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The Parent Trap MSN Life & Style BlogTrials and tribulations of a first time mother
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August 15 One Step Closer To Yummidom!So all this yummy mummy nonsense makes me wanna chuck.
To lose your baby weight in two weeks eating nothing but sprout soup is beyond me, but a woman can try and make herself feel good in the meantime... So I have decided to take steps toward Yummy Mummydom slowly but surely and then within a few months, I'll get there.
This week I was lucky enough to be treated to a haircut off mum - Thanks honey! She knew it would make me feel better and it really did (as well as making my head feel about a stone lighter!)
Same cut but it really needed doing... It looks poker straight here because my head's tilted, but it's a nice straight jobby with sweeping side fringe... Like my profile pic.
Thanks to my fantastic mum and Georgia and Kate at EXTREME, I'm starting to look like me again...
More soon... Selena x August 13 First Birthday Party!So yesterday I managed to get half of Jaycen's Baby Book done and both of his photo albums, one for his scans and the other for his birth. I've just got to buy one more album for the pregnancy photos and I'm done.
The problem was (with doing that) I didn't manage to ship the photos of Jessica's party onto the laptop. So here they are! (If you want to see a close up, just click the photo.)
Jaycen went to his FIRST birthday party on Sunday and it was lovely. We were invited by Tim and Michelle our fabulous neighbours and there was a ton of food, a beautiful cake and I even managed to squeeze in a beverage! It was fab. They were all set up for a barbecue too, but the weather wasn't kind - Boo!
Tim being Tim, he got out there anyway and we all had kebabs, burgers and a gorgeous buffet that Shell had laid out. They really are fantastic neighbours and we're gutted that they're moving...
But anyway... enough of my blubbing.
All of the kids had a great time and Jaycen loved it! It was the first time he got to wear a little dress shirt too! Talk about cute?
Writing out Jessica's card...
Arriving at the party...
(Thank God my big round pregnant face is starting to disappear and I'm beginning to look more like me eh!) Jaycen's new friends...
The birthday girl and her mummy!
Tim (Daddy) cooking up a storm!
Jaycen enjoying the party with his dad...
...arrrr, family portrait - bless!
A gorgeous one of Janice and Jess...
Jaycen's pooped and ready to go home...
But there's always time for cake...
HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY JESSICA!
We all had a great time! ...Obviously we couldn't stay long as little Jaycen was the youngest baby at the party and the only one in need of regular naps, but it was fab while it lasted. The best was yet to come though, we got home and had murder getting him off to sleep.. He was just far too excited and overstimulated. We tried taking him out for a walk, rocking, singing, you name it... He just wasn't interested in bo-bos at all.
That night though, he slept without a peep - right through! Poor little thing was all partied out.
...It's no wonder though, he'd had a very busy day. He'd been to his Auntie Shirley's for breakfast early in the morning... (How good were those chocolate croissants?)
... and then the party
and his Nanna's too...
Phew what a day!
More soon...
Selena x Selena Ledgerton Cooper Childcare & Education Consultant Author / Writer (MSN Life & Style) ____________________________________________________
Selena Ledgerton Cooper Life & Style (Family/Parenting)
August 09 First Times...So I started Jaycen's Baby Book yesterday and I'm gonna add all the photographs from the pregnancy and his first five days (I've got a set of matching albums for photos after that...)
But thanks to a mix up at the photo place, I have to wait until Monday for all of my prints. I wanted them done in a day and they have gone away (in error) on three day processing - great! Fortunately, I received a nice hefty voucher for the inconvenience - I should think so too!
Anyway.. (thanks to them) this post has now gone from being about the baby book, to being about first times (and that's no bad thing!)
Jaycen had two first times yesterday and I managed to snap photos of both (yeah, I know - no surprise there eh?)
Yesterday morning a parcel arrived from eBay and it was the inflatable nest and play gym that I had won. Jayce has really taken to sitting up and he's grouchy if we lay him down, so we needed something that he could play in, but be comfy (and nod off in) too. It was real bargain... Normally close to 40 quid from Mothercare, I snaffled this on eBay for a tenner! The best thing is, it also matches the 'safari' mothercare toys that we were bought as presents.
Take a look at these pics...
What a little comfy man! His other big first was a trip out in his buggy!
We've been using the moses basket in this buggy since he was born, but now he's just too big and gets far too hot (it's so enclosed), so we changed over to the super-comfy (and airy) buggy. He loved it!
...So much so that hubby and I even took him for a walk in the evening and picked up a chippy tea on the way back - great plan it was, great plan!
I was worried that he'd be a little confused at first, as the moses basket faces me (as I push) and the buggy faces outward. But I needn't of worried as after a few 'Hello Jaycens' he was fine and dandy and knew exactly where I was. He loved looking at all the flowers and plants in the gardens we passed and was asleep in a record time of two minutes and that was that. So we'll be using the buggy from now on me thinks!
Another bonus is that it's so much lighter without the moses basket attached. My back is thanking Jayce for taking to the buggy, it really is. I can whack that buggy up over the front step now, no problem.
Here's to many more first times!
May they all be as beneficial and happy! More soon... Selena x
Selena Ledgerton Cooper Life & Style (Family/Parenting)
August 06 So Much To Say...Between work (which has gone nuts!) and baby Jaycen, I have been chocka over the past few weeks. I have so much to share, but yesterday I thought to myself how random all the stuff is... So I guess this post is gonna be all over the place (to say the least). I have stuff to recommend, memories to log, info to share and tons more... So if you feel like a random ride into my head today - then read on!
First of all I want to draw your attention to a fantastic (and creative) kit. I wanted to do one of those clay footprint doohickeys, but I just couldn't find one that was big enough to do hand as well. You can get small kits that have a tin of clay for baby to put his hand or foot in, or the ones that have a huge frame and everything else but they cost a fortune. I just wanted a keepsake of Jaycen's hand and footprint, not to have to take out a new mortgage!
Of all places Argos was my saviour! They do frame and clay print kits for just £11.99 and they have them in blue, pink or white.
Hubby and I grabbed the white kit (I'd have ripped someone's arm off for one at that price!) - It came out beautifully and was relatively easy to do. I thought it would be very hard geting a decent print off Jaycen, but it was surprising how quickly he opened his hand - we were probably very lucky. This set even comes with a pencil tool to write your child's name and the date. On the opposite side of the frame, you can add a photo too. It was fun to do as a family and we even had a friend record the printing session on video - two keepsakes for the price of one... (Thanks for filming Ian!)
Wanna see the finished article?
Here's my effort... I haven't chosen a photo for the other side yet, but I've got it on my list for today (honest!)
Have a go, you'll love it!
Right, what's next...
MEMORIES
New songs that Jaycen loves are...
Eidelweiss when he's feeding, the theme from Gummi Bears (just for fun) and he now sleeps to Truly Scrumptious from Chitty, Chitty, Bang, Bang and Thankyou for the Music by Abba. I'm telling you, a couple of rounds of those two and he's out!
Jaycen now has a Bumbo!
He's not supposed to be able to sit in it until 3 months because babies that use it must be able to hold their head up. Jayce being the little whizz that he is, is more than comfy in it already. It's a great invention you know, the babies weight holds them in place and it feels so soft and comfortable. The best way I can describe it is like a plastercine potty! Jaycen loves it!
Now that we're getting bigger, we've also been fashioning some rather snazzy big boy outfits! I have four personal favourites... There's this khaki number from Next with matching cord Converse. Then there's his Mini Mode outfit. I call these his buster browns. I'm a big fan of the film Drop Dead Fred and I love it when they're playing burglars and Fred makes the little girl's 'sweater stripey!' (He also has his K-Swiss from Auntie Shell on. Remember when I posted the photos of her buying those yonks ago? Now he's wearing them - it's ace!)
Next is his Official England Set from his Uncle Birchy and Auntie Tracey...
...And finally, there's his super-gorgeous NEW I Love Mummy romper! Just look at him giggling on this photo!
Just had to post this one...
Speaking of feeding, we've been having lots of fun with Jaycen's feeding habits. Now he's passed the two month marker he's been on five, six ounce feeds and boy do you know when he wants grub! He's fine on every feed apart from the last one at night. He's supposed to have his feed at ten (because he's feeding every four hours and he heads straight off to bed after that), but he's grouchy from nine and usually screaming blue murder by 9.30pm. It's not fun, he's got a top set of lungs and can really make a cracking noise! Fortunately through songs, games and general distraction - he's managing to stretch until quarter to ten before he explodes! Oh yeah, and the minute you take the bottle out of his mouth to wind him, he kicks off too - Especially if he doesn't want to be winded! Bottle in, silence... Bottle out...AAAAAAAGGGGGHHHH! It's funny though, the minute he's finished drinking and we say 'all gone', he's happy as Larry. No screaming, boo-hoos, weepies or anything - not a tear or tonsil in sight! What a guy! Anyway... Enough rambling from me, you could probably do with some handy information by now eh? Well as far as info goes, I have to ask if you've registered with ebay? I have and I've bought some great items and sold some baby stuff too. It's a great way to recycle all those newborn clothes into age 3-6 months. Sell one lot and buy another with the cash you make - Excellent! I'm just sorting out some maternity clothes and some of my old 'smaller' clothes that I've never worn. Space is getting less and less in our house, so it's time for a clear out. That reminds me, I need to allocate one room a week to rip apart and sort out. I know we've got a new baby, but this hovel is geting beyond a joke! Jaycen is now ten weeks old (heading for eleven!) - Here's the baby milestones for a two month old from Babycentre.... You can find the milestones for all ages there too! I'm looking forward to posting on Friday. I'm doing Jaycen's Baby Book tomorrow, so that will remind me of everything I want to log in the memories sections of this blog. It's the little things that count eh? The stuff that really makes you smile! More soon... Oh, and I can't forget to tell you what's coming up... I have a panel of mums testing (from birth) toys as we speak. Next week we will be reviewing them and I also have my tips on shopping for a travel system. More soon...
Selena x
PS - If you haven't seen it get Drop Dead Fred on DVD. It's one of my favourite films and is a real 'back to you childhood' flick. The kids'll love it too - but wat ch the age range, there's a couple of naughty words in there. If nothing else, it's great for grown ups who are kids at heart anyway!
Selena Ledgerton Cooper Childcare & Education Consultant Author / Writer (MSN Life & Style) ____________________________________________________
Selena Ledgerton Cooper Life & Style (Family/Parenting)
August 05 The BEST Milk!I've found the BEST milk for Jaycen!
It has to be my top recommendation!
Have you tried HIPP Organic Infant Milk for your baby? I know it sounds like I'm blatantly advertising, but I'm not - Its just great milk!
When I stopped breastfeeding (because of the medication for my back), I started off using the usual suspects (you know the ones) - but I nearly died when I realised they weren't organic (or GM free) and they were also SO expensive!
So I took it upon myself to test a few formulas and the one that came out on top was HIPP Organic!
Did you know that their formula provides you with the same amount of powder, it mixes well, it's organic, more eco-friendly (less packaging) and it's anything from 2 to 4 pounds cheaper per box! I'm telling you, you have to try it - I love the stuff and so does Jaycen. He has far less trouble with constipation now too and can polish off his 6oz bottle in two hits. If you're a 'greener' mum, this one could be for you!
HIPP also have a baby club online and if you join you receive regular information, updates and free samples too.
You get a pack when you join and I've just received a sample of their Good Night Drink - there's a free little weaning pack at 4 months too! Why not pop over and take a look, Click Here...
...and if you're looking for an alternative formula, I can't recommend their Organic Infant Milk enough! If you have older babies, then they also do a Follow On Milk and a Good Night Drink for sleepy night time cuddles.
(Oh yeah - If you visit the site now, you can also download a free weaning chart for your baby!)
Hugs
Selena x Selena Ledgerton Cooper Childcare & Education Consultant Author / Writer (MSN Life & Style) ____________________________________________________
Selena Ledgerton Cooper Life & Style (Family/Parenting)
August 01 Ouch!Poor babba! He went for his first set of injections yesterday and has been off for the past two days. Fortunately, he's only been gripey (and a little weepy) - I mean they said he could have rashes, a fever and allsorts, so I'm counting my blessings poor love..
He was such a little brave boy... We were stuck in the waiting room for over 40 minutes and he was wide awake, but didn't make a sound. Then I had to take him through to be weighed and measured, he's 12 pound, 7 ounces now (what a little bruiser!).
It broke my heart when he had his needles and he screamed blue murder, but the nurse said he was 'very brave' because he stopped virtualy straight away. I honestly thought I would want to bop the nurse, but because you have to hold his little legs and are taking part in what's going on, you don't really have chance to think about it. (The first set consists of a needle in each thigh.)
Bless him... From the crying and the shock, as soon as he stopped he fell asleep. He literally conked out and missed the nurse giving him his sticker. He was good as gold and slept it off all the way home, but then needed some Baby Calpol later for the pain.
Thankfully, he hasn't had a fever or anything but he's needed lots of extra cuddles over the past few days because he's been so gripey. They said that can happen as a result of the medicine doing it's bit or the bruising... That's right, my boy has his first boo-boo...
I was so proud of how brave he was and so was his Daddy.
I was dreading it and freaking out, and he brushed it off. What a star!
When Hubby got home, Jaycen showed off his first sticker! More soon...
Selena x Selena Ledgerton Cooper Life & Style (Family/Parenting)
July 30 A Reprieve!Woohoo!
My son can love his mummy one more day!
As I've said on previous posts, Jaycen was due to have his first set of injections today and I was dreading it. Simply because I fear the repercussions of smacking a nurse who stabs my baby with a needle! Oh yes, I will bop them!
No... Just kidding, okay I'm not but I'll really try to restrain myself, I promise.
Anyway... The good news is that I needn't have gone. I was told by the receptionist (who thinks she's a doctor) that I can bring baby tomorrow when I have my post natal. She advised that I should've been told this when I made my appointment (I wasn't) and that I need to bring baby to post natal anyway to be weighed and measured (again news to me). When I tried to explain I knew nothing of this she just turned her nose up at me (as is the norm), so I just smiled politely and high-tailed it outta there with my un-pricked happy smiling baby...
I couldn't get outta there fast enough...
He can hate me tomorrow! Then again, my mum came up with a great tip. When I said I was worried the baby would hate me for taking him for his needles, mum said "Blame the nurse!" She explained that after the nurse has given him his injection just say, "Awwww, poor baby.. What has the nasty nurse done to you? Mummy make it all better!" ...and then give him his baby calpol and a big bottle of milk! Hoorah! So that's the plan for tomorrow...
By the way, I've also been told by another mum (Hi Kim!), that I should gently massage the two areas where the needles go in. Her son had whopping swelling after his needles as all of the fluid just seemed to sit in one place and not circulate for a while.
So I'll be doing that too!
Off to feed the baby now, he's stirring on his giant cushiony cloud... Dreading tomorrow now, but chin up. Hopefully Jaycen will be a little brave boy and whether he is or he isn't he's gonna get cuddled to death! Selena x
Selena Ledgerton Cooper Life & Style (Family/Parenting)
July 28 Massive Responsibility!When Jaycen is sleeping and I'm sat watching him, I can't help thinking what a huge responsibility we have. It doesn't phase me at all (I'm loving being a mum), but it is a real head wrecking process when you think about it... it's scary if nothing else...
This beautiful tiny baby boy is totally helpless and dependant on me and my husband. He can do nothing and needs us around the clock to feed him, cloth him, change him, everything - emotionally and physically nourish him and help him grow into a child who can understand, learn, love and do.
I've often thought how much my mum and dad cared for me, but it's only when you have your own children that you truly realise what's involved. I never thanked my mum and dad enough for all they did and I've already thanked my mum again and again, since having the baby.
You just know how much you love your own child and it's a love like I've never known. Then you realise that that's the love your parents have for you, but multiplied by thirty two years - wow! That's a lot of love!
Then there's the whole 'what kind of a person will he grow up to be' thing... I know that my husband and I have so much involvement in how he'll turn out and as the title of this post says, it's a massive responsibility. I guess we can only take solice from the fact that we are generally nice, normal, well adjusted (and relatively nerdy) people. Fingers crossed he'll be similar and not end up a mass-murdering lunatic. Who knows, I guess all we can do is try our best and nurture his loves, let him be his own person, teach him right from wrong and not push him into anything... I hate pushy mothers! He will however love retro 80's cartoons, cheese (unlike his weird father) and a cup of tea once in a while (again unlike his weird father!)
What an angel he is. I can't stop looking at him sometimes... and I still can't believe we made him!
More soon... Selena x July 24 Stop And Smell The RosesYesterday Jaycen was weighed for the first time at our health visitor's drop-in centre. I was a little unsure how he'd react what with five hundred new babies to meet and a whole different set of surroundings. Fortunately, I needn't of worried.
Jayce was good as gold!
He was quiet as a mouse (even when I stripped him bare) and then when I placed him in the round weighing pan, he just cooed away at the lady weighing him and she fell for him, hook, line and sinker. He gave her the biggest grin, did I mention that he's smiling now - I'm sure I did. His own personality is really growing!
Anyway... Can you believe that he's gone from 9 pounds, 9 ounces to 11 pounds, 9 ounces! What a little whopper eh? Not that I'm a fan of this 'percentile' and 'benchmark' state we live in, but according to the 'red book' (from the health visitor) he's right where he should be. I was more pleased that everyone was so impressed with his development - (Well he did hold his head up from the day he was born...but I'm not bragging, honest!)
To celebrate his cracking weight gain, we decided to take him around the shops and buy him something fab (which happened to be two new rompers that say 'I love my mummy and daddy!') I also gave him his first feed outside and he loved it!
While he was feeding, the beautiful blooms in the florist caught his eye and he couldn't stop staring at all the colours. He's becoming so alert and inquisitive. When he'd finished his feed I took him over to grab a little enrichment and 'to stop and smell the roses'. I think we both needed to do that.
Parenthood is wonderful and between work, the nappies, the screaming, the cleaning and all the running around, sometimes you just need a moment to stop and appreciate it!
More soon...
Selena x Selena Ledgerton Cooper Life & Style (Family/Parenting)
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