What to wear after labour

November 11, 2013 by Jenni Clutten | 0 comments

Sources for What to wear after labour.

Ok, I realise in just writing this post that I probably sound ridiculous, thinking about what I am going to look like on leaving the hospital. I haven’t even gone into labour yet and I’m already worrying about what to wear after labour, or so you must think. But, I’m writing this post not really because I’m focused purely on looking good, but more about regaining control of myself after giving birth. It truly is the most physically and emotionally draining experience.

After my last long and somewhat traumatic time in hospital when I gave birth to Nye, I am willing to give anything a try that might make me feel rapidly more human. This time I’d like to feel brave enough to leave the baby with the midwives and have a bath. I must admit when Nye was born I felt very vulnerable and naturally very emotional, some of this is to be expected because having a baby is not an easy thing. This was not helped by a massive loss of blood that left me initially unable to even stand up without collapsing. Last time I recall staying in the hospital gown for days and I really don’t think that did me any favours. I became less confident in my ability to make decisions, as I continued to feel more and more weak. When you have a new born baby it is so easy to flounder without everything else feeling a mess as well. It made me feel like a patient, not like a new mother ready to take on the world.

I know it sounds nieve but I had no idea long it would take for me to feel comfortable in my own skin after giving birth. I kind of assumed that once the baby arrived I’d be back to myself, not at all aware of how totally shell shocked by what had just happened I would be. After being induced for several days it seemed I’d almost become a piece of the furniture in the labour ward, until suddenly, (I mean eventually,) Nye arrvied and then I’m off to the postnatal ward, We waited days and days for blood test results and assessments. Of course I have no idea what will happen this time, I can only hope we will have to stay for one night and I do think I’ll naturally feel more confident as I have already got one child at home. Some of what I felt last time I’m sure stemmed from the fact that I was seen to be young and therefore my judgment and feelings were a little disregarded. That may just be how I felt at the time but I can only hope this time I will have a better experience.

Since I put this post together I also found a great post on the guardian on postpartum outfits.

What to Wear After Labour

Breastfeeding Ready?
At first I found breastfeeding so difficult, especially whilst I was in hospital trying to get to grips with latching a very hungry baby (and dealing with some very unhelpful midwives). I never realised I’d need a whole wardrobe of stretchy vest tops to provide food at a moments notice. The first few weeks I had it relatively easy, but the requests for food only increases month by month. Be prepared to put the high neck tops and dresses on hold. Last time I got by on a selection of vests from Primark, Marks and Spencer and H&M, these are a must have.

Comfy Clothing
I did not believe how sensitive my body would be after I gave birth. Anything that was tight around my waist in any way was truly intolerable to wear. I thought this time that a nice baggy dress with an adjustable neckline would provide style as well as practicality. If it were warmer I wouldn’t need anything for my legs, but in November I think high waisted leggings will be great (avoiding pressure on the stomach area). I’ve also invested in some new converse so I don’t have to walk to the car in my slippers this time and I think they should be roomy enough for the swollen feet I will no doubt be sporting.

Treat Yourself
There is something to be said for wearing lovely familiar things, but I also think it’s nice to feel special by treating yourself to something new. Last week Neil surprised me with this gorgeous Neils Yard mother and baby set which I have already been enjoying. I’ve had the stretch mark cream out at the ready in the evenings and I just adore the relaxing fragrance of the bath and massage oil. I have also been wanting to get a necklace to commemorate my two children. I am certain that I only want two children so I have been looking for something meaningful which I will be able to keep forever. I originally wanted a locket but I’m yet to find anything that I love that I think will last a life time of abuse. I have been admirning the work of Alex Monroe, especially the Mr & Mrs Bird Necklace.

Do you have any post labour tips for getting back to normal? Feel free to add any suggestions in the comments box below

21 months on this earth.

November 4, 2013 by Jenni Clutten | 0 comments

21 months on this earth

Dear Darling Boy,

You are now 21 months old and you have changed so much since I last wrote. My mind is somewhat preoccupied by our new arrival but my immediate thoughts and body are still here with you day in day out. I find balancing thinking of you and preparing for the new baby a constant trial. When I think of your sister I feel guilty to push you out and when I think of you I worry that I am not preparing and loving her enough. This parenting business is hard.

Everyday I try to teach you new words, show you new things and give you new experiences. Everything is a learning opportunity for you, whether we mean it to be or not and we have to keep an eye on ourselves to make sure we are setting a good example. It is not possible to be perfect all the time and find ourselves watching what we eat, drink or say. You will evidently think what we have is FAR more exciting than anything we offer you if we do not all eat the same thing.

You are challenging and know your own mind but even when you are at your most difficult I still feel I understand you. You are funny, cheeky, happy and busy but most of all independent and determined. You have your moments where you flatly refuse to do as you are told, throw yourself on the floor, scream hit and have been known to headbut us. (There have been 2 headbutting phases, both have now passed.) Sometimes I am that mother that people are looking at with raised eyebrows. When you are so adament that you want you own way it is hard, you are so strong and so loud that I try my best to calm you and find some way of distracting you without giving in. However, the majority of the time you are making people smile, politely saying hello and goodbye and I am frequently complemented on how you are always smiling. You are so perfect to us, we are proud to be your parents because the unique character that you have is so special.

You love to learn new things, and you pick things up so very quickly. You are a small person, certainly not a baby and you like things just so. You revel in any opportunity to learn and prove that you do not need our help. I have learnt already that it is best to let you try to do things yourself and offer my help for acceptance. You do not like things to be snatched away from you, you do not understand why you cannot try for yourself. It makes sense really, but perhaps that’s not how other mothers are. Maybe I am being neglectful by not doing everything for you but I really feel you learn so much more by me sitting back and letting you do your thing.

Your vocabulary revolves around food and although you are somewhat picky and faddy (despite being baby led weaned), when you want to eat you scale your highchair and sit shouting out the names of things you can see. You love toast and this is your word for food in general, you pronounce it toas and you rarely eat your crusts (where do you learn these things!?). Peanut butter on toast is your favourite and you call peanut butter pup-pup-pup for some reason. Sometimes you go in the cupboards and bring cans of beans in to me in the living room as if you are starving to death! Your pronunciation of chocolate cake has changed but you still love to say it every so often on the off chance we might have some available. You use the word please like a pro and seem to think that grinning sweetly whilst saying ‘peassse’ and giggling will get you anything you want. It has mixed results depending on our susceptibility for cuteness at the time. You have started to say thank you and even said “share” to another child at the soft play today as you stole a foam block away from him. (Application of the word share clearly needs some work…)

PicMonkey Collage

You will happily entertain yourself with almost anything. Today you have been playing with our picnic basket and you also like to get involved when I am mopping, hoovering, brushing. Like the cheeky and timely boy you are you even decided to play ‘clean the table with a duster like a slave’ when the health visitor came round a few weeks ago. I can’t help but wonder what alarm bells that started ringing.

The pictures I’ve included are from this weekend and are testament to just how much you love your trains. This is hardly surprising because I also love trains but to see your face when the train pulled onto the platform you literally shook with excitement whilst waving your Thomas flag over enthusiastically. You can’t say train yet, you always call trains ‘choo choo’ but to hear you say “bye bye choo” whilst waving at the platform when we left yesterday melted my heart a little bit

One of our favourite times of day is putting you to bed where you truly show how remarkable you are. In our new house you have taken to selecting books from the book shelf and sitting on a small rug either flicking through the pages yourself and chattering, or climbing into our lap and asking us to read to you. Although your tactics for delaying actually getting in to bed are impressive, once we stay firm you willingly climb into bed yourself and snuggle under your duvet. It makes me so happy to see you growing up but it is bitter sweet as I feel you moving further away from me. My little baby who I cuddled so close to me for all that time is learning all the things that will eventually take you away from me and into the big wide world.

Colour train collage

You answer questions with a firm yes. I would say yes is your most used word, which makes a change from everything I hear about a toddlers favourite word being No. Don’t get me wrong, you say no, but more often than not the answer is yes. In general you are much happier to do anything if you have been asked. Recently changing your nappy has been battle free and I can’t help but think this is because you feel you have agreed to do so rather than been forced. I hasten to add, up until this point changing was a complete nightmare. I’m talking full scale battle with screaming, fighting and tears. We’ve had almost 3 weeks of calmer behaviour but I won’t get my hopes up too high just yet!

I’m sure there are a million other things that I could say about you and all the funny things you do that make you who you are, but for now goodnight. xxx

Keep Warm Style – Stylish Sunday

November 3, 2013 by Jenni Clutten | 0 comments

WHOOPS, I forgot to post this keep warm style post up last week. Never the less, it is only getting colder and I am more and more in need of a stylish way to keep warm. I like to think of this as the perfect bonfire night outfit. All I need now is a hot dog and some mulled wine!

keep warm style Sources.

I am so in love with the Joules jumper, but I shall await for my body to shrink back down once my new arrival is here before I start splashing out. I remember from my last pregnancy that I was in strap tops and low cut jumpers for some time as I got to grips with keeping a hungry baby contented. But, I can still stream of suede heels, cream jeans and gorgeous necklaces until then.I must admit even though it is getting colder I am quite enjoying snuggling up on the sofa, pulling the curtains shut and unwinding with a steaming cup of tea. Sadly tonight is the last night of half term which signals Neil’s return to work. The first day back to work after a holiday is always a weird one for me as I remember just what it’s like to be the sole carer. And of course we are on baby countdown too! How exciting this November is likely to be.

Garden Shed Renovation

October 21, 2013 by Jenni Clutten | 2 Comments

Garden Shed Renovation

Sorry for the rather extended absence over here. As I have mentioned incessantly, we have been moving house. But, although we have been reacquainting ourselves with moving boxes and packing tape this week, we are at least now emptying them and folding up the boxes ready to be recycled.

Believe it or not, it is now less than 5 weeks until my due date and it would be accurate to say that moving house has spurred me into the nesting stage perhaps slightly before I should be there. I started by designing the nursery which I have now started painting. Once I have a chance to paint the other walls I shall show it off to you all.

Last week the rain paused for a brief moment and I took the opportunity to make a start with our garden shed renovation project. There really are not enough hours in the day to get all my plans done, so I can only try my best to zoom around while Nye is napping.

Garden Sheds

Our new house is very well endowed in the shed department, we have two. So, as soon we put the offer in on the house I was plotting out how we might use the larger shed as a lovely office and craft space for us to escape to. Both of our shed are to the side of the garden as you can see in the picture above. The shed I’ve been painting is the one behind the greenhouse that you can only just see.

Budget Breakdown so far:

Sources

I didn’t have any idea how much paint we would need so I bought the 5L tin just in case. As it happens, I think one 2.5L tin would have been enough for the shed but I will also be painting our other smaller shed in the same colour and probably our garden gate. I’m also using the paint brushes in the nursery so I decided investing in some nice ones would be a good idea.

Shed Before Collage.2

Shed During Collage

So far I’m really pleased with the progress, even after just one coat. Editing the photos to post this has reminded me of the tatty state the shed used to be in and already just with one coat on it looks much better. It is quite amazing how quickly you forget how things looked before which is one of the things I love about blogging as it allows you to remember how things were and appreciate all the hard work you put in.

That’s it for this week, let’s hope for a little more dry weather so I can get the second coat on. Then next we are on to the insulation so we can hopefully use the shed in summer and winter. As usual here’s my of inspiration.

Have you done any garden shed renovation? Got any tips?

Choosing a new sofa

October 16, 2013 by Jenni Clutten | 2 Comments

Choosing a new sofa is hard. I know because we have just done it ourselves! There are so many things to consider, what size, what colour, what style? And then, how long does it take for it to be delivered, how long will it last? And finally, the possible deciding factor… how much does it cost?

As part of the move to our new house we realised that we could really do with a new sofa. The ones we have had for the past 3 years were 3rd hand from my step mum, and although they were lovely, we were finally ready for something of our own. In theory this sounds exciting, but choosing a new sofa suddenly became a massively daunting task. The idea of spending a massive amount of money on something that we would have to look at and sit on for many years to come was enough to get me very stressed. This in addition to the fact that I didn’t really have time to traipse around 100s of sofa showrooms and many companies are now based mainly online.

As moving day got closer and I REALLY needed to make a decision before we ended up paying a removal company to take two useless sofas to our new house. I am pleased to say, we did finally make a decision! Here are some of the lovely options I found and some tips to make choosing a new sofa a little easier.

Choosing a New Sofa Sources.

Where to look?
I started by using google to see what was out there, as well as asking twitter if anyone had any recommendations. I then used online sites to populate a board on Pinterest which was a useful place to return back to for inspiration.Colour and Style
We are in the process of replacing much of our furniture, so we didn’t really have a preference of colour and style. I do think sofas can be a good focal point, but when you invest in something so expensive it is important to think about the longevity and adaptability of a piece. I really loved the idea of a fantastically bright sofa, in a bright green or red and luxury of a corner design to help create a cosy feel. Do you pick a colour, hoping you will love it until you need a new one? Go for something neutral?

Then there’s the actual size. Ebay is full of sofas that people are selling because they are moving and the sofas don’t fit. This was actually the case with us as a 2 and 3 seater sofa simply won’t fit in our new long thing living room without taking over. (We will be donating them to the British Heart Foundation.) In the end I think it comes down to having a statement sofa or statement accessories. The safe option is to go for the statement accessories that can be changed regularly and easily for little cost, but having a statement sofa can be a talking point for years to come!

Statement Sofa

Statement Accessories

Narrowing it down
In the end the choice was quite stark for me. I really loved the luxury and classic Bluebell Right-hand Chaise from sofa.com or the more economical, yet stylish Ektorp 2 seater chaise from Ikea. The bluebell corner sofa was going to cost at least £1,500 and I was unable to get to the showroom to see what it felt like to sit on. After much deliberation I thought I would head off to Ikea just to get an idea of the quality and size of the sofas there, as buying something cheaper meant we could then also afford an arm chair.

Fit for Family Living
The last sofa we had came with removable covers which for a family with a dog is vital. I couldn’t possibly count the amount of times I have shoved them into the washing machine and they still come out really well, not loosing their shape or colour. This was my biggest fear with the Ikea sofas as I could just imagine them sagging and fading quickly, and to be honest you cant really complain as their sofas are so affordable. Having said that, I heard from two separate ladies on twitter that their Ikea sofas were holding up well under family life and this really helped me feel more confident.

Find a Bargain
In all my searching I did find two find some fantastic resources of high quality sofas at good discounts which i was VERY tempted by.

I’ve also seen Trade Secret and Home Brands recommended on the Money Saving Expert website but haven’t been to any of their outlets.

What did we go for?
Yes, we gave into the temptation of Ikea. We even went for a gorgeous armchair in the matching fabric. Both pieces have so far been incredibly comfortable as well as looking stylish and having the sofa with chaise option creates a lovely family area to relax in, subtly diving the long room into a play area and lounge area.

Strandmon Wing Chair

Ektorp two seat sofa and chaise

Have you bought a new sofa recently? How did you find it and what did you go for?

DISCLOSURE:
This is not a sponsored post, just something I put together on my own experiences of choosing a new sofa.

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Center Parcs Family Bloggers 2013/14

October 6, 2013 by Jenni Clutten | 0 comments

We were very lucky to be selected last year as one of the Center Parcs family bloggers and we had an amazing time getting involved in the challenges and relaxing during our amazing Center Parcs weekend break. This year we have been challenged to create a video sharing our favourite way to spend time as a family. I had so much fun putting this together, and really hope we are lucky enough to be chosen as one of this years Center Parcs Family Bloggers.

I was hoping to show in our video that family fun can be found in any moment, we only need to open our minds and be creative. Family time is made that bit easier and more relaxing when you have natural and beautiful surroundings. This is why we truly loved our time in Center Parcs so much during our last trip, and would love to go back, especially with our new baby arriving so soon.

Thanks to Center Parcs and Tots 100 for such a fantastic competition, good luck to everyone who has entered.

You can see all the fantastic entries here

Moving House Tips Roundup

October 3, 2013 by Jenni Clutten | 1 Comment

moving house tips

I am ecstatic to announce that we get the keys to our new house tomorrow! I can barely concentrate, constantly returning to the excited butterflies in my stomach. I am already thinking about all the things I want to do and feeling giddy with excitement that we will soon be settled in to our new home. In an attempt to be vaguely productive I have been scowering the internet for moving house tips. Lots of tips and advice are very US centric, so I have done my best to collect some posts which I have found useful when thinking about all that there is to do!

REMOVALS

Find local firms – I am by no means an expert when it comes to removals but as I have just moved twice in the space of 2 months. I therefore feel I am at least slightly experienced! On both occasions I have used the website reallymoving.com to get a list of firms to get quotes from. Some have been local family businesses, others are local branches of national chains.
Read reviews – I was very weary in London to make sure that anyone who quoted actually saw how much stuff we had. There are loads of firms and to get business some seem to quote without even visiting the property. I have read horror stories about doing this and there not being enough space in vans which is not ideal if you are on a deadline to leave your house!
Get quotes – You would be astonished by the range of prices that I have been quoted for the same service. I would definitely recommend getting more than one quote, I got 4 on our last move and 5 for this move as we have been in less of a rush.
Check hidden costs - Each removal company seems to have a different take on packing materials and insurance. For some you will need to pay a separate deposit or indemnity, others will offer insurance and all packaging materials free of charge. Make sure you know in advance so you can factor this in when assessing value for money on quotes.

PACKING

De-clutter – When we moved into our last house I swore I would learn my lesson and make sure I was only bringing things with me that I needed. There is nothing more frustrating than extra boxes to unpack, with stuff in that you will only get rid of later. When you move your bins fill up quickly with packing tape and all the rubbish the previous occupiers have left. You really don’t need your own stuff taking up yet more space in your bins.
Get rid of unwanted furniture – When we were selling our house we used a combination of the British Heart Foundation free furniture collection, freecycle and gumtree to get rid of furniture. Getting rid of excess bulky furniture allowed us to give buyers a better idea of the space. However, although this is a great tactic for selling a house it’s also vital to purge your house of furniture when moving house. I particularly liked the British Heart Foundation free collection service because it is the most reliable (no wondering whether someone will or wont turn up). I even got a note telling me how much they got for my donated item! If you are using an expensive removal company to move you, you will kick yourself if you find yourself taking up van/lorry space with things destined to be donated later!
First night box – There will be certain items that you need before others, let’s say a kettle, tea bags and toilet roll etc.! I think that this is a great first night list to use as a starting point
Label Boxes Clearly – It is worth labeling boxes clearly so you know which boxes you will need first, there are some great labels online that will save you a bit of time. (You’d be surprised how tiresome it gets writing on boxes!)

Free packing Labels from The Purple Pumpkin Blog

CLEANING

Deep clean – when moving you will probably want to give the new house a deep clean. In an attempt to be more organised I have used two fantastic cleaning posts from A Thrifty Mrs to make sure I am prepared. There’s an overall house cleaning kit post as well as a specific bathroom cleaning kit, perfect for trying to get organised. (I must admit it was secretly quite fun to go out and stock up on supplies in anticipation of the new abode.) Our cleaning cupboard here is horrendous, full of toxic chemicals and cleaners I never use. I’m going to try and use up any extra products I have cleaning our current rental ready for the end of the tenancy and stick to the new kits in the future.
Cleaning check list – There are a million and 1 cleaning checklists, but here is one I can appreciate.

GETTING ORGANISED

Re-directing Post – Paying for a royal mail redirection is expensive but can be worthwhile if you have a lot of post to re-direct and no time to contact all the relevant providers. I also found the iammoving.com online re-direction website several years ago which I think is a fantastic (and free) service if you’re looking to save on redirecting post.
To Buy List – Have you checked the fixtures and fittings to see if there are any urgent items you will need? We left our fridge at our old house and the vendors are taking theirs with them so I’m in the process of urgently ordering one online for asap delivery!
Find your local GP – I wouldn’t normally be so fussed on signing up with a GP straight away, but as I am 7 months pregnant this is imperative. It’s also important if you take any regular medication which you need to have prescribed. I have used the NHS Choices website to find what’s available where I’m moving, but beware, as even those that are listed may not cover your area. (Their practice boundaries are impossible to fathom without calling to ask.)
Phone and Broadband- If you are anything like me you will be needing the internet asap. It normally takes *at least* a week for these to be connected. On a more practical note you may also want to have a phone line to give meter readings and chase deliveries and connections. So basically, make sure you have arranged a home move with your current provider or looked into a new one as soon as you are able to. Our current phone and broadband provider doesn’t cover our new house so I used Money Saving Expert to look up the best deals.

I think it’s bed time for me now, I just need to pack up my painting clothes ready for tomorrow and get a good nights sleep! I have added all these tips and a few more for good measure to my which you may find useful.

Creating a peaceful nursery – stylish sunday

September 29, 2013 by Jenni Clutten | 2 Comments

Our house buying is almost complete and now it is time to think about creating a peaceful nursery for our new arrival.

I love vibrant colours, which is why I painted the nursery in our last house a wonderful bright yellow. This time around, with one child already and my due date looming in November, I’m seeking out a more peaceful vibe to try and calm my new baby nerves. I love the idea of white walls but I actually think they can sometimes feel a bit stark and bright, by adding a little colour this should help soften up the room.

Taking Inspiration:
I was inspired by some other nurseries I noticed on this morning so I’ve made a collection of my favourite UK paint samples and style ideas on the polyvore board below. I’ve also included the vinyl decals I bought this afternoon on ebay which I’ll be adding to the turquoise wall to give it a more fun look. I used quite a large vinyl decal of a tree in Nye’s old room and have heard good things about smaller ones so I’m looking forward to give it a go. Although I love wallpaper, the cost of it soon adds up, even in a small room so I’m hoping these clouds will be a good alternative. (I’ve got to admit, I fell in love with them a little bit here.)

Sources

Then once I had chosen my colour and feel I decided to put together a few of the items we already own with a few new things too. I bought the amazing felt lampshade from Modernbaby in the sale for £6. I probably do have a spare shade nocking around but I thought this one was too cute to pass up. The cot bed is just an example though (although a very reasonable £99 from John Lewis) as we are reusing Nye’s old cotbed which we sourced via freecycle.

Peaceful Nursery

Sources

Selecting complementing products

I really think the nursery above has a traditional yet modern feel. The mint colour could easily look babyish but I think the use of monochrome really makes it feel a bit more unique. I know it’s quite blue-ish but I actually see it as a really girly room. That said, I still think it would look awesome for a baby boy.

Creating a sense of peace

Thinking back to when Nye was a newborn we were very lucky to be sent some amazing gifts and I was particularly grateful for a fantastic room fragrance. It really helped me to enjoy those evening feeds. I have no idea if it helped Nye to have any kind of understanding of night time but I enjoyed it, and as they say, contented mum means contented baby!

Getting the right lighting can also be helpful when creating a peaceful nursery. I recently took a punt on a Cloud B Tranquil Turtle which I found in the Zulily sale for £20 which we love. (Zulily only sell items for limited periods so I have linked to the amazon listing) The turtle acts as a fantastic nightlight and gives out a mesmerising blue wave effect that moves like waves across the walls and ceiling. There are loads of settings, moving waves or static as well as two different sound affects, waves and waves with calming music. It’s a great addition to any room and I think Neil is debating getting one for our bedroom we find it so relaxing. So, for setting a bed time routine for a baby I think this will be awesome.

DISCLOSURE
This is not a sponsored post, I have selected all the items in the post myself and purchased, love and use many of them already.

Learning to Communicate

September 27, 2013 by Jenni Clutten | 0 comments

I talk a lot, it is true. Since I was a child I have narrated things constantly, either inside my head or to anyone who will listen. I was telling Neil the other day how one of my favourite childhood toys was a tape player I used to record and present my own radio shows or write and record stories to listen to. It all sounds a bit egotistical now, but it was so exciting and fun to be able to record things. I never had any idea how these fascinating tapes worked, all I knew was that they were very amazing and I could record and re-record all day.

When I knew I was pregnant I was instantly excited by the prospect of learning to communicate with my child. Having funny conversations, teaching someone else the wonderful ways of our language and how we can use it to make people laugh or even make people cry. I took great pride in the idea of teaching my child to say please and thank you or even hello. And to be honest, it feels even better than I imagined it.

learning to communicate

These last two months since Nye turned 18 months old have been quite amazing. It really has captivated me and blown my mind, as I see my child so suddenly and rapidly learning to communicate. I felt that until 18 months Nye could not speak any words. He constantly chattered usiang a broad range of sounds but nothing consistent that he would apply. He was communicating in non verbal ways, he knew how to conduct a conversation, where one person talks and the other replies. He even understood the vast majority of what I was saying to him, but did not use any words. He did everything he could to try and fit into a social situation, even laughing when others laugh because he understands this is what people do. I can’t say that it didn’t bother me that he didn’t speak though. There was that underlying worry, “when will it happen?” “will it happen!?” and every time I counselled myself, yes, just give it time, there is no reason to panic. However, it wasnt just concern over having a child who did not know any words, as his social intelligence increased he became frustrated and angry, unable to communicate in the way he seemed to want to. Those first few weeks of the summer were hard, constant screaming and crying from one very agitated child.

Then, all of a sudden he has words. Never ending evolving words that start with one syllable and gradually become two or more. “Ap” to Apple “Crack” to “Cracker” and the inevitable “Pep” to “Peppa.” And it is the way that this evolves that amazes me. From no words, to ones for all ocassions. Words to provide food and water, words to instruct. I find him coming out with things that I don’t remember even telling him “meow.”, But at the same time, refusing to say words I say multiple times a day like “daddy.” Earlier this month he suddenly started waking in the night and asking us to read him books, and it was then at 2am that he would suddenly come out with lots of new sounds. I still don’t understand it, but I can only say that he seems more able to try new sounds when it is the dead of night and perhaps he does not feel anything is holding him back.

SONY DSC

These words he has found have calmed him down immeasurably. So many less battles over every tiny thing and massively reduced episodes of screaming when we can’t understand exactly what he wants from a specific kitchen cupboard. Learning the word “please”, which he uses to request any item in the universe, seems to have been the key. Imagine knowing that your parents are so impressed with your utterance of the word ‘peas’ that you could ask for 2 ice creams and they will probably oblige. I think that must feel pretty powerful.

Although, is it just my son who’s vocabulary revolves around food items!? It suddenly dawned on me this week when we went to the supermarket for the first time in ages. Never has he been so chatty and pleased with himself as we zoom around the supermarket aisles. We go round the isles to the soundtrack of ‘toas’ (toast/bread) ‘apple’ (any fruit within sight), it goes on and on. Even a ‘moo’ when he saw the cow on some milk which surprised me.

Here we are at 20 months with a vocabulary that expands on a day to day basis, and makes me laugh even when my patience is being tested by the 50th “mumma mumma, pease pease choklate cayk, pease PEASE.” I do love the way you use your language so fantastically, including at the doctors today where you did a tour of the waiting room to wave and say bye bye to everyone. Naturally everyone needs to know you’re leaving the building. Brilliant.

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What to Wear Autumn 2013 – Stylish Sunday

September 22, 2013 by Jenni Clutten | 0 comments

Greetings on this lovely September evening. Is it only me that can’t believe that next week it will be October, where did this year go?

It is no secret to my friends that I haven’t been finding this pregnancy very easy. Thankfully I only have a few more months to go now, and I am trying my best to keep on top of the sickness and stretching pains I’ve been feeling. In light of this, I thought I would allow myself a little artistic license. Here I have put together a ‘what to wear Autumn 2013′ minus baby post, inspired by the gorgeous teal shoes I spotted in Clarkes whilst waiting for my antenatal yoga class to start.

Sources

Ah, I can already feel the crispy leaves under my feet and that cold winds starting to blow. A little something to look forward to for when I’m without bump. And that coat, oh that coat. I am hoping it will be in the sale!

Ginger Bisquite

Lifestyle, DIY, Family & Food