BOYS RULE - life being a mum to a boy

 THE FUNNY TRUTHS ABOUT BEING A MUMMY TO A BOY!!

Well our little handsome cheeky firecracker has been in our lives since July 2015; and what a journey it's been. Because Harry is only 2; I wasn't completely sure whether to put this blog together because as I say, he is still only so small but with what seems (to me) a big personality I thought the hell with it! I'm really excited to share with expecting mummies what life is like being a mummy to a boy, I hope you enjoy the read.

• The possible desire to be naked; as soon as we walk through the door at home Harry cant wait to get his clothes off! Doesn't matter what time of the day, freedom is always his chosen option. Legging it to open the front door to the post man before him and his naked bum follows me is always a challenge I am hoping to win!

• The no fear factor; boys have NO fear what so ever! No matter how much you try and pre warn them of the dangers, their curiousness will always take over. 

• Jump jump, forever jumping; Sofa's, trampolines, cushions, and beds are always on Harry's agenda, I actually quiver inside at the thought of him sofa diving but a threat to turn off paw patrol ensures I win the battle of NO DONT DO THAT! - Well for the moment anyways. 

• Ants in their pants; dinner times in particular unless Harry's favorite meal is on the menu every single night which it isn't going be because that would be super duper boring, I find I keep repeating my self saying sit down, sit down, sit down & eat your dinner. I have now just accepted that he eats like a king at breakfast and lunch and will just take it or leave it at dinner time!

• Passing wind; *hands over eyes* I know we all do it but to Harry he finds himself, or daddy in particular absolutely hilarious and will want to inform the world he has just trumped! I have to laugh... because honestly I literally don't know what else to do!!!

• Loves the woman attention; yes even at just 2 years old. No matter where we are, my son loves to capture the woman attention and will do so by saying hiya continuously until he gets it. Its then I catch him going all giggly with a cheeky smile appearing across his face - Wish me luck for years to come!

 ON A SERIOUS NOTE, ALL THINGS YOU WILL LOVE YOUR LITTLE BOY 

JUST THAT LITTLE BIT MORE FOR

     

• The super duper cute spontaneous cuddles and kisses that come from no where; your little boy if anything like mine will be so affectionate and will embrace love and affection. He throws his arms round me and who knew those little tiny arms round my neck could make my heart so full. 

• You will watch how much satisfaction and happiness they get from their ''boy's toys'' and even the most girly mums (me being one of them) will start to notice yourself getting roped into the imaginative play of wrestling, train tracks, cars and all else that takes over their toy room - I would just love to have a moment in side Harry's head whilst he plays with them all to know what he is thinking.

• Physical emotions and how often you will use them; I don't actually ever think I high fived any one in my adult life before having Harry, and lets not even mention ''knuckles'' ... Yet these are now a part of my every day life; the smile on Harry's face is just price less when he comes running into the living room & greets all those there with a high 5! He gets so excited and I now embrace those type of physical emotions so much more since I have had him.

• As their mummy you will always be their first love, daddy will be their super hero; it will always be you who they go to when they're in need of a cuddle, but the relationship from you to their daddy is completely different, different in way's that you see their face light up when daddy comes home from work for some their daddy and son time, you see them admire daddy kicking the football, chasing around the park, lifting high playing aero planes, all these play huge parts in daddy being their hero.

• They will love you their mummy in a special way; already Harry is really loving and caring towards me with his emotions, his appetite for being thoughtful and help full is just beyond what I expected for him only being 2 years old, when in the garden he will pick a flower with daddy and cant wait to come back inside to give me it, I am so lucky to have all these sweet little moments with my little boy.

Being a parent to a boy or girl is such a rewarding job, it is a journey like no other in life and every day I count my blessing's to be the mummy of Harry. Now I am expecting my second baby & I am asked all the time ''Would you like a girl this time?'' the answer simply is... I honestly don't mind either way. I don't have a preference at all, a part of me does feel I would love another boy because I feel it is all I know. However if I am blessed with a daughter, although different I am sure it is as just a equal lovely journey!

x

THE BABY SHOW - LONDON

Evening all,
I hope your well and thanks for heading over to read my latest blog.

October has been a crazy month for me so far, it always is as its my birthday month so plans are always full steam ahead. But this year I thought I would attend something a little different to what I usually do and that was the The Baby Show at London's Olympia exhibition center. I never attended this with my first pregnancy so I wanted to go and check out a few things in particular that I didn't have/need with my first baby that I now feel I may need this time round e.g. a Baby Carrier being one of them. I also wanted to see what else I could find that wasn't high street like some boutique concessions that were perhaps different to what I have locally, and it didn't disappoint.

The show itself is brilliant for all expectant parents, and first time parents in particular who are wanting discounts on their prams and nursery furniture but for us, although we are doing a new nursery up, our son is only 2 years old so our silver cross pram is immaculate and he is also now in a toddler bed so we have transferred the cot into the new nursery. We will be purchasing a new nursery wardrobe and draws but new prams and cot's were not on our agenda but for first time parents this is what seemed really huge big popular purchases.

Every parent walking in had the option of the Made for Mum's bag which was amazing for goodies, I was really impressed with what it contained and the sizes of what was included.

Weaning

I was lucky enough to receive some pouches from company called my first savse and what really caught my interest most is that they are the first company in Europe to produce cold pressed puree's using organic ingredients. All their pouches have to be kept refrigerated meaning they are kept as fresh as possible to deliver the best benefit to your little one! Flavors included Apple, Kiwi, Spinach, Kale, Banana, and our 2 year old was happy to try all the samples which certainly went down a treat!

  

I can't wait to get trying these for our second baby! my first savse can be purchased in Harrods, Morrisons, Ocado, Planet Organic and many more. Just head over to their website for more details.

https://myfirstsavse.com/our-story/

Clothing

We found and fell in love with a company called ''Magnet Mouse'' they are a UK family owned company (a mum of 4 I must add!) who make baby grows and maternity wear with magnets rather than poppers. Their range was absolutely stunning and I can honestly say if I knew BLUE OR PINK I would of brought the whole collection! Instead we went with their neutral gender range and I cannot wait to see our baby number 2 in it.

Not only are their designs beautiful and very prince George style fashion, but the idea behind it is genius, as a new parent you will all agree with me here that the amount of times you change their poo-ey nappies and have to un do all these poppers and re do them all is just tedious. Magnet mouse is literally is a game changer especially for those who like me will have a toddler on their hands.

You wash them on a 30, the quality of material is well made and a gorgeous strong cotton, and you are able to even tumble dry if need be.

See our chosen ones above, you can also find them on instagram @magnetmouse_uk

Infant Carriers

Our demo's of the Ergo and Baby Bjorn infant carriers were great, both Chris and I got to try putting them on and off, and for us we decided that the Ergo 360 was the one for us. We found it had less weight on our shoulders and most weight was round the hips/stomach area which for us was more comfortable. I can't wait for it too arrive!!! I feel it will be a god send for me with having a toddler running about and saves buying a double buggy as my little one to be fair is a good walker so there really is no need for make another investment when I love my silver cross pram. 

So many friends and fellow mummy bloggers recommended them!

Nursery Decor 

We found a stand full of the most gorgeous nursery items to decorate and accessorize the babies room. The colors we are going for are grey and white and we purchased 2 wooden handmade rabbits to sit on a shelf along with some wooden block bunting in ''DREAM'' I just think they are so adorable, and cute! 

 Will post some more photos once the nursery has been completed but here is sneak peak until then!

Newborn Must Have - Snuggle Bundl

So this item is called the Snuggle Bundl and it was invented by a dad who struggled to put his baby down or move them from one area to another with out the crying and waking I.e. Arms to moses basket, car seat to pram etc you get my drift.

The idea behind it is that the baby gets full neck support whilst being maneuvered with out being woken up meaning you literally put the baby in the blanket which has handles as shown in the photo below, so if holding the baby it can be used a blanket and can then be placed in cot, or moses basket or car seat with ease and quickness. 

It is the ideal item for a mum who has a clingy baby and who needs to get stuff done in the house or more importantly needs to get some sleep! I can see exactly where this will work for us with our second baby! We went for the mink with white star design and  I will upload some photos of it in use once baby has arrived, it can also be used as a breast feeding cover up!

You can follow them on instagram on @snugglebundl

It has been up for many awards!

Bottles

I breast fed my first baby for 7 months and then moved him over to formula once we was well into the weaning process so I really hope to breast feed the same with my second but the reality of it is, I am going to have a toddler to also to attend too whilst doing on demand feeds and boy I remember how demanding they actually were. SO I am preparing myself IN CASE I need to feed formula earlier than expected we invested in the amazing MAM bottles. 

At the show there was a midwife on the stand giving advice on why MAM are such a fantastic bottle for new borns and babies. These bottles are actually used within the premature birthing unit in hospitals and are highly recommend for their self sterilizing USP and also for their anti colic benefits. The bottles itself ensures the feed flows smoothly and the baby doesn't swallow any air and colic is reduced. There were 3 packs offered at the show and we decided to go for the middle size which included both small and medium sizes bottles! My son took really well to these. 

 

Dribble Bibs 

Just as I am a huge fan of muslin cloths,  I am huge fan of dribble bibs. You can never have to many of these and I am crazy for white and grey at the moment!

I would also like to feature the food shop ''Lidl'' as until attending the show I didn't realise how big their baby range was. I got to spend some time with one of their team members and she informed me of the awards they've won from nappies, to bath products to weaning products! I came away with a goody bags of their dried snacks for toddlers, so watch this space for more updates on baby and toddler weaning tips where I can let you know how my 2 year old got on with these snacks!

          

Hope you all found the read helpful and if you want to attend next year it will also be held again in May in Birmingham - For more details go on the website.

My TOP TIPS 

 sign up to Emma's Baby Diarys for up to 35% off tickets!

Try and get a baby sitter for the day, lots of parents there with children and babies but it got very busy! There is a however a free creche.

Pizza express outside for lunch (London) go and download your vouchers for 50% off

PRE Book your car parking otherwise travel by tube!

  Enjoy - hope you enjoyed the read.

Please note: I have huge passion in sharing what has worked for me and my motherhood journey so far. so all views are my own.

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mothercare expecting parent event

Hi lovelies,

This weeks blog I am featuring the Mothercare Expecting Parent event, I went with my lovely friend Tasha who is also expecting her baby number 2. She invited me along as I wasn't able to make it for my first pregnancy, and as things often change, Harry was 2 years ago now I thought why not.There was a range of outside businesses that was giving advice to parents to be from 4D scans, baby swim classes, hypno birthing, mattress suppliers, etc

The event was hosted by mothercare in store staff who delivered talks on car seat safety, pushchair pram advice, nursery furniture, sleep safety, breast feeding equipment. Each mama was gifted with a goody bag - See below what mine included!

Below I am featuring what were my favorites on the night and what caught my interest most; hope you enjoy the read!

Deb's Beautiful Birth

Deborah is a midwife with over 30 years experience, so I found my time with her really interesting as I didn't really know much about hyponobirthing before this event as didn't look into this with Harry. 

I never realised how much it can prepare you for a positive and relaxed confident birth. I found out about all the hormones we release during labour and I was really surprised to hear that Oxytocin (the love hormone) is the hormone in particular that keeps us pregnant mummies calm and during labour we are encouraged to hold that breath (exhale) for a longer period of time, for example if attended Yoga in the past you will know it is the inhale that you are told to hold longer. This hormone helps with uterine contractions, birth placenta and milk ejection.

I was really lucky with my first labour/birth and loved my water birth so much so that I am now scared I won't get it a second time!! The maternity unit where I live only has one birthing pool which makes me feel anxious because I found the warm water really helped me through out my labour and delivery of Harry. I had no pain relief other than gas and air and I kept calm and relaxed the whole way through (I wont lie it was bloody painful) but I kept telling myself woman in countries such as africa who aren't as lucky as we are to have the NHS, they don't have accessible hospitals and deliver babies all the time, alone by themselves and drug free - I just kept telling my self that over and over again. I only attended 3 out the 6 antenatal classes that are offered by the NHS as I found the literature alone was scare mongering never mind attending a class, I wanted to keep a positive mind set the whole way through my pregnancy and I think it really helped me for the birth, hence why you can now probably understand my new found interest in hypno birthing! I really want a home birth this time round but hubby is not having any of it, hospital round 2 I think it is.

If any mummies reading this has had sessions or know a friend who has please comment or message me as I would love to hear about it. 

I cant wait to get started reading The Positive Birth Book by Milli Hill!!!

 

http://debsbeautifulbirth.com/

If you live in cambridgeshire area then go and visit Deborah's page above for more info on hypno birthing. 

Baby Bond private scanning

So this isnt new to me as I had this with my first baby around 28-30 weeks pregnant. For those who have been following my journey will know we like the gender surprise so the good thing about this scan I still couldn't tell boy or girl, but I was absolutely delighted how clear and detailed it is. I would suggest to any expecting parent to leave this scan for as long as you can so you can get a clear image of the baby. 30 weeks I believe is the max, so this time round we are booked in for 20th November and I will be approx 28 weeks pregnant. I am so excited, we have booked the 4D simply bonding scan and the offer on the evening was £59 (vs £99 we paid previously) and includes black and white images, colour on a USB and also a dvd clip of the baby. 

For me in particular I love the bonding scans because going 20 weeks till babies due date is just too long to see their little face - We can't wait to see baby again!

 

Sensory Experience

I took Harry to lots of baby groups, and musical groups as a newborn and was lucky and fortunate enough to meet some lovely mummies and have still kept in contact 2 years later. But what I would like to do a bit more of this time round is more Messy Play and also Sensory. I done a couple taster session's of sensory and never ended up going the full term and to be honest it wasn't because I didn't like the session it was more the other groups were better time wise etc I remember Harry loved the bright lights and also the ribbons so with baby number 2 I definitely would like to run the course a little longer, I imagine ages 3-6 months in particular is good for them, by 3 months they are awake a bit more, becoming more aware of their surroundings, wanting to grab items. 

Baby sensory is amazing for visual stimulation, expressive movements, motor skills, and so much more. I love all the type of things for babies and their development.

http://www.babysensory.com/en/classdetails/peterborough

Baby Massage 

I never took Harry to any form of baby massage, so this area is completely new to me and I will definitely be giving it ago this time round. At the event I learnt that not only is baby massage amazing for relaxation, sleep patterns but other area's like growing pains, aiding digestion, improving circulation, teething issues. I am really looking forward to this one.

 

and just too finish, i couldn't resist buying baby brown number 2 their very first outfit! I love babies in white and creams for the first 6 weeks, and closer to the time I will be purchasing a blue hat and a pink ready for when we welcome him or her to the world. I have found this time round Mothercare have some super cute items for babies nurseries so I also got their ABC blocks and ''Baby's Room'' plaque ready for when we do the nursery in December!

  

Its definitely worth going to if your a first time mum.

if you haven't already and like my content please go and give me a follow on instagram on

https://www.instagram.com/thehappybalancemum/?hl=en

love the happy balance mum x

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23 week bump & Maternity Fashion

Hey Mama's and Hun's

For those of you who don't know me or new to my blog page, my name is Laura and I am a mummy to Harry (2) and currently pregnant with my second baby! Welcome to my blog and please give me a follow on instagram to follow my pregnancy, motherhood journey!

https://www.instagram.com/thehappybalancemum/?hl=en

How are we all? Now that I am currently 23 weeks pregnant I thought I would do a little update on how my pregnancy is going so far and whilst I am at it some maternity style tips as I am definitely now in maternity clothes, this little bump has well and truly appeared, my jeans are just too tight to bare around the waist line! *I have given in*

Bump

Bump all of a sudden these past 3 weeks has just popped! It definitely all of a sudden becomes harder and rounder, and I am so glad I am over the bloated feeling and embracing a blossoming bump now growing nicely. I have also felt lots of movement which is soooooo amazing! I don't know if other mummies will agree but because I know what it feels like from the first time, I feel I am more aware of it. In the beginning with Harry I was like oooo what was that, is it that what it feels like? Who knows but I definitely think I have a little active bubba in there.

 I am still non the wiser instinct wise, with my first pregnancy my instinct was so strong that Harry was a boy! I would of been gob smacked when given birth if they said a Girl. BUT this time round I literally don't have a clue. It is so exciting!!!!!!!!

This time round the differences I have had is the head aches have been horrendous and I don't have the dark line down the tummy like I did with Harry, which I hated. I was so glad it disappeared after I had given birth as it just made me feel funny for some reason. Other than those 2 area's and also that I am feeling a bit heavier this time, I don't overly feel any different.

Maternity Fashion

Now that I am fully embracing a bump I thought I would feature a few fashion brands/shops that I am all over this time round. 

H and M maternity is always a winner and it was the first time for me with Harry so no change there but what I rate specifically from there is their lounge wear, and also their black leggings! (featured below) So comfy and not overly tight, they are great value for money as you can buy them in a 2 pack and I have even worn them for a second pregnancy so they've last really well.

Mothercare - Work wear, I have had some lovely comments from my work colleagues of how flattering my work dresses have been. They are so comfy and yet still smart (I have to dress fairly formal for my job!) I manage to grab their dresses in the sale to keep costs down so sign up the there website to never miss the deals! 

I also invested in some maternity tights this time round and these were also from mothercare £15 for 2 and they were worth the money for sure.

ASOS Maternity - Is my absolute FAVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have been able to buy some gorgeous tops (as above) from ASOS and also their feature brand mamalicious. It is my birthday month (next Sunday!) I will be heading out with my girlfriends for some dinner and have purchased 3 dresses from their website for up coming events. Can't rate them enough, and i wish their range was as big as it is now 2 years ago.

Primark - Nightwear! I have been buying their loose over sized nightdresses for evening times when I don't want anything tight on, and they have some really girly lovely ones in there. One of my fave's which I will feature below is their Minnie Mouse night dress, so comfy yet so girly with out feeling frumpy.

Some fabulous bits out there to get the bump styled ladies. x

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BEST BUYS FOR A NEW MUM/BABY

Hey everyone; 

I hope your well and no doubt in the mind set of how the heck are we in October or is that just me!???????????!!!!

With a few of my friends expecting and as another month progresses for my (2nd) pregnancy it got me thinking of what to cover in my latest blog post and it is what I feel are the BEST buys for a NEW mummy and Baby!

My friend and I recently went shopping and it inspired me to do this feature as my friend was buying for a family member and asked my opinion of what to buy the new arrival and it really got me thinking of all the best gifts I feel every new mum/baby could do with.

#1 - Swim wear

No one buys the newborn swim wear; NO ONE! You will rarely find someone else has purchased this same gift as you, so money well spent and an item definitely needed. New mums read all about how it is relaxing for the baby to be in water, and encourages them to sleep better, and enjoy swimming as they get older. When they/you finally feel ready to take baby for a swim, for me it was around 7 weeks from birth (By the way I didn't look good in a swimming costume at this point (I wish!!) but it wasn't about me!) I then realised we don''t have any swim for the little one?!

#2 - Weaning items e.g. Spoons, bowls, bibs etc

Trust me, those 4-6 months to start weaning absolutely fly by. One minute you have given birth the next your realising 1 week has gone by, 1 month has and so on. These are great essentials to any new parent! Its something they will also look forward to using and will be so so glad when that time comes to start their weaning process. My friend bought me a Nutri Baby and it was fantastic; i was so excited to get going with it.

I have featured the below because they were all huge hits with my son. Especially the non spill sippy cup with munchkin - Can't recommend it enough. I couldnt find a picture of the spoons from boots, but they are their own brand and came in a pack of 4x, they were a great size for my sons mouth.

#3 - Muslin Cloths

These to be fair these are a common gift BUT I have added it in if your tossing up between these and baby blanket or baby grow. Whether breast feeding or bottle feeding omg a mummy can never have to many muslin cloths. I went through them like no tomorrow! 

I am featuring Tesco and The White Company - I loved both for different reasons, I know your thinking they're only a cloth! Lol BUT the white company in particular for me I liked because I breast fed for 7 months and found their cloths were BIG, so nice and large to cover baby if i was in a manic public area, and also plenty there if i was wiping dribble/baby sick - the joys!

4# - Digital Ear Thermometer 

My aunt bought us the tommee tippee one & it was a god send. It was on offer for £25. Every new mum will get great use out of this especially when their little ones are going to be having their immunisations, as keeping an eye on their temperature is always advised and the digital ones in particular is accurate for readings in 5 seconds. There are lots of mixed reviews but for the price, it does the job!

5# - Mum Basket

Yep, if all else fails and you have attended the baby shower or seen all the gifts she has for the baby and think omg I don't know where to start; do not feel you have to buy for baby. Your friend, sister, aunt who ever it is will be so grateful for a ''Mum Basket'' my best friends done one for me and it contained everything from;

Cuticle Oil

Nail File

Dry Shampoo

Deodorant 

Hair bubbles/scrugchies

Fave chocolate bar - LARGE!

Coffee - Nescafe Azera is a good shout

Small bottle of wine or a LARGE - Lol

Coconut Oil

New Slippers

Love the happy balance mum x

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