Pretty much from the minute your baby arrives into this world the tests and watching for development milestones start. I have been determined with my second and last child that I will not get caught up in the statements, thoughts and concerns over what milestones she is reaching. My son walked at around 18 months, I can remember being anxious about it, feeling almost pressure into getting him walking. Then came the Potty training, all conversation seemed to be about poo and nappies. ...
Thoughts and happenings
Ankylosing Spondylitis and Me
It started with back pain. The mornings were the worst, the stiffness and pain in my lower back when getting out of bed. I was only in my early twenties but back pain is so common you just get on with it and little sympathy is found. I went to the doctors several times and was told to try and rest, lose weight and it should be fine. It went on for months and months, then whilst in work I started to get terrible head aches and pain in the back of my eyes. Yet again I went to the doctors and was ...
A night out. Before and after children.
Last night I had a girls night out. A actual girls night out. My first one in over 12 months. Everyone loves a girls night out. Although my love of a night out with the girls has never changed the fact I now have two children has changed the preparation and planning for it, quite dramatically. Whilst getting ready last night these differences popped into my head, Before children 1. Get some music on 2. Pour myself a nice big glass of vodka and coke. 3. ...
A message for my son (on the eve of your 7th birthday)
14 months ago your sister arrived. You have always wanted to be a big brother and you have become the very best big brother anyone could ask for. Whilst my life has been taken over with nappies, feeding and all things baby related you have grown so much. My little boy has changed in the past year, I see the man you will become in the boy in front of me. I have had moments when I have felt so guilty that I have not been able to be there for you. I remember in those first few months of Matilda ...
Managing the first few months of parenthood.
The above photograph came up on my time hop this morning along with the words 'it's 10pm and I am ready to party'. I would love to say it made me think nice thoughts of baby cuddles and kisses but it actually turned my stomach! Dylan was a good sleeper and from 3 months would sleep right through and most of the day if I let him but Tilly took slightly longer and I managed on a few hours sleep most nights and that was on a good night. I'm not complaining (honestly) but it got me thinking about ...
Sling babies
"You will make a clingy baby" "Doesn't that hurt your back?!" "What if you fall over?" "Can't you afford a pram?" All of these questions and more have been asked whilst I have carried Tilly. I didn't carry Dylan for long, after a hideous labour and the fact he was nearly 11lb it never really happened also I was unaware of the correct way to carry him. I had a forward facing carrier which he dangled in which not surprisingly he was never happy in and it destroyed my back. We moved into the ...