'Bloggers block' lets have a chat

whoops

My mini me, my bestie. <3

I really thought I'd stick to my plan of uploading on a regular basis, evidently I'm not doing particularly well..in actual fact I've failed at what I initially intended for my upload schedule and we're not even past the first month of 2017. My 'idea' or 'plan' if you will was for me to upload at least once a week and yet another week has rolled around without a peep from me - I know I'm being pretty hard on myself I'm writing this on Sunday 22nd January so theoretically I haven't actually failed? but it's not when I wanted to upload; hopefully that makes sense?

I'm trying so hard to come up with, prepare and write my posts, I truly am. But time flys by these days, it's Monday morning and by the time I've sat down it's Friday...not literally. That's how it feels though. For example, I've been writing Evangeline's 6 month update since 7th January and I still haven't finished it, I just haven't found the time; which doesn't really make much sense considering I'm sat here writing this one. But it is late, it is my bedtime, 22:56 to be precise; thats what the time is when I look up. I should be sleeping, I'm just trying to stick to an upload schedule.

You lot are lovely, everyone of you that reads my blog; your all amazing; and I don't want to let you down. Although I'm pretty sure all you mummies that read this and run a blog can understand that we don't have all the time in the world. And that in our free time we're cuddling our babies, housework or having a snack so writing a blog post isn't always a priority. Any opportunity I get I try and sit and focus on writing a post, however being completely honest as I said above I'd much rather sit and give Evangeline a cuddle or tend to some chores; don't get me wrong I love having a good ol' natter with you.

Hopefully at some point I manage to finish Evangeline's 6 month update and fingers crossed I upload it in the next few weeks, but I'm trying not to push myself to much - to prevent my blog become a chore and keeping it as something I love to do.

So there's been lots of exciting things happening these last few days, lots of thrilling things coming up (I promise I don't mean that sarcastically) we've had a few house viewings, they went surprisingly well; so who knows maybe we'll be moving? if we decide to go threw with everything haha. Of course I'll keep you all updated!

We've been planning Evangeline's 1st birthday since October now, we've got our theme which I loveeeee, date (which was chosen last year, and now has changed) so rather than being on Saturday 8th July, the day after her birthday its now on Friday 7th - her birthday. So its sending out invitations, buying gifts and bits & bobs for the actually party...so decor, food and party thing. I'm very excited, although it's crazy how quickly shes growing. I know you probably think 'Blimey, your started planning early!' and yes, around 9 months before her birthday; but you can never be to prepared and besides, I'm sure 7th July will be here before we know it. Plus, I'm a very organised person, you'll know that if you've followed my social media or know me personally haha. 

I have a great deal of new blog posts in mind, it's just getting round to writing them that takes a while there all sat in my post drafts waiting to be finished, in actual fact theres ones from way back in November haha. As I said above it's a lot trickier to take time out and write a post. I'd much rather sit and give Evangeline a cuddle, or have play time with her, tending to chores or some other task is much more of a necessity; but it's my New Years resolution to upload on a regular basis, so wish me luck and lets hope I can stick to it! 

My world.

Anyway, I'm going to stop writing here and try to get some sleep. It's funny, every time I climb into bed I have sooo much to say and could honestly sit for hours typing away - although I'd pay for it in the morning when I'm running on 2 hours sleep haha! So I'll speak to you all soon; ending this post with a picture of my world, the loves of my life I hope you all have a fabulous day where ever you are! good night!

Hello 2017

A good old update:

Our last family picture of 2016!

It's been quite some time since I uploaded anything on here, in fact I haven't posted or written a post since last year, 26th December to be precise. I've been so busy with festivities, visiting family, creating memories of our first Christmas as a family of three and Evangeline’s first Christmas and just in general celebrating these last few weeks, that my blog hasn't really been a priority. But I'm back now, back to hopefully posting on a regular basis- although I don't want to force myself into a routine, and instead want to make my blog something I want to do, not something I have to do; hopefully that makes sense? So it hasn't all been fun and games, filled with cheer and laughter, I've spent a few days recovering from surgery, a procedure I've been waiting ages for, one that I've mentioned previously on my blog. I've finally had my gallbladder removed, hooray - which I'll go more in depth about a few paragraphs down haha. 

So I kind of wanted to make this almost like an update, what's been happening. Let's rewind a few weeks, December... we had a spectacular christmas, filled with love, family, happiness and food; celebrating with all of our family, mine and Zacharys. We spent our christmas morning at home together as a family of three, before heading to spend the rest of the day with my mum, dad, sister and nephew. We truly were spoilt rotten. Boxing day and the 27th were also spent with my family, playing games and pigging out - I'm honestly suprised I haven't doubled my waist band with the amount I've consumed, possibly enough to feed a small village for a week or so, amazingly I've lost weight, probably in relation to my operation being honest haha. Anyway. A few days after Christmas we visited Zachary's family, which was nice. 

Our little princess on Christmas, she's a beauty. <3

New year, new year we done absolutely nothing. In actual fact, we slept our way into the new year, gosh we sound like an elderly couple, but being honest that's how we've spent every new year haha. Of course during the evening Evangeline, Zachary and I went for dinner at my parents, played pie face, and that game were you put those guards in your mouth..that game has been quite a large craze this year I'm pretty sure everyone and their mother played it this Christmas/new year. So that was our new year, I'm certain we spent practically every day from December 26th-31st shopping; so thats probably how we spent the build up to new year; on the hunt for bargains.

January....well of course I can't really discuss the whole month as it hasn't yet passed, but I'll talk about a few things so far. I had my gallbladder removed, as I stated above, the 6th January. (I'll briefly go into it so if you'd like an indepth  post, do let me know). And let me tell you I was absolutely petrified, I spent the whole of the day before crying, sobbing and stressing. I hate hospitals, I hate needles, I was scared in case something happened; being completely honest before having Evangeline I didn't actually care, if I needed surgery I would go and wouldn't really care, I mean don't get me wrong obviously I'd be practically peeing myself, but I'd usually keep it together. But since having a baby, since becoming a mummy - my wholeeeeeee outlook on life is completely different and everything I do, everything I think, every decision I make, I do in consideration of my daughter...how those things affect her; so needless to say I was sobbing the whole walk to theatre, the entire build up to the day, because I was worried, what if something happens to me, what happens to Evangeline? What if she needs me? all those kind of things. I'm pretty sure if your a parent you'll understand what I mean. 

But luckily Evangeline, Zachary and my mum accompanied me to the hospital so I could see them all and give them all a hug when I came around, I would've had my entire family there with me if I was aloud haha.

So after my operation it wasn't to smooth, for starters I was in theatre for 2 hours longer than anticipated, wasn't very well when I came around; both mum and Zachary have said I was matching the white bed sheets when I came back from theatre. Then I became severely dehydrated and even after 3 jugs of water couldn't pee, I didn't pee for 8 hours after my surgery - so there was this whole concern that the operation had damaged my kidneys and bladded, so numerous blood tests in feet, arms, hands (I felt like a pin cushion) I was placed on a drip and had to have bladder scans every 30 minutes or less. But on a positive note I was finally discharged at around 10pm. I'm beyond lucky to have such a amazing and suppotive daughter, family and partner. (for those of you like, but Evie's a baby how is she supportive - her cuddles, kisses, smiles made me better, I love her more than anything). 

Moving on, let's talk about something more positive! Evangeline turned 6 months this month! on the 7th January she was 6 months, 6 months!! I can't believe our teeny tiny little newborn is half a year old! when did that happen? its flown by! Shes learned to sit this month, which let me tell you is the cutest thing; she looks so grown up! We've been planning her 1st birthday party for a little while now, since last year actually, some people may think its early...but I think its prepared. But obviously I'll go more in depth with that, with our ideas and themes nearer the time. All I will say is it is going to be adorable! 

I thought I'd add a little collage of our little lady, who can now sit! These one's have been taken since Christmas.<3

On another note, feel free to head over to my Instagram dons_steph I post daily, so you can keep up to date with lotssssss of pictures of our Evie! <3

So I think I should probably wrap this up here or I'll be going on for an eternity. I'm going to be posting Evangeline's 6 month update shortly and as mentioned above I'll probably post an in-depth discussion about the more serious topic of my surgery; on that note I'll speak to you lovely bunch very soon, I hope your all well, you had a fabulous Christmas and New year <3. 

 thank you ever so much for reading, it means a great deal!

Instagram Q&A

21-12-2016

I recently posted onto my Instagram that I was going to be posting a Q&A here on my blog, therefore I have some questions to answer...obviously... either way that's what we're going to be talking about today, hopefully I will be doing a chit-chat post talking about our Christmas and everything surrounding our day; so keep a look out for that. Also I uploaded this much later than expected so some questions probably won't make much sense as I wrote this before Christmas haha.

if you've missed the opportunity to take part in this Q&A be sure to head over to my Instagram dons_steph to be notified as to when I will be doing another one, but anyway on to this one...I will be writing the questions exactly as to how they were written on my instagram  hopefully I can answer them all to the best of my ability.

What are your future goals? career? family? car? house?

Hmm, my future goals and career? being completely honest I have no idea, I love what I do now - I get to work with so many amazing companies and I'm beyond lucky to do so, I love running a blog..although sometimes it can get a bit much haha. If however what I aim to achieve or what I'm doing doesn't work out I'd love to be a midwife. My future family goal would be to eventually get engaged and married, have more children and a tad cringe but live happily ever after. 

I'd loveeeeeee some sort of luxury car a Range Rover, Porsche, Audi, BMW, Jaguar haha, something like that ;)...and for a house, just somewhere I can truly put my stamp on and live comfortably.

What are you most looking forward to for x-mas?

Spending time with my family, food and everything surrounding Christmas; its by far my favourite time in the year.

Your fav scent for Christmas?

Anything really, I'm not particularly fussy, anything that smells nice. 

What are you Christmas plans?

We're spending our time with family, my family and Zachary's family, celebrating and having fun; but we're not 100% sure, so we will have to wait until the day. 

Do you still like blogging?

Yes of course, I just don't have as much time on my hands - not that it bothers me, obviously I'm a stay at home mum looking after my 5 month (almost 6 month) old daughter, so spend a great deal of time playing, feeding, tidying, cuddling, kissing with her. I'd much rather spend every minute with her than upload or write a post being 100000000% honest, but yes I still love blogging. 

What is your fav thing about Christmas?

Everything :) being able to spend time with my family, the decorations, watching movies, pigging on food, present giving, just in general everything around Christmas.  

I know its a little while away but do you have any plans for Evie's 1st birthday?

Ironically I have started planing her 1st birthday already, we intend to have a party for her but obviously I can't give to much away but its going to be great fun, special and cute. but I'll let you know nearer the time. :)

Were is your inspiration for topics on your blog? what do you take pictures of your baby with?

A majority of my posts are chit-chats so mainly whats on my mind, so it doesn't really need much inspiration haha, and my phone. 

Would you ever vlog/ be vlogging?

I've thought about it, but I have no idea...who knows...we'll just have to wait and see.. ;)

Why were you in hospital a few weeks ago? are you ok?

I'm getting there, I have gallstones or stones in my gallbladder, which let me tell you is not fun; its ridiculously painful. I have a relatively high pain barrier so not much phases me, but gallstones, my goodness. Due to this I can't actually eat a lot of things as certain foods trigger an attack which usually ends up with me in hospital. However I'm actually due to have an operation at the beginning of January to have my gallbladder removed, so hopefully I recover fast and am back to normal, and able to eat whatever I want. 

Do you plan on having any more babies if yes, when?

Yes, we want 1 or 2 more. And we haven't really made any permanent arrangements, we hope in the next 2 years or so, but of course these things could change. As you may know I have a few problems with fertility, so it takes as long as it takes...but hopefully within the next 2 years.  

What phone do you have?

Samsung Galaxy S7 edge. 

Will you be doing a house tour as you done a nursery tour?

Probably not, but maybe one day? who knows? I don't see it in the near future, but that doesn't mean I never will. 

Favourite Christmas movie?

The grinch, Elf, Polar express, The littlest light on the Christmas tree, Santa Claus, home alone..the list goes on haha. 

One thing you think is a great trait? for example honesty, funny, kind etc..

All of the above lol, honesty, sense of humour, friendly, considerate, caring, kind, loving, everything in my partner. #cringe 

What is your favourite quote? about anything?

Any to be honest, any that I'm feeling at the time haha.

Best thing about being a mama!?

There isn't just one thing, everything! 

You shop a lot on Instagram what is your fav thing about it?

I love the fact that every clothing item is unique, not something you see on the high street.

What apps do you use to edit your pictures?

Repix, square ready and logolicious.  

What do you feel is most important in life?

Family. 

Why is Evangeline so cute?

I often ask myself the same question, she's beautiful, perfect inside and out. I guess me and Zachary just have good baby making genes haha.

What mummy buy do you regret buying most?

Erm, I dont have any to be completely honest.

What makes you happy?

My daughter, partner, family, pets and of course you lovely bunch.

How do you take your pictures on Instagram?

On my mobile phone. :)

What gender baby do you want next? if you plan to have more?

I'd love to have a little boy, but in all honesty I wouldn't care as long as they are healthy. 

What is your fav colour to wear for this season? P.S ILY

Red.  

Your daughter is the cutest! what is your dream car?

Defiantly like I said above something luxury  a Range Rover, Porsche, Audi, BMW, Jaguar haha, something like that.

Whats your favourite platform of social medias? and why?

Instagram. 

How did you know you was pregnant? 

I done a test haha, I didn't actually think I was it was my sister and Zachary who convinced me to take a test. 

I hope you've found this interesting and that I answered these questions giving you all the information you wanted haha, if you missed this Q&A be sure to follow me to take part in the next. thank you ever so much for reading and I'll talk to your in my next post. I hope you all have a lovely Christmas and new year. 

Feeling festive

'It's the most wonderful time of the year.'

Christmas is swiftly approaching, I still haven't quite finished my Christmas shopping, which is actually rather odd for me...for the last 3 or 4 year's, by the time we've reached December 12th I've finished wrapping presents and there either sat under the tree, or scattered around my bedroom sparkling away in some pretty festive paper, waiting to be opened. Ironically you would've thought that would be the same this year, but oddly enough it's not. I have wrapped practically every present I've bought and they sit under our tree in our living room, which let me tell you is much easier than having them piled at the end of your bed like I used to at my parents, manoeuvring around my room was like taking part in an obstacle course each and every time - of course as you know I live in my own home now with Zachary and Evangeline, well maybe some of you don't know, but anyway...I live on my own which means we can pretty much put thing's were we want haha.

Our christmas tree, its so pretty.

A little Christmas snippet of our December so far :) 

Our little princess, she's perfect. <3 

Pretty little princess. <3  

So let's get back on topic, I'm much more excited for Christmas this year; as I've mentioned in previous post's, it's Evie's first Christmas, our first Christmas as a family of three and our first Christmas in our own place - so it's much more exciting this year. But I'm just not as prepared...although it'll probably becoming more challenging throughout the years with Santa Claus cropping up, where on earth will we put presents then!? I think I need to give myself a peptalk if I want to make Christmas a success this year haha, lets just cross our fingers, toes and whatever else can be crossed? And send me buckets of luck in hope I actually manage to finish my Christmas shopping before the 25th!

We have such a hectic diary for the build up to Christmas, well the most hectic it's been for me. My Christmases at home were simple, Christmas eve consisted of preparation for Christmas day...Christmas day consisted of food, family, fun and games and presents and of course spending some time with Zachary, and boxing day was almost like a chilled or lazy day in the morning and in the afternoon we'd spend time with extended family, and then again I'd get to see Zachary so pretty simple I'd say. 

However this year we've got a heck of a lot more planned. So nothing is actually set in stone but:
• Christmas Eve we're heading to Zachary's mums for dinner and celebrations in the evening.
• Christmas day, we're spending the morning as a family and then going to my family's, having dinner, playing games and just in general celebrating.
• Boxing day, this is when we visit my nan for a little while, before popping over to see Zachary's nan and dad for you guessed it...Christmas dinner and celebrations.

Your probably thinking - "Donna, love. That's not what I call hectic..." but from my usual routine, that's pretty jam packed, don't you think?

Anyway, I should probably finish this post here as I need to continue with my online shopping, hunting for the perfect Christmas presents…I shall be doing another post before the 25th, probably a Q&A over on my instagram dons_steph so be sure to check that out! and I'll speak to you lovely lot in my next post! 

What I've learnt:

My year: then and now.

I felt like having a chat about what I've learnt this last year, how it's changed or how its different from the last few years, what I know now that I didn't then and all about what I want for the future.

How my life has changed? What I've learnt?

I've learnt so very much this year and my life has changed in so many ways - the biggest, most amazing, life changing event was becoming a mummy to mine and Zachary's beautiful daughter Evangeline Rose, she turns 5 months old on the 7th December, which is crazy...it still feels like we were bringing her home from the hospital yesterday; I've blinked these last 4 nearly 5 months away. Becoming her mummy is the best thing that has every happened to me, ever. And in all honesty I doubt there will be anything that will top it. I love her unconditionally - becoming a mummy to Evangeline by far is the best thing that has ever happened to me.

So myself and Zachary have moved into our own place, this took place around 5 months before Evie was born. It was such an odd feeling when we took the plunge and moved from our family homes, I've always been incredibly family orientated and quite often found that every time I would stay the night at a friends house I would become 'home sick' - ironically I wasn't to bad with it when we moved out, I mean don't get me wrong; I cried a few times and Zachary and I had to avoid watching certain programmes or talking about certain things or I'd just burst into tears, part home sickness, part pregnancy hormones haha..but that soon passed as I still get to see them daily. Regardless we've nearly lived here a whole year! I believe its a year on the 28th February? But I'm not 100% sure. Its flown by.

Talking about a year, its just over 4 months until I've been running my blog for a year! 4th April 2016. Although - my posts aren't anywhere near as frequent as they used to be, I just don't ever really have the time...I know I could write post's whilst Evie is asleep, yet I'd much rather sit and give her a cuddle or catch up on house work...mainly give her cuddles haha. But I'm going to be making it my new years resolution to try and stick to some sort of 'uploads a month schedule'.

We've been working with so many amazing compaines, we're unbelievably lucky. We quite often recieve free goodies or work alongside buisnesses promoting their amazing bits. Head over to my instagram to have a nosey at some of the compaines, give them a follow and show them some love - @dons_steph. We've been offered so many amazing opportunities and collaborations so keep your eyes peeled!!

So what have I learnt this year?

I've learnt that not every single person you considered 'friends or family' are going to be supportive or happy for you on every occasion or every situation in your life and its okay to cut people out of your life. All that matters is family, and of course the friends that stick by you. As long as you are happy and you have individuals who do support you, what else matters?

I've learnt the responsibility of living on your own and how lucky I was when I lived at home. 

I've learnt what other mummies mean by "an instant connection" with your baby; I was lucky enough to feel this the moment I saw Evangeline, feeling a sudden wave of unconditional love, I love her more than words can describe, she's my entire world.

I've learnt just how hard it truly is to run a blog, I think I underestimated just how challenging it would be. Crazy thing is, its just under 4 months until I've had my blog a year like I mentioned above! Well until I started on WordPress on the 4th April 2016- before moving onto here. Either way, I never thought it would be as difficult to keep post coming on a regular routine or schedule but I'm hoping I can stick to a more regular upload schedule in the new year; I'm making it my new years resolution!

I've also learnt that people, or you guys reading, actually care about what I have to say, whether your a blogger yourself or just someone whoese stumbled across my blog - you, yes you, you truly are amazing. Thank you.

I've learnt unbelievable amounts, I'd be typing forever if I listed them all. So I'llstop here.

I think it's probably best to wrap it up here..haha, a bit of a Christmas pun as uts December now...you know what's coming next as I say this at the end of everrryyyyy post lol - I'm ending this post now or it'll go on for ages, and I'll speak to you in my next post.

Night time natter

Good old chit-chat

It's 12:30am, I'm laying in bed wide awake, Evangeline is is fast asleep in her mosses basket to the left of me, although she'll be awake soon for a feed and cuddle, Zachary's sleeping to my right. I'm not at all tired, which is rather odd for me, I'm usually always tired, but nope...not tonight - I'm wide awake and just can't seem to sleep? So instead I thought I'd write a post having a 'night time natter'.

I don't know why, but 95% of the time; unless I'm ridiculously tired - I have so much to talk about the moment myself and Zachary snuggle up under the duvet. I find myself rambling on about absolutely nothing, or making important plans like what we're doing on the weekend - haha. A majority of the time I think I pretty much talk to myself as every time I turn to look at Zachary he's always asleep, bless him. And I guess tonight is just one of those nights that I have so many things, or thought's running through my brain that I can't possibly drift of to sleepy town - the fact I've picked my phone up and starting typing this probably doesn't really help the situation haha.

So I've been really slacking on my blog this last week, well, pretty much the whole of November. I've been so set into a routine with my uploads and practically post the same time each and every week, the odd day change has been occuring quite a bit...but at least once a week. And I feel like I've completely neglected my blog pretty much the whole of this month - which isn't fab...however I did promise that I'd upload 2 this week! I don't think that'll actually happen, but hey, I can try!

I can't believe just how quickly Christmas is coming around! I believe that we are pretty much already half way through November, its the 16th today, my dads birthday - so I'll be spending the afternoon at my parents, of course I'll have to wait until he finishes work first; and plus I've still got to pop into the shop and grab him a few more presents!

I've only just started my Christmas shopping, which isn't like me at all...I usually have at least half of my Christmas shopping complete now - but nope, I have only ventured into 1 or 2 shops to buy presents....I tend to find myself buying clothes for Evie instead haha. Which I should probably stop, mainly because she has more clothes than she could possibly wear in 3-6 months and the same happened with her newborn clothing and 0-3 clothing, we've probably sold or thrown away 30, if not more items that shes never worn. But I just can't help myself; I see an item, know she'll look absolutely gorgeous and end up buying it haha.

So our house has been pretty hectic this week filled to the brim with workmen, we've been nonstop- which you would've thought would make me tired, me to...but apparently not!

So this weekend we're going to be taking Evie swimming for the first time, mainly because I can't actually swim...but also because I wasn't to comfortable with being in a bikini or swimming costume. But regardless, its only been 4 months since having Evangeline - and being completely honest, I very much doubt that anyone will actually care about how I look or what I'm doing, because they'll be far to focused about what their doing. Its just taken me a little while to realise this, but better late than never. She loves bath time and having a splash around, so I have a feeling she'll love swimming, but we'll see.

Anyway, I think I'm going to wrap it up here; or I'll never get to sleep.. so thanks for reading, it means a lot. And I'll speak to you in my next post.

Formula feeding and tommee tippee review :

Mummy Chats:

I wanted to do a post kind of having a ‘mummy chat’ with you beautiful bunch; I’ve been asked a few times – particularly in person as to why I didn’t breastfeed Evangeline. So I wanted to talk a little about that, so that those of you that were wondering will have an insight as to a reason why. I’m also adding in a review on our ‘Tommee Tippee closer to nature easivent feeding bottles’.

So starting right from the beginning- the whole idea of breast feeding was something that I intend to do upon finding out that I was pregnant. I had done a bit of research and spoken to my midwife about breastfeeding and formula feeding, and being completely honest after looking into the pros and cons of both, I wasn’t bothered about which one I would end up doing, in my opinion as long as your baby is gaining the nutrients he or she needs, as long as you baby is thriving why does it matter how you feed them.

I know that there a people out there that judge us mummies for making the decision to breastfeed and for choosing to formula feed – throwing negative comments about either. Anyway, going back to the decision I had made in regards to feeding our baby. As I said I did intend to breastfeed, but wasn’t to bothered either way.

I was prepared to breastfeed we had bought a breast pump, breast pads, milk storage bags – everything that we felt we needed. When packing mine and Evangeline’s hospital bag these were all things I had placed into the bags, products that we felt I would need; obviously we ended taking way more than what we needed haha. We also added a ready made formula and some bottles into our bags, just in case we needed it and boy am I glad we did. I think every first time mum has those thought’s running through their head “what if my milk doesn’t come in?”, “what if I can’t do it?” so many different thoughts, and in actual fact the reason that I couldn’t breastfeed was actually something I hadn’t heard of before, although now I’m aware that it is incredibly popular.

Your probably all thinking ‘well what was the reason then?” after Evangeline was born, I was taken into the recovery ward – this was due to having a csection. When in the recovery ward I had my first attempt at breast feeding, around 10 am. The midwife helped me to try and get Evie to latch; but she wouldn’t. Obviously I started to panic thinking that maybe I was doing it wrong, maybe she wasn’t in the correct position; the midwife said she wasn’t concerned because not every baby is hungry straight away. Which eased my mind.

Through the day up until around 6pm I was constantly trying to persuade Evangeline to latch, with the help of my mum, midwife and a breastfeeding specialist- but she just wouldn’t. I was given the option to self express and syringe my colostrum into Evangeline’s mouth; which we tried but not going to lie I was to out of it on medication that it became to much, I just wanted her to feed at this point and after around 8 hours of trying I was becoming extremely concerned and stressed, and myself and Zachary made the decision to try her on a bottle of the ready made formula – you know, the one that comes in those tiny cute bottles. And she latched straight away, feed for about 10 minutes and took 30ml or just over 1 ounce. Which was such a relief, a relief that she was finally feeding. Although I did blame myself, thinking it was the positioning or my milk. But the truth is it wasn’t either of our faults.

The next morning the paediatrician came around the ward to check Evie, to discharge her from the hospital, they do this for every baby; carrying out routine checks. Which is were the reason we couldn’t breastfeed was found, Evangeline was diagnosed with tongue-tie. It’s a condition involving the tongue  (obviously). Normally the tongue is loosely attached to the bottom of the mouth with a piece of skin called the lingual frenulum – however in babies that have tongue tie this piece of skin is particularly tight and short, preventing them from being able to breastfeed or in fact some babies can’t feed at all. Fortunately Evie’s tongue tie didn’t prevent her from feeding with a bottle. So we’re very lucky. I will say to anyone who is in the situation of their baby not latching defiantly ask for your baby to be checked for tongue tie.

Anyway, moving on. Let’s change subject to the review. Since Evie’s arrival we’ve purchased and trialled a variety of different bottles by numerous companies, however none seemed to work for Evie – I guess this is because she couldn’t quite get to grips of the bottles I suppose, or she just couldn’t work with the teat...I’m sure you understand what I mean, or at least I hope you do. But we finally found the perfect bottles for her, the Tommee Tippee closer to nature bottles. These are absolutely fabulous, Evangeline latched and feeds on these bottles like a dream and I don’t think we will ever change to any other bottles. When trying other bottles we found that Evangeline would just move the teat into the side of her mouth, and a majority of the milk would end up running down her chin.
Anyway, moving swiftly on – I’m just rambling…

So lets talk about the products or bottles:
The great thing about these bottles is that the teat is shaped to help encourage natural feeding. Also meaning that it is incredibly easier for baby to switch from breast to bottle. Fortunately these bottles work extremely well for Evangeline, she has a perfect latch and doesn’t dribble or loose any milk when she is feeding, unlike some of the other bottles that we have tried. Ironically, a high percentage of babies that have tongue tie tend to be unable to feed on bottles that mimic the breast, however that isn’t the case for Evie. The bottles we bought came in a set of 6, all of which had attached a slow flow teat – suitable from birth up. They are BPA free and can be held 3 different ways and offer the most natural feeding position. Our bottles in specific come in two sizes, 150ml and 260ml – we used the 150ml up until Evie was around 1 month old, and now use the 260ml. Another thing I love about these bottles, is due to the size Evie can easily grip and hold onto the body of the bottle, I really hope you know what I mean by body lol.

I love these bottles and would strongly recommend them. We also use the tommee tippee dummies, which are just as fab!

I’m going to end my review and chit-chat here, other wise it’ll probably end up being 320,967 pages long haha, thank you for reading; and I’ll speak to you in my next post.