Just a little (not so little) update

Where I’ve been

Hi, it’s been a while. Much longer than I anticipated, I mean it’s not a terrible length of time I haven’t uploaded; but much longer than what I was hoping. I believe the last time I uploaded on here was some time in March? The beginning I think? Either way, it’s been a while as we’re swiftly approaching the middle of May, it’s insane just how fast this year is already passing by. Maybe I’m the only one, but since becoming a mum I really do notice how fast time goes by, like one minute your cradling your newborn and the next their sitting independently or about to to turn 2! Which leads me onto the next subject...

Can you believe that Evangeline is almost two?! As I sit and type this she is exactly (everyone loves to be exact) 22 months and 7 days, 22 months?! which means she’s almost 2! It’s absolutely crazy, she’s such a little character, funny, friendly, loving & a little crazy. She’s playful and learning by the day - I’m going to do a separate update on both the girls soon; so keep an eye out for that, I just can’t believe how quickly she’s growing, my teeny tiny baby is well and truly a toddler! Moving onto little Florance - anddddddd another can you believe it moment - she’s 7 months! 7 months guys, so another 5 months, well actually it’s less than that now.... and she’ll be 1! It’s crazy, I swear I just bought her home yesterday? Florance is a right little character too, sassy, a little dramatic like mummy, loving, playful and friendly. She’s a little greedy bum and eats constantly making up for being so tiny when she was in my tummy! She’s only 10lbs, possibly even less, lighter than Evangeline, she’s a proper little chunk; she has more rolls than a bakery - but they are so blooming adorable!

They are both such amazing little ladies and I’m prouder each day, but as I said above I’ll be doing an update on both of them for my next post! I'm going to insert a few pictures of them now, just so you can see how big their getting, not to forget what little beauties they are! <3

So speaking about the girls growing up and their birthdays, we aren’t doing much - for Evangeline’s 2nd birthday we have arranged a weekend filled with different zoos, aquariums, farms and just a variety of different places to visit, that we’re hoping both the girlies will enjoy- we’re getting her a proper kitchen to, a nice wooden one with all the extras; there was one on Santa’s list but we felt she was to little and most likely wouldn’t play with it... she’s at much more of an age were she’ll be able to enjoy it (or so I hope) of course we’ll add in some other bits and bobs into her gifts like books & stuff.... but I’ll probably do a post nearer the time showing you the presents we’ve got her or that she received and a little about her birthday.

Florance’s 1st birthday, I think we may be having a little party - nothing to extravagant, something small and sweet; a little tea party, I’ve seen some adorable decorations... is it to early to start buying them? Haha. Anyway, a party - we’re not entirely sure yet, as we’d have to find an appropriate location - we haven’t got a garden since we’ve moved (little clue on the next subject) so I think her little birthday bash will be somewhere else, I’ll do a post on her birthday too and everything surrounding it nearer the time! Either way, we’ll sort something, and themes and presents - I haven’t really thought about what we’ll get Flo for her birthday as it’s a little further away.... but I know she’ll be spoilt with lots of toys, interactive bits and books, items to help encourage her development - the usual.

I’m so excited for both of their birthdays! Where have my tiny babies gone?

We’ve moved! Yay! If you haven’t followed me on Instagram (which you should dons_steph) then you won’t know, but we finally found a place to live! *thousands of people cheer*. It’s been a long, gruelling hunt but we succeeded, it was a total of just under 9 months worth of hunting - 9 months! Everything just had flaws or something wasn’t practical and the ones that we fell in love with and were perfectly suited were ripped out from under our feet (sounds violent - it’s not ahha). For example someone would have a viewing an hour before us, and hand in their application just before us - so we’d luck out and it would go to them, but never mind.

As soon as I set foot into our place I loved it, and pretty much accepted it there and then on the spot. It was a matter of weeks until it became unsafe for us to stay at my parents any longer due to Florance our growing her crib so it couldn’t have come at a better time. It’s an old building, with huge windows, lovely glass doors into our kitchen, it’s bright and relatively big. Of course there are a few bad points - like it doesn’t come with any parking or because it’s a flat there are stairs with no lift, but there more 1st world problems; so it’s no big deal. I think at some point I will be doing a post, like a little tour - but there’s still a few bits I’d like to change, furniture I’d like to move and a few things like that, but once that’s done... you can expect a post!

We’ve had a bit of a palaver these last few months, since we’ve moved. And gone through 5 prams! Well I say gone through we still have 2 haha! I had the bugaboo donkey, but with our new place it would’ve been impossible for me to get the pram down the stairs due to it being an old building it’s pretty narrow in the hall. So we bought the icandy peach, Florance hated it, and it was a bit of a pain since one of the girls was always looking at the others bottom; so we sold that. We then bought the mountain buggy duet - which is fab; as a double it’s the same size as the bugaboo in mono mode - so it fits through every door which is great! And just because nothings smooth sailing haha, Evangeline and Florance aren’t always keen on being in the pram, the mountain buggy is a bit of a fail at the same time as it doesn’t have a single mode! 🤦🏼‍♀️ so we bought the Nuna Pepp- I didn’t like it haha, so we bought a Quinny Buzz too haha! We sold our Nuna just in case you think we’re crazy! So that’s our 2 prams, I think I’ll do a review on those soon?

I think that’s all I have to say for now. Thanks for reading, and I’ll speak to you in my next post. (Hopefully it’s not to long before I post again haha).

My mummy must

Ewan the dream sheep 

I’m going to let you into a little secret, I’ve never actually used any type of sleep aid with the girls - by sleep aid I mean something along the lines of Ewan or a mobile (however you spell it). I’ve always found they fall asleep whilst having cuddles, like being rocked or bounced. In actual fact, I’ve always thought that sleep aids were a bit of a ‘wives tale’ kinda thing - something that doesn’t work for everyone, but the odd baby/toddler here and there. 

Most often walking through different shops - mothercare, boots, toysRus and so on; I’ve walked straight past them. I mean I’ve picked them up a few times but always shrugged them off and each time I’ve wanted to try them out and see what all the fuss is about - but I haven’t bothered. 

The other week a lovely lady named Lynda - the creator of Ewan the dream sheep popped me an email asking if I’d like to test him on the girls. So of course I jumped at the opportunity. Both my girls aren’t self settlers - Evangeline likes to hold a hand and have a finger on the tip of her nose (sounds odd, but it’s a majorly cute) and Florance, Florance is a hugger (again majorly cute) - she loves to be cuddled and rocked or bounced of to sleep. 

So of course of the first night of testing Ewan I wasn’t really to sure that he would actually do anything. And boy was I wrong. So firstly Ewan let’s of a lovely little pink glow which mimics the womb so nothing to bright - which means he wasn’t making the room to bright for Florance. Ewan comes with 4 different sounds - actual womb recordings, rainfall, vacuum cleaner and a harp melody; a calm heartbeat is also combined with the sound to help reassure baby/toddler. He also has a velcro tail meaning you can attach him to the side of the crib/cot. 

As I’ve said somewhere above (or have I?) I was a little sceptical about Ewan, and being honest I never thought in a million years a little sheep would be able to make Florance sleep. So the first night of use I held Florance until she was asleep and usually she’ll wake up and I’ll have to cuddle her for a little while longer - however the moment I popped Ewan in her crib on the vacuum setting, she was sound asleep to the point her dummy fell out of her mouth! (Which means she’s fassstt asleep!) 

During the night little Flo wakes up for 1-2 feeds and a majority of the time she’ll settle within the hour; of course there are some occasions when she’ll be sound asleep as soon as she’s finished having a feed. As I said above she’ll usually stir once I’ve put her in her crib. But with a little help from Ewan she settled relatively fast.... I must admit as much as she loves Ewan she still likes to be cuddled in order to fall asleep, and not just with Ewan’s company. But of course once’s she’s used to him, and the noises he makes - then maybe that’ll change? 

But overall, I love Ewan so far, I think he’s going to be a little gem in our nighttime routine.

Would you like an update on Ewan & Flo in a few weeks/months time? I shall also be testing Ewan on Evangeline as on the website it says Ewan can be used by toddlers or children up to 7 years old, so we’ll see if you can introduce Ewan later into a sheep routine (I just had to replace sleep with sheep, I couldn’t forgive myself if I hadn’t haha). 

I thought I’d include the websites so if you fancy a little more information or some more reviews about ‘Ewan the dream sheep’ you can head on over. As I said above, we were very kindly gifted Ewan and lucky enough to test him out. And I really do recommend him. 

• Ewan’s website - https://www.sweetdreamers.co.uk/
• Our Ewan -  https://www.sweetdreamers.co.uk/shop/bedtime-baby-sleep-aids-and-soothers/ewan-the-dream-sheep-grey/

He is retailed at £29.99, and he is sold in a number of different shops - John Lewis, Argos, boots, Amazon, mothercare, toyrsus and a few more; if I listed them all we’d be here for hours haha! (Pop onto google and type him in and you’ll find lots of results that are suitable for you!) 

As said above, I will most likely be doing another review in a few weeks with how Evie liked Ewan and then maybe an update with Flo? 

But that’s all I really have to say, I hope you’ve found this somewhat helpful and I’ll speak to you lovely lot in my next post! 

What’s been happening?

Any news?

Thank god for snapchat filters ;)

I’ve recently received a few emails regarding an update to my plastic/cosmetic surgery or body image post - here’s the link if you fancy a read... so I thought I’d sit down, take time out to fill you lovely lot in as to what’s been happening or where I’m at. Just a pre- warning there is boobie talk. I mentioned on my instagram stories that I had an appointment with my cosmetic surgeon in January, this was cancelled as she wasn’t well and was moved to the 22nd February. It was at a private hospital near to where I live - One Ashford Hospital. I had an evening appointment which was great as it meant that Zachary could come with me whilst the girls were being looked after by my parents for a few hours. In the consultation we discussed a boob job and tummy tuck. We decided on what procedure I am going to be getting - an uplift and augmentation as I’ve decided I no longer want implants due to the upkeep haha! Although, the surgeon also convinced me not to have implants as she said my boobs are in great condition and that she couldn’t see why I wanted anything change - but if I did then going for a procedure that involves my natural fat and muscle is a better idea. #tmi #winning......With having a boob job I would have a scar the went under the boob, up and around the nipple. For those of you who asked about what is involved with the process of having a boob job or any cosmetic surgery (this is based on my experience) I’ll have a little natter about what happened with me - my surgeon took down all of my medical history and what I am hoping to have done; she also asked why I wanted these things done. Once we had spoken about what I am considering, I was taken behind a curtain where I had to take clothes/underwear of the top half. She took a tape measure and measured from I believe collar bone to nipple? (I can’t remember) and then from the nipples to the underside of your boob; she also measure the nipple to see if that needed changing. After this she showed us some pictures that she had taken of other boob jobs and the one I’d be having. (I’ll talk about the tummy tuck side of things further down) We also spoke about me having a tummy tuck (obviously); and why I’d like a tummy tuck. My stomach appearance is pretty common for someone who has had a few csections/babies. The skin/fat would be used to fill out my boobies instead of implants - therefore it’s completely natural. With a tummy tuck there will be a scar from hip to hip; which doesn’t bother me as nobody would see it. Here I’m going to talk a little about what the surgeon done to see that I am suitable for a tummy tuck. So firstly she looked at my tummy standing up and then made me lay down. She felt my tummy, and said that my muscle had split so that I was to start doing Pilates to see if that would help repair it rather than going for surgery - as during a tummy tuck they staple/stitch the muscle back together. She then had to test to see if there was enough skin to do the procedure, and not going to lie what she done was a little painful. She grabbed my tummy and belly button and pulled it down towards my public bone, my skin pulled down but only just. This also meant 95% of my stretch marks would be taken away, and I would only have the ones that are above my belly button. We then went back over to her desk and sat down to discuss the next step. She suggested I waited a year, and that she wouldn’t do the surgery until then; for those of you wondering this was because of how soon I’d just had a baby. She informed me that weight will continue to be lost and that my stomach will be much smaller as it can take up to a year for your belly to get to the size it’ll stay. I would also have to sit and decide whether I’d like any more children as having another baby after a tummy tuck would reverse the procedure. I have a lot to think about, but we’ll see where I’m at in a years time. Thanks for reading and I’ll speak to you in my next post.

Where we've been

A teeny-tiny update/natter 

Oh my gosh, hasn’t time just flown by? It’s almost been an entire month since I uploaded a new post; I have written a few, but I just haven’t gotten around to reading them back, adding images, links and all that jazz. I just need a little kick up the bottom and then I’ll give them a tweak haha! 

Although this is an update I don’t have to much to talk about, I guess I’ll start by saying I’m still at my parents! I’ve been to 4+ house viewings since the beginning of this month, but nothing has been perfectly suited - I’ve been to a few and fallen in love and everything has been practically perfect; but then it’s on the 4-5th floor and doesn’t have a lift or fire exits.... so it’s a no no. I guess it’s just being patient and waiting for the perfect place to crop up, it will happen eventually right? 

So speaking of cropping up - we’ve stumbled across a small hurdle. Nursery, ah nursery. So as you may be aware Evangeline started nursery at the beginning of January, everything was running smoothly and she lovedddddd it! She’d get excited as soon as she saw the car park, would pretty much run across the car park and through the doors and then of into her class without a care in the world. 

Then now this hurdle, a few weeks  ago Evie was sent home as she was sick, she had gotten into a right old state and were she’d been crying so much she’d been sick. So of course we spent the day cuddling on the sofa with her little sister watching movies. She was of until the week after and when she returned she was beyond excited until I had to leave, I had just gotten in to my car at 9:10am and was just about to drive out of the car park when her nursery rang to tell me she’d been sick were she’d gotten so worked up, so she came home with me for cuddles. So we’re starting fresh and she’s got a settle session on Tuesday - I’ll stay with her for a little while to see how she is and then we’ll go from there, fingers crossed she doesn’t get upset. 

Evangeline is 19 months now and Florance is 4 months! They are growing day by day, getting bigger and bigger - honestly i say this all the time but it feels although I’ll blink and they’ll be getting married! Florance is officially over a stone in weight now, she’s a very hungry little lady and loves her milk! She started of tiny and is making up for it now, she fits perfectly into 3-6 month clothing; it’s crazy, not so little anymore! 

I’ve had my hair highlighted this week, it doesn’t look much different; but we’re taking it slow and it’s a gradual change so I don’t damage my hair  I will have light hair again one day haha! 

Evangeline, Florance, my nephew, sister and I just returned from a lovely beach walk - the weathers been grand today, which is a change from the cold rainy weather we’ve had, so we took full advantage of getting out of the house! We’re back at home now, watching some Disney movies and taking it easy. 

I have a pretty hectic weekend coming up, we’ve officially moved all of our furniture out of our old house all that’s left to do is a spot of cleaning - and then the keys are gone! We have a house viewing tomorrow which I love the look of, so fingers crossed it all goes well! 

I haven’t really much more to say, so I’ll leave it here and I’ll speak to you in my next post! 

Times flying by....

A tiny little natter 

I just wanted to pop on here and have a little natter, I can’t be the only one who feels like time is shooting past, like this year is already going by ever so quickly. I mean it’s already the 17th January, I swear we only just celebrated Christmas? I uploaded a picture onto my Instagram a little while ago, kind of touching on this ‘time flying’ topic - but I suppose I couldn’t write a massive amount on there so thought I’d have a chat on here.

I find it so strange how when we’re younger we sit in our classrooms, surrounded by friends, teachers and other pupils and we wish for time to pass faster. How we want to ‘grow up’ and do those grown up things; you know, like leave school, head to college/uni, go out partying, celebrate your big birthdays - well 18th & 21st, get a job, learn to drive, rent or buy your own place, get engaged..then married and have children. I remember sitting in my lessons staring at the clock - watching every second and wishing they’d go faster, eagerly waiting for it to reach 3 o’clock so I could head home and do those ‘teenage’ things. It would feel although I was in school for 23 hours of the day, when it was only 6 hours and well 6 hours doesn’t go very slow now. 

I never really believed anyone when they said once you’ve left school it flies by, I often thought they would just say it to make me appreciate my ‘younger years’. But I guess they were right. It’s so surreal to think I’m 23 in October, Evangeline is 2 in July and Florance is 1 in October; I swear I only had them a few months ago!? I know we’re only in January but I’m certain that if I blink the girls will be getting ready to start school or I’ll be picking out their wedding dresses with them. Speaking of which, Evangeline has started nursery and goes every Tuesday & Thursday morning - she’s growing so fast. 

I must admit I’m excited for the girlies to grow up, to be able to have pamper nights with them, go shopping and watch them grow up into the most beautiful, intelligent, loving little ladies - I mean don’t get me wrong they already are all of those things and I’m beyond proud of them. But I’m excited to see what their like in 5, 10, 15 years time. I just wish time would go a little slower; like it did when I was a little. 

It’s now I realise, time truly is precious. 

A few changes in the future

Exciting things for the future

Picture from Pinterest. 

This post is soooooo different to my usual posts, and actually pretty personal. And is going to include topics that are considered a little controversial if you will; but I thought it would be fun to do a post talking exciting things I have planned for the next coming years. I mean I know some things can change, but with this whole New year, new me business I thought it was relatively fitting to have a little natter about things I have planned and things I'm hoping to achieve.

Firstly if you follow my Instagram ill pop it here - my Instagram and you've checked out my Insta stories,you'll know I've got some exciting things planned in regards to my social media this year, I'm not going to go into to much detail as everything is still a working progress but all I can say is if you pop over to my Instagram and turn on those notifications you'll be able to keep up to date with all of my posts and stories. So keep an eye out - exciting things are brewing....

My body, so over the next few years were working on some changes - or so I have these things set for particular months for the time being but I've got to head to different appointments to clarify. And I'm aware that not everyone reading will agree with them but thats totally fine in every way, and everyone is entitled to an opinion. Theres always been a few things I've not been very keen on, for example my lips - there a small problem for me, nothing to major, but to me there weird in shape and a a bit deflated on the sides (cue the internet trolls picking on maaaa lips haha). I mean they aren't awful, but I'm intending on changing them; so in a few months I'm considering taking the plunge to get lip fillers. 

Now before you go DONNA ARE YOU CRAZY, we're not talking anything ridiculous, just a little bit on the edges, if you'd like me to do a post if I go ahead with them defiantly let me know and I can do that for you. Another procedure that may be on the cards is another to do with the face/mouth and that is veneers. I haven't got terrible teeth, and being honest these are probably last on the list. I'd had braces and my teeth whitened (which I loved) in the past but would like them to be permanently white rather than having to go back every few months and completely straight - I cant say I'd like to much of a fake smile, so maybe we'll go a little more subtle? or do I stick with the teeth whiteners? so confusing!! 

Next up, I've had 2 beautiful daughters, who I love more than anything, but 2 Caesarian sections later... lets be honest; my body has seen better days. So there are two particular procedures I'm also considering for the next few years, and not going to lie they are pretty big procedures a tummy tuck and boob job.  

For my boobs I'm wanting an augmentation, uplift and full fat removal - along with the removal of my lynth nodes under my arms, there is another reason for this, a health reason. This is something I'm really wanting to do, and its a change that I've got the most appointments for due to wanting lots done in one operation; but much like the other procedures I'm considering if I go ahead I will do a separate post. And finally a tummy tuck - the main reason for this is due to having 2 caesarians I have a pretty nifty, yet unattractive apron - and not the kind for cooking. It doesn't look great and being honest I wouldn't change it for the world as my 'saggy tummy' bought my 2 beautiful daughters into the world; but its time to work on the mum bod haha but this isn't an area that the gym could tackle! And as I said above if its something I go through with, I'll be sure to write a post.

** Little disclaimer I thought I'd include, all of the above things are my decision and in no way have been influenced by anyone; if anything most people I have told are completely against it. I'm also aware that all of the above carry risks; which is why I am having lots of different appointments at a variety of different private hospitals. I have also added "if I go through with it' as I am not making this a promise but rather something I'm considering - if I am not happy with different aspects then I won't go ahead. **

Moving back out of my parents house is another goal, I had moved out before having Evangeline but of course little blips happen and I moved home - but I'm making it my goal to have moved out in the next few months. SO of course ill be uploading lots of different house related posts. 

Harry Potter studios, I've wanted to visit this place since it opened so I'm making it my goal to go this year. lets just hope I actually manage it as every other time somethings always come up haha!

And my last goal, change or whatever you'd like to call it, is to improve on my blog upload schedule (I say this all the time) but lets just keep our fingers crossed that I actually stick to it haha!

Anyway thats all I have to say really, a quick post; nothing to long. Hopefully you enjoyed reading what my plans are for the next year or so and ill speak to you in my next post. 

Blogmas....... ah blogmas...

That was a complete and utter fail 

Hi.... me again. Gosh, not going to lie writing this is a little embarrassing. So as you can probably tell (if you read my blog) I completely failed at blogmas. I'm so unbelievably disappointed with myself, i had made a promise to upload everyday up until Christmas Day here on my blog, posting lots of different festive posts. I mean being honest, I done pretty well - well in my opinion; for the first few weeks and then it was downhill from there really..

I had so many different posts sitting in my draft just needing a little finishing touches here and there or needing to be typed up and all I had was the title. But those never actually were completed; I suppose I never really realised how much of a commitment posting daily was, and every time I'd click on those completed posts or the posts with just the title I either wasn't happy with how I'd written it or I couldn't think of what to write.

I know there are definitely better bloggers out there, bloggers that are amazing writers, they have a regular upload schedule & stick to it, or fabulous at spelling, grammar and punctuation; ones that have the most enticing posts that you could read them over and over - but I'm not one of those. I'm not to shody at writing or at least I think, and I've been told that my posts are pretty interesting. But I suck at keeping to a blogging schedule.

It's annoyed me, I have every opportunity when the girlies are napping, or in bed sleeping. But I guess I just find other things to do - for example online shopping..... and I should be putting more effort into my blog as it's something i truly love doing. I had so many amazing opportunities, been able to hold giveaways and work with fabulous companies. And it's all thanks to you reading. 

So I'm going to make a promise, a promise that I WILL stick to. A once a week upload, it's not a great deal in comparison to others, but it's manageable and realistic. So that's that. 1 posts each and every week, 4 posts a month. About whatever I feel like chatting about. 

On another note, I hope you enjoyed the posts I actually posted for blogmas haha! And I hope you all had a lovely Christmas! ❤️ 

Thank you for reading, and I'll speak to you in a week!