20 Week Update & 1st Consultant Appointment

I am at the half way point, 20 weeks. My goodness, this pregnancy has simply flown by. I have avoided doing weekly bump updates as, to be honest, they would be rather repetitive and I don’t really like the idea of me posing for a bump shot! Don’t get me wrong, I do love reading bump updates but I just felt they weren’t for me. However, occasionally I like to just do a random update and the 20 week mark seemed special. 

This week was actually a big week, I had my first consultant appointment to discuss my care plan and birth plan. To say I was nervous was an understatement. I didn’t know what to expect as I was not under consultant care with Darcie, so this in itself was new territory. I read that I should be prepared to battle to get the birth I would want and how they would always push for a VBAC if it was appropriate. I already knew that a VBAC would be an option, there was nothing physically wrong with me and I recovered well from my emergency c-section, so I knew this is something they would be keen for me to try. "Try", I didn’t like the sound of that. I tried to give birth naturally (well I was induced so it wasn't completely natural) last time and it resulted in me being put to sleep and missing the entire first moments with my brand new and tiny daughter! This actually affected me for a long time and I suffered with a little post-traumatic stress. So, as you can probably imagine, I was very apprehensive about this meeting.

My fears couldn’t have been further from the truth. My consultant was very understanding and let me lead the conversation. She listened to my experience with Darcie and then asked if I had already thought about the birth of this pregnancy and what I would like to happen. I simply explained that this time I wanted to be in control and more importantly be awake for birth of my second child. She agreed, and said that a planned c-section would probably be better at minimising the chance of post-traumatic stress as I can better prepare myself for what’s to come. Then she asked me to wait and off she went to book me in for my c-section. Just like that. I have been given a date for the procedure and for the pre-op, which is before my due date of the 14^th September 2014. I was in shock how stress free and relaxed the meeting was. 

During the meeting we also discussed my care plan for the remainder of my pregnancy, due to my complications last time (high blood pressure and measuring very small due to reduced waters) they have decided to book me in for some growth scans for 28, 32 and 36 weeks. This has given me more reassurance that I will be closely monitored in case similar complications arise. Touch wood, everything is currently fine at the moment. 

So on the whole, this pregnancy has been a lot easier than Darcie, I have still had minimal sickness and generally I’m feeling well. There are some days where sickness takes over then I usually develop a migraine, but these have been rare moments in this pregnancy.  Bump wise, I think I’m measuring a little bigger than I was with Darcie at the same stage but week on week I’m starting to feel more and more uncomfortable – especially at night!

On Wednesday we get to see bubs again and all being well, we’re hoping to find out whether we’re having a boy or a girl – I’m still convinced it’s a boy! So be sure to look out for another update very soon!

Have/are you been under consultant care? What has been your experience?

Mummy B xoxox

Family Friendly Holiday Planning | Dreamy Destinations at Home and Away

Family Friendly Holiday Planning – Dreamy Destinations at Home and Away

Planning holidays when you have children can be a somewhat arduous task – especially when you’re in search of something a little extra special! Deciding whether to brave a trip abroad for the first time with young children is a big move, so for some a staycation is the preferable option and can save you no end of money on flight costs and new passports. Luckily, there are plenty of child-friendly places across the globe that offer a great balance of luxury for parents and things to see and do for your kiddos. Although we’re not quite ready to brave a trip away with baby number two on the way just yet, here are some simply stunning locations to inspire your summer holiday plans.

France

France is absolutely perfect for a first time family holiday abroad, and whether you’re in search of a weekend city break, a rustic country getaway or a week spent relaxing on a beach, France certainly has it all. Choose the part of France you visit carefully, as some of the southern regions could prove to be a little too hot if you’re travelling with youngsters who don’t react well to the heat. 

There are plenty of things to keep both you and your children happy, from delicious local delicacies, historical market towns, the gorgeous region of the Dordogne and of course, France is home to every child’s dream holiday destination; Disneyland Paris! 

Cornwall

If you don’t feel quite ready to brave jetting off to warmer climates quite yet, then Cornwall is a dreamy location and a wonderful choice for a family staycation. This area of the UK is quite simply stunning and is a gorgeous place for your kiddos to explore and get closer to nature. If you do opt to stay in the UK for your holiday, you have the added advantage of saving money on flights and updating expired passports which means a little extra allowance to spend on somewhere special to stay.  

Whether you choose to explore The Lizard and Kynance Cove, test your balancing skills on a surfboard, visit the otter sanctuary or enjoy a swim in the Bude Sea Pool, there is a myriad of activities to keep you busy. Don’t forget to treat yourself plenty of Cornish pasties and cream teas!

Italy

If you and yours are food lovers, then there really is no place quite like Italy to enjoy delicious freshly made, local cuisine! This country is packed full of culture, history and freshly prepared pizza and local wines to sample, not to mention exciting places to explore. Italy boasts golden sandy beaches, inspiring countryside and an abundance of Roman historical sites to visit, so there really is something to suit every taste. 

The bustling capital city of Rome has a plethora of landmarks that you simply must-see, and Pompeii and Herculaneum are truly incredible if you’re a history geek! Italy can get rather hot at times, so it’s worth doing a little research before you jet off to this beautiful country.

Do you have any holiday's lined up this year? 

Mummy B xoxox

*PR collaboration 

My Gender Preference

This being my second pregnancy that age old question "do you want a boy or another girl?" seems to be something that I am asked on a daily basis. Working in a school I have lots of quizzical students who think I must have a preference - the obvious being "wouldn't it be nice if you had a little boy, then you would have one of each". That "one of each line" always seems to get me, I don't know why but it irritates me. 

So do Jamie and I have a gender preference? In short, no. We will be finding out, just as we did with Darcie - simply because we like to be organised and Jamie is too impatient to wait a full 40 weeks or so!!

Having a boy would be lovely. I have a little brother myself who I adore (despite how very different we are, and not just because he is a boy!), and enjoyed our childhood together - me bossing him around playing the little sister, until he eventually learnt to say no! Then as I got older I became protective and slightly mothering to him. I can picture Darcie being a big sister to a little brother, and having a similar relationship to me and my brother. 

Having another girl would be equally as lovely, I can imagine having two little girls ruling the house! Having a boy makes me slightly anxious, but only in the respect that all I know is what its like to have a girl!! 

My inklings? I'm convinced its a little boy, this pregnancy has been quite different and I just have that feeling. Jamie is of the opinion its another girl, though he hasn't told me why he thinks this. We don't have very long to wait, my 20 week scan is a week today!!

Did you ever have a gender preference?

Mummy B xoxox

Planning the Perfect Summer Picnic

Today I have a lovely guest post from Mary about the perfect summer picnic - exactly what we need in this lovely weather we have been having!

Planning the Perfect Summer Picnic 

As the sunshine is finally here there’s no better way to celebrate then with a day out with the children, and a basket full of their favourite foods. 

Whether you’re joining in with the fun, or sitting back and watching their delight, the summer gives us longer days and more opportunities to spend time as a family. 

After what’s felt like an endless time spent inside watching the raindrops fall down the windows, it feels like a new lease of life has been instilled in everyone as we all make plans to get outside and make the most of the weather we’ve been blessed with. 

A picnic can be the perfect way to spend summer days, so for a fuss free adventure in the great outdoors I’ve compiled a guide to keep the fun coming and the tantrums at bay. 

As Mums we all know that any day out never goes without a military style organisation plan.

The Destination

Picking a place to enjoy your picnic is the most important task, as it can make or break your entire day out. 

Like any Mum you’ll have to think about the worst case scenarios. If it rains, will there be somewhere that you can shelter? And are there activities for them to take part in? 

Keeping the little ones entertained is the hardest part of any day out, so find somewhere that they’re never going to get bored of is essential. 

You could be testing your own luck, but sometimes it’s a nice idea to ask the little ones where they would like to go, however if you’d rather not run the risk there are a number of resources such as this one that list the best days out for children across the UK. 

The Nibbles  

Eating out with the family can often be expensive when you’re planning your day out. Especially if there is an admission fee to get into your chosen destination. 

Planning a tasty picnic that will keep them well-nourished during their activities will mean you can focus on enjoying time with them rather than worry about what they’re eating. 

Combine your picnic basket with sweet treats and healthy snacks, so that if they become distracted by any of the over expensive food available, you have something to satisfy their requests. 

Finger foods are the easiest for picnics, but if you’ve got the time, try and cut them into fun shapes that will encourage the children to eat them. 

If it’s quite an active day you’ve got planned make it easy to carry around the food with a picnic bag like this one, that way when hunger strikes the little ones can be easily fed without any costly purchases. 

The Fun 

Don’t just rely on the activities that your chosen destination has available. Sometimes no matter how hard you try and convince them, children simply don’t feel like taking part. Instead, take along toys and games that they will feel happy to play with no matter their mood.

Mummy B xoxox

*Guest Post

Garlic, Parmesan and Basil One Pot Pasta

Scouring Pinterest for a nice quick meal, I always stumble across one pot pasta recipes. They instantly appealed to me because the prep time is minimal and all you have to do once you put all the ingredients in is stir occasionally! Perfect for busy mums.

So here is a recipe I adapted to try out a one pot pasta dish. 

Ingredients

1 table spoon olive oil

4 gloves of garlic, minced

2 cups of chicken stock

1 cup of milk

2 tablespoons of butter

Pasta

Salt & peper to taste

1/4 cup of parmesan cheese

Chopped parsley

Method

Heat oil in a large pan (I use a wok which worked well) on a medium heat, add garlic and cook for about 1-2 minuets stirring frequently.

Stir in chicken stock, milk, butter and pasta and then season to taste.

Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer until pasta is cooked (around 18 minuets). 

Then stir in parmesan and parsley until sauce is thick. If you find the source too thick for your liking just add more milk.

Serve immediately and add parsley to garnish.

This dish is so delicious and everyone in the house finished theirs and asked for more. Massive hit for Darcie too!

Have you tried any one pot pasta recipe's? What's your favourite?

Mummy B xoxox

Gift ideas for our soon-to-be three year old

With the 2nd of June growing ever closer, I have started to think about potential gifts for our three year old. I love buying her bits and pieces, but when I actually sit down to think what she may like I often find myself slightly stumped! Luckily, she has been very vocal about her likes and dislikes.

At the moment, Darcie;s current go-to bed times story is her Katie and the Impressionists. It's a story all about a girl called Katie who goes to the gallery with her Grandma on her Grandma's birthday. The book has beautiful illustrations of famous paintings my artists such as Monet and Renoir. It's a lovely book that opens children up to the world or art. The Katie books have been going for around 25 year, and though I never had any as a child - I think they are brilliant and have fallen in love with the series. Next on our list is Katie in London or Katie in Scotland. Amazon (£5.99)

This may seem like a slightly bizarre gift for a three year old, but she is a determined madame. At bedtime she is now starting to hate to wear PJ's - I'm guessing as it is getting warmer she is finding them a little uncomfortable. So instead, she asks if she can wear dresses to bed. Unfortunately we have never got her a nightie, so I think this is a must for our little, strong minded girl. Next (£12).

As I have mentioned in previous posts, Darcie loves role play. She has started to take an interest in what I do for my day job (teaching) and so often want's to have a go at being a teacher herself. An easel would be the perfect tool for this budding teacher! Ikea (£16).

Sticking with the role play theme, Darcie has taken a liking to picnic's with her toys. This soft picnic hamper would make the perfect addition to her fun. Not on the High Street (£32).

Showing a growing (see what I did there?) interest in gardening, this little watering can and seed set would be the perfect gift for a little one wanting to take ownership of a spot in the garden. Not on the High Street (£16).

Finally, a superhero cape for a super little girl! I can just picture Darcie charging around in this and mimicking superhero poses. Perfect for any kiddaroo... I wonder if they make them in adult sizes....? Not on the High Street (£29).

I hope you have found my picks useful if you have an upcoming little person's birthday. 

Mummy B xoxox

Best Friends {The Ordinary Moments 15}

There is something so special when you see your child have a bond with another little person or two. Today we attended Darcie's "best friend's" birthday party and in the days leading up to this it has been clear to see that she really does treasure this little friend. 

 Playing in her room the other morning (whilst I was having a sneaky bath), I overheard her talking to her toys. She was telling them all about how she was going to her best friends, Lilly's, party and saying "This is what I'm going to wear, isn't it lovely? I think Lilly will like it too". Gahh, it was just the sweetest thing hearing her sweet little voice talking like that. 

This morning we went to pick out her present (yes I'm so flipping organised leaving it till the last min!), it was just me and her taking a little stroll around the shopping centre and whilst we were waiting for the shops to open she started to tell me exactly what she wanted to buy for her friend. She told me that she knew she would want a handbag and that this was a brilliant "plan". As this was her best friend, I had to agree, I mean she must know best! 

So we headed for the Disney store, and Darcie picked up a Disney Princess Handbag and matching activity book. She trotted off to the cashier and asked if she could have them for her friend. After I paid, she insisted she carry the bag all the way back to the car. Once home, she helped me wrap the presents and she wrote in her card. We then headed off to the party.

Once there she made a beeline for her friend, giving her her present who then put it on the gift table. They then trotted off to play together. They were inseparable the entire time along with their other little friend Harry. These three have been friends since they where just a few months old and over the past (almost) three years it has been an absolute pleasure to see them all grow into their own little personalities but to also see that they still happily play together so well.

When the party was over and we headed home, Darcie was a little disheartened that she didn't get to see Lilly open her presents. I told her not to worry and that she would of loved her gift. I could see it was playing on her little mind. Then just before I was about to put Darcie to bed, I got a message from my friend Hayley telling me that Lilly did indeed like her bag and that Darcie knew exactly what she would've liked. So when I tucked her up in bed, I told her what Hayley said her little face lit up. She went to bed one contented and happy little girl.

This kid is just too darn cute and has such a big heart.

Mummy B xoxox

Great Apps for Toddlers

Whether you agree with toddlers using electronic devices or not, their is no denying that at times they can be incredibly handy. We have found quite a few apps that our toddler, Darcie really loves and benefits from. Just before anyone starts to judge, Darcie doesn't sit there all day playing on my Ipad - that's something I certainly don't agree with. But in the mornings if I'm trying to get ready and she is wanting to laze around in mummy's and daddy's bed it can be quite handy whilst I have a quick shower! Also on long car journey's they have been a godsend - especially when we have been stuck in traffic jams!

Story Apps 

We quite like story apps that can either read to her or as she gets older can read independently. If you have been following me for a while you will know that we love books in our house and there isn't a day that goes by where we don't read books together. However, the handy thing about these apps is that when you're on the go (like in the car) and you can't easily read to them, they can still get their story fix! Our favourites include Disney's Storytime and Cbeebies Storytime.

Educational Game Apps

Darcie has grown quite fond of playing games on my Ipad, it amazes me how quickly they pick up how to play the games too. There are some fantastic little games that have been specially designed for toddlers and some are even very educational too. Our favourites include LEGO DUPLO Train, Cbeebies Playtime and Disney's Winnie the Pooh.

Creative Apps

My girl loves to be creative, partly why she doesn't want to spend much time on the Ipad! But when she is in a creative mood and wants to draw, like in the car, there are a few apps that let her fulfil her creative needs. Disney's Creative Studio is fantastic for this as you can draw independently, or learn how to draw your favourite character or do a spot of colouring in. I'm not afraid to say I have played on this app too!

What are your thought's on toddlers playing on apps? Do you have any favourites?

Mummy B xoxox

50 things that make me happy

Helen from All the Beautiful Things has nominated me to take part in the 50 things that make me happy. I haven't done one of these types of posts in long time, so thought why not! It's a good thing to reflect and take note of all the little things that make you smile. Just a side note, these are in no particular order!

Here are my 50 things that make me happy

VBAC V Elective C-section

In two weeks time I will be having my first consultant appointment about my birthing plans. Having had an emergency c-section last time (and other complications), I was automatically put under consultant care. At this appointment they will discuss what happened in my last pregnancy and birth, then assess my options for this time round, they will also discuss whether I will have more scans due to my reduced waters last time with Darcie. 

I should have a choice between a VBAC (vaginal birth after c-section, for those not in the know like my mum!) and and Elective C-section. For me there are definite pro's and con's for both of these options, along the information and recommendations from my consultant, I am starting to do my own research so I can make an informed choice about how I would like to birth Baby Burgess #2 into the world.

So here are my thoughts for both, lets first of all talk about VBAC.

A happy girl makes a happy mummy {The Ordinary Moments - 2015}

I don't know if its the beautiful weather, my gorgeous smiley girl or the prospect of become a mummy of two, but at this present moment in time I am so incredibly happy. 

Every morning I wake up and I feel so positive about life and where we as a family are heading. There are of course things that worry me daily - like money, but that still doesn't stop me from thinking how incredibly lucky we are. This year has seen quite a lot of change and exciting new chapter's in our lives.

A Healthy Banana Split | Happy Healthy Family Eats

With Easter now been and gone you may be looking for a more healthy alternative dessert/treat for you and your little ones. Whilst watching one of my favourite YouTuber's Jess, she gave me just that - a healthy and very yummy banana split! 

I decided to give it a go and see if it really was as yummy as she made out, I also wanted to see if it would be a hit with Darcie. Luckily it was a hit for both of us, its such a fantastic snack and can switched up depending on your tastes.

So let's get started.

Firstly, using coconut oil, fry banana, cut in half, for a few mins on each side. This should be done on a low heat so not to burn the banana (which I did!). Using coconut oil is relatively new to me but after reading all the health benefits I am now converted!

Happy Easter | 2015

Happy Easter all! I hope you're having a wonderful day with loved ones - we most certainly have! Our day started off with an indoor Easter Egg Hunt followed off by a walk through High Lodge Forest in Thetford - However Jamie decided to  do some mountain biking with a friend and ended up in A&E, luckily he is fine just suffering with aches and pains and a rather poorly shoulder. So we will be spending the rest of our afternoon and evening eating chocolate and watching films no doubt! 

Adding copper accents to your home

For 2015 I am having a serious love affair with copper. I keep seeing little bits and bobs when browsing and can't help but think how much I need a little bit of copper in my life. I think one of the things I am drawn to with copper is that it seemingly goes with most colour schemes making it perfect for sprucing up and adding something new to a tired room. This latest trend can also be added to every room, but I think it is important to note that with the copper trend you should be careful to not go over board - a little goes a long way!

So lets jump in to my favourite picks (From top left, clockwise)...

 1. Seven ceiling light (NEXT) £100, I love to see lighting like this, it has something a little classy about it without being too over the top.
2. Alternatively this gorgeous copper and glass seeded ceiling pendent is perfect for the kitchen/dining room - I really love this and only wish my ceiling was a little higher to accommodate it! This is available from House of Fraser and is currently on sale for £80.
3. I love lanterns, but have none in my home so this Fisher mans lantern from House of Fraser, £30, would be the perfect fit - I'm thinking for our main bathroom.
4 & 5. Of course the kitchen can't go a miss from a splash of copper, this gorgeous kettle & toaster (£32 & £35) from NEXT are the perfect touch.
6. For the bedroom or living room, how about these gorgeous geometric copper cushions from NEXT, £12?
7. Again some more lanterns that could be perfect for in a large hallway or living room, these are again from Next and cost £44 for a set of two.


I had to be very strict with myself on this post - I could of shared with you about 30 items I love!

Are you liking the current copper trend? What's your favourite piece?

Mummy B xoxox