mothering

Travelling with kids 

When we become parents we don’t wish to give up the opportunity to travel, however travelling with kids can be daunting and overwhelming to say the very least. Being a parent doesn’t mean you can’t travel, it just means you may have to travel slighlty differently. Taking the kids along on your holidays doesn’t have to be painful and I’ve got a few tips that might help! 


Personally we have only travelled by car with our little ones, they have yet to experience air travel. Travelling by car has its perks, in that we have an immediate way to get around the destination and we can stop whenever needed to give the kids a break. However just as car travel has its perks, it also has its negatives, such as the added length of time needed to reach the destination, the boredom the children face from being strapped in the car for hours and the lack of being able to move around without stopping and losing yet more time. 

I’ve found the best way to tackle travelling with kids has been organisation. It is impossible to have a smooth trip, without being adequately organised. I start packing days before we leave and have a huge checklist that I slowly tick off and even add to, as I remember other things we need. Having a 9 month old means we always take a portacot with us, it’s cumbersome and takes up a lot of boot space, however I don’t like relying on cots supplied from accommodation. It’s not always to our standards and is often forgotten. We pack bottles  half full of water for the car and a thermos of hot water to add to ensure the temperature is just right. I used to put formula into travel containers but found this unnecessary in the car, so I just have the whole tin in an easy to reach spot and add it straight from there. (I still pack our empty travel formula containers, to use while on holiday) 

We are lucky enough to have a dual screen DVD player in the car that was gifted to my eldest for her birthday and that thing has been a favourite since it was installed. It may not be everyone’s idea of entertaining children but it works for us. We also have toys in reach for the girls to play with and snacks upon snacks readily available at any given moment. 

We have a double pram and tend to pack that whenever we have the space, however an umbrella stroller and carrier can work just as well and take up much less space in the boot. Another thing we have found helpful when packing the boot is to pack the kids clothes in a small bag each and our clothes in one large bag, it allows us to make the most of the small available areas that always tend to appear when stacking a boot. 

Travelling with kids, toddlers and babies can be daunting and does mean that you usually travel with a lot of extra things but with a lot of organisation and smart use of the space in your car  it can be (nearly) painfree. 

We have yet to travel by air with the kiddies but the moment we do, I’ll be sure to share my tips on that too. If you have any tips please comment them below. If you have found my post helpful please like and share. 
Until next time 

BCM 

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Mummy guilt! 

I know I have talked about this on a lot of my blog platforms in one way or another but it is one that is most relevant to right now. One I think most (if not all) of us feel at one point or another. Mummy guilt! 

It’s a bitch! It creeps up on us when we don’t expect it too, when we are going about our every day, when we are working, when we are trying to sleep! 

I feel it a lot – I feel it for Rhemy and how quickly she had to grow up. For the moments she needs me and I can’t be there for her because her sister needs me more, for the times I realise I expect her to be older than she really is and for making her share us before she really had too. I feel it for Miami because she doesn’t get the attention she deserves, because I feel like I haven’t got the time to give to her like I gave to Rhemy, I feel it because I can’t always be there when she needs me to be and that she always has to share us. 

I blame myself when Rhemy is naughty – even though I know it’s the naughty twos! I blame myself when Miami isn’t crawling – even though I know kids do things in their own time! I blame myself when they are hurting and think of ways I could have prevented it – even though I know I really couldn’t have! I blame myself when I miss things when I’m at work – even though I know being at work means I can give them more.

Let me tell you though that mummy guilt subsides when I see them playing together, Miami laughing so hard and Rhemy being so kind. When Miami lights up when I see her and Rhemy tells me she loves me. When they hold hands because they want too or when Rhemy tries to show Miami how to crawl. 

Mummy guilt is a bitch but deep down I know I’m doing this mama thing right! 

Why I blog and why you should too! 

Statistics say that the internet is inundated with over 150 million blogs! Some extremely successful, some not so much. None the less it is something a lot of people are finding themselves participating in at one point in their lives. 
Here’s four reasons why I blog, and why maybe you should be too. 

1. It is a great outlet! I find that writing soothes me, gives me time to reflect on our week and allows me to give all of myself to something other then someone else’s needs for a while! It is my creative outlet, my input to the online world. 

2. The blogging community! No matter what subject you write about there is thousands of other people writing about and interested in the same topic, which means there is a huge community of people who are there to discuss your passion. It is nice to be part of supportive group that encourages you to continue your passion.
3. Blogging is a way to open up a new interest. Being part of the blogging community means that you are more inclined to explore all types of blogs, on all different topics. This means that you are exposed to things that maybe you would not have had an interest in, prior to entering this online world. If you want to learn to cook, there are recipes for all tastebuds, ever wanted to do a homeware DIY? There’s a post for that too! 
4. Blogging can eventually turn an income. Now this doesn’t happen for everyone and takes a lot of hard work and persistence but sometimes blogging can turn into a way to make money. Some people even end up positing full time! Really how awesome could that be! 
Now turn that computer on head over to WordPress or any other blogging platform and begin blogging. I promise you will never look back! 

Instagramming Mothers! 

Before I was a mum, I used Instagram to follow friends, the occasional celebrity and for searching hashtags of whatever products I was lusting after that month. Now that I am quiet a regular on Instagram I have become addicted to the world of instagramming mothers! 
Whether they are fellow bloggers, brand reps for companies or the owner of small businesses (such as my talented friend who made the gorgeous pixie bonnet Rhemy is wearing above). They are everywhere, uploading photos by the masses of adorable babies,toddlers and children, and the following is just as huge as those contributing! Everyone that is part of this community tries to support each other’s business and their children are often snapped wearing a multitude of brands. 

I personally find it so uplifting and inspiring that such a group exists. While some may not like that it is online, I do. It’s convenient and available when you are. I love seeing how creative some mothers (and fathers) are. It is impressive to see how much a one or two person team can produce. It motivates me to blog more, to try and better myself in my life. 

Next time you find yourself wanting to buy something for someone in your life, not even necessarily for children, do yourself and search #shopsmall or #supportsmallbusiness on Instagram you may be surprised by what you come across. 
Links for items Rhemy wears in featured image; 

‘Rosie’ Pixie bonnet: Bear and Scout 

http://bearandscout.bigcartel.com

Linen suspender bloomers: Penny n Co

http://pennynco.com.au/

Baby name trends! 

Naming our baby was a much harder task then either of us expected. My husband likes names slightly more conservative and myself, a little out there. We “vitoed” each other so many times, I thought that was going to end up being her name.

We settled on multiple names, to then change our minds a week later (okay my mind, I changed my mind)! There really was some goodies in there, so we have no intention of sharing, you know just incase the next one is a girl.

I have read so many articles relating to the trends of baby names, but I have to admit this this last trend has taken the cake. According to Baby Center  #instagrambabies is now a thing! Parents are naming their children after Instagram filters and other related editing apps. Now while some of the filter names are usable, Willow anyone? I am interested to see where our next naming inspiration comes from.

I completely understand the attraction of using a name from somewhere the majority wouldn’t expect, but I do have to wonder where do we begin to look next?

Now I have to say, I support everyone’s decision to name their child whatever their heart desires, it has long been the case that what one couple thinks is beautiful, another does not!

So I ask you, what do you think?

Is your next baby going to be called Valencia or is there somewhere else we can look for the names of future children?

Comment below!

Review: Closer To Nature Electric Steam Steriliser 

Today I thought I would review a product that is used in our house daily, our electric bottle steriliser! 

Made by Closer to Nature and purchased from Big W here in Australia for $199.00. The steriliser came in a set that included a bottle warmer, a dummy (pacifier for our USA friends), insulated bags for a single bottle and formula containers that hold enough powder for one bottle. 

The “extras” I could have lived without and I don’t feel like we needed to spend the extra money on the set and instead should have purchased the steriliser on it’s own. A single insulated bag is a waste and so are the formula containers. I use a lunch bag which holds multiple bottles and a third party formula container which holds three lots of powder. 

We do not need a bottle warmer! I don’t know about you, but have you ever been heating a bottle at 2am and have a screaming baby who does not care for the 4min wait for the water to be warm? I’m sure a lot of you have, and a lot of you probably have more patience than me! We were done with the warmer after a week and instead use the microwave to warm up her bottles! We heat the water first, add the formula and then shake well to minimise hot spots! 

I did my research and there was nothing that showed me enough evidence to say I shouldn’t use it! (Waiting for comments to say otherwise) So I did and I have to say 15-20 seconds has been a much more reasonable wait for little miss! 

Back to the steriliser, it has been a great buy and one I do not regret making. I did a lot of research before buying (can you sense a trend?) and wanted an electric one rather than a microwave one. 

Let’s start with the pros: I like that we have the steriliser set up all the time and that it is easily accessible while being out of the way (we have a lot of unused bench space). 

It holds 6 bottles and uses minimal water (80ml) a cycle and takes about 4 minutes to sterilise the bottles. We only use 6 bottles in a 24 hour period, and because Rhemy was EBF for the first 3 months we have never needed more. It’s easy to clean out, simple to use and even to move around, if required.
Now we will move on the cons: first and foremost, it is expensive! It is not a purchase every one can make or justify. Without the bench space we are lucky to have, it could be in the way and a pain to put away and get out as needed. You also need a spare power point which we know can be difficult to find. It is a steam steriliser so can be a hazard if you have older children and they must be aware of not opening the steriliser straight after cycles have finished. 

At the end of the day, you know if you want a steriliser, you know if you want it to be electric and you know what you can afford to spend. But if you are looking at the Closer To Nature one you will not be sorry. 

I have included a link for purchase if you are interested. https://www.bigw.com.au/product/closer-to-nature-electric-steam-steriliser/p/WCC100000000005675/ (please note it is also available from Target)

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me and I will endeavour to help you as best I can! 
Feature image credit to Big W online

Mummy, I love you best! 

Lately Rhemy has been wanting mummy. Only mummy! She’s not interested in her dad rocking her, getting her to sleep or putting her dummy in. She doesn’t want him full stop! 

Luckily he is very understanding and knows all kids go through their stages and doesn’t take it personally. Truthfully I love that she wants me, that she looks for me when I walk out the room and that she knows when I’m not around. I love this little human so much and it is so nice to know she feels the same way! 
The only time it would be great, if she would like someone else is when she is upset (luckily this doesn’t happen too often)! At 7.3kg now, she gets heavy and quick! After holding her for what feels like a lifetime my arm goes dead and I am sure I am going to lose it! Hahaha

 
Is your baby going through any stages? Do they have a favourite? Have they gone through something similar? I’d love to hear! 

Also follow me on Bloglovin! 

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Until next time xox

Today baby won! 

Today our baby won, we didn’t stick to routine or the “rules” we have in place. Today our baby won and that’s okay! 

You see we have been away for 3 weeks and during that time she was unbelievable – an absolute superstar! In and out the car like a yoyo! In the pram for hours! New surroundings and three days of travelling there and back! Barely a cry most days, please note I said most! 

   

  

Rhemy’s routine went out the window. Her bedtime was still the same every night but naps took place when we could get her to have them (and wherever we were). She started to wake pretty early in the morning but still slept through so really no complaints from me. 

You see we really do like Rhemy to have a routine, to have playtime and to know when things are happening during the day but today she won. She dictated the whole day. She slept when she wanted. (3 hours at 10.30am) she’s generally a afternoon napper and a morning power napper. She was rocked to sleep, which is never needed at bedtime (nap time maybe). When she woke she spent time in our bed! I know, I know not the best idea! 
Surely it’s okay for her to have a win somedays. Maybe I am in the minority, maybe I am not but as far as I can see it is! 

Rhemy won today and that’s okay!  

  
 
Now please comment below and tell me when your baby won, if it happens regularly or not at all. 

I am mother! 

The day Rhemy was born, I was so overwhelmed at her arrival ( and rightfully so) that I didn’t realise that I was born again too. I was no longer just a woman, I was and am a mother. No more are my thoughts my own and no longer does my day consist of things to only benefit myself. 
Everything on the news now frightens me more, because now I have Rhemy to worry about as well. I hate to see children going through any type of ordeal, because what if they happened to my child! 

The temperature in our house is under surveillance 24/7 so that she is not too hot or too cold. I keep an eye on my watch like a hawk, not because I care what the time is, or have any where to be but because I like to know what is coming next in Rhemy’s routine. 

It took me a while to notice these changes in myself, perhaps they hadn’t occurred straight away, although I am convinced they did. 

I am now stronger and more confident in myself, however at the same time, I am more vulnerable too. I am interested in things I would have yawned at once before and love how much Rhemy makes me want to learn and take in.

Dynamics in my friendships have changed, and by that I do not mean the friendship has suffered in any way, just that it has altered. Luckily for me my close friends are happy for a pram to accompany us to lunch or coffee, or to come to my house when it is too hard to get out of the house. We have functions that a baby is fine to attend or ample notice is given if not so I can make other arrangements. 

I am grateful that I have this is my life. I know many people feel isolated when they become parents because they have friends who do not have children or understand what it means to have them, so instead of being flexible and adapting slightly for their friend, they just stop inviting them to things. 

I am me, a newer version, a better version. I have grown and changed in ways I know not only benefit me but also my cub!

 I am a mother! I am her mother! 

Now I ask you, to comment what changes you noticed in yourself. To like the post if you enjoyed it and share it if you would like others to read. 

Until next time!