Summer Fun

Beach visits, days out, family fun and birthday organising:

Little pickles first proper trip to the beach!

I can't believe I'm actually writing my second post of June, and my last only went up a week or so ago - 10th June to be precise so 10 days on and I'm sat writing another post, woohoo! I wanted to have a bit of a natter. Talk about a few things we've been up to since my last post. I mean, not a great deal has happened but I thought I'd post anyway. I think I might throw in a tiny update on a few bits to? 

So where to start, I was talking about how lush the weather has been recently in my last post - and it's still absolutely lovely! this last weekend we've experienced a bit of a heat wave, or from what I've heard. It's been reaching 28°c-30°c on some days -  which for some places is average or actually cooler, but from where I live a Kent, Uk it's pretty darn hot, far to hot some days haha! Although I don't want to complain because the sunshine will probably be gone as quick as it came and it'll be raining next week (secretly as much as I hate the heat, I would like it to stick around for a little longer) it's just soooooooo humid. I'm fine the whole time theres a breeze, as I'm sure everyone agrees and as soon as thats gone and its just sunny I'm sweating enough to fill an olympic sized swimming pool and feel like I'm melting haha! This happened this time last year too, we had a mini heat wave, although I think I dealt with it better at 9 months pregnant than now at 6 months pregnant... odd isn't it? But like I said if theres a breeze I'm fab haha! 

Evangeline, my family and I visited the beach last week, it was Evie's first proper (if you will) trip to the seaside; we've gone for walks along the sea wall but never actually taken her onto the beach - it's a shame Zachary was at work and couldn't come with us! (I will insert some pictures from out visit) but I'm pretty certain we will visit the beach with him this summer. We've spent a lot of time in our back garden to, taking in full advantage of the nice weather. Myself or Zachary set up a little sun canopy - well make a sun canopy with the washing line and some towels/blankets haha, and Evangeline will happily sit in the shade playing with her toys alongside myself and Zachary or having a little sun whilst in her paddling pool splashing about drenching us haha (with waterproof suncream of course) she is just the cutest, her smile melts my heart. She loves the outdoors, she loves everything to do with being outside and being in the fresh air - in saying that she loves spending time inside playing with her toys just as much! I think I'll add some photos of her having fun in the garden... 

Fun at the seaside.

Playing in the garden, and pictures with mummy!

Her birthday is swiftly approaching 16 days away, I thought we'd pretty much completed the birthday preparation but I've written a list and discovered theres actually still a bit of stuff to buy! the food is one thing, but also something to put the food in haha! I've only just realised that we don't have any large dishes or plates to put food out on the food table, I think thats kind of a priority haha! So I'm on a mission to find the perfect ones that match her theme. I still haven't actually mentioned her theme yet, but I'm thinking about doing a separate post talking about her birthday, presents and the party. I know I've spoken a lot about her birthday in my last few posts, but I'm soooo excited and feel like it's nice to throw in a little party update just incase any of you lovely lot are having a party too! So back to the lists I've written, I have a whole page of food we need to buy and what we're having on the table, I was looking into making some fun foods I guess, one's I've seen on Pinterest but honestly I don't think I'll have any time to practice them before her party so we'll just have to buy them haha! (We've actually changed the day of her party now to, instead of being on her birthday its now 2 days after - I just thought I'd quickly pop that in!)

It was fathers day on Sunday 18th June, 2 days ago now. It was Zachary's first fathers day (if you don't include pregnancy) we had a pretty chilled out day, didn't do very much; Zachary had he's gifts from Evangeline and bump, we had breakfast, visited my daddy for a few hours before lunch and then heading of for a coffee and iced tea with Zachary's dad. Other than that we spent the day relaxing at home, playing in the garden with Evie. I'm not to keen on Sunday's which is a bizarre thing to say, but I hatteeeee the fact that everything closes early, I feel like I can't truly soak up Sunday's until everything is done because of being on a time frame. Luckily we now do our food shop on a Saturday so it's a little more chilled haha, I just wish everything open and closed at the same time each day so that you don't have to rush around, lol!  

Of course I had to add in some pictures from fathers day - Zachary and Evangeline & me, Evie, my dad, sister and nephew! 

Anyway, I think I'm going to leave it there. I've had quite the ramble haha; thank you for reading my little chit-chat update; I hope your all doing well - and ill speak to you in my next post!  

A little update, where I've been?

What's happened since my last post

Little lady relaxing in our garden. I love this picnic blanket from Sainsbury - so pretty! 

Hi, it's me again... I honestly think I'm going to have to stop promising a more regular uploading schedule, I've been awful at sticking to it; so I may as well avoid making any definite "I'll upload this day, or this frequently.." kind of promises on my blog. I just can't seem to find the time, juggling being a full time mummy, pregnant, running errands and keeping our house organised; my blog doesn't really slot in to well being honest, what tends to happen is I'll write a post whilst little lady naps, I'll be on a roll and then decide - oohhh there's an episode of Geordie shore, or one born every minute that I need to catch up on and then boom, my typing streak ends and then that post ends up in my drafts for probably the rest of eternity? But, I can't complain I love how busy I am nowadays, having cuddles, playtime, snacks and all that comes with being a mummy, I wouldn't change it for the world, so as for now my blog is a place where I write, update, upload when I can... and I hope you don't mind to much? I'm sure you other mummies understand... I'm trying to soak up every moment with Evangeline, she's almost 1 and I'll blink and she'll be in school and the baby in my tummy in nursery - time just shoots by!! But the promise I will make is I will try and upload as often as I can. 

The last 2 posts I've written have been a Q&A and a little pregnancy update - which I uploaded as I'm typing this, although this post probably won't be live for a few more weeks haha! - I was right, I'm back working on this post over 2 weeks after I initially started it haha! better late than never? At least this one hasn't been abandoned in my drafts haha!

Evangeline's first birthday is in 26 days, maybe less if I upload this later than todays haha; her birthday is on Friday 7th July 2017 - I can't believe how quickly it's approaching, in just under a month we'll have a 1 year old... I'm so stinking excited to celebrate her birthday, I've been organising her party since October, so like... 8-9 months I want it to be perfect! Everything that comes along with the preparation seems to be going well, invites have been sent, decorations all bought, outfits sorted, we have presents too I think 15 so far? We still want to buy her some more, I know some people will think thats more than enough and that buying her more is silly but its not as if we've bought them all at once, and we want to spoil our little princess on her birthday... to us thats more than acceptable - so sorry if you disagree. But anyway moving on, a majority of her party is sorted we just need to contact our chosen cake maker a few weeks before to arrange what time and date we are collecting her cake (we've already discussed designs and set that they will be making it - hopefully that makes sense?) The only thing I'm not to sure on is party bags, as other babies are coming along, do I need party bags? if so, what on earth do I put in them?! Haha, I'm sure I'll figure it out? 

So I'm over half way through my pregnancy with our second princess or baby no.2 - this pregnancy feels although its flying by, I feel although I only found out last month!? I'm excited to meet her in October once she's finished 'cooking' if you will. We've decided on a name for her now, but we won't be announcing that until her arrival so you'll just have to wait until October haha! 

We're finishing decorating Evangeline's bedroom/decor so she may be moving into her own room this month, it's going to be so odd her sleeping in her own bedroom, but I guess I'll have to let her sleep in her own room one day! or perhaps I'll sleep in there to? haha! I gave Zachary the task of making her a chest of drawers as I couldn't find any I like - the ones she currently have are from Ikea, but I wanted them to match the theme of her bedroom, so Zachary has taken the challenge on; and there almost finished!! I asked my dad to make her a toybox for her room and he has, its lovely, it even has a floral heart on, but rather than waffling about her room in this post - perhaps I'll do an uploaded nursery tour... I posted one a little while back, so if I remember to I'll add in the link! 

We're still on the hunt for the perfect duo pram, we're torn between the 'Bugaboo Donkey' and the 'Silver Cross Wave' I think thats the names haha! I  love them both, theres just different things I prefer in both prams and of course different things that I dislike to...who would've thought finding a pram would be so tricky haha! Again, much like everything once we've settled on one, I'll most likely so a post relating to it, why we chose it, all the features, prices and maybe our thoughts so far...... thats if we ever settle haha! 

The weather has been bliss here recently, only a few rainy days scattered here and there but overall its really starting to feel like summer. I'm sat typing this with an ice cold smoothie, perched on our bed, fan blowing, Evangeline fast asleep in her cot (we've just returned from a 1st birthday party, so she's a little worn out bless her), and talking about the chest of drawers - Zachary is out in the garden painting them in the sunshine; I think we're heading out for a walk down the beach soon, then home for a grilled chicken salad! There's quite a bit happening towards the end of this month so there may be another post, as I said I won't make any promises but I'm hoping to squeeze in another post before our little pickles birthday - so I guess we'll just have to wait and see?

Thank you for reading my little update - until next time lovelies, Cya! xo

My first trimester - 2nd pregnancy

Baby no2.

Our Baby No.2 <3

I mentioned previously that I'd be uploading a few pregnancy related posts, I thought a good place to start would be talking about my first trimester - I've not done a post like this before, I popped my pregnancy updates with Evangeline in all of my chit-chat type of posts, but I thought I'd try discussing it on 2 or 3 posts in one place rather than in lots of different places. Hopefully that makes sense?! 

Ironically I'm writing this post a little later than I originally planned, I was hoping to have it written and uploaded the last week of my 1st trimester but that didn't happen, I'm now in fact just over 2 weeks into my 2nd trimester; but I guess any post is better late than never, right? To make it a little more interesting I thought I'd throw in a few little comparisons with my pregnancy with Evangeline... or at least I feel it'll be more interesting haha! 

Anyway, I'm rambling so on with the post!....

Rewinding to back when I found out that we are expecting baby no2, the day we found out our little princess Evangeline is going to be a big sister. Valentines day, we had just been out as a family to Wagamamas by far my favvvvvv restaurant, and had to pop into B&M.... I can't remember why, I think it was to pick a neck pillow? sounds familiar but honestly I can't really remember haha. Nevertheless, we popped into B&M - at this point I think I was around 4 or 5 days late for my period (putting it bluntly haha) so just on a whim we decided to pick up a few boxes of tests, as we were trying for baby no2 and you never no when you need a test! We arrived home at 8pm and I done the test, and boom - within seconds the test had come back positive, I didn't believe it so I sent Zachary to Sainsbury to pick up a digital, which revealed I was roughly 4 weeks. I was in utter shock as I hadn't had ANY symptoms what so ever! 

Moving away from finding out and moving onto symptoms... I had none, not one. Other than cramping, which I have every time I have a cycle I had nothing out of the ordinary; however when I was pregnant with Evangeline I was extremely nauseous, boobs were sore, cramping, bad skin all the usual - so kind of had a hunch, but nothing at all this time. I;m lucky really as I've heard some horror stories about women who are sick 30+ times a day, my sister had morning sickness so I've witnessed it first hand, and boy am I glad I haven't had it; I hate being sick!

I had my first scan at 5-6 weeks due to being high risk for ectopic pregnancies, another at 7-8 weeks to check on baby and of course my 12 week scan. I had 4 scans in my 1st trimester with Evie. We actually have a scan booked for the 6th May to find out baby no.2's gender - I'm soooooooooo stinking excited; but I'll possibly talk about that in another post.

I've had 1 midwife appointment in my first trimester, a few doctors and consultant appointments, medication starting all over again and of course blood tests. But I can't complain, because I'd do these things daily if it means my children are healthy. :) 

But thats it really, I had a feeling this post would be a quick one, but truth is I don't have to much to say, maybe future updates will be longer? Either way I hope you've enjoyed reading this, having a bit more information on baby no.2, and I'll talk to you in my next post.

Instagram Q&A

Questions & Answers.

Recently I posted on my instagram that I was going to be posting a Q&A post here on my blog, I think this is my 3rd now? I'm not to sure haha! Either way I love doing these posts and love the fact I can answer each of your individual questions - and some of them are very interesting! So without nattering on I'm going to get straight into answering your questions!

What was your reaction when you found out you were pregnant? and when did you find out?

> I was extremely shocked, Zachary and I had only been trying or taking no precautions for around a month, give or take a few days. As you know I have a few issues with my womb and ovaries - I've done a blog post related to that so I'll link that here ---- ............... It tooks us 7 months again give or take a few days to fall pregnant with Evangeline, and I had undergone a procedure to find out what was going on down there if you will, had a few cysts removed and my tubes slilghtly opened and it still took that long haha!! So we were under the impression due to what we were told when we were trying for Evangeline and because of having a csection it would take longer (we were told this by medical professionals). So we were very shocked, but extremely happy when we found out. We found out on valentines day.

What's your opinion on parents having children close together? Do you think they do it for money? How many months will be between Evie and her new sibling when he/she arrives in October? 

> I don't really have one being honest, it doesn't bother me - there will be 15 months between Evie and her sibling, if baby is born on the due date. Some people may think thats really close and have problems with it. But I don't think its an issue, if you can look after them, love them, care for them, help them grow and develop and keep them happy then in my opinion thats all that matters, 10 months or 10 years apart its down to the individual and as long as they are cared for thats all that counts. And regards to money, NO, NO, NO I certainly do NOT think thats why people have children! for some people maybe, but the high majority no - myself and Zachary aren't entitled to a single penny from anyone (excluding work wages) as he's wage is higher than the threshold, therefore any money put towards our growing family is souly from money earnt! And I think that applies to many families!!!

What are your plans for the future? I know you get asked in every Q&A... but cars, house, work and just future plans?

> Well, ws you know we are in the process of trying to find the perfect car to suit our family. I've only been driving for 2 years now so a majority of the time my insurance is ridiculously expensive so thats something that we have to take into consideration when buying a car; not only that, but also the fact we will have 2 car seats and a tandem pram in the car, so we need something that suits all of those factors - but I'm sure the perfect one will crop up eventually! House....we actually intend to move again! Somewhere more suited haha, our place at the moment is a 3 bed bungalow, its lovely! but its a bit on the small size? However we actually will be moving somewhere smaller, I'll go in depth in another post haha! Work, I will be going back on the hunt for jobs in the next few years once Evangeline and the baby are in nursery, I'll be going part time - what job, at the moment I think I'd be down to do any (within reason) - a jobs a job!

Have you got any names planned for your baby?
> Yes! we have two names for a boy, although we definitely sway more towards one of them; and we have 2 for a girl, well we're not completely settled on the girls ones - but theres no rush, and theres no point panicing until we know the gender haha!

What is your biggest achievement?
> I would say my biggest achievement by far is my daughter, and of course the baby I'm carrying. Evangeline is such a happy, friendly, loving, intelligent, playful, cheeky little lady - she makes me prouder and prouder each and every day. She means the world to me, I love her more than anything. I'm extremely lucky to be her mummy.

Where is one place you'd like to visit as a family, you, zac, evangeline and the new baby?  or will you be going on holiday before the baby comes in October? (holiday destination)
> My dream destination would be 'Disney Land'. I've always wanted to go there, ever since I was a little girl. And I hope to one day visit there with my family. I very much doubt we'll go much before Evangeline is 6 and this baby is 5; I feel like they'd have much more fun! and nope, we don't have any holidays planned.

How many children do you want?
> Zachary and I only plan on having 2 children. So our dreams have come true, we have a gorgeous little girl and a new addition joining us in October. Of course we may decide to have 3 or more children in the future, but as for now we're happy with our family of 4.

Fav Tv series?
> I don't have one haha, I have a few!! I love Pretty little liars, Orange is the new black, Orphan Black, One born every minute, Family guy haha! and I guess the list could go on, I'll watch anything really; well almost everything?

What was your pregnancy cravings with your daughter? and will you be revelaing this gender?
> I didn't really have very many..... I had 3 through out my entire pregnancy, and 1 was just something I wanted daily - mainly because I found it refreshing..... so there was sausage rolls, quavers and orange juice! As for the gender, we're still not to sure yet; we're not against the idea of revelaing this baby's gender, but honestly a decision hasn't been made. Either way I'll keep you updated!

Your best fake tan? and horror tan story?
> My favvvvvv tan of all time is the 'Garnier Body - Summer Body' - I think thats what its called lol! I've used it for around 3 years now! and its now a part of my holy grail for summer time! Ahh, a tan  horror story? I think we've all been there if you wear tan - accidently applying to much so you look like an oompa-loompa or that dreaded moment when you realise your tan is patchy in the most obviously places - i.e. your arms and legs!!

If you could only use one makeup item for the rest of your life, what would it be?
> This is really difficult, I love concealer; you can hide so many blemishes and brighten areas of your face. However, I love a good eyebrow gel or mascara? Id have to say concealer, I think I could live without eyebrow gel or mascara.... but I don't think I'd want to show of my eye bags or breakouts!

Will you and Zachary ever tie the knot?
> Haha! this made me giggle. We have an intention to get married, yes. But is it on the cards for the near future, I don't think so. Of course thats not ruling out engagement - but I don't think we'll get married for at least another 8-9 years? of course if that changes and happens sooner then thats fine... but as of now marriage isnt something that will be happening any time soon.

Where do you by most of your furniture. what are your fav shops?
I love John Lewis - but I can't say I adore the price tags being honest haha! Any where really, I love ikea, but we'll buy home decor and furniture from anywhere we find something we like....hopefully that makes sense!

What pram will you be getting for the future?
> Zachary and I have been doing a great deal of research into a new pram; and we've found a few we really like and of course a few we've hated. I'll probably do a different post talking about them i n the future and of course what one we pick - but as of now, we're still deciding! I will add we've just discovered the 'Uppababy Vista' and I loveeeee it!

How many times have you travelled abroad? do you like travelling?
> I've been abroad 3 times. Turkey, france and Tunisia. And no!! I hate aeroplanes, I absolutely hate flying, everytime I've been on a plane I've had a panic attack, I hate the idea my feet are that far of the ground. I hate everything about flying, literally everything - the only thing I love is getting of haha! Lets hope I can be brave for when we go on holiday as a family!

What is your go to perfume?
> I'd have to say my go to perfume is 'Daisy - Marc Jacobs' its such a fresh, classic scent, perfect for every season and occasion! Defiantly would recommend!

Why did you want another baby so soon? is it because of how quick your daughters growing?
> Nope, it is in no way relevant to Evangeline growing up. We love her more than anything, we love every minute with her; and are so grateful to be her parents. Having another baby doesn't change anything; other than we have another little bundle to love and care for. We wanted there to be roughly 1 1/2 or 2 years between them, and because of how long it took to fall pregnant with Evangeline we decided to start trying much sooner; we're extremely happy with the age gap (15 months). I love the little lady Evangeline is becoming, shes chatty, intelligent, loving, friendly the list goes on - I love the fact shes becoming a little toddler and she'll be a fab big sister.

Harry Potter or twilight?
> 100000000000% Harry Potter! Sorry to any of you that prefer Twilight!

What is your favourite season?
> I haven't really got one haha! I do love summer, fall/autumn and winter. I'm not overly struck on spring, mainly because I never know what to wear haha! one day its hot, the next cold. I like the simple weather, where its hot or cold. And although fall/autumn isn't either, my birthday falls there haha! I'd say summer is my top favourite season - one because Evangelines birthday falls there, and I love a good tan haha!

Do you have any tattoos or piercings?
> I don't have any tattoos, I've always wanted one but never been 100% on what I want. I don't think I'll ever take the plunge and get a tattoo just simply because I know after a few months I'd probably want to change it haha! But who knows, maybe one day I will? and as for piercings, I have 6 in total, 3 in one lobe, 2 in another and my cartilage. I've had my tummy button pierced twice, but both times they've gotten an infection or regected - to much hassle and gross!!

What do you prefer, long hair or short? 

> I sit inbetween. 95% of the time what happens is - my hair will grow long and I'll be really happy with it, I never really bother doing much with it so often in ends up in a pony tail, messy bun or half up, half down; so I become fed up and get it chopped of to shorter than shoulder length...I'll love it for a few days, then I'll want my long hair back, so I'll by extensions, end up never using them, my hair grows and the cycle repeats haha!

Do you prefer your new house to your old one?
> Ironically I never thought I'd ever say this...but I really do miss our old place; I miss everything about it - well almost everything... and as much as I love where we are now, I think I preferred where we lived before? but even I don't know if I'd prefer here if we left, so I guess I'm not to sure? I hope you understand what I mean...sorry I couldn't give a specific answer.....

Apple or Samsung?
> This is difficult....I have both - my computer is the Macbook Air, and my phone the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge.. I love them both, so I think I'm a sucker for both haha!

Will you being doing updated nursery tours on Evangeline's room and the baby due in Octobers room?
> Erm, I'm not to sure being completely honest.... I've done a tour of Evangeline's nursery in our old house here on my blog - I'll link the post Evangeline's Nursery tour.  As for doing one for our new place, it's a possibility but I'm not going to say for sure - we still have a lot to organise and I think due to the floorplan of our bungalow Evangeline and the baby will be sharing, so I guess it depends on how much we organise and what not in the next coming months... oh and if we decide to share the gender before October haha!

If you could do any job on the planet and qualifications/experience wasn't something you had to worry about, what would you do?
> I'd love to do something that involves health care. For example a neonatal doctor, midwife or paediatrician; but I don't deal to well with blood or being under pressure to well and dislike seeing anyone ill or sad. So I doubt I'd be great at any of them - but who knows what the future holds?

Sweet or savoury?
> Savoury 1000000%!

Would you rather have feet for hands or hands for feet?
> Hands for feet! although shoe shopping would be very tricky haha!

What are your tips for blogging?
> I've done a whollleeeee post on this, well my tips for starting a blog - I'll link it here My tips for starting a blog. But in a summary, keeping it short and sweet. My top tips would be, be yourself try not copy anyone, don't make your blog a negative place - for example slating or being rude about other people; it looks very unprofessional. It's a bit of a cheek for me to say haha, but try to keep on a regular schedule of uploads. Write about things that interest you, things you find most interesting and can talk about for hours, I love chit-chats so I do them most.

If you could pick the gender of your baby what would you pick?
> Being completely honest, I really don't mind what our babys gender is. Of course I'd be telling you porkies if I said I wouldnt love a little boy, but as long as the baby is healthy, boy or girl I'm over the moon!

Will you be doing any pregnancy related posts i.e updates, what you bought, reviews, hospital bags and so on? > I think I may do a few pregnancy related posts, like I did when I was pregnant with Evangeline. However I don't realllyyyyyy want to only post those types of posts as they may not interest everyone. But there will 100% be a good handful if not a few more in the future!

Fav nail polish for summer?
> I don't have one haha! anything bright and cheery!

How many pets do you have, what are they?
> I have 2 cats - Henry and Nip (dont ask haha) and jazzy our border collie. They don't live with me, they live with my parents; but i still call them my pets. 

Have you finished planning Evangeline's 1st Birthday? 

Nope, we're very close but there is still a great deal to do. We've have a majority of her decorations, some stuff for her cake smash, her plates, cups, cupcake stuff and what not, we have her cake organised - well someone to make it, her birthday outfit and accessories, we have half of her outfit for her cake smash, we haven't yet bought her any presents but we have a list! Oh, and we still have to send out invites haha! So not really but we're defiantly getting there! 

That's all for now, thank you to everyone who has taken part and ask me a question - I hope I answered them to the best of my ability for you! Have a lovely day, afternoon, evening wherever you are; and I'll talk to you in my next post! 

We've got some news:

'We couldn't be happier, we are absolutely over the moon............. we're beyond grateful!'

Hello, so it's becoming a theme that I only really upload the odd 'chit-chat' posts. Well, being completely honest they kind of fill the majority of my blog. But today's post is an exciting one, well it is in my opinion - hopefully you agree!? I think I'm going to pop in a little update to.

Complete side note, I don't think I've actually mentioned this on here yet? But my blog has been running for over a year now!! For those of you wondering I first set up my blog over on the website 'wordpress' last April, Monday 4th April 2016 to be precise. And it's all ready been a whole year!? - well just over..... Although as you know I moved my blog over to here a few months later. I started my blog as an online diary, I never really intended for it to come as far as what it has, I've had fantastic  opportunities, worked with some amazing companies and enjoyed every second. I was so reluctant to start my blog, and I think it took me around 3 months to finally take the plunge; and boy am I glad I did. No, I'm not the best writer, haven't got the most amazing, interesting  posts - but they seem to attract so many different people, its crazy to me, to see that there are people reading my blog from Australia!  Even though I haven't really been that dedicated to posting and uploading on here recently, and well I've kind of neglected it for around 6 months, posting the odd thing here and there. I truly intend to improve and stick to some sort of upload schedule - I would love to keep my blog going for as long a possible, and hope I can. But I just wanted to say thank you, thank you for taking your time to support my blog, it means ever so much. 

Moving on to the reason your actually reading this......the exciting news. If you don't follow my Instagram, your probably thinking 'Well stop rambling and tell us the news!' so I'm not going to keep waffling and go into detail about everything after...........

"I never realised just how nervous I'd feel about posting this, I know there can be some very judgmental, nasty people - but please keep negative opinions to yourself.

I'd like to announce that our family will welcoming a new addition in October and we couldn't be happier, we are absolutely over the moon. It's much sooner than we anticipated and we recieved quite the shock as we thought we'd have difficulty concieving again, but we're beyond grateful. Evangeline truly will be the best big sister."

We're expecting baby number 2 in October. We are thrilled, beyond grateful and we're very excited. As I mentioned we thought it would take much longer due to the issues I have with my ovaries and womb, it took around 7 months, perhaps a little longer and a procedure through a laparoscopy to fall pregnant with my daughter Evangeline; so we were extremely shocked when it took around a month - give or take a few days!  and some tablets/vitamins to help us too!

<3 <3 <3

For those of you who are going to ask, we were adviced and informed it would take much longer due to my medical problems and having a csection to conceive; we're very lucky it happened as quick as it did. I still can't wrap my head around the fact that baby number 2 is growing in my tummy! Evangeline will be the best big sister, she's so gentle, friendly, loving, cheeky, playful and I know she'll love being a big sister. 

I'm considering doing some pregnancy related posts in the near future but I'm not 100% sure yet? But either way if I do end up doing them, then you'll see them here haha! 

So as I said I wanted to do this as a little update to. I don't really have to much to say but, we had our first BBQ in our back garden on Sunday 9th April just us 3, it was lovely; the weather has been amazing so sunny. So Evangeline, Zachary and I have been having lots of little adventures or day trips these past few weekends (when Zachary isn't working), soaking in the sun! Its crazy to think this time next year we'll be a family of 4!! 

I thought I'd post a collage rather then lots of individual pictures haha! I love my little family more than anything! <3

Complete change of subject and a little update on our little princess. Evangeline has started pulling herself up onto furniture (with a little help at times) I can't believe how quickly she's growing up! She still hasn't mastered crawling, but being honest she just doesn't want to...she bum shuffles, pulls herself or rolls - she much prefers standing now, so who knows she may walk before she crawls? She still doesn't have any teeth! which to me is rather bizarre, she's being teething now since she was a little over 2 months, so her little tooth-pegs are defiantly talking there time, but better late than never? we can see them in her gums, I guess they just aren't ready to pop threw yet; but I'm pretty sure it won't be long! maybe I'll be telling you all about her teeth making their arrival in my next post? 

Our little princess, I had to print screen this from my Instagram, as it wasn't watermarked on my phone haha! if you don't already follow me and you'd like to my username is - dons_steph <3

We've been looking at some prams and cars this last month, finding the perfect one for our growing family. I think we've settled on the 'iCandy Peach' - I'll insert a picture. We did look into the 'Bugaboo Donkey' but I don't like how wide it is being completely honest; so the icandy I think it is... but I'll go into further detail in a different post. And perhaps I'll do a car update in that post to haha! 

**Picture from google.* This is the icandy peach, but we would be buying it in black :)

Anyway, I think I'm rambling on about everything....so I'm going to end it here; as I say in every post - if I don't stop it'll go on forever! haha. So thank you for reading and I hope your just as excited with the news as we are! 

Why I love a good old natter

Rambles, update and organising:

My pretty little princess. 

So believe it or not I'm actually uploading my second blog post of the month, yippee! I mean I know it's not that much of an achievement really as I know bloggers that upload pretty much daily; it's a mile better than my a month between 'routine' and I'm proud of myself that I've managed to sit down, write this and actually try and stick to some sort of schedule of uploading.

It's been beyond hectic these last few weeks, as I mentioned in my last post we've just moved. And being completely honest I forgot how much work it is, I don't remember having this much stuff when we moved into our old place. The storage where we've moved is pretty pants, so there's still stuff we need to find a home for, still stuff that we need to sell, or throw out; let's hope everything is organised soon? We're still waiting for and needing to buy some new furniture - finding the perfect pieces for our house. I just wish that we could've moved in and everything would have been ready for us, packed nicely and neatly away, organised exactly how we want it; but back to reality unless your a millionaire I don't think those thing's happen.

These are by far my favourite posts to write, I feel although I'm actually sat down in my lounge, with a nice glass of orange juice (I don't drink tea or coffee, unless there iced!) with some snacks, talking face to face with you. Like you would with friends or family you know, have a catch up. That's what it feels like - I love my other posts, but these truly feel like my most interactive. Hopefully you understand what I mean, if not...well, my only other reason would be that I love to have a natter!

Moving on I've recently told you lovely lot about the birthday preparation taking place for Evangeline's 1st birthday party. I truly feel like I'm being a bit to organised as her birthday is roughly 15 weeks away, give or take a few days - but I guess you can never be to prepared right? We've actually now received the crown she will be wearing at her party, which I will insert a picture of - it was made by a lovely page on Instagram prettybowbaby (if you click on the name, it'll take you to her page!). So not only have we received her crown, we've now ordered her dress so we should receive that shortly we just need to order 1 item to complete the outfit; we've found someone to make her cake they have our ideas so we hope that they can make it come to life! keep your fingers crossed! 

I think we're going to make her cake smash cake, but who knows - I'm still not 100% sure what sort of cake we want for that? most likely something simple as Evangeline will probably destroy it haha! 

I know I said in my previous post I was going to hold back from ordering a lot as I didn't want any of it to get ruined but I just can't help myself; I love to be organised. Her balloons have been ordered, well some of them, the main ones that keep selling out...we are just waiting for a few more, before we purchase all the rest! Going back to her cake smash we are on the hunt for a perfect outfit, but I think we've found it... a lovely little romper with lace and different details. I'm pretty sure this will be a hot topic for the next few months or more, mainly because I like to update you, make you feel involved, if only all of you could come to her party! Perhaps in the future I'll do a post talking about everything we're planning, themes and everything, I'm just not ready to spill the beans just yet! 

Evangeline's birthday crown, it's so pretty.

I find it a little bizarre how long it actually takes me to write posts nowadays, come up with ideas and things I want to talk about. I have time in the evenings or just before bed, and of course whilst Evangeline naps. But a majority of the time I would much rather sit cuddling Evie - she's growing up so quickly so I'm trying to soak up every moment of her being little. I sit giving her a cuddle, having a mooch on online shops and catch up on whatever I've missed on the telly... so I do have plenty of time, but as I said I find it so much harder than I used to, to actually come up with something to talk to you about, I don't really want to constantly repeat myself and bore you - I just struggle with the inspiration at the moment, I have no clue as to why? bloggers block maybe? 

I do have a few posts that are completely different to what I would usually upload, a few beauty ones - I hope you like them! one being 'My go to makeup" or 'My favourite makeup'. I hope I get around to finishing and put them up soon, but I guess we'll have to wait and see whether I manage to stick to a sort of routine, I'm trying my best, I always do. There will also be a few other blog posts I can't wait to share with you soon - very exciting if I do say so myself! 

I was thinking about doing a post talking about my mummy must haves? but I'm not to sure, well I say doing I really mean finishing, its currently sat in my draft box waiting to be finished; I just don't know how I feel about it? maybe I'll go back and have a read through it, see if I can tweak anything to make me like it more? Ironically I have quite a few posts sitting in my drafts waiting for the day they are finally published onto here, although I doubt many of them will - but hey who knows?

The weather has been magnificent here, its really starting to feel like spring, I'm excited for the warmer weather; not going to lie I'm not a huge fan of hot weather but not having to wear a coat, being able to wear pretty sandals is what I love; so I'm excited for that. I think this is possibly the longest post I've written in a few months? and boy does it feel great to have a huge ramble, a good old natter. I think thats all for now though, of course unless I think of something else when I come to proof read this; however as of this exact second I am going to end this post here. I truly hope you've enjoyed reading this, having a chat with me. I hope your all having a grand old day. 

Good old update!

Moving house, unpacking, organising and life:

Rather than sharing a picture of our incomplete house, here's a picture of Evangeline's shelf.

This truly is the longest I've gone without uploading a post, the most time I've spent away or I suppose neglected my blog - and boy does it feel good to finally be back to uploading, updating and writing! I guess my plan of posting on a regular basis isn't going so great.... but a huge change has taken place since I lasted made any sort of appearance on here waaaayyy over a month ago, my last post was Evangeline's 6 month update, she's 8 months now - which goes to show how long I've been away doesn't it?

So if you don't follow my social media your probably wondering why on earth haven't you been very active. We've moved house, we moved on the 18th February; I was going to write some posts and schedule them to upload but being completely honest, I was far to busy, it has been pretty hectic with packing everything, tidying and of course moving. We've been here at our new place for almost 3 weeks now and we still have a bit of unpacking to see to. So maybe when everything is how we want it, all organised, I'll do a house tour post?

Moving on from the move...

Evangeline's almost 8 months, 4 months away from being 1 years old. How is that possible? How can time fly by that quickly? How can it be my teeny-tiny, fresh from the womb, little princess is 1 in 4 months? I say this almost everyday, but I feel although we only bought her home yesterday and she's 1 soon? Well, soon in my eyes. I think I'll be saying this every year forever... I expect every mum thinks this...

A few pictures of our little lady since we've moved. Maybe I'm biased, but she's perfect.

I actually started with her 1st birthday planning, organising and arranging around October, she was 3 months old and I remember swooning over '1st Birthday Inspiration' on Pinterest whilst she napped; and that's where it all started. So where we are at... we have a theme, a date, venue, decorations, her outfit for her cake smash and birthday party; which I'm patiently waiting to purchase, food and cake ideas, guests - although we still need to send out invitations, our fun and games or ideas for the day. So practically everything is waiting to be bought and prepared, but maybe buying it all 4 months early is a bit of a silly idea as I don't want any of it to get ruined, but her theme is the cutest; nothing to particular - just fun and utterly adorable. But I'll go into more depth nearer the time, for now its a secret..haha.

I don't really have to much to update on, not much has really changed other than what I've spoken about above, or that I've had a hair cut, little things like that, that don't really need to have a blog post dedicated to them. Other than that our life is practically the same.

I can't be the only person who thinks 2017 is already flying by? We're already in March.... already 2 months down, into the 3rd. It'll be 2018 before we know it - I can't really complain though, there are so many exciting thing's happening this year, lots of exciting blog posts in the next coming months and throughout, ones I'm beyond excited to be finally talking about; so be sure to keep an eye out.

Anyway... Lets wrap this up here, or I'll end up writing a novel. Thank you for reading and I'll talk to you in my next post.