Thursday 30 June 2016

The 4th Trimester - Surviving with a newborn

Babies don't come with instructions. It's all about what feels right for you and your newborn.
They say the newborn period is time for rest and relaxation but it isn't as easy as that.



Firstly, and most importantly, listen to your body!
You've just had a baby! Your hormones will be everywhere and it will feel like you're on a bit of a roller coaster of ups and downs. Crying is unpredictable but that is perfectly normal! Don't take too much on. You know your own limit.

Secondly, accept help.
Whether that be gifts of food from family and friends or someone offering to make you a cup of tea. Help will come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes the smallest offerings can help the most. Don't feel pressured into too many visitors though. They'll understand that you've just had a baby. It is a very tiring time and although help is nice, a chat is lovely, sometimes you just want to sit and stare at your baby all alone.

Thirdly, and this comes as no surprise however sometimes overlooked, take lots of photos!
Although the image of your newborn will stay with you forever, it is always nice to have photos that you can look back on and smile. Try and the pictures in natural light. Pictures of hands, feet, ears or just anything that you want to remember forever. You can never have too many photos! Don't feel silly with repeats, they're all slightly different and make you smile in different ways!

*Images of T and L*

Wednesday 29 June 2016

10 Signs of a teething baby and how to help

All babies get to this stage, some earlier than others. Whatever the age, it is inevitable you'll come across at least one of these signs when baby is teething!


Signs of teething

1. Red and swollen gums
2. Red cheeks
3. Ear rubbing
4. Hand biting
5. Heavy drooling
6. Sleeping problems
7. Crankiness and restlessness
8. Refusing food
9. Nappy rash
10. Gum biting or sucking

Teething normally starts between 4 and 10 months however every child is different. Some babies can be born with teeth, others not develop any until over one year old. It is advised that if your baby doesn't have any teeth by one year that you should consult a doctor.

How to soothe baby during teething

1. Teething rings
2. A dummy or pacifier
3. A cold spoon on baby's gums
4. A cold washcloth rubbed against gums
5. Frozen fruit/ vegetables/ bread sticks (if baby is over 6 months old)
6. Apply pressure to gums
7. Brush gums with baby toothbrush
8. Teething granules/ gels
9. Smoothies/ purees/ yogurts
10. Paracetamol



*Image from Google*

Tuesday 28 June 2016

"I'm so ready for this baby to come"

"I'm so ready for this baby to come"
A phrase the majority of women utter in the last 2 weeks of pregnancy. 

I'm starting to feel this way now. Due in 2 days with no end in sight. 
An unsuccessful stretch and sweep, reduced movements and a growth scan in the last week are telling me that although I may be ready for this but baby isn't as willing to leave her comfortable resting spot! 
These hormones are getting the best of me too. I sit and cry at everything and anything. In the last couple of days, I've cried because the water in the bath went cold after I'd been sat in it for over an hour, I've cried because Ross went to work and I didn't want to be alone (the girls had a sleepover at grandmas house!), I've cried because the bread went stale and I wanted some toast... I've cried at everything. Somethings I'm not even sure the reason I cried! 

Although everything has been overwhelming and I want to meet my 3rd little princess, I don't want this pregnancy to end! This shall be my final pregnancy, my final baby. I don't want to forget any of the things I'm feeling right now. I don't want to take this for granted! 

I have my heart set on the perfect water birth at my local hospital. Something that I've always wanted to do but never managed for one reason or another. 
The growth scan seems to think that this baby will be a big baby. Atleast 2lb bigger than either of my other 2. I'm really hoping this isn't the case. The thought of a close to 9lb baby scares the living day lights out of me! 

I have another stretch and sweep on Monday (40+4) so I'm hoping that gives me the kick start I need for this baby to come if she hasn't already appeared by this point. 

Here's to bouncing on the gym ball!


Tuesday 7 June 2016

Play Group!

With T starting school nursery in September, we have been invited to a play group run by the school to introduce the kids to the environment and teachers.

I am so proud of my big girl! She wandered off and played happily with the spaghetti on the sensory table, happily sat drawing and painting on the arts and crafts table, played with the cones, balls, books and bells. 

It was lots of fun! 

L enjoyed taking part in some of the activities too!

Lets just say, T is looking forward to starting nursery in September!



Saturday 4 June 2016

Our Holiday Break - Park Resorts, Southview

So we got our break away before this baby turns up! After the events of the week prior and suspected preterm labour, hospital stay and steroid injections... It was definitely needed!

It was a much needed break away! Unfortunately, the weather wasn't in our favor and was extreme winds and rain from the Monday to the Friday. 

Still, we went swimming every day, T took part in a Chocolate Party and danced the nights away at the kids club entertainment! 


T was very happy that we had ducks outside our caravan also! 


We even managed an afternoon at the pier in Skegness to enjoy the rides and arcades. L even managed to sit on the sand!




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