Child Free weekend

Bubba went to his Grandparents yesterday morning for the weekend which a means two days free time for me and the other half.
We have spent the majority of our time doing separate things, him on his Xbox and me catching up on TV, playing with my new sewing machine and having a pedicure. Only coming together properly on an evening to watch a film together and have a guilt free drink!
Now on first reflection you may think (as I often do) that this time should be cherished together and enjoy being able to do the things we used to do before our little man came along. Thinking about it though this is what we used to do. If we were in the house having a quiet day we would spend the time separately doing our own thing.
I've been spending a lot of time thinking we don't get time to be 'US' anymore when actually we probably do spend more time together now, as we do a lot of things as a family on the weekend with Bubba. This has led me to think its our own time we miss without the feeling of guilt of leaving the other at home to look after Bubba. As much as I have missed him this weekend and now starting to get restless I think this is the most relaxed 'we' have been in a long time!
Having time to yourself is just as much a key to a relationship as time together as an 'us' and as a family.

Just Give Me a Reason - Pink!!!

Right from the start
You were a thief
You stole my heart
And I your willing victim
I let you see the parts of me
That weren't all that pretty
And with every touch you fixed them
Now you've been talking in your sleep oh oh
Things you never say to me oh oh
Tell me that you've had enough
Of our love, our love
Just give me a reason
Just a little bit's enough
Just a second we're not broken just bent
And we can learn to love again
It's in the stars
It's been written in the scars on our hearts
That we're not broken just bent
And we can learn to love again
I'm sorry I don't understand
Where all of this is coming from
I thought that we were fine
(Oh we had everything)
Your head is running wild again
My dear we still have everythin'
And it's all in your mind
(Yeah but this is happenin')
You've been havin' real bad dreams oh oh
You used to lie so close to me oh oh
There's nothing more than empty sheets
Between our love, our love
Oh our love, our love
Just give me a reason
Just a little bit's enough
Just a second we're not broken just bent
And we can learn to love again
I never stopped
You're still written in the scars on my heart
You're not broken just bent
And we can learn to love again
Oh tear ducts and rust
I'll fix it for us
We're collecting dust
But our love's enough
You're holding it in
You're pouring a drink
No nothing is as bad as it seems
We'll come clean
Just give me a reason
Just a little bit's enough
Just a second we're not broken just bent
And we can learn to love again
It's in the stars
It's been written in the scars on our hearts
That we're not broken just bent
And we can learn to love again
Just give me a reason
Just a little bit's enough
Just a second we're not broken just bent
And we can learn to love again
It's in the stars
It's been written in the scars on our hearts
That we're not broken just bent
And we can learn to love again
Oh we can learn to love again
Oh we can learn to love again oh oh
That we're not broken just bent
And we can learn to love again


Read more: PINK - JUST GIVE ME A REASON LYRICS

Dairy Free Bubba...minefield or what!!!!!

Well our saga continues...
After a frustrating trip to the doctors who is just as much as a loss to Riley's condition as we are it now appears he is in fact dairy intolerant and not just lactose!
So we have switched to soya milk which so far has gone down ok. But my word it's a minefield and I am going to have to insist on some dietician input!
Luckily for us I have met a fellow mummy at our sure start centre who's little boy is also dairy intolerant and has given me some good tips. She sent me a list last night of things to watch out for....
Butter milk
butter oil
casein
caseinates
curd
hdrolysed casein
hydrolysed whey
lactalbumin
lactic acid
e270
lactoglobulin
lactose
milk protein
milk solids
monosodium glutamate
non-fat milk solids
skimmed milk powder
sodium caseinate
whey,whey powder
whey syrup sweetener
ghee is ok if its made from vegetable oil...

So not much then!!! I need to google it all as I have no idea what most of it is!
We had our 1st challenge today of unexpected lunch at one of mummy's craft fair. It was only by chance they had soy spread! If not it would have been dry jacket potato!
I can see some challenges and frustrations ahead...wish us luck.

Bubba and Michael

In the early days of my blog I posted about "moments in life" in which I talked about my friends loss whilst I was pregnant with bubba.

Well baby Michael James Pratt arrived safely on June 9th at 8:37pm weighing 7lb 4oz!
I had to wait a whole week to see him but it was worth it, he was and still is bloody gorgeous.
Bubba was curious from day 1 and took to him very quickly, even if he did scream every time Michael did for the 1st few weeks!

I have had the pleasure of having regular contact with Michael and watching Bubba and Michael bond is amazing. Riley is so good with him getting down on his level to play, giving him toys and been so careful with him. The cutest thing he does is rub his back when he starts to get tetchy.

I so look forward to watching them grow up together and hopefully become best of friends as we are with his parents.

19 months...

...where does time go!

Allergies look set to rule our life

Well I posted 3 months ago that I'd be back to blogging and then I never re-emerged. This is due to a poorly baby.
It started as cold and what I thought was teething but after 4 weeks of vomiting and diarrhoea and him starving himself I started getting quite cross with the doctors!
I suspected it was lactose intolerance and so while I waited 2 weeks (ridiculous) for blood tests I changed his diet and all was well again. Tests came back negative for everything but was told due to me eliminating lactose and all being well again it would be this.
Now 4 weeks later here we are again cold diarrhoea and to add to the list writhing in pain with his tummy!
So I guess it's back to the doctors we go.
I swear in going to have aged 10 years by Xmas!

Long time no blog

Well it's been rather a long time since I blogged. In fact I didn't realise how long.
I've been enjoying the summer with bubba, family and friends.
Keep your eyes out for blogs coming soon.

Look what I made

This is my first attempt to crotchet anything other than a blanket.
Not bad for my first go I don't think.

9 months and 1 year in pictures

                     

Day 4 Photo A Day May

In our house at the moment jumping up and down singing jumpy, bumpy, clumpy and thumpy is the definition of FUN

My Mummy's Lemon Ginger Crunch

Whenever we have a family do my mum always makes her famous Lemon Ginger Crunch. Bubba's 1st birthday party was no exception and she made mini portions. I have been inundated for the recipe so here it is...

Lemon Ginger Crunch

Ingredients
Packet of ginger nut biscuits
4 lemons
Margarine or butter approx 4oz
300ml Double Cream  
397gms Condensed Milk

To make the base
Crush up a packet of ginger nut biscuits
Melt and pour on enough margarine or butter to hold together
Pack mixture into a shallow flan dish

To make the topping
Juice 4 lemons
Blend lemon juice and a tin of condensed milk together
Whisk into the mixture a carton of double cream until stiffened

Pour mixture over the base and leave in fridge over night to do its magic

Eat and Enjoy xoxox

Day 3 - Photo A Day May

The joys of being a stay at home mummy means I have swapped heels for comfy slippers which is what I wore today.

Day 2 - Photo A Day May

This was our skyline on holiday in Spain 2007. It was a beautiful view from our apartment and a beautiful holiday with a fabulous friend

The most expensive cake ever...Herman The German

Herman The German...if like me you are 'what the...?' it's a friendship cake.

I was given this cake over 20 days ago with a set of instructions in how to keep it alive. I found this very unsettling as I'm not very good with things that require attention but don't grab mine to get their needs met. Anyway we began our journey. I spent time stiring and feeding Herman over a 10 day period and the day came to split into 4. The point of it is to keep one part to cook and give the others away. So I did this and had everything set aside with people in mind.
Bubba's nap time came so I put our dog Daisy in the kitchen as not to disturb, as I wanted a snuggly nap. I then heard this strange licking sound from the kitchen. Yes you guessed it the dog had got hold of Herman. Oh but not 1 piece but 3! This is where I best point out its full of yeast!!
Now your thinking I still have one bit left for me to cook. Yes but the trouble was my mum and friend both wanted some so I had to start again.

So Herman took up 20 days of my life and cost me not only the ingredients but also an £80 emergency vet bill, but my god was he gorgeous. I did banana cake and yummy!!! That yummy I want it back again.

Advisory Notice
If you ever get the chance to care for Herman be sure to keep it and tea towel out of your dogs way.

Day 1 Photo A Day May

Peace!

Our 1st Year Together

Amazing how fast they grow and equally how fast your love grows.

Bubba Turns 1

                     

Bubba turned 1 yesterday!!!!!!

I thought I would be a wreck through all the celebrations but I have loved every minute. Yes I spent alot of time thinking about what was happening this time last year but mostly I enjoyed watching him revel in the attention and enjoy himself with family and friends.

I decided it would be a good idea to have a party at home...NEVER AGAIN. Alot of preparation and stress before hand that next year will be avoided by letting someone do the preparation and tidying up! We did have a fabulous time at his party on Saturday though.

Yesterday on his actual birthday we had a day to ourselves and took Bubba to Chester Zoo. We were blessed with good weather and he got to see real life tiggers!!! Watching him run around everywhere in excitement was the best way to spend his special day.

  

 

Bubba and Max's 1st year adventures

Bubba has a friend called Max and their adventures began before they were even born. Me and Max's mummy were reunited on Facebook and quickly learnt we were both preggers, expecting boys and due within days of each other. We met up and from them on we were each others confident sharing mummy excitement and fears.
Max was born 1st on 5th April 2011

Bubba followed on 24th April 2011 making mummy wait!!!

They had their first meeting when Bubba was 4 weeks old.

When Bubba was 6 weeks old we had our first big day trip just mummy and babies to the Baby show at Birmingham. They were such good boys and poor max had what turned out to be a mouth full of blisters poor little man.


They have had lots of play dates including:
Time at home to learn and play
Chatsworth House
Their 1st Swimming lesson
A big Christmas shop at Meadowhall and they didn't moan once 
Shared each others christening days 


Max is now 1 and Bubba in just a 2 weeks and yesterday we had a long overdue play date and for the 1st time they interacted with each other during play and even gave each other a kiss as Max was going home.


This first year has been so precious watching the boys grow, develop and change into little people. The change is astounding to watch to think they were tiny babies only months ago.
I and Max's mummy hope they will grow up together and stay good friends.

An Extra Pair of Shoes

After cleaning up and vacing the stairs and putting the shoes back I realised my baby is now a little boy.

Easter and my little miracle

Last Easter I was in labour and had Bubba on Easter Sunday and this Easter I have nearly eaten all my eggs already.
My beloved asked me the other day why do we have eggs at Easter. I was shocked he didn't know.
For those of you that don't know the egg symbolises new life and the stone in front of the tomb where Jesus was laid to rest.
This got me thinking about Easter and the true meaning. I'm not a church goer but I do believe. I was brought up going to Sunday school every week and in my late teens my mum began a career as a Methodist minister. Anyway everything can get a little lost in all the chocolate and bunnies and since last year I really have taken time to think about it all. My baby was born safely on Easter Day. The day Jesus was given new life by God in the form of what I would say is a miracle. Bubba is my miracle for three reasons:
1) we managed to conceive after believing we never would
2) at 8 weeks I started to bleed and that little being hung in there
3) he was born safely with no medical repercussion for me and actually sent my condition into remission


I personally believe my bubba is my miracle and yes it is due to timing and biology but everything needs a helping hand.
Christ died to show us no matter what we were loved and blessed.
Well my bubba is my blessing and whatever or whoever that is down to I am eternally grateful, for his life and our new lives as a family. What better day to start it on than Easter Sunday...the symbol of new life!


Just something to think about because who really knows all the answers?

Instead of turning on the tv...

I found this on Pinterest and it comes from childhood101.com and I love it.

Beautiful or Arrogant???

Today I succumbed to reading the article that has had a lot of hype...Samantha Brick!

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2124246/Samantha-Brick-downsides-looking-pretty-Why-women-hate-beautiful.html

Now I'm sure it's not just me thinking that it's not her 'Beauty' that is causing the reactions but her attitude. Yes everyone woman wants and deserves to be treated like a princess but when these compliments get blown out of proportion by the receiver that's your own making.

In my experience a women will look to another woman who they deem as beautiful and look up to them and draw inspiration from their life to motivate themselves. However a woman who is seen to 'love themselves' will draw nothing but negativity. There is a fine line between confidence and arrogance and the two should not be confused. No one likes an arrogant friend they are annoying and hard work.

I find it disturbing that in 2012, with the fights for equality women have gone through over the years, that we are still judged on looks and size. Is it only me that believes beauty is skin deep? I wouldn't say I'm unattractive and I wouldn't say I'm ugly, I know I'm overweight and do want to lose weight but I am happy, loved and believe myself to be a fantastic mummy. So please next time you look at someone think about qualities not appearance as looks can be deceiving.

Puppy Love

Bubba loves his Daisy...this made my heart melt.

Mummy moment

Today, as daft as it may sound, I realised I was a mummy and that I would be forever.
It was a very simple moment which made my heart warm up.
Bubba was playing his favourite game of 'chase me Daisy' (the dog) and playing Peepo too. In this moment he clung on to my leg, looked up at me and laughed his head off then ran back in to the living room.
I don't know if it was that just my leg gave him reassurance or the fact that when he looked at me it was as though he knew he wanted to share that exact moment with his mummy. But it was one of those moments where the whole world was perfect!

No naps mummy

After 3 days of fighting with a baby who will not nap today I decided to not bother.
The result was this...

Summertime & Little People

I've never really been one for the warm weather I much prefer autumn but this year it has somehow all changed. Of course that something is Bubba.
I've lived in my house for coming up to 8 years and never bothered with the garden. It was a concrete yard. Now it's fenced off, we have replaced pebbles with play bark, sand pit and play house will arrive in next few weeks and I will have actual real plants!
The reason is because I want bubba to enjoy the outdoors and have the freedom we had. Too much of life is now anything for convenience to get things done. There's so much pressure to have the perfect house, everything clean and tidy or to keep the world up to date on your life on Facebook or Twitter or watch the hundreds of reality tv programmes or beat the computer game before your friend. What about just stopping and enjoying life and taking advantage of what the day brings???
I've loved watching Bubba play out in the garden the past few days. He's gone from being a little unsure to screaming when I shut the door. He's quite content to sit and dig in the pebbles. I know, we do one side with play bark and he prefers the other, typical! He's been so happy and content and the only moaning he's done is when I tell him off for taking his hat off AGAIN!!!

You don't need garden toys just take their normal ones out and they become all shinny and new again. Bubba's imagination at 11 months fascinates me. One minute the spoon will be a spoon, then a spade, then a phone, then a brush and finally something to chase the dog with.
If your child is moaning and hard work they are probably bored, take them outside and they will be a different child. Plus it's good exercise for them and tires them out for bedtime!