Could I do it all again?

Now Darcie is approaching two I am being asked, rather a lot, whether I could go through it all again, i.e. have another baby. It is a question I have been asking myself too. If you are a new reader you may not know of my rather traumatic birth story with Darcie, it's not an unusual one, but it ended with an emergency c-section where I was put to sleep. So in my eyes it was pretty traumatic! You can read more about that here. 

So, could I do it all again? Putting aside the birth, you have the potential recovery period as well as juggling a newborn. Recovery can be slow. Now try to establish breast feeding with little or no sleep. Sterilising bottles. Changing nappies countless times a day.  Now try adding into the mix a toddler. This little person who has been the centre of your world for its entire life now has to adapt to having a baby to share their mummy and daddy with. What if they get jealous? Don't forget the added cost. Childcare for two. Clothes for two. Food for two. Toys for two. The list is endless.

Could I do it all again?

Yes.

I could do it all again, and I  am looking forward to all of it. I want to see Darcie as a big sister, I know she would love the responsibiltiy it would bring. To see her share, care, love with another little person, how could I not want that? The love you have for a child is one that nothing that can compare. I feel that as a family of three we have room in our hearts to be a family of four. It won't be yet, the time wouldn't be right but the idea keeps playing on my mind. 

But for now I am looking forward to so much already, I can not forget come August I will be officially Mrs B then who knows what the future will bring.

Mummy B xoxox

Mamas & Papas Love

I recently watched Louise from Spinkle of glitter's latest video where she showed some recent buys from Mamas & Papas. I instantly fell in love with her pics and soon found myself browsing their website. Mamas & Papas hasn't been a place where I have shoped in a very long time. When I was pregnant and Darcie was a new born was constantly in and out of there, but since she has become a toddler I haven't even thought of going there! 

I am so glad I stumbled upon their site again. I am in love with their range for 2-6 year olds. Navy's and yellows are colours that I am drawn to, they just scream out sunny days and fun.

1. This was one of Louise's pics, the bird print matched with contrast collar is perfect. Priced at £32.00.

2. Navy. Strips. Yellow. Do they do this in adult size?! Priced at £28.00.

3. This little jumper is very Cath Kidston esque. Priced at £26.00.

4. Another of Louise's pics, this gorgeous cream little jacket with the lace collar would be perfect for spring and summer evenings. I can picture Darcie in this on our honeymoon. Priced at £32.00.

5. This fun print with the contrast blue panel is super cute, perfect with leggings or jeans. Priced at £18.00.

6. This blue stripy skater style dress is a must for any little girl. A great basic! Priced at £26.00.

7. Purple stripy leggings that go perfectly with the yellow print tops. Priced at £12.00.

8. A beautiful yellow vintage print that would be perfect for spring. Priced at £22.00.

9. Yellow polka dot jeans? Yes please! Priced at £18.00.

So there we have it. My pics for Mamas & Papas latest range, I will most definitely make sure I remember how wonderful this place is, not only for precious new borns, but for toddlers too.

Mummy B xoxox

Ordinary Moments #1

This week has been a very hectic week. I don't think there has been a day this week where I have felt like I have had any sleep. Don't get me wrong, Little d has been relatively good at night but each morning I look in the mirror and this tired women with hair that desperately needs cutting is staring back at me with very tired bloodshot eyes. But hey, I'm a full time working mummy of a 19 month old, who juggles a blog and is planning her wedding. I wouldn't expect any different. Would I?

Those bags totally give the game away!

Talking of my wedding, we had another meeting with the owners of our venue this week. More things have been put into place, a hairdresser has been found along with a car. More importantly we finally have chosen the food for the day. A few less things to stress about! 

Childcare has been a nightmare too. Darcie goes to a nursery one day a week, because Jamie works shifts we didn't want Darcie in full time if we didn't need to. So on the days where the shifts don't fit with my schedule, we have to arrange for more days etc etc. On this particular occasion nursery was full, and our usual back up plans also fell through. So the day before I was frantically coming up with other options. Luckily my lovely friend Lucy was able to help. I felt so incredibly guilty to ask as she has a gorgeous little 10 week old baby herself, up for the challenge Darcie spent the day "helping" Lucy look after baby Wills. I don't know about any other working mummy's, but I don't think the guilt of Childcare ever gets better! 

This weekend I have tried to wake myself up a bit. Going for a blustery walk Saturday before chilling in the evening. Sunday I spent some time with some more close friends, mummy friends, friends who make you feel like you are actually normal and the fact you look like poo every day is because you're trying to do your very best. This evening, as Jamie has worked all weekend, my Dad is taking me and Darcie out for dinner. Yummy yummy, get in my tummy! 

Watching the rain fall.

On another note, Darcie appears to be napping again, maybe she was going through a sleep regretion! This has definitely helped me feel like I am catching up, instead of always falling behind! 

How has your week been?

Mummy B xoxox

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Little d's favourite books of the moment

My girl is a reader. A right little book worm who likes to have her nose in a book. One feature I love to see on parenting blogs is what other children love to read so I can get some more ideas to help her little collection grow. 

So, with that in mind I thought I would share with you what my little d has been drawn to the last couple of weeks.

Winnie The Pooh, Pooh's Snowy Day by Egmont. Who doesn't love that friendly old bear? Little d prefers to read this herself, I love to hear her read, "Pooh broo gud froo dum gee but grooo Pooh dum eeeeyoore". So sweet.

A present from her Grandad, the Moomins lift the flap Peekaboo by Puffin. This book is a nice interactive little read, this would be perfect for little(er) ones too.

Ok ok, I know she isn't two yet but she very much loves this book. Stories for two year olds by Igloobooks is a great book to read with d, it has a few stories that include things like counting to 10 - which she can do now but she sometimes misses 5 & 6! 

Just Ducks by Nicola Davis has been a well loved book, I think me and Jamie know the entire story off by heart! This book tells your child everything they could possible want to know about ducks!

Ebb and Flo books by Jane Simmons are a relatively new addition, I love the illustrations and the stories are so sweet too.

I really love that Darcie enjoys books, I hope that this love continues as she grows.

What books do your children enjoy?

Mummy B xoxox

Feeling good.

Today had the potential to be a bad day. Blue Monday. I totally woke up on the wrong side of the bed, making my feelings known to my poor hubby-to-be. I went off to work, trying to be positive when I knew I had lots to catch up on. Luckily in my hour "free", I caught up with the stuff I needed to do. The students I taught today were happy and delightful, reminding my why I love my job. Then Jamie picked me up from work, whisked me to the post office where a nice little package was waiting for me. Then he took me to a quick dinner at a local pub before picking Darcie up from nursery. I have then spent the evening colouring with Darcie, then had some planning time whilst Jamie bathed Darcie - singing nursery rhymes together to create my therapeutic soundtrack.

So Blue Monday, take that. I have an amazing hubby-to-be, father of my wonderful little d, a job that I love and place to call my own. What on earth do I need to feel blue for?

Mummy B xoxox

It'll be ok

Well today has given me flash backs to my pregnancy. Head down the loo, feeling exhausted and watching Ewan McGreggor's and Charly Boorman's Long Way Round (tv series we were obsessed with whilst I was pregnant). But unfortunately, I didn't have the excitement of a new baby to make it all worth it. Just another hideous sickness bug. Yup I got it too!

Hoping now we have all had it we can get back to normality.

Mummy B xoxox

Moments That Mattered 2013

I wanted to do a recap of 2013, it was an amazing year and I thought why not share it with you guys.

2013 started slowly, nothing exciting happened in January and February. I had returned to work and so for me, it was mainly getting back into that work routine. I got very down. Riddled with guilt about leaving my baby girl when she was still so young. I soon got into the swing of things though. Plus we had a few snow days too which lifted my spirits.

The real excitement started in March. On Mothers Day, my very first, Jamie took me and Darcie to our university home, Kent. We had an amazing day going to our old haunts and discovering new ones. In the afternoon we went to Canterbury Cathedral where we graduated, and he then proposed.

I was so happy. You can read about our day HERE. 

Also in March we had our very first Easter as a family of three. A lovely family day full of fun.

My little squidge looks so happy here, looking forward to our next Easter together.

April was a busy month, I started to plan for our wedding day looking at venues and putting together ideas. But we made sure that we gave ourselves time to chill. 

May was definitely a day trip kind of month. We spent our weekends with family and friends on little trips to local attractions. Like Banham Zoo, Wells-next-to-the-Sea, Lowestoft, and making the most of the May half term. 

June was a BIG month. Darcie turned one. I spent ages planning for her special day and it was completely perfect. I was quite proud of myself!

In June we also said our final goodbyes to my Nan & Grandad when we spread their ashes on the Norfolk Broads, a bitter/sweet day. Lovely family time.

July was another amazing month, filled with date days and summer walks. The perfect way to start the summer holidays.

August was a big blog month. I won Next's Blogger of the month award and that was partly down to my post on Darcie's new room. I worked my butt off for that room and I was so pleased to get some recognition for it.

We also made full use of me being on my hols, trips to Southwold, our local city Norwich, and woodland walks.

September came around so quickly, meaning I had to go back to work from the summer holidays and I turned 25. It was a lovely day, we went to Southwold after I finished work and ate chips and walked along the beach - perfect. Let me just add here, 2013 seemed to fly by!

October, a gloomy month. But I did have some quality time with my girl, conker picking!

October also saw me attend my first blogging event. A little trip to London for Next's first blogging event featuring a couple of my blog and YouTube favs!

November we spent preparing for Christmas, having cosy nights nights in. We didn't need to venture far to have quality time. This was also the month where we had THAT car incident...!

Then lastly came December. Filled with Christmas markets, Darcie's first Nativity and of course Christmas. Who can deny that December is the time for family.

2013 was the perfect year for family time. These are the moments that matter the most to me, forget work or blogging, family time are the moments that matter.

Mummy B xoxox

This post has been inspired by 'Oh So Amelia's' competition in partnership with Lloyds Bank.

A valentine getaway

Valentines day is soon approaching, and for me and Jamie what makes this time of year even more special is that it is our 8th anniversary on the 5th of February! I can't believe it's been nearly eight years since we first got together.

 Because our special date almost coincides with valentines day we tend to make sure we do something around these dates to celebrate. We have done all sorts, gifts, a romantic night in, dinner, dinner and the cinema, I think one year we even did Bingo! One thing that we haven't done is have a little getaway. Now Darcie is here a lot of our time revolves around her, whilst we love that  and wouldn't change that, it would be nice to have a night or a weekend away from our daily routine and focus on us. I think all couples want and need that special time, it's so important to make sure you still spend quality time.

I can picture us staying somewhere in this country, somewhere quite quaint and relaxing, somewhere like this North Yorkshire Country House - Ox Pasture Hall.

This place is completely my style, if you have been a long time reader of my blog you will know that this look and feel is totally me. My wedding is also heavily influenced around this country vibe. 

I can picture me and Jamie, relaxing, enjoying good food and getting lost in the grounds. What a perfect way to have some quality time away from everyday hassle.

But, as our wedding is closely approaching, dreams of getaways will have to be put on hold. For now.

But who says a girl can not dream?

Mummy B xoxox

A PR colabaration.