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Monday, 11 December 2017

Evangeline's 17 month update

All about Evie-bum-boo


A few posts back I spoke briefly about Evangeline, a quick update. I mentioned I'd be doing a more in-depth update very soon, and here it is! Of course I'm going to be speaking about topics I touched on in the last post, but this time more indepth. I've also done one speaking about Florance, so I'll link that here - 

So starting with an overall update, she's 17 months 3 days as I type this (10th Dec). It's crazy just how quickly this little one is growing, she's a proper little girl now, well toddler - no longer a baby! It only feels like we were getting ready to celebrate her 1st birthday last month!? She's a cheeky, chatty (when she wants to be), friendly, loving, beautiful, funny little pickle. And never fails to put a smile on my face and make me laugh. 

As I said in my last post, she very recently cut her first tooth - she was just over 16 months; when her first tooth cut through her gum. She's had them all come at once bless her, a bit of the domino effect - one straight  after the other. She has 5 teeth now, although there not all completely through and 3 cutting. But I think she's going to have at least 8 teeth by Christmas, being honest its really odd seeing teeth when she smiles, as shes gone so long without them! 

I haven't spoken about Evangeline's eating, pooping or anything before, as we've had quite a few problems being honest, but as its an update and maybe some of you are going through the same, I thought I'd talk a little about it. Ever since Evie was 5 days old shes had trouble with going to the loo, and infact has been on some sort of laxative since. She's under a paedatritian for her bowels and digestion because of the problems she  has, it broke my heart before seeing the paedatritian every time Evie went to the toilet she'd be in so much pain she would literally shake, scream and cry. We've been told she has a small problem with her bowel and has been put on medication for a year to see if it helps - and so far it has! (Hopefully I don't jinx it!) 

So another problem as I've said above is her eating...this is another thing she's had for a while, well ever since weening her onto solids. She has an over sensitive gag reflex and tends to choke & vomit when eating anything solid or lumpy. Again, we're trying to help this alongside the paedatritian... he has told us that its all related to the issues with her tummy, as digestion and eating work with one another. So when her bowels are working properly hopefully she'll be able to eat everything, but if not theres always ways to fix it. We're currently having to increase the consistency of her food making it slightly thicker everytime she adapts and starts eating that consistency without any problems - hopefully that makes sense. She was stuck eating complete puree, no lumps what so ever but now is on the same food consistency of 7 month old - she does eat crisps like pom bears, quavers, wotsist and some finger foods but her main meals are a lot lower than her age. A lot lower than her age, but shes getting there. And despite her little hiccups in her development, shes perfect to me. 

So another mouth related update haha! speaking, shes a sassy little madame and being honest will only talk if she has to. Other wise she just isn't interested, she'll just go to her high chair, or nappy drawer, grab her bottle/sippy and bring it to you. But we're trying to get her to use her words, but it depends on how she feels haha! If she chose to talk she could easily say 10+ words. 

Nursery, this topic I've spoken about quite a few times actually; and we've had quite the palava with finding the perfect nursery. But I think we've found it finally, its one we originally wanted Evie to go to, but it was full - however now they have a few spaces, so she starts in January! She was supposed to be starting this month, but as we've changed our choice in the nursery thats when she'll start. The only downer is that its much, much, much more expensive than the last nursery, like £15 more expensive per day - doesn't sound like a lot, but the total is haha! 

She's growing so quickly now, and as I said in the last little update... when we had her weighed around 3-4 weeks ago sge was 23lbs 8oz; although, I think theres a chance shes lost a few ounces as she's been poorly and gone completely off her food, 4 doctors appointments later and theu still don't care - maybe I'm over cautious, but I'd rather worry to much and be safe, than worry to little and something happen. Nevertheless, she weighed 23lbs 8oz so edging onto 2 stone. She sits in between the 75th-90th percentile, so shes a chubby bubba! <3 

Clothing, shoes and nappies. Evangeline is still in 12-18 month clothing - I know shes 17 months, so still has time to wear them, but she has worn a few 18-24 month bits but a majority of her clothing in the age is still to big. I'd say a high percentage of her 18-24 month wardrobe is next, which we're very lucky to ve able to do, as they aren't the cheapest. But I find there sizing is a little bigger so she still has some growing before she will fit into them. (I might do a Evie wardrobe tour, let me know what you think). Shoe size, her feet haven't actually grown since around August/September- she's still a 41/2 G and sometimes H, and can only wear certain styles as her feet are chubby. Nappy size she is 5+ but I think she may be getting to big or to tall for them, as they don't seem to sit how I like them to haha; so who knows maybe we'll try size 6 and see if they fit better.... honestly I think they'll be to big, but theres no harm in trying. 

She lovesssss practically ever toy going, books, dollies, musical toys, cars, dinosaurs, puzzles; pretty much all toys she can get her hands on. She has a few favourites, her teletubies, minnie mouse, telephone and books. But a majority of the time she plays with all her toys. She has 6 favourite films Sing, Trolls, Frozen, Boss Baby, The secret life of pets and Moana; she loves snuggling on the sofa watching them. She has a few favourite tv shows In the night garden, The clangers, Dora the explora, Hey duggie and a theres a couple more but I won't bore you by listing them all haha! 

She still has a dummy - only really for bedtime/naptime or if shes sad. But I'm hoping to stop that at some point next year. She still has formula but that in relation to her diet/eating problems; so as soon as everything is better with that she'll be moved onto cows milk - I'm hoping the transition is easy! Speaking about sleeping, she doesn't yet sleep through the night; but I don't think most toddlers do, she does sometimes but not consistently. 

I think I'm going to end this post here or I'll be typing away for an eternity. I hope you enjoyed Evie's update and I'll speak to you all in my tomorrows post. 

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Sunday, 10 December 2017

Stocking filler gift ideas...... part 1

10 things I'd pop in a stocking 

Picture from Pinterest.

I thought I'd do a post about my top picks to pop in a stocking, I decided to do this as I'm not going to lie, I've found it pretty tricky picking out items to go into stockings I've made for my daughters and family. I've finally managed to finish buying and filling their stockings so thought I'd help you all out by giving you some gift ideas of 10 things I'd pop in a stocking.

I have done 10 things for several different ages. (children under 2, children between 3-10, between the age of 11-17 & for 18+). These are just ideas and my opinion so although I've put a particular item in an age category it doesn't mean you can't purchase it for a person of your choice - hopefully that makes sense. But as this post will be really long I've split into 2, so be sure to keep and eye out. This part will be for children 0-10. 

Also, I've picked all of these gifts from www.notonthehighstreet.com just because every present is unique, and not on the highstreet haha, they vary in price too - some much more expensive and some much cheaper to suit every budget.

🎄First up 10 little things for under 2's stockings:🎄



Baby's first Christmas visual sensory soft book: 

• The first item I chose was this 'baby's first Christmas visual sensory soft book'. I feel this particular item is great for either gender and is suited to young children/babies providing the perfect toy and can help aid learning, it can be personalised as well so can be kept as a memory keepsake. 

It is £15 and £3.75 delivery, so is a little pricey; but as it can be personalised I think its well worth the price.
Picture from www.notonthehighstreet.com

https://www.notonthehighstreet.com/sunflowerseedling/product/baby-s-first-christmas-visual-sensory-soft-book 



Dusky pink & blue bows:

• This next item is one for the girlies, a cute dusky pink & blue bow set. I know this isn't really something a small baby/child could enjoy personal. But I think they make a really sweet stocking filler; and can be used as a little accessory for Christmas Day. In the description they have said that these bows can be used for a big sister, little sister present or one for twinning with mama. For me personally I'd use the item for a single present - but its a cute idea! 

These bows cost £9 with free postage so I would say they meet the average price of bows. And aren't they the cutest!? 


Picture from www.notonthehighstreet.com




Baby nutcracker rattle: 

• Much like the first item, this is great for either gender. It's an adorable little rattle, made to look like the nutcracker - so Christmas themed. I really like this and think its a perfect stocking filler.

It retails at £14 with £3.75 delivery which again is on the more expensive side of a stocking filler but I think its makes the perfect gift/toy.


Picture from www.notonthehighstreet.com




Personalised first Christmas reindeer bib:

• This is adorable, I chose this as I love the fact it can be personalised it doesn't necessarily interest a child/baby but - like the Christmas book this can be kept as a little first Christmas memory. Not to mention, how cute would those Christmas dinner pictures look with this bib!? 

This bib costs £8 with free delivery. 


Picture from www.notonthehighstreet.com
 
https://www.notonthehighstreet.com/littlebabyboutique/product/personalised-first-christmas-reindeer-bib 




Snowman & Snowdog booties:

• These. are. the. cutest. little. booties. ever! I adore these, there perfect for keeping tiny toes nice and cosy and add a little Christmas into any outfit. There is a little bell added into the end of each bootie keeping little ones entertained - they also have the option to add in a personalised comforter. 

These are much more expensive and cost £20 with a variety of different delivery options. 


Picture from www.notonthehighstreet.com




Gingerbread man mini blankie:

• I think this makes the perfect stocking filler, a Christmas themed blankie. It has a rattle in the gingerbread mans head, meaning it provides comfort and entertainment. 

This item is £15 with £3.75 delivery - much like the others a little more pricey, but I'd say it makes the perfect stocking filler. 


Picture from www.notonthehighstreet.com



Michael the monkey bib & book set:

• I picked this out for a little boy, the Michael monkey bib & book set. The book is perfect for aiding learning and the bib is adorable matching the character in the book. 

This matching set costs £15 and comes with a variety of different delivery options. 


Picture from www.notonthehighstreet.com




Yellow giraffe wooden pull along toy:

• Much like the others I picked this wooden giraffe pull along toy as I thought it was adorable! its great for either gender and can be enjoyed by toddlers. It's brightly coloured which is great for attracting small children and it says that it helps to aid development. This toy can also be personalised - if you want to buy this for a particular gender this is also available in a pirate or princess! 

It costs £11.99 and has several different delivery options! 


Picture from www.notonthehighstreet.com




Sweet little feet ice cream baby socks:

• These are the cutest socks, I love the little sprinkles on the bottom; in my opinion I would say these are more on the girly side but they do come in blue, therefore making them unisex. I think they'd make a pretty sweet stocking filler. You receive 6 pairs and they come in a cute little egg box!

These are £16 with a variety of different delivery options. I do feel these are on the more expensive side for socks, but the packaging is lovely so sometimes its worth paying that bit extra. 


Picture from www.notonthehighstreet.com




Forest green silicone Christmas tree teether:

• For me this is the best out of all I've picked for this age group, its so festive & perfectly practical for painful little gums. The shape is easy for little hands to grasp, its dishwasher safe which is another added bonus! and the perfect size to pop into a stocking! 

This forest green teether is £11.99 with £2.75 delivery. 


Picture from www.notonthehighstreet.com

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🎄Stocking fillers for children between 3 & 10:🎄


Build a bots activity set:


• I thought this gift was the perfect stocking filler, I would personally pick this to pop in a little boys stocking but of course thats personal preference; and all gifts can be given to anyone. I love this gift, a little cardboard build a bot set - there are 36 pieces and they can be used to create a number of different robots. 

This particular present costs £7.50 and has a handful of different delivery options. 







Ice cream socks:

• Ice cream socks, the sweetest little gift to pop in a little girls stocking (or boys). I love the packaging of this one, its adorable and fun. There are two different options mint chocolate chip and hundreds & thousands.

These cost £7.97 with a variety of different shipping options - these are defiantly on the more expensive side for a pair of socks; but there ever so sweet, so I'd say they are well worth the money. 







Animal blowing bubbles stocking filler: 


• I picked these out as a stocking filler for everyone in this category as I feel there the perfect little gift to keep little ones entertained. They are small animal bubbles; and are really cute. Everyone loves bubbles too - which is great! As they've said on their website, Children of all ages love bubbles, whether thats watching a grown up blow them or blowing them themselves - they provide lots of entertainment! 

These bubbles in animal shaped containers are £4.95 and come with a few delivery options. A little more expensive for bubbles but the packaging is adorable, so can't really complain! 






Paratrooper parachute toy:

• I remember having these when I was little, therefore I haven't picked a particular gender I'd give these too. They are small little paratroopers with parachutes, this gift also includes a small sling shot launcher. These toys aren't suitable for under 3 years, but can be enjoyed by the older children. 

These are being sold for £4.95 with lots of different delivery options on the website and make the perfect little stocking filler.







Small doll gift:

• How adorable is this little gift!? I love the handmade feel of these small dollies. This dolly comes with a small sleeping bag/bed made with a gorgeous liberty fabric, the little doll can be tucked up or removed and played with. 

This small doll gift set costs £6.50 and has 2 or 3 different shipping options. 





Little bear box of socks:

• I persoanlly love to receive socks for Christmas and found these cute pairs of bear ankle socks, they come in a box including 2 pairs, they can be bought in either pink/grey and one red/white.  

These cost £12.50 with £2.75 delivery. So much like the other socks I've popped on this list, there kind of pricey - but as it states there not on the hughstreet so one of a kind. And there utterly adorable. 






Storybook torch:


• I absolutely love the idea of this stocking filler, a story book torch. Each torch contains 3 story discs to tell 3 visual stories. There are two different colour torched to choose from, each have 3 different stories; so which ever tickles your fancy more, is the one you could pick. I really like this present and feel it can be fun for all ages. I think this is fab stocking filler and your little ones can enjoy it on Christmas morning giving you an extra 10 mins sleep haha!

This particular stocking filler costs £15.95 and £2.75 delivery. 






Christmas snowman craft kit:


• Much like the little build a bot set, this is another crafty item that I think would make a snazzy stocking filler. A Christmas snowman craft kit, inside the box is everything you need to create a cute little snowman all that you would have to supply is a needle and some glue. This stocking filler is more for the older children and is perfect for a little keepsake. 

This snowman craft kit costs £8.99 with different delivery options. And can also be purchased in a Santa/Father Christmas craft kit or penguin craft kit!








Princess tutu & wings set:


• When I was a little girl I loved dressing up, so I'm certain most little girls/boys will love this tut and wings set; allowing your little ones to become a snow queen/princess/fairy for the day, or however long they like! I think this makes the perfect stocking filler! On the website there is also the option to add a personalised t-shirt and tiara! 

The wings & tutu cost £11.99 and much like the other comes with a variety of different delivery options. When adding all of the other bits & bobs (tiara & t-shirt) the price moves up to £29.49 - which is fab for a personalised dressing up costume if you ask me! 








Wind up marching soldier: 


• And last but certainly not least, this set of 3 wind up marching soldiers. These are perfect for your little soldiers stockings - and they'll love winding these up and watching them march around! I don't have much more to say about them, as they are just simple, small wind up soldiers - but I think they'd make a cute stocking filler nevertheless. 

In my opinion they are a little pricey and are being sold at £10 per set with added delivery costs. But I have to admit there one of a kind and really sweet! 




That's everything I've picked for part 1 of my stocking filler gift ideas, I hope you've found it somewhat helpful, and as I said above; although I have picked a gender for a majority of the items of course they can be given as a gift to anyone, any age (as long as its safe) and any gender. Thanks for reading and keep your eye out for part 2 which will be up tomorrow! :) 

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Saturday, 9 December 2017

My unrealistic christmas list

Dream Christmas presents


Picture from Pinterest 
I thought I'd do a post that's not the usual, or not one I've found - I know they exist somewhere! But rather than doing 'my Christmas wish list' I wanted to mix it up and do my top 5 most unrealistic presents on my christmas wish list... of course this isn't serious and I don't expect anyone to buy me them, but hey - Santa, I have been good!? 😂

• A boob job - Augmentation, Uplift, Reduction and full fat removal... 


I would love this procedure done; I've had 2 babies, my weight has yoyo'd and being completely honest my boobies have seen better days - I mean don't get me wrong there not terrible and there are worse but they could also be much better haha! I'd love to have all natural fat removed (mainly because breast cancer runs in my family), augmentation with uplift and to reduce the size to! I think this is around 3/4 different procedures into one - don't quote me, so I'm not entierly sure how much it would cost! So thats the first thing on my unrealistic Christmas list. Hopefully one day I can treat myself to this!

• A Range Rover Evoque or Jeep Cherokee 





I think everyone has a dream car and these are mine, I'd love either of them in white or black, with black alloys, tinted windows and complete with everything inside. Unrealistc as the insurance is worth more than my current car, the fuel tank could house a small family and they cost an arm & leg to buy... But much like above maybe one day I'll be able to cruise around in my dream car.

• A holiday to a tropical country or America

My dream destinations to visit, these are unrealistic because I have a fear of flying; maybe one day I'll be able to banish my fear and jet of on a holiday to one of these places? As for now, there staying as my dream.

• A chanel boy bag

I loveeeee these bags, they are so fricken pretty and classy! I just don't know if I'd ever be able to justify spending a few thousand pounds on them..for now I'll make do with my baby changing bag 😂

• To win the lottery
 

I think this is probably everyones dream, but I'd love to win the lottery or be gifted the winning ticket haha! either way this would allow me to do sooooo many amazing things, buy a house, buy my family houses and of course all of the above haha! Theres a 1 in so many million chance if winning the lottery, so I guess this ones the most unrealistc...?

That's pretty much everything on my unrealistc dream wishlist, maybe one-day I'll be able to do a post about having all these things 😂😂


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