried every time we went to see Santa… this year we just couldn’t keep him away lol.

Christmas Eve was filled with Breakfast with Santa at a local family pub… which also included a Christmas disco. It was fantastic & all of the kids had such a lovely time. Afterwards it was home for Christmas crafts & all of those family Christmas Eve traditions. I filled Seth’s Christmas Eve box with lots of Christmas crafty things for us all to do together. And of course… we became that family who wear matching PJs.

Christmas Day was just non-stop… Seth was super hyper. It was just perfect.

Next year is going to be amazing with Ted up & about toddling around. It’s crazy to think that this year I’ll have a 1 year old & a 3 year old.

We haven’t had the best of starts to 2019 really… I ended up in hospital with borderline pneumonia & a severe throat & chest infection. It was pretty scary at the time as they thought it was sepsis in the beginning. Luckily though it’s nothing steroids & anti biotics can’t fix. The consultant thinks it’s mainly down to a very low immune system after my c-section. Being poorly when you’re a Mammy just isn’t an option really.

I’m so very lucky to have my boys. Seth is growing up to be such a bright, beautiful boy… he’s my little comedian. I can’t wait to watch Ted grow & develop his own little personality too

And… Coco of course is still a super diva!

So… what do I have planned for 2019?

Well… we have a Christening to organise. This weekend I really do need to make a list of numbers & book it all. Then I need to order invitations etc… I’m normally way more organised than this – but being poorly has really thrown me. I have been watching Marie Kondo’s new show on Netflix & it’s given me a much needed kick. In fact… today I reorganised 4 cupboards & a drawer lol.

Next on the list will be Seth starting pre-school. I just cannot believe it’s almost time. I’m happy to say that we got our first choice – yey! And, we have his 3rd birthday too. We’re planning on taking him to Seven Stories for the Elmer Exhibition. He loves his books & Elmer is one of his faves.

This year we’ve also got a few little family vacations & some exciting little things planned that you’ll just have to wait to find out about throughout the year 🙂 And of course we’ll have a Halloweeny 1st Birthday in October too.

I have no New Year Resolutions  this year… I just plan on being as healthy as I can be… smile & laugh everyday & continue with a positive outlook. And of course to be the best Mammy I can be to my beautiful boys.

So, Happy New Year! Thank you so much for all of the support last year & thank you for continuing to read 🙂

Love & Huggles,

Hayley xxx

 

 

 

Welcome Baby Ted

Hi folks,

Sorry it’s been a wee while since my last post. These last few weeks have gone by so fast. I’m pleased to announce the birth of our second gorgeous baby boy; Edward Thomas Jim Thorne… Ted for short. Or Baby Ted as Seth calls him. Ted was born October 24th & weighing 8lbs 4oz.

Getting Ted here wasn’t an easy journey. I wanted to write a blog post about it mainly to just get it out there & off my chest… & maybe for anyone going through something similar… it may offer some comfort.

The last 3 weeks of my pregnancy with Ted were literally the worst. I don’t think I’ve felt so many emotions. I mean, when you’re pregnant, your emotions are all over anyway… but with everything that was happening… I think everything was so much more heightened. After countless hospital visits, stays & tests… I was very on edge. With my first pregnancy, I had no bleeding whatsoever. This time round I had quite a lot. And as a pregnant lady… that’s the last thing you want to experience. I had so many scary tests for various things & I do have to say that my Midwife & triage unit were utterly phenomenal. They really did keep a close eye on me.

On the morning of my c section I was quite literally a state. I just felt that with everything that had happened, something was wrong or that it was going to go wrong. I think I’d pretty much convinced myself that I wasn’t going to make it home. I know that sounds super bleak… but that’s the head space I was in. When I got to the hospital, I was told I’d be second down to theatre… however… after consulting with me, my consultant decided I should go last as I was more of a high risk case. So… at 11am I headed down to theatre with my husbter holding my hand. Ted was born at 12:31 noon. I was on the operating table for a further 1 hour. After blood loss & a uterus that wouldn’t contract… They managed to get me into recovery with my uterus fully intact. I have a lot of fibroids & this time round they caused quite a lot of problems. I was put on a drip to force my uterus back down to it’s normal size. I’ll be forever grateful that they fought to do that as it saved me having to have a hysterectomy. Even though I’ve had my tubes fully removed… I didn’t want a full hysterectomy… purely as I’m only mid thirties & I just didn’t want to go onto HRT. Once I’d gotten into recovery, Ted had a nappy on & had, had a bottle. But, he wasn’t dressed, he was wrapped in a blanket waiting for me so I could have that precious skin to skin contact. It’s amazing how everything in life becomes so insignificant when you’re handed your beautiful baby. All of the pain, illness, stress & worry was so worth it to hold my perfect baby in my arms.

I’m still taking a ridiculous amount of medication… due to having hypertension in pregnancy, B12 deficiency, iron deficiency from blood loss, injecting clexane for 6 weeks… etc… However, I have managed on just paracetamol & ibuprofen for pain relief. The pain has been immense though. My stomach is so battered & bruised. This c section was a lot more gruelling than last time & the recovery has been a lot different. But I’ve been trying my best to get out & about in the fresh air & walking a lot too.

I mean Seth is a big ‘park’ fan… so it’s a good excuse to wrap up & get out & about!

Seth has taken to being a big brother so well. It was the most precious sweetest moment when they first met.

Every night he kisses Ted goodnight… it’s just so cute. I cannot wait to watch their bond grow & develop as they grow up together.

The advice I’d give myself if I could go back in time, would be to trust the professionals… I was so worked up by the time Ted was born that I was literally making myself ill, when I was feeling ill anyway. Our NHS is truly an amazing thing… the team I had around me on the day was phenomenal. They got my little boy here safely & they also managed to put me back together.

So… what is life like as a Mammy of two? Well… it’s amazing! I feel very lucky to have 2 gorgeous boys. It’s tiring… but amazing! Seth sleeps for 12 to 13 hours every night & Ted is only waking once in the night for a bottle… what an absolute dreamboat! So, having sleep is really helping, especially with the recovery side of things!

However… I had forgotten just how much stuff you need to lug around with you when you have a newborn. I’d kind of taken for granted just how easy it is to go out with Seth now he’s 2 & 7 month. No changing bag… No Travel System… No Bottles… etc… We made the decision that we needed a bigger family car. So… last week… we bought a new car lol.

Completely in love with it! C Max Grand Titanium… I don’t how I lived without rear sliding doors!!! Such a God send when you’re getting little ones in & out of the car. We seem to have fit quite a lot in to the last 3 wks… new baby… Halloween party… Lots of visits to the park… Soft play play dates… Bought a new car… trip up to Durham… Christmas shopping etc… But I love my busy little life with my little family. And it’s only gonna get busier with Christmas pepping round the corner. It is my most favourite time of the year through so I’m thoroughly excited!!!

So there you have it… That’s the last 3 weeks in a little nutshell. Now that Ted is here you can expect lots of reviews on some lovely baby products I have.

Thanks so much for reading!

Love & Huggles,

Hayley… Mama Of Boys

xxx