To breastfeed or not // My plans for baby no. 2

Being 16 weeks pregnant, I have now had a little time to contemplate how I'm going to feed bubba. Now before I get started this won't be a post about what's right or wrong, it is simply a chance for me to think aloud and perhaps get some thoughts from mums in similar situations. So if you're wanting to read a controversial post about what's the best for your baby, you're in the wrong place.

Way's to encourage your toddler to tidy up

Anyone else's toddler like to tidy up? Darcie is constantly asking to help mummy out and whilst this is seemingly something she enjoys I am totally going to encourage this! I first noticed that she likes tidying up when we took a trip to Primark over Christmas to stock her up on PJ's, she had a field day tidying up all the clothes that had been strewn across the floor. Cute yes, but now this is a regular thing every time we go to a "messy shop" as she calls it - which is slightly embarrassing when she say's this in front of staff!

Whilst she may find tidying up fun, her idea of tidying up and mine are very much worlds apart. So how can you get your toddler to be a help rather than a hinderance when doing the housework?

Spring Fling // Toddler Style from Next

It's officially spring and I flipping love it! This time of year is one of my favourites, the start of longer days hint towards what summer has on offer. It's also the time of year my bank balance always takes a hit too (unfortunately, why can't money grow on tree's hey?) as I start to build up Darcie's spring/summer wardrobe. Having said that, a lot of clothes from last summer still fit her so I'm only having to add a few bits to fully kit her out. 

As usual I turn to Next to kick start each season & I have already got two items from the above picture, the dungaree's and bird/denim dress - I am so obsessed with this print it's so colourful and screams spring, and I'm itching to add these gorgeous other pieces. 

I particularly like the smoky dresses, the giraffe print dress reminds me of a next print dress Darcie had when she was one, their is something about giraffe's I am seemingly drawn too. Speaking of giraffes, the very cute trainers have tiny little giraffe's on too! The stripy t-shirt with the cute bunny on is rather Joules like, but half the price and you know me I love a bit of the nautical style that Joules does so well. Finally I picked out these gorgeous fringed sandals that look super comfortable and perfect for toddlers who like to run around in the sun, perfect for my little girl!

Are there any toddler items you're currently lusting over?

Mummy B xoxox

Imaginative Outdoor Play

Imaginative play is one of my daughters favourite things to do and to be honest it’s something that I try to encourage. There is nothing more magical than taking a glimpse into their own little worlds of wonder. You may be asking what exactly is imaginative play, and essentially it is when children are role playing and are acting out various experiences they may have had or something that is of interest to them. It's key for a child's development as it shows they are experimenting with decision making, how they are to behave and also polishing off those social skills. Children learn from experience, they take in everything around them and then, to absorb those experiences and make sense of it all, they then become engaged in imaginary play.

First Trimester // Baby #2

It will come as no surprise that I have found the first trimester tough at times, I'm sure the lack of blogging is a big giveaway! It's such a roller-coaster ride when you are pregnant - not that the ride stops when you do eventually have the baby! There are so many emotions you go through before that 12 week scan, all the worries and fears, constantly googling whether this and that is normal. It's no different when it's your second baby.

In all fairness I think the biggest hurdle when you're on baby #2 is the fact you already have another little one to run around after! I have suffered with tiredness, just as I did with Darcie, but I have been unable to come home from work and just fall asleep on the sofa this time round! I have developed a lot of headaches as well, I'm guessing because I have been so tired and unable just come home and relax. One saving grace, is I have experienced minimal sickness - which I am so thankful for as I really suffered with Darcie!

When it eventually came to the 12 week scan, a mixture of nerves and excitement set in, but we were soon put to ease when we saw our healthy little bubba relaxing away in there. We decided to take Darcie with us too, we are very open with her, and she really loved the experience. It's lovely to see there is already a bond forming there. 

So, I'm now 14 + weeks and starting to have a little more energy, I'm really looking  forward to baby's 20 week scan where we plan to find out baby's sex - I'm already thinking its a boy! 

How did you find your first trimester second time round?

Mummy B xoxox

Darcie has some special news // A Big Announcement

We're so excited to tell you all our special news....

That's right, we are proudly expecting baby number 2, due 14th September 2015. We are over the moon and so pleased we can finally share our news with you all!!

With me being a little MIA recently on the blog front, I think many of you had already guessed. This little bubba has been giving me a hard time and have felt pretty rubbish the last few months. In fact this post should of gone live two days ago but little Darcie has come down with a cold and conjunctivitis - we're both suffering! However, I can't complain as we are so excited to make our little family complete. 

As always, I look forward to sharing with you our journey.

Mummy B xoxox

Five playground games for little ones

Another wonderful guest post from the lovely Mary.

5 Playground Games For Little Ones 

When the garden is overgrown after a winter of neglect, and it’s too wet and wild for the children, the playground becomes an essential destination for helping to burn off some of that excess energy. 

There’s sometimes nothing worse than being stuck inside with bored little ones. Whilst you try and think up any form of entertainment that might help pass an hour at least. 

But despite the wet weather the Playground is the perfect place to develop some essential skills for youngsters such as balance and co-ordination. 

So when the going gets tough inside, pop on their wellie boots and wrap them up for an afternoon of play. 

You’re IT 

Getting active along with the children can benefit you and them. 

You can burn off a few calories whilst they have an absolute fun time with their mum. 

Playing tag is one of the activities that will get you both running around, much to their hilarity as you try and tag them. 

They’ll be running around in fits of giggles before you can say ‘Your IT’, and you’ll feel great for being outside and enjoying quality time with them. 

Who needs a gym when you’ve got a little one to run after? 

Colourful Chalk 

If your youngster is the creative type then grab some coloured chalks and set-off to beautify the playground. 

Letting me release their inner artist will encourage them to be confident in the activities they enjoy the most. Just don’t forget to take along some water to wash it away, as many local councils may frown on any leftover artwork. 

Just in case perhaps call the local council and suggest an area for creative chalk play. 

Colourful art should be encouraged and can brighten up some of the dullest parks. 

A Mini Circuit 

There is so much to do at the playground from swings to slides, to monkey bars, to roundabouts. 

Instead of following them around idly, create a mini circuit and time them to see how fast they can do it all. 

They will love the challenge and find it fun to know you’re helping them.

Giving them the chance to use all that the playground has to offer, is a great way of making them use and improve multiple skills. 

If you want to know about other activities that can help them with life skills, there are various articles online such as this one, which can tell you about the benefits of outside play. 

Kick or Throw 

Ball games are always the easy way out when it comes to playground games, but hand-eye co-ordination is a skill that ball games are great for. 

Whether you become their goalie, or you’re just playing a game of catch, ball games will make them concentrate on the task at hand and work with you. 

For much more fun, allow them to bring along a friend so they can do this with a team mate.

An Adventure for Explorers 

If your little ones get bored easily after a while in the playground, encourage their in explorers to take a nature trail. 

Help them find some treasures and wildlife that they can learn about. 

Whether you find a pretty flower to take home with you, or find a beautiful lady bug to watch. 

Showing them the wonders of the outdoors will make them feel as though they’re off on an adventure each time you visit the playground. 

Whichever game you decide to play just ensure you have done a quick safety check of the playground to ensure no little accidents may occur. 

If your local playground is not clean or safe encourage your local council to have it maintained by professionals such as these. A safe environment is a fun one, and it should be kept in pristine order for the community to enjoy. 

I hope you have enjoyed this post as much as I have, we love the nature trail idea and will be trying this out next weekend!

Mummy B xoxox