Apple, yes!
Banana, yes!
Sweet potato, yes!
Avacado, yes!
SQUASH, NO!!!!
I met the girls for coffee yesterday, and Lily, being the oldest of the babies in my baby group, is leading the weaning way. I was all geared up to feed her in her pushchair while we all sat out in the gorgous sunny weather enjoying our drinks alfresco. After 2 weeks of feeding her in the high chair, I figured we had progressed far enough to be able to handle this.... Well maybe not!
I had just said to the girls that she had been eating really well and that Lily seemed to like everything I had put in front of her. Fruit mixed with baby rice, veg mixed with baby rice, frozen home-made ice-cube sized meals mixed with baby rice, or lovely Ella's (other brands are available) packets, it didnt seem to matter. She ate it all! Brag, brag, brag.
That was until I needed her to be presentable in public. Whether it was actaully the fact that she didn't like the squash and sweet potato packet (the squash part was the new addition), or just being pissed off that she was having mush while I gobbled down a triple chococate Costa coffee muffin right in front of her, I'm not sure, but she sure made a scene. The glop went in. The glop came out. Then her whole face, from the cavernous folds under her chin, to the big shiny expanse of her forehead, wrinkled up, and without words, she made it clear to me and everyone else at our table.... Lily was unimpressed!!!!
Thankfully her 4 other little friends were too busy sleeping or doing other well behaved baby things, that I dont think they noticed... this time. I don't think Lily has been branded a little shit disturber just yet. But I can see it coming. I am already looking for tables that I can crawl under to hide in embarassment, when my first Mummy friend says to me, 'Your Lily taught my _________ (fill in the blank with child's name) to do _________ (fill in blank with any naughty behaviour). The day will come, I'm sure. And until my sister-in-law comes home from the Middle East with my darling 3 year old neice, I have no one else to blame Lily's mischievious ways on.... (so please hurry home Cruize)
Ok, so she hasn't encouraged her friends to drink out of the toilet or eat the dog food. She hasn't told them to 'pull my finger', or made them repeat 'I was born on a pirate ship' with stretched mouths. She hasn't even thrown her food on the floor and laughed, insiting a food-fight riot.... But, I'm not stupid, these days are coming. Afterall, she is her father's daughter! In this department, afterall, she couldn't possibly take after me.
xo
About Me
- Roberta
- I am a first-time Mum to daughter, Lily, born December 2010 and am currently home on maternity leave. Also living in the Zoo with Lily and me is my partner Kai, the Jessie-dog and the Tippy-cat
Friday 29 April 2011
Monday 11 April 2011
Growing up means letting go.... but she's only 4 months old!!!!
Today was a special day. It was a day that I marked in Lily's calendar with a sticker. It was a day that should have made me happy... But instead I cried! Kai said I'd gone soft, called me daft, and then laughed. He was right.
It's official. My little baby isnt a little baby anymore. She's now a big baby of 4 months old. Today, she had her first few mouthfuls of baby rice. Today she is one step closer to not needing me anymore (hence the tears)!
Ok, so maybe this reaction is a little over the top. Maybe it's a little irrational. And maybe I cant blame it on hormones, but that's how I felt (at 9am this morning). But tonight, however, I've come to my senses, and see Lily's new breakfast as a wonderful milestone, and hopefully the first of many new ones to come. My little girl is growing up.
It really is amazing how quickly she is changing. One day she can't do something, and then just 24 hours later she can. Sometimes its the littlest thing, like holding a new toy and shoving it in her month, or sitting in the grocery shopping trolly, that makes you realise just how fast the last 16 weeks has gone, and how quickly the next 16 are going to go. It won't be long before I'm back at work (I can guarentee you the tears about this prospect are genuine and justified!!!!).
The lovely spring weather is finally here, and I hope the next few months will be full of picnics and outings. How cool will it be to sit with my little girl and share a meal (yum, pear puree), sitting in the sun on a red plaid blanket? I just hope the food stays down better than the milk... it would really be nice for have a left shoulder that doesn't permanently spell like barf!
It's official. My little baby isnt a little baby anymore. She's now a big baby of 4 months old. Today, she had her first few mouthfuls of baby rice. Today she is one step closer to not needing me anymore (hence the tears)!
Ok, so maybe this reaction is a little over the top. Maybe it's a little irrational. And maybe I cant blame it on hormones, but that's how I felt (at 9am this morning). But tonight, however, I've come to my senses, and see Lily's new breakfast as a wonderful milestone, and hopefully the first of many new ones to come. My little girl is growing up.
It really is amazing how quickly she is changing. One day she can't do something, and then just 24 hours later she can. Sometimes its the littlest thing, like holding a new toy and shoving it in her month, or sitting in the grocery shopping trolly, that makes you realise just how fast the last 16 weeks has gone, and how quickly the next 16 are going to go. It won't be long before I'm back at work (I can guarentee you the tears about this prospect are genuine and justified!!!!).
The lovely spring weather is finally here, and I hope the next few months will be full of picnics and outings. How cool will it be to sit with my little girl and share a meal (yum, pear puree), sitting in the sun on a red plaid blanket? I just hope the food stays down better than the milk... it would really be nice for have a left shoulder that doesn't permanently spell like barf!
Tuesday 5 April 2011
Why do I only read when on holdiay?
So, we're back from our holiday in Canada, visiting my family and showing off our little Lilypops. With only a few minor incidents (like forgetting to collect Lily's luggage at the airport and having to get sercurity to take me back through to the baggage hall... numpty), we have almost recovered from the ordeal. The laundry is almost done. Lily is almost sleeping through the night again. And I can almost get back into my jeans (which did fit before I ate 2 weeks worth of Canada's fines grub - for those of you who don't know what poutine is, your waistline and arteries arent missing anything).
There were many highlights and memorable moments of our two weeks away:
-Lily getting to meet her namesake (Great-Grandma Li (Lillias), age 98) and my family finally gettig to meet both Kai and Lily
-The view from atop Mount Royal - after carrying Lily in her pram up about 15 flights of stairs)
-My father actually holding Lily - he doesnt 'do' babies
-Tasting Lebonese food for the first time - YUM!
-My wonderfully talented sister taking Lily's baby pictures
But probably the nicest part about the trip was getting to see Kai spent time with Lily. I am so very lucky to have a job (teacher) that allows me to be home with Lily when she's this young. I see her change and grow each day. I'm there for her 'first'. I know her cries. And I usually know how to make it all better. But our partners dont always have that luxury. There are many days when Kai has gone to work before Lily gets up, and she's in bed before he gets home. It's just how it has to be. So this family time together was very special. There were lots of Daddy snuggles, a few feeds, and even the occasional nappy change. I realised on the last day of our hols, when I went to put Lily in the sling, that I hadnt carried her for almost 2 weeks. Kai had been 'Baby Bjorning' her all trip. It felt so good to get her back close to me, even if she was a little more squished in her sling than last time.
But now we are back from holiday, and life has returned to normal'ish'. Normal seems to mean having the tele on full time! It's on in the conservatory all day. I don't sit in front of it all day, but it just rumbles on. It's like background noise. Then when I go up to bed, the tele goes on again! Why? When I was on holiday, I read a book! A great book! I read it in bed. I read it in the living room while the kids played, and my sister and I sat with coffee, she reading her book too. Why do I only read on holiday? The tele at my sister's went off after my nephew's morning 'shows' ended and there was no tele in our room. Maybe it has to do with the fact there there were other people in the house so that it wasn't too quiet. Maybe it was that other people were reading at the same time. I dont know. I just know, that I wish I read more. Last night, Kai was on a late shift and there was no Law & Order on tele at bedtime, so I opened my book. It felt good. I only hope I can keep it up.
xo
PS. Thanks Beth for the bag of books.
There were many highlights and memorable moments of our two weeks away:
-Lily getting to meet her namesake (Great-Grandma Li (Lillias), age 98) and my family finally gettig to meet both Kai and Lily
-The view from atop Mount Royal - after carrying Lily in her pram up about 15 flights of stairs)
-My father actually holding Lily - he doesnt 'do' babies
-Tasting Lebonese food for the first time - YUM!
-My wonderfully talented sister taking Lily's baby pictures
But probably the nicest part about the trip was getting to see Kai spent time with Lily. I am so very lucky to have a job (teacher) that allows me to be home with Lily when she's this young. I see her change and grow each day. I'm there for her 'first'. I know her cries. And I usually know how to make it all better. But our partners dont always have that luxury. There are many days when Kai has gone to work before Lily gets up, and she's in bed before he gets home. It's just how it has to be. So this family time together was very special. There were lots of Daddy snuggles, a few feeds, and even the occasional nappy change. I realised on the last day of our hols, when I went to put Lily in the sling, that I hadnt carried her for almost 2 weeks. Kai had been 'Baby Bjorning' her all trip. It felt so good to get her back close to me, even if she was a little more squished in her sling than last time.
But now we are back from holiday, and life has returned to normal'ish'. Normal seems to mean having the tele on full time! It's on in the conservatory all day. I don't sit in front of it all day, but it just rumbles on. It's like background noise. Then when I go up to bed, the tele goes on again! Why? When I was on holiday, I read a book! A great book! I read it in bed. I read it in the living room while the kids played, and my sister and I sat with coffee, she reading her book too. Why do I only read on holiday? The tele at my sister's went off after my nephew's morning 'shows' ended and there was no tele in our room. Maybe it has to do with the fact there there were other people in the house so that it wasn't too quiet. Maybe it was that other people were reading at the same time. I dont know. I just know, that I wish I read more. Last night, Kai was on a late shift and there was no Law & Order on tele at bedtime, so I opened my book. It felt good. I only hope I can keep it up.
xo
PS. Thanks Beth for the bag of books.
Wednesday 16 March 2011
Lily Earns Her Wings
We survived! Not just yesterday's shenanigans, but the last week of utter chaos. And finally, I am sitting in my sister's spare room, in Montreal, having not lost anything important in transit (including my sanity), having not spent too much money (except for buying a car on Sunday), and having not slept too much in the last 48 hours (my little Lilypops has now decided to start waking again in the night - boo). Originally, Lily and I were not going to Canada... my sister and little nephew were going to come to us. I love my sister dearly, but we joke that she wimped out. Something about flying with a 3 year old being stressful, was her excuse. So yesterday at half 2 in the afternoon, Lily and I boarded AC flight 865 from Heathrow to Montreal. I can't harass Stephie that much for not coming to see us as she did pay for our flight.
I don't enjoy flying. For me, its a bit like making a long trip on a glorified bus... except with free booze! To say I was anxious about flying with 12 week old Lily, was a bit of an understatement. Control freaks (like me) don't like the unknown!!!! I wasn't stressed about the flying part, I just wanted to be in control of how it was going to go, which on a plane full to the tits (only one empty seat on the whole freakin plane) of scientist on their way to some conference in Montreal, is next to impossible. I just wanted to get my own way! I wanted Lily to sleep when she was supposed to. I wanted to be able to walk the aisles when I wanted to. I wanted to be able to get to the loo when I wanted to (there is something uncomfortable about a stream of people cueing for the toilet and blocking is aisles... they have nowhere to look and they feel like they need to talk to you). None of which were really going to happen.
I lost the plot and had a mini-meltdown at the boarding gate. The desk crew must has thought I was a nutter. I already felt claustrophobic (the thought of fussing a screaming Lily for 7 and a half hours, with every Tom, Dick and Harry staring at me and whispering to the person beside them 'Jeeze, what a rubbish Mum. You'd think she could get her baby to stop screaming') just tipped me over the edge a little - I was already teetering, anyhow. But like everyone had said, the flight crew were lovely. They let me on the plane early so I could stash all my junk and get organized - mentally and physically.
Lily cried for the first 3 hours (which really is nothing compared to some of her colic marathons). She did pause for a little break, right when the meal arrived. She snoozed in the Sky-cot just until the flight attendant took my empty tray away. The sling came is so handy, as I would expect that I sent the better part of 5 hours walking, bouncing, swaying and singing with the little lady in the gap just in front of row 34. I cant remember how may times I did 'The Ant go matching" or "Little Green Frog Song". I reckon it was more for my benefit than hers, as it made me feel like I was actually doing something useful.
She was shattered, and finally did have a proper sleep, and I was able to put her in the sky-cot for an hour and a half. I still, however, didn't manage to watch a film or anything, as I was afraid (irrationally) that with the headphones in, I wouldn't hear her (like that was ever going to happen...) and then everyone else would, and then start the whole 'Look at the Rubbish Mum' stares again. So instead, I popped one headphone in and listened to music on my phone. Wouldn't you know it, Just as I was starting to feel like I was under control, Here Comes the Sun by Nina Simone came on (the song Lily was born to), and I start crying again. Bloody wimp!!!
The rest of the flight was pretty uneventful. Lily cried, I paced... and in the end we all arrived in one piece.
Everything was going so well. The pram arrived up front after being gate checked, and we were off through the terminal, expecting to breeze through Customs and Immigration and be on my way... Ummm, NOPE!. I'd like to retrospectively give the Immigration agent, who so thoughtfully decided to mark my card with some secret code that forced me to be summoned into Customs 'search and destroy' centre, the big V!!! THANKS!!!!! I think the Customs agent couldn't quite figure it out either and took pity on me (obviously knackered, pushing pram in front of me, and dragging a huge wheelie suitcase behind), and just looked at my passports, thought of asking me to get Lily out of the pram, then thought better of it, and then let me go.
We had made it! Phew!
Im really looking forward to the next two weeks. I haven't been home in 2 1/2 years. My parents arrived last night. Its my nephews 3rd birthday today. Kai arrives next week too. So much to do, so many places to go. I can't wait!!
Lily has earned her first pair of flight wings (a little sticker for her memory book) and her first trip to Canada has now officially begun.
xo
Wednesday 9 March 2011
Another Year Older... Another Year Wiser... I hope!
Monday was my birthday. It was a big one, for me. A real turning point. I can no longer claim I'm in my early 30s, but rather am starting to creep toward 40. I'm not stressed about 'getting old', as I think this year is going to be ace; full of so many first and new experiences... and really, instead of feeling 35 years OLD, I feel 35 years YOUNG - after all its my first year as a Mum! (ok, a bit dorky, I know)
This birthday really crept up on me Not hard to believe really, as Ive been a little distracted lately. Life with Lily is pretty good these days, and my social calendar is more full now than ever before (I am certainly not looking forward to the coffee and cake withdrawal I'll get when I go back to work). So when Kai asked what I wanted to do to celebrate the big day, I fell back on the old, trusty standby: Dinner and a Movie.
I'm am very lucky to have great friends, most of whom already have kids. I enlisted the babysitting services of two of my girlfriends, curled my hair (I cant remember how long its been since I dared wear my hair down... Lily loves to pull it) and got dressed up.. Well, maybe not dressed up, but the clothes were clean, and didn't have puke on the shoulder or dummies in every pocket. Babysitters arrived at 5, in time to get the run down on 'the routine' (there were the obligatory digs from the girls, harassing me about how anal I am about routine.... BUT IT WORKS!!!) with time to spare for cuddles before bath, bottle and bed.
This was the first time we were leaving Lily. I thought I was going to feel uneasy about it, about someone else putting her to bed (I love bedtime. I love the cuddles. I love how she smells after her bath) but I didn't. I felt calm. I felt excited at the thought of going on a 'date'. I felt relaxed (whats the worst that was going to happen... she'd kick off and not go to bed well. My friends wouldn't judge me or think I was a rubbish Mum because my baby cried).... and then the guilt kicked in. I FELT GUILTY FOR NOT FEELING GUILTY! How daft is that?
Kai and I had a good chuckle about it, and then the feeling passed. The film was brilliant (we saw The King's Speech), and even Mr 'This is going to be stupid' laughed in all the right places. I cried on and off throughout the movie... and with Lily almost 3 months old now, I am struggling to blame the tears on hormones. I guess I'm just a sappy sod. We had a meal after and even managed to talk briefly about something other than Lily. It wasn't the raucous night out that birthdays used to be, and we were home by 11, and I loved every minute of it!
I can only guess that this year will be full of many 'firsts': many hugs and kisses, lots of laughter and giggles, and probably a few tears too. We'll be broke, the house will permanently look like a bomb has gone off, and if the washing machine breaks, we'll be stuffed!!! But, as long as I can start my day with a nice cuppa tea in my new mug that Lily gave me (which has her picture on it..), I know I'll be fine.
Bring it on, 35! I'm ready!
xo
This birthday really crept up on me Not hard to believe really, as Ive been a little distracted lately. Life with Lily is pretty good these days, and my social calendar is more full now than ever before (I am certainly not looking forward to the coffee and cake withdrawal I'll get when I go back to work). So when Kai asked what I wanted to do to celebrate the big day, I fell back on the old, trusty standby: Dinner and a Movie.
I'm am very lucky to have great friends, most of whom already have kids. I enlisted the babysitting services of two of my girlfriends, curled my hair (I cant remember how long its been since I dared wear my hair down... Lily loves to pull it) and got dressed up.. Well, maybe not dressed up, but the clothes were clean, and didn't have puke on the shoulder or dummies in every pocket. Babysitters arrived at 5, in time to get the run down on 'the routine' (there were the obligatory digs from the girls, harassing me about how anal I am about routine.... BUT IT WORKS!!!) with time to spare for cuddles before bath, bottle and bed.
This was the first time we were leaving Lily. I thought I was going to feel uneasy about it, about someone else putting her to bed (I love bedtime. I love the cuddles. I love how she smells after her bath) but I didn't. I felt calm. I felt excited at the thought of going on a 'date'. I felt relaxed (whats the worst that was going to happen... she'd kick off and not go to bed well. My friends wouldn't judge me or think I was a rubbish Mum because my baby cried).... and then the guilt kicked in. I FELT GUILTY FOR NOT FEELING GUILTY! How daft is that?
Kai and I had a good chuckle about it, and then the feeling passed. The film was brilliant (we saw The King's Speech), and even Mr 'This is going to be stupid' laughed in all the right places. I cried on and off throughout the movie... and with Lily almost 3 months old now, I am struggling to blame the tears on hormones. I guess I'm just a sappy sod. We had a meal after and even managed to talk briefly about something other than Lily. It wasn't the raucous night out that birthdays used to be, and we were home by 11, and I loved every minute of it!
I can only guess that this year will be full of many 'firsts': many hugs and kisses, lots of laughter and giggles, and probably a few tears too. We'll be broke, the house will permanently look like a bomb has gone off, and if the washing machine breaks, we'll be stuffed!!! But, as long as I can start my day with a nice cuppa tea in my new mug that Lily gave me (which has her picture on it..), I know I'll be fine.
Bring it on, 35! I'm ready!
xo
Friday 4 March 2011
Its A Dog's LIfe. Welcome Barley and Hopps
My house is a zoo! Between the pets, the hubby and the baby, the house is rarely clean or dog hair free for longer than an hour, there is always laundry drying somewhere, and all the best napping spots are very much occupied on a first-come-first-served basis. And I love it!!!
I've had my cat (Tippycat) since university. I went out for groceries and came home with a kitten instead. My room mate didn't let me go shopping unescorted for the next two years! Tippy came with me when I moved to England from Canada. She is an old fart now (I think she is 13 year old) but is still the friendliest cat I know.
My collie, Jessie and I found each other when we both needed it most. Her owners were retired farmers, and they loved her to bits. However, after a lifetime of being tied to the farm, in their retirement, they bought a second home abroad, and began spending more and more time away. Jessie would stay with friends, and I'm sure was spoilt rotten, but Shelagh and David knew she needed a permanent home. I had recently been through some tough times, and found myself in a new home without a dog. Our paths crossed, and the rest is history.
My sister is a special friend to the dogworld. She and her husband have always opened their homes to the dogs that no one else wanted - the rescue dog. They have nursed their dogs back to health, taught them then manners that they lacked, and made them a part of a family. Unfortunately rescue dogs have had a hard life, and both Dozer and Bart, each in their own time, went to doggy-heaven before their time, but not before having lived a very very happy second chapter to their lived. My sister, brother-in-law, and my little nephew have missed hearing the pitter-patter of little doggy feet since Bart died this autumn, but today that emptiness will be filled.
Barley and Hopps, the James Bay rescue pups arrive today. Stephie has been religiously reading and watching 'The Dog Whisperer' and is primed and ready for the challenge of raising two very young Lab-x pups. My 3 year old nephew is also so excited. He keeps talking about 'my pups', and has being painting pictures and putting a collar and lead on his stuffed toys and parading them around the house.
I can only imagine how hard it was to lose two very special members of the family, first Dozer, then Bart. I hope that the arrival of the puppies today is the first step to filing the gap they left behind.
Today begins the nights of broken sleep, the surprise puddles, and the destruction of every stuffed toy they can get their little paws on. Stephie, I am so happy for you. You are going to do great with these pups. John is going to love growing up with 'his' puppies. And if Courtney is lucky, maybe he'll be able to train them to do something useful... like bring him a beer (who needs slippers. That's what central heating is for) when he gets home from work. Stephie, welcome to the 'Living in the Zoo' club
So to everyone who reads this blog, I dedicate today to our four-legged family members. Give them a big cuddle today and remind them just how special they are and how much you love them....
So, my floors might be covered in dog hair. My couch might have a big dog-shaped imprint right in the middle of two cushions. There might be tennis balls under every chair and the remains of stuffed toys may be dying a slow death out on our patio... But I wouldn't trade it for the world.
Welcome Barley and Hopps to your new home. I know you will be happy and loved.
Lily and Jessie chillin together xo
I've had my cat (Tippycat) since university. I went out for groceries and came home with a kitten instead. My room mate didn't let me go shopping unescorted for the next two years! Tippy came with me when I moved to England from Canada. She is an old fart now (I think she is 13 year old) but is still the friendliest cat I know.
My collie, Jessie and I found each other when we both needed it most. Her owners were retired farmers, and they loved her to bits. However, after a lifetime of being tied to the farm, in their retirement, they bought a second home abroad, and began spending more and more time away. Jessie would stay with friends, and I'm sure was spoilt rotten, but Shelagh and David knew she needed a permanent home. I had recently been through some tough times, and found myself in a new home without a dog. Our paths crossed, and the rest is history.
My sister is a special friend to the dogworld. She and her husband have always opened their homes to the dogs that no one else wanted - the rescue dog. They have nursed their dogs back to health, taught them then manners that they lacked, and made them a part of a family. Unfortunately rescue dogs have had a hard life, and both Dozer and Bart, each in their own time, went to doggy-heaven before their time, but not before having lived a very very happy second chapter to their lived. My sister, brother-in-law, and my little nephew have missed hearing the pitter-patter of little doggy feet since Bart died this autumn, but today that emptiness will be filled.
Barley and Hopps, the James Bay rescue pups arrive today. Stephie has been religiously reading and watching 'The Dog Whisperer' and is primed and ready for the challenge of raising two very young Lab-x pups. My 3 year old nephew is also so excited. He keeps talking about 'my pups', and has being painting pictures and putting a collar and lead on his stuffed toys and parading them around the house.
I can only imagine how hard it was to lose two very special members of the family, first Dozer, then Bart. I hope that the arrival of the puppies today is the first step to filing the gap they left behind.
Today begins the nights of broken sleep, the surprise puddles, and the destruction of every stuffed toy they can get their little paws on. Stephie, I am so happy for you. You are going to do great with these pups. John is going to love growing up with 'his' puppies. And if Courtney is lucky, maybe he'll be able to train them to do something useful... like bring him a beer (who needs slippers. That's what central heating is for) when he gets home from work. Stephie, welcome to the 'Living in the Zoo' club
So to everyone who reads this blog, I dedicate today to our four-legged family members. Give them a big cuddle today and remind them just how special they are and how much you love them....
So, my floors might be covered in dog hair. My couch might have a big dog-shaped imprint right in the middle of two cushions. There might be tennis balls under every chair and the remains of stuffed toys may be dying a slow death out on our patio... But I wouldn't trade it for the world.
Welcome Barley and Hopps to your new home. I know you will be happy and loved.
Wednesday 2 March 2011
Baby Gaga icecream? Would you eat it?
A friend gave me a very strange 'heads-up' this morning on a news item that caught her attention... all the way over in Canada. A fancy-pantsy boutique ice cream parlour in London has launched a new 'extreme' ice cream flavour called Baby Gaga... it's organic, it's expensive (£15/scoop), and it's made with human breast milk!.
Here are the bbc news clips:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-12566827 (Feb 24th 2011)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-12614673 (1 March 2011)
So it was launched last week, and the council has already stopped its sale and is running lab tests on it. Personally, I'm not so worried about the health and hygiene issues (if that stressed me out, I'd have to vacuum more), but I cant get the image of the lactating Mum sitting in the storage cupboard in the back of the shop, hooked up to one of those double breast pump, out of my mind.
I'm sure the milk donors are paid for their contribution (which, if like me, your maternity pay packet this month was a bit of a shock, the extra cash would be most welcome), and I guess if you've got it flowing, you might as well use it to fund something great like new shoes or more coffee mornings. So while us bottle feeding Mums are enjoying wearing our nice little underwire frilly bras and don't give the absorbency value of our t-shirts a second thought, you breastfeeding mums now have something much more profitable to enjoy.
Will it catch on? I don't know. Would I eat it? Hmmmmm, not sure. Would you?
xo
Here are the bbc news clips:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-12566827 (Feb 24th 2011)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-12614673 (1 March 2011)
So it was launched last week, and the council has already stopped its sale and is running lab tests on it. Personally, I'm not so worried about the health and hygiene issues (if that stressed me out, I'd have to vacuum more), but I cant get the image of the lactating Mum sitting in the storage cupboard in the back of the shop, hooked up to one of those double breast pump, out of my mind.
I'm sure the milk donors are paid for their contribution (which, if like me, your maternity pay packet this month was a bit of a shock, the extra cash would be most welcome), and I guess if you've got it flowing, you might as well use it to fund something great like new shoes or more coffee mornings. So while us bottle feeding Mums are enjoying wearing our nice little underwire frilly bras and don't give the absorbency value of our t-shirts a second thought, you breastfeeding mums now have something much more profitable to enjoy.
Will it catch on? I don't know. Would I eat it? Hmmmmm, not sure. Would you?
xo
Tuesday 1 March 2011
Sunday 27 February 2011
One man's (or woman's) problem is another man's (or woman's) opportunity
I've been looking forward to my ante-natal group reunion for a while now. We were the first of the group to have our babes, so although the other girls were envious for a while that we had Lily while they were still waiting for their special stork delivery, it feels like Ive been waiting sooooo long to see everyone again. Today was the big day...
I enjoyed my NCT classes, mostly, if I'm honest, because of the people I met. The info was.... just info, but the friendships Ive made are what I value most. We were a fairly large group; 8 couples, I think.... Well, let me re-phrase that, 7 couples and me and my 'part-timer' partner Kai (not a part-time partner, but just a part time attender!). I'm not really going to slag him off for missing HALF of our classes, as his excuses were legitimate - 1 late shift, 1 night away with work, and 1 trip to South Africa for a stag do. But let's be honest, I don't think he shed a tear for having to miss the sessions.
So when the date for the reunion was announced, we made sure he made the work rotas so he was going to be off for the day. There was a slight moment of panic in the weeks leading up to today when he thought England was playing rugby today, but thankfully that match was yesterday. There was no escaping it now, he was going to have to come and be social! He was going to have to talk about his feelings! He was going to have to listen to other people talk about theirs...
And then it happened........
Whether Kai managed to get a direct line to the plumbing Gods last night, I have no idea, but this morning, after feeding Lily, I stumbled, a little bleary-eyed, down to the kitchen to make a cuppa, and was rudely awaken (properly) when I stepped into the kitchen an immediately got a soaker!!! THE KITCHEN WAS FLOODED!
So after calls to British Gas and the landlord and after removing kitchen units, the realisation of the gravity of the situation dawned on Kai... Someone was going to have to say home all day a wait for the plumber! He had been rescued!
And so I went solo to the reunion....
The end result of today's chaos in the Zoo:
The plumber (in the horrible florescent orange van) couldn't fix the pipe
The baby now hasn't had a bath for two nights (last night she stayed up too late watching the rugby)...
The house is a total mess as kitchen units have been emptied everywhere...
But, with a glass of wine in one hand, a tummy full of Kai's spag bol, and the baby snoring (as proven by the little green lights on the baby monitor - no red!!!!), it's a good Sunday night. Who would have thought the day would turn out like this...
Hope you're having a good night too.
xo
I enjoyed my NCT classes, mostly, if I'm honest, because of the people I met. The info was.... just info, but the friendships Ive made are what I value most. We were a fairly large group; 8 couples, I think.... Well, let me re-phrase that, 7 couples and me and my 'part-timer' partner Kai (not a part-time partner, but just a part time attender!). I'm not really going to slag him off for missing HALF of our classes, as his excuses were legitimate - 1 late shift, 1 night away with work, and 1 trip to South Africa for a stag do. But let's be honest, I don't think he shed a tear for having to miss the sessions.
So when the date for the reunion was announced, we made sure he made the work rotas so he was going to be off for the day. There was a slight moment of panic in the weeks leading up to today when he thought England was playing rugby today, but thankfully that match was yesterday. There was no escaping it now, he was going to have to come and be social! He was going to have to talk about his feelings! He was going to have to listen to other people talk about theirs...
And then it happened........
Whether Kai managed to get a direct line to the plumbing Gods last night, I have no idea, but this morning, after feeding Lily, I stumbled, a little bleary-eyed, down to the kitchen to make a cuppa, and was rudely awaken (properly) when I stepped into the kitchen an immediately got a soaker!!! THE KITCHEN WAS FLOODED!
So after calls to British Gas and the landlord and after removing kitchen units, the realisation of the gravity of the situation dawned on Kai... Someone was going to have to say home all day a wait for the plumber! He had been rescued!
And so I went solo to the reunion....
The end result of today's chaos in the Zoo:
The plumber (in the horrible florescent orange van) couldn't fix the pipe
The baby now hasn't had a bath for two nights (last night she stayed up too late watching the rugby)...
The house is a total mess as kitchen units have been emptied everywhere...
But, with a glass of wine in one hand, a tummy full of Kai's spag bol, and the baby snoring (as proven by the little green lights on the baby monitor - no red!!!!), it's a good Sunday night. Who would have thought the day would turn out like this...
Hope you're having a good night too.
xo
Saturday 26 February 2011
The Big Pram Debate
So, if you are anything like me, choosing a pram was something you gave a fair bit of thought too. After all there are a lot of parameters to consider; terrain, weather, carseat compatibility, dog friendly, 3 or 4 wheels, will it fit in my car? etc.... And just when you think you've figured it out, you come across any number of stumbling blocks (price, availability, colour, your partner....)
I have to admit, right up front, I am a pram-aholic (and a bit of an eBay addict too, having bought all my prams second hand). Considering Lily has just arrived, how can I now be on pram #4 - not counting the fact that Ive had one kind twice now?.... Don't ask!
I promise there is a reason for having been around the block, so to speak, in a variety of models. My niece! I blame her! She is the sweetest little thing, and I have been lucky to have had her come stay with me quite regularly. She is now 2 1/2 but was still really little when we first started having her to stay.... and so of course, I needed my own STUFF. She has been a great guinea pig, and has test driven all of the models that have been through my 'pram garage'.
So which prams have I had:
1. M&P Pliko pramette
2. Mountain Buggy
3. Jane Slalom
4. Sproggs (Norton) Speedster
5. M&P Pliko Pramette (again)
For me, each has its good points and its draw backs, but the thing that they all have in common is that they were all SECOND HAND! Now don't get me wrong, I would love to have had the means to spend £1000 on the 'perfect pram', but for our family, that was just not an option
So what have a learned so far about navigating the mind field that is 'PramWorld'?
Finally, does the 'Perfect Pram' exist? What do you think?
I have to admit, right up front, I am a pram-aholic (and a bit of an eBay addict too, having bought all my prams second hand). Considering Lily has just arrived, how can I now be on pram #4 - not counting the fact that Ive had one kind twice now?.... Don't ask!
I promise there is a reason for having been around the block, so to speak, in a variety of models. My niece! I blame her! She is the sweetest little thing, and I have been lucky to have had her come stay with me quite regularly. She is now 2 1/2 but was still really little when we first started having her to stay.... and so of course, I needed my own STUFF. She has been a great guinea pig, and has test driven all of the models that have been through my 'pram garage'.
So which prams have I had:
1. M&P Pliko pramette
2. Mountain Buggy
3. Jane Slalom
4. Sproggs (Norton) Speedster
5. M&P Pliko Pramette (again)
For me, each has its good points and its draw backs, but the thing that they all have in common is that they were all SECOND HAND! Now don't get me wrong, I would love to have had the means to spend £1000 on the 'perfect pram', but for our family, that was just not an option
So what have a learned so far about navigating the mind field that is 'PramWorld'?
- Men don't get it! They think all prams are the same... until you bring home a crappy one that has nonadjustable handles and such a short wheel-base that they are constantly kicking the back of the chair
- If you spend more than £100, your significant other (and/or Mum!) will expect to be able to give his/her opinion (which may or may not be an informed opinion and is likely to lead to some degree of row)
- You may think you know what you want, you may have even started bragging about how great your new pram is, then Baby arrives, your life changes and only then does the huge flaw in you decision making process become apparent
- If you bought an expensive new pram, sorry but now you're screwed!!!!
- If you bought a second hand pram, take a picture, write an ad, and sell it on eBay.... quick!!! ...If you're really good, you can get it sold before your partner even realises you've bought it...
- No matter how hard you try, no pram/pushchair magically folds up small enough to fit in the boot of a Ford Fiesta WITH the dog!
- Just when you are sure you've got it right, your sister calls, tells you that she will pay for your flight if you come to Canada to visit with the baby..... Now you are totally stuffed because Air Canada will definitely not gate-check your HUGE 3-wheeler, with the rigid carry-cot. WONDERFUL, THANKS SIS! :)
Finally, does the 'Perfect Pram' exist? What do you think?
Lily asleep in her Jane Slalom 3 wheeler
xo
Friday 25 February 2011
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Motherhood Lessons #1-7
As I mentioned, I am currently home on maternity leave with Lily, and have found myself permanently logged on to my Facebook account. Ive been (apparently) entertaining my friends these past 10 weeks with my little gems of new-found knowledge of the joys of motherhood posted as status updates. They have suggested I post them here for your entertainment.
Lessons Backdated since 17 December 2010
Lessons Backdated since 17 December 2010
Welcome to the Zoo
The Zoo is now open....
So after a little cajoling, I have decided to start my own Mummy Blog. I have to admit, Im not totally sure how this all works, but I'm up for trying most things once, so here goes nothing.
As I don't own an IPhone (and it seems like most bloggers are permamently attached to their Iphones - or maybe that's just on TV), what qualifies me to write a Mummy Blog? Well, I am now a proud Mummy to my 10 weeks old daughter, Lily. To say that last few months have been a whirlwind is a bit of an understatemnent, but we've been lucky. Life is good.
Why the Zoo? As well as Lily, our home is shared by my partner Kai, our Boarder Collie, Jessie and cat, Tippy. They all keep me on my toes and are the source of endless hilarity, mess and total chaos - kinda like living in a zoo, but hopefully a little less smelly. I hope, as you follow our forthcoming adventures, you might share a giggle or two with us as we find our way in this new world parenthood.
xo
So after a little cajoling, I have decided to start my own Mummy Blog. I have to admit, Im not totally sure how this all works, but I'm up for trying most things once, so here goes nothing.
As I don't own an IPhone (and it seems like most bloggers are permamently attached to their Iphones - or maybe that's just on TV), what qualifies me to write a Mummy Blog? Well, I am now a proud Mummy to my 10 weeks old daughter, Lily. To say that last few months have been a whirlwind is a bit of an understatemnent, but we've been lucky. Life is good.
Why the Zoo? As well as Lily, our home is shared by my partner Kai, our Boarder Collie, Jessie and cat, Tippy. They all keep me on my toes and are the source of endless hilarity, mess and total chaos - kinda like living in a zoo, but hopefully a little less smelly. I hope, as you follow our forthcoming adventures, you might share a giggle or two with us as we find our way in this new world parenthood.
xo
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