Ellas advert- ellas kitchen UK

I am fairly rubbish as keeping up with twitter and tweeting, but I do love reading the odd article, especially when I am feeling exhausted!

We are massive fans of Ella's kitchen, as anyone who follows us on twitter will know. Today they are presenting the opportunity for one little beam of sunshine to feature in their new television campaign!

All you have to do is tweet 'my baby should be in the #ellastvad because' and then give your reason.

Just like we did!

Wine with a straw

Wine with a Straw- Merry Christmas

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https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=413800872015746&set=pb.406972469365253.-2207520000.1353751843&type=3&theater

The Wake Up Stretch

The Wake Up Stretch- Sketch

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Mother to be- charcoal

Mother to be

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Charcoal nude

Charcoal nude

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Boy's at work

Boy's at work

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Tattoo's thrown at a canvas

Tattoo's thrown at a canvas

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Face your fears, live your dreams

Face your fears, live your dreams

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A Man Named Judy

A Man Named Judy

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Keep love in your heart...a life without it is like a sunless garden when the flowers are dead...-Oscar Wilde

Keep love in your heart... a life without it is like a sunless garden when the flowers are dead...-Oscar Wilde

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I knew you before you were born- Mother and Infant

I knew you before you were born- Mother and infant

(How many times have you heard a Mother say this when she tries to explain the love she feels for this tiny person)


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Anyone who lives within their means suffers from a serious lack of imagination- Oscar Wilde (Painting on canvas)

Anyone who lives within their means suffers from a serious lack of imagination- Oscar Wilde

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Review: Casa Rastelli- Best cafe in Lancaster

My two son's don't ask to go to Mc Donald's for a Happy meal, or a play area when they have been good... they ask to go to Casa Rastelli for some cake! 

Whenever we are in Lancaster city centre, the boys have come to expect that if they are good, they get to visit Casa Rastelli. 

This is good news for me, because I absolutely love this place. 

Located within the shopping centre, this little eatery is in an ideal location, with plenty of options with regards to seating, and a menu that caters for most appetites. 

The prices are exceptional, as portion size and quality, far exceeds that of all of the competition in the area, such as cafe nero, starbucks and costa. 

Every time I take my boys, the staff treat them with a lot of respect, care and attention. They are treated like the rest of the customers, despite their age. My son's love this, they don't get this anywhere else, and it makes a massive difference. 

The first time we visited Casa Rastelli, my son had fallen over in the street and was feeling very sorry for himself. I took him for a slice of cake to cheer him up. I asked if they would make him a warm milk. They said that they would bring my order to me, which was a massive help with two toddlers, however, this is the level of dedication that is shown to each customer. When the lady brought our order to us, I was amazed at the portion size. She had remembered that it was for my son, and placed it in front of him. She had also remembered who had ordered which drinks. Each drink came with a biscuit, including my son's milk. This made him feel very grown up. The slice of cake was decorated with an artistic butterfly, created by sauce dressings. 

Since then, we have visited at least once a week. The boys love going in, and go straight up to the staff now to say hello. They feel valued and comfortable. 

Every time I visit this cafe, the staff are always friendly and kind. They always exceed the average levels of customer service, and make each and every customer feel like an individual. The staff really make this place special, and for all of these reasons, I believe, that this is the very best cafe in Lancaster, and the best cafe I have been in, in my entire life. 

It reminds me of 'central perk' in the sitcom 'friends'. A warm, friendly, inviting place, which can accommodate your needs regardless of your mood, you will always leave with a smile. It is built on the old fashioned values of quality, value for money and fantastic customer service.

Casa Rastelli is good for the soul! 

Go along and visit for yourself, and come back and leave me your own feedback. Don't forget to pick up a loyalty card too, because you'll be back. 

Casa Rastelli saved the day!

Shortly after visiting 1725, and losing my tummy somewhat, we decided we needed to eat still, and this time, we had to play it safe!

So where is the lovliest little eatery that I have found so far in Lancaster so far.

This place is a salute to the soul. It's an escape while maintaining a sense of home. I have fallen in love with this little cafe.

I had discovered this place a few weeks ago, when my three year old had fallen over and become quite upset, he informed me that a babicino and a cake would make everything better again.

I ordered his cake and his babicino, and i was suprised to find that he got a biscuit and a dusting of cocoa powder too. This made him feel even more grown up.

Then there was the lemon cheese cake. No one makes lemon cheese cake like Ben's aunt, yet i still try to find a replica that can do cheesecake justice. This cheesecake...matched that of the one and only, Aunty Lynne. It was a generous portion which we shared, reluctantly, and everything was exceptional value for money.

The staff were friendly and helpful, but more importantly, they made a real fuss of my sorrowful toddler, and made him feel very special.

This cafe, has so far, been the single best place to go to with children. I give this place full marks... I give 1725...a big fat, insect dodging zero! Its your choice...but this is the right one.

Review: Ella's Kitchen Wakey Wakey Round Ones

This morning Alfie tried Ella's kitchen's new 'Wakey, Wakey, Round Ones'.



The packaging is fantastic, Alfie knew straight away that this treat was for him, and his older brother suspected that this was a treat that he could not miss out on.

Alfie is 19 months old now, and polishes off a few rounds of toast or some wheatabix each morning. Finn is 3 and a half now and can polish off 10 wheatabix, with no issues what so ever...with chopped up banana of course, but all of the children's cereals that are filled with sugar, salt and cheap nasty toys is starting to catch his eye, and every so often...usually on shopping day, we encounter the 'me not like this anymore, me need...' and then which ever cereal has the best packet becomes essential to his daily routine!

What I love the most about this packaging is it has a cap at the top, like a bottle, so that it can be resealed properly, and also, Finn can pour his own cereal, promoting his independence. It also means that I can take the bag out with me, without it spilling at the bottom of my handbag.

I filled their bowls and added some fresh, cold milk. Moments later those bowls were not just emptied...but licked clean too!

A hit! Not just for 19month old Alfie, but for 3 year old Finn too!

The cereal consists of different multigrain loops which are easy for young babies to eat. This cereal is suitable from 12 months and I'd recommend it to any little one, who wants to be like a bit brother or sister or just a very independent baby, who is bored of all the regular options.





The new range does offer breakfasts for younger babies too!

The World's First Baby Vending Machine- By Ella's Kitchen

I was so excited to get the latest Ella's Kitchen update this morning, and it did not disappoint!

Ella's kitchen are always thinking of what toddlers want and need, and seeing the world from their point of view, Ella's kitchen have always been 'the one to watch'. They are by far, my favourite brand, and this, stroke of genius, is just one of the things I expect to see in every play centre and shopping mall, throughout the land!

Once again, the guys at Ella's kitchen have been out listening to what parents have to say, and they have found that we do struggle to find healthy children's foods and snacks, when we are out and about.

This is something that I am always complaining about, so the new mini vending machine, which is thought to be the smallest in the world, and is in my opinion the cutest, is the answer to my prayers. Standing at just 115cm's tall, it is perfect height for little boys and girls to select their favourite, healthy snacks. It also has large, pictured, buttons, for children to communicate their needs and easy for them to operate, all by themselves, creating a sense of independence.

The vending machine will go on trial at 'Lollibop', the UK's largest, children's festival, and I have no doubt that it will be a huge success.

Here is some of the information that Ella's kitchen have sent to me this morning:

58 per cent of parents have been forced to feed their children un-healthy foods such as sweets or crisps when they’re out of the house due to the lack of healthier options available.  Other factors driving parents to feed their little ones un-healthy foods include “they prefer junk food,” “they deserve a treat every once in a while” and “it’s less hassle.”

The mini vending machine will be filled with Ella’s Kitchen’s healthy, handy and tasty snacks to show parents that foods for kids on the go don’t need to be restricted to sugary or salty foods.  It will vend 12 varieties of snacks from Smoothie Fruits to Nibbly Fingers and new Puffits.

The Ella’s Kitchen vending machine will be unveiled for the first time at Lollibop, the largest children’s festival in the UK, in Regent’s Park, London from 17th – 19th August 2012.  Visit the Ella’s Kitchen stand at the Food Village to try it out with all snacks being offered absolutely free for a trial period.

With over a quarter of parents (27 per cent) feeding their children at least twice a day whilst out of home, the vending machine aims to raise awareness of the difficulties parents have finding healthy snacks on the go.  Toddlers have tiny tummies that need to be regularly topped up with small snacks to maintain their energy levels as they grow and explore the world around them.  Ella’s Kitchen snacks are aimed at little ones from seven months and contain 100% organic ingredients with absolutely no concentrates or refined sugars.

The top hotspots with a lack of toddler-friendly snacks on offer were revealed as:
Beaches (43 per cent)
Parks or playgrounds (38 per cent)
Shopping centres (36 per cent)
Theme parks (33 per cent)
Zoos or farms (29 per cent)

Paul Lindley, Ella’s Dad and founder of Ella’s Kitchen, comments:“By creating the first tiny vending machine, we hope to stimulate little ones’ senses and encourage them to enjoy eating healthy foods from a young age.  Our snack products are designed to be healthy, handy and fun for both parents and their children allowing them to spend more time exploring the big outdoors without worrying about finding healthy foods.  We can’t wait for little ones to try out the machine for themselves at Lollibop!”  

Review- The Zone (Soft Play area- Lancaster)

I have a lot to say about this place.

I have been to many soft play areas over the years, and I have seen some real sights. I have my all time favourite and I have every parents worst nightmare of an afternoon out with the tots. These places still hold their ranking positions.

Today, I was lucky enough to go and meet the owner of 'The Zone', which is located right in the city centre, and is the only soft play area, of it's kind, in the whole city.

The very first thing I noticed, was the stunning building in which the facilities are inhabited. I have never seen such beautiful features in a play centre, or indeed, in most places. The reception area is secure and very well staffed, who all wore a clear uniform, with 'STAFF' in large print on their backs, which not only looked smart and sophisticated, but it was clear enough, so that a member of staff could be found in an emergency.

The members of staff performed regularly checks of all of the facilities, and all tables were cleared and cleaned instantly. I think that this is really important, as many soft play areas are a great breeding zone for germs, so to see the staff regularly cleaning everything thoroughly, stood out to me.

I also noticed that there was never a queue due to ample amounts of efficient staff. This showed me, that this set up had been thought through, as the quicker you can order and receive your refreshments, the quicker you can get back to your children, and you are not queueing so children weren't getting bored and running towards the play area. This is a good way of ensuring that children remain safe at all times, and this is clearly what 'The Zone' pride themselves on.

There are two seated areas for adults to sit and supervise their children playing, both are wall papered and are very tranquil. Every table and chair was clean and there was plenty of space for children to run back and forth for refreshments, in between games.

The play area itself was immaculate and in excellent condition. Everything was clean and nothing had needed obvious repairs. Anything that had been damaged through wear and tear must have been replaced. There was a range of soft play, safe, clean toys for toddlers, in the special area, which although it is inclusive of the rest of the play area, it is sectioned off, so that wondering toddlers cannot escape without passing the adult responsible for them.

The ball pool was very clean and the balls were clearly of good quality and were new. They also had a suction tube, for the children to post the balls into, and then they watch them travel through the transparent tubing, into a plastic case. Then, once it is full, they can press a button so that the collection of balls rains down into the ball pool. My sons loved this feature. There is also a sensory target practise, with two targets. If you hit the target with a ball, one of three lights, light up on your side, if the other team player hits their target, it puts out one of your lights, the first team to get all three targets lit, wins. My sons were perhaps a little bit young for this, but it didn't stop them having a go, and with my help, we managed to get the table to light up, which filled my boys with glee.

This is not only, the only soft play area in the city centre, but it is owner of the second longest slide in great Britain. Even my eldest, who hates heights with a passion, managed to get to the top and slide down with ease.

Throughout the play area, there are decorative and educational, soft posters. I was impressed to see one which had optical illusions on.

The baby changing facilities were good, and I was pleased to see clean toilets, with a range of antibacterial hand washes, plenty of toilets and even potties, for the little ones. I didn't see a children's step to help them reach the sinks, but it was not a problem for me to lift my eldest son, so that he could wash his hands.

As it is the summer holidays, it was quite busy today, however, there was a time limit for play, which meant that it was never over crowded, and it was not only very safe, especially for the little ones who can sometimes find a lot of older children intimidating, but it was comfortable too.

In term time, I would hope that there wasn't a time limit, as at £4.00 per child, I can see why this has been off putting for some parents, especially if they have more than one child. There is a slight discount for more than 3 children, where you would be charged £3.50 per child, there is also a discount for younger babies, and babies under 1 are free, if I remember correctly, which is fairly standard practise.

I enjoyed the hour that I spent there, even though I would have liked to stay for longer, especially on a school day.

I would look to hear about offers, deals and promotions, as I think that this would entice me to come alone more often.

Some soft play areas have regular coffee mornings for children and parents and guardians who are looking to meet other parents and guardians in the local area, and I would be interested in this sort of thing.

Over all, I loved this family ran business, and I was pleased to see that they did not do fruit shoots, but a slightly healthier and less expensive alternative.

I can understand the point that some of the other local Mum's have made, that if there was a discounted rate for second children, they would be more likely to stay for dinner, however, this would end up costing more overall.

As play centres go, this one is far safer and cleaner than the majority I have been to, so for those reasons, I would be willing to pay the extra few pence to go to this one. As putting a price on your child's health, safety and happiness goes, it is a real bargain.

Its a rainy day

Its a rainy day today...hence the title, so off to have a look at 'The Zone' a childrens soft play area in Lancaster city centre. It has quite a convinient location and looks nice from the outside, although word on the street is that it is over priced and it has just been slated on twitter for being 'chavvy'...

But, I am not put off, I am off to go and test the place out with my handsome horrors. You can all read the verdict later on tonight. I have found that many places here are hit or miss and as you all know, i have no energy left over to be articulate. What will Dorris make of the place?

It is the only one in the city centre, but I am comparing it to the hundreds of great quality places in Cheshire, so although this play centre rules to roost...it has tough competition with regards to impressing me...

...to be continued...

Review: 1725 Lancaster - AVOID THIS PLACE!

After a spot of shopping today, we decided to re-try 1725, in the market square, within the city centre.

The last time we had visited 1725, we only had drinks, the price was good and the standard was...well...standard.

Before leaving, my eldest, who is 3 needed the toilet. When i got to their facilaties, someone had clearly had what can only be described as an explosion of the bottom, and had possibly scrambled in it to try to get out, it looked like someone, or a team, had attempted to paint their walls with their hands and their excretion.

I informed the manager, who made me aware that it wasnt like that when they opened up in the morning...
I suggested they have it cleaned.

Today we tried this place again, it seems the kitchen was probably just as delightful...

Our food arrived and all looked great. Portions were small and the price was...average. As i was nearing the end of my meal, i noticed that there was a maggot-like insect in my food. I had disturbed it, while using my fork, and it had wriggled about for a moment.

We called the manager over, he said it could have fallen from a near by tree but informed us that he would check the kitchen and the chicken for maggots.

The waitress brought us a bill for our drinks and we did not pay for our food. I will never go there again and I was nearly sick while speaking to the manager.

Avoid this place! There is a perfectly good Greggs next door!!!

Day three: tales of toddlerhood

Mummy was doing the ironing and me was outside. Me love onions. Write that.

Daddy's friend from work camed a mine house in the morning. Him have a red car so it doesn't get lost, and him have legs. His does have foots. Thems went to work. Him tell me about balamory and postman pat. Me said to him, keep me updated.

Us all had yoghurt. Me and Alfie had a yogurt. Them all went on the floor. Mummy putted boiling water on it, make it burn off.

Me love risotto. What me have?

We goed the shop. Me wanted to make a cake with cream and vanilla. Us buyeded some cream and some butter. Me putted the cream on the side. Me and us made cake.

Us made a house out of boxes for mine fireman sam things. Alfie spilted juice in it, Mummy had to make another house, it have stairs but no toilet.

Me went a play with mine friends. Me came back in. Me and Ava had cake. We played with tennis rackets and us played with fireman sam things. Then Mummy told me go in. Ava helped me.

Me want to tell you about carrots. To make carrot cake you need lots of carrots. Just need lots of carrots and eggs and tomatoes.

Second toddler diary entry tales of toddlerhood

Aunty Bekka bringing her Mum mine house me thinks, and her sister. Me love Aunty Bekka's sister. She just have eyebrows. Yup, her eyes are just blue. Alfie is a numbnuts. Him have numbnuts eyes. Me have eyebrows. Alfie have numbnuts eyes.

This morning, me just play. Mummy woked up with Daddy. Daddy went to work with him tool boxes. Daddy's friend came too, from work, to go a work. Me not know him name.

Me had comecrust (cous cous) for mine dinner. What me had with it? Me not remember. It was my favorite. What me had on mine sandwich? Mummy said it was contion (coronation) chicken. Me just called it mine favorite. Alfie not loved it, me just loved it.

When Daddy friend get back to mine house, me going to give him, him pen back.

Me in mine house just having a pint. Me went drunk in me house. Had a pint of coke and a pint cup of tea.

Mummy said Alfie be a labourer and me be builder. Me the worker. Not Alfie. Him not allowed. Daddy thinked them his goggles.

Mummy said have to share mine car with Alfie. Me not share mine car. It just mine car.

Me been naughty today. Me throwed a boot at Mummy's back. You throw a blue ball at your ears to make them very soft.

Me been playing with mine fire engines and me been catching everyone.

We do just being a sausage roll in Mummy's bed. You just be the sausage and you roll around and the blanket is the pastry.

Daddy was on the toilet and me wanted a wee. Me told him to get off the toilet and just poo in the sink!

My sons first entry into his toddler diary.

Play. Me went downstairs and me went upstairs. Play. Me went downstairs.

Me do have a fireman helmet like Nate! Me have a fireman helmet and a Bob the builder helmet. Me just get another helmet. He have a helmet and me just use other one.

Play and go downstairs with mummy. Go out a town in the afternoon, us went a bank. A morning us went to a car. What your day been? Today, me been playing and playing. Write that mummy. Write town on, write milk on and write juice on. Write some juice on.

Been playing out with Ava. Alfie felled over. Nate was out to see him on him hurt leg. Nate putted a fireman helmet on me. You press the button, it say, Sam is hero next door.

Sitting with me teddy, we did talking about space. About a spaceship. Me was talking about a moon and you was talking about a blue moon, it called strawberry. Blue strawberry. It looks like one of my fireman sam cars go past it. It look like a road with fire engine, me was talking about Elvis on the moon, in a fire engine called Jupiter.
--------------------------------
Mum's version:

Today we went in the car to the bank. Then we came home and talked about space during snack time. I told finn about mars because it was on the news today. We also discussed the fireman sam vehicles being named after some of the eight planets. Finn asked if there was a blue planet, so we talked about jupiter. Then, after tea he went to play outside with his friends. When it was time to come in, finn hugged his friend nate and his friend ava, whom he has a very open first crush on. Ava gave finn a kiss but finn turned to mush and went very shy.

The sea air does you good!

There is something quite enchanting, about waking up here. This morning i woke up, had a morning wee with an audience, my two children who insist on joining me in the bathroom, i hear this is a common Mummy grievance.

I snoozily wandered into our bedroom, after opening a few windows, and the midsummer breeze kissed my warm face, and there was that salty, sea air smell that is so humbling, like the smell of gravy on a sunday. In the distance i could here the seaguls chattering to each other in their anxious and somewhat cocky tone. I feel that it is a cocky tone because i always imagine them to be like the fonz of the bird world, i am not sure of spelling but that cool guy from that cheesy american sitcom that was on when i was a nipper.

Ah...home sweet home.

This place in the world has always been seen to be an escape for me. It represents that entirely now.

Ben is ecstatic in his new job, i hear about it...a lot. My two sons havent coughed once and there isnt an asthma attack in sight.

100 people won the national lottery last night, but for me, after the last few years we have had, an ice cream on the beach is winning the lottery, and sharing these moments with my three lads, means more to me than any ammount of money.

Oh, i do Love to be beside the seaside.

Ricky jervais

I was never a fan of 'the office', i was probably too young to understand the style of humour and the type of humour. I had not yet worked in an office either, so a lot of the humour went over my head.

However, the other half loves Ricky and convinced me, to listen to a few of the podcasts. I naturally fell in love with karl pilkington and stephen merchant. I was reluctant to watch ALL of Ricky Jervais' stand-up Dvd's.

I eventually gave them a go, and I was completely wrong. Ricky Jervais is a genius and I am now a big fan.

Now every night we put a podcast on or rewatch any of our favorite Jervais material. I suggest, that if you are yet to find that love for Ricky's gift to humanity, do try again. Like all of the best things in life, this, for me, has required a bit of effort.

Ricky...if you are reading this, I was wrong, uneducated perhaps and ignorant. I am grateful for the benefit you have had on my life, DVD collection, and my all time favorite...telling overpaid celebrities the truth. Just thought i would let you all know.

I will be back blogging properly as soon as i get my laptop, which will happen as soon as i start my degree!

Love and good rest to you all,

Dorris. Xxx

That new iron feeling!

We have moved!
I have missed out on a range of media days, treats and adventures over the last few nightmarish weeks, but alls well that ends well!
So unfortunately after being unlawfully evicted we had to leave a lot of our things behind. I did, however pick up our iron, but my brother in law broke it years ago, and after 21 wash loads in the new dwelling, it finally gave up.
So we lost the house we were renting early and lost out on the money we had already paid, but we gained a gorgeous new home, a new district, and new things that we have needed.
Biggest gained a place at a local preschool too.
I love hearing the seaguls in the morning! Although we did forget the sun cream when we were walking by that little lake in lytham st annes, and i really burnt my nose! That wind is decieving!
The kids have slept really well too! The sea air has done them good! Plus no mould or damp in this house.
It is amazing how after living in a hell hole house in a hell hole area with an awful landlady, can make you cherish fresh air, health and a house with central heating and walls!
I traded in my old, tired yet trusted iron for a new one and i took pleasure in ironing a few more wash loads, it mirrored recent events.
Out with the old. In with the new.
At times like these, true values are shown.

Reviews

I am currently waiting for a few new products to arrive. I cannot wait to review them!

The last few weeks have been none stop! Relocating is no easy task. I cannot wait to get to the new village and take a deep breath of fresh air.

The grass may not be greener but the air is definitely cleaner!

Now just to pack the entire house into bags and boxes...argh!!!

Hello Lancaster

A few months ago the other half decided to apply for the job of his dreams and after several stages, a lot of worry and plenty of nerves, I am pleased to say that he got the job. A life changing opportunity for us all. The new role is in a different area, so we have a matter of weeks to relocate.

I have been looking to move out of this town where I have lived my entire life, for some time now. Several responsibilities have kept me here. I hate this town.

I hate the town because no body ever seems to change. No body ever seems to leave if they were born here, and those that do, seem to return quite quickly. I do understand why. This is a town filled with large extended families which seem to be close to all generations and celebrate occasions together. Maybe this is the same as most towns. I dunno?

It is also a good town because we are smack bang in between a few cities, schools are of a good standard, we have two good central train stations with access to most areas of the country and there are loads of take away places. Shopping isn't bad either really. I guess the town, essentially has most things that you would look for, and I imagine I will miss a lot of things.

The place we are looking to move to, is in Lancashire. I had to just correct my spelling because I had wrote 'Lancashite'...I hope this isn't a sign?!?!

We have found a lovely house, it what looks like a lovely village...I know...Imagine dysfunctional Dorris in a village...

Anyway, I have researched a few local schools now, well most actually, and I am really disappointed. The OFSTED reports are particularly disappointing. It seems there are a few outstanding schools, all with religious connection of course, which is usually the case, and all miles apart. I can only assume the system is the same everywhere with regards to getting a place.

This is worrying.

I understand that the schools will expect some connection with their associated church, which isn't really a problem, as we are new to the area, and I would like to get the boys christened finally, once we are out of this town...simply to decrease the guest list.

We have always had difficulties with writing a guest list as a lot of our friends and families do not get on, and it is difficult to choose who to invite and who to leave out. To keep the peace and save any arguments and disruption, we haven't yet had either of the boys christened. I guess, that if people invited had to travel for an hour or more to get to their christening...the guest list would be cut by about 85%...although that does show the lack of commitment in our friends and family, the other 15% are worth their weight in gold. Also, it would then be their choice not to attend, rather than mine, as some sort of punishment for being less than interested.

So all in all, we are really looking forward to our new adventure, although we know that it will be hard at first. It's not going to be easy living on one wage, but self employment was not easy and at a lot of time, not just for the other half but for all of us.

I hope that in the not too distant future...I will have my shiny new degree and will be able to apply for some jobs that rapidly turn into careers. However, for the first few years, a degree, house and a 20min drive to and from nursery each day...if he even gets into the nursery, will probably consume my life...

I will keep you updated.

Yours.


Dorris. x

Book club- reading between the wine- facebook

I used to blog at least once a day. I love my crafty stuff but i miss writing every day. I am still struggling to start my book. I already have too many ideas for the plot of my first (in this sequence of ideas) book but i cannot for the life of me write the first sentence. Its always the same, it usually takes me hours and sometimes days to write the first line of an essay and the other 10,000 words (usually for a 2000 worder) come much easier.
Anyway, thanks to recently joining the book club on facebook 'reading between the wine' set up by 'liz lawton', I have found that passion to write again. I never finished my first novel, i dont think i will ever finish that particular one either, but i have several planned...because it is fun!!!
I need some sort of technology that allows me to write word documents at some point.

Come and see what all the fuss is about!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/251160588315572/

Did dorris get functional???

I have been up since 6am... As always...the youngest wakes the whole house up as soon as the sun rises!

I have tidied the eldests bedroom...which is no easy feat! Mainly because its the loft conversion and i once knocked myself out while putting some shelves up... Check me out...DIY...well more like I...KE....A...

My eldest woke me up last time and i had a lump on my head for ages!

I did it today though... I tackled the room and I survived... Ok! So it isnt a bear or a croc but its not always the big paws and teeth that catch you out in life!

I have also loaded both kids up and taken a wash load to the laundrette!!! And the clothes survived!!! And the kids and I did too...

Then i got home... And no word of a lie...i got a pan out... And i put cous cous and water in it... I added a few other things and...what do you know....only gone and cooked us some lunch...further more...it was edible!!!

Has someone been messing with my oxygen supply or have i been a tiddlybit domesticated and useful today...

Feel free to vote for my picture to win!

http://www.netmums.com/galleries/view/first-precious-moment-photo-competition/2189

This picture is of my eldest. He was about 24 hours old when it was taken. I had read all of the books through pregnancy and about baby and the first five years... no one told me how hard breast feeding would be! No one told me that I would fall asleep one size and wake up 6 sizes bigger, covered in blood and scared for life after my bra had literally sliced into me! I had no idea that he was draining 80 ounces of milk out of me each day! He was one big, greedy, milk guzzler.

I took this photo on my old camera phone. The light was pouring through the opaque blinds in the bedroom of of our second floor, clinically modern apartment. It was not skill or equipment, just fluke. :)

Review: The Pelican- Altrincham (good places to eat, with children)

I was invited to the opening night, for friends and family, of your recently refurbished establishment. I have never been to 'The Pelican' in Altrincham before, however I am familiar with the Spirit Group chain.

Upon arriving at the premises, which we found effortless to find, there was minor confusion as to where to park. This needs to be sign posted, as where we did park, appeared to be attached to a different building, so as someone who is not familiar with the area, this could have potentially put me off. I think the first impression should be as straight forward as possible because the pub is on a busy main road, where you may only have a few seconds in which to decide whether you wish to stop at this, said establishment. 

The entrance however was clear, there was a large and inviting front entrance, which was really homey. When we walked in we were greeted by a middle aged, well dressed male, who was happy, smiling and very polite. I was instantly pleased to see the variety of ages of the staff, this is really important to me as a Mother. We were seated by Rebecca who introduced herself not just to myself, but to my children as well. Acknowledging my children as customers goes a really long way, it is thoughtful and shows that every single person who walks onto that premises is valued as a customer. This is a rarity! 

As soon as we were seated, Rebecca brought over a high chair for me. I was really pleased with this. I did not have to ask for help or assistance. It was just a given because she used her initiative and assessed our individual needs while she was introducing herself. Rebecca waited until we were seated to go and get our menus, I liked this because I did not feel rushed, reaffirming that value of my custom. She also brought two packs of crayons and some paper for both of my sons. Although my youngest child struggles to colour in, as he is only 13 months old, I was pleased that she did not overlook him because this would have lead to world war 3 between my sons.

Rebecca took us through how to order, and reminded us that if we did need any help or assistance, to just ask, and she would be more than happy to help. If I was dining with just my sons, I would have called upon her to help, I was made to feel very comfortable. 

Ordering was of course very straight forward and easy to do. 

Within 30 seconds of getting our drinks back to the table, my son knocked his drink over. A few members of staff came straight over and cleaned up the spillage before it had ran onto us. They were extremely understanding, and offered to replace his drink. My Son was upset, and thought that he may be in trouble, the staff were lovely to him and kept reassuring him that it was ok, and that they did not mind at all. 

My food arrived quickly and smelt great. My Son got his food first, which gave me time to cut it up for him. The portions are excellent and he felt very grown up. We ordered a mini mixed grill for him, like his Dad usually has, and he was very proud of himself. My friend, who was dining with us on this occasion ordered the 10ounce steak, with a cheese and mushroom topping. The steak was cooked to perfection, exactly how she asked for it to be cooked. I ordered the largest meal on the menu, the burger challenge. It was also cooked to perfection. I would give the cooking a five star review, on par with my favourite Italian restaurant, where you would not get any change from £100.00 per guest. For this, I was really impressed. 

All of the staff took time to talk to my sons and make them feel really special. Every single guest was happy, and the atmosphere was wonderful. This could have only been created by exceptional staff, perfect food and extremely satisfied and valued customers.

My eldest Son, who is 3 years old announced that he needed the toilet, and so we had to dash. Rebecca went immediately to get us the key to the children's toilet facilities. She leaned down and told Finn that it was the key to the V.I.P. toilet, only for special people. This re-leaved his initial apprehension.

All of the staff were lovely, but a few really stood out. I would really like to point out just how wonderful they were. There was a lady who was middle aged, with short hair who was just wonderful, lovely to talk to, really friendly and respectful. There was a manager with blonde hair, I think her name was Claire. My Son liked her so much that he gave her a kiss and a cuddle before he left. I did not think that he wanted to leave! Rebecca was our main waitress all night and as you have read above, she is a real asset to any company. There was also a waitress called Pip, who was also exceptional. And finally a waitress called Adele, whom both of my sons really took to, and she was fabulous. 

Every member of staff was immaculately dressed, friendly and respectful and it was a real honour to visit this branch. I would recommend it to everyone who is dining with or without children. The Pelican could easily have been any of the award winning restaurants I have visited previously and it is head and shoulders above the rest of the Spirit Group establishments that I have visited. 

I would recommend this place to everyone. Full marks!

Milk kills laptops

About a week ago, my eldest was passing me his cup of milk... I wasn't looking at him as he did it, so i didn't realise and he was watching the tele!

The milk fell right onto the key pad... It killed the laptop almost instantly! Soooo i will be mostly blogging from the toilet, with my uti, on my mobile...all i need now is to drop it down the loo...again!!!

How my phone can survive a toilet drop and the laptop cant survive a few drops of milk...i do not understand... But still...!

Reviews to come and some queries on my parental observations hahaha!!!

Is Peppa Pig bad for Children's development?

A few weeks ago, all the Mummy buzz was about Peppa big being bad for children. It seems to me that a handful of parents had actually complained about this programme. The telegraph printed quotes about children splashing in puddles and demanding chocolate cake.

I don't know a child that does not want to splash in muddy puddles or demand chocolate cake, and quite frankly, I wouldn't want to. Who are these parents and what do they want from their children?

It seems that the theory 'children should be seen but not heard' was probably far to apparent within their upbringing, and if it wasn't then it is certainly the caption that should be above their household.

I personally, want my children to be exactly that...children. I want them to ask questions, and push boundaries and learn from the restrictions that I put in place. Imagine banning a child from a programme that all of their friends love, imagine holding them back by keeping them wrapped in cotton wool... for what...? To keep up with what your neighbours think?

Come with me for a moment into the world of make believe... that is if you have an imagination left, let me take you back to a childhood filled with ninja turtles, biker mice, drop dead fred and ghost busters... and the list goes on.

I watched Drop Dead Fred yesterday, I'd forgotten all of the swearing, and remembered it as a family film. Luckily both my children had fallen asleep.

Do you remember 'mega bitch killed me with the death breath' and 'just tell her to piss off' oh and cannot forget drop dead fred looking up the ladies dress and saying 'ewwww cobwebs'.

There was evidence stacked up against programmes such as 'Power Rangers', which genuinely did have a negative impact on children's development, for the reason that, we do protect our children buy adding a guideline to our viewings by bbfc, and the content of power rangers should have had a certificate with the amount of violence.

Peppa pig is a heart warming programme about a family who love and respect each other equally. There are many moments, where I'd expect tantrums and protesting from the young characters, but when this does not happen, and the character is rewarded, I believe that it is a positive influence on a child, to see their hero succeed from good behaviour. The programme contains honesty and every day situations, that we, as a family have encountered and can identify with.

My eldest son loved peppa pig, and still occasionally calls us 'Mummy Pig' or 'Daddy Pig' as our pet names. It is a programme that we have watched and enjoyed, together as a family. We also have all of the books, which have helped my son excel with his reading, because he remembers the story from what he has watched, and he already knows all of the characters, so he can use the images in the book to help in develop his reading skills.

My only concern with Peppa Pig, is the vast marketing that they have. Every where I go, my son can spot anything with Peppa or George (Peppa Pig's younger brother) on, and naturally he wants it. As a parent, it is then my job to explain that he cannot have everything he sees. Just as it is my job to explain that we cannot always play in muddy puddles or eat chocolate cake, and once again, it is my job to make sure that I do make the time in my own life, to go and jump in muddy puddles with my children and to bake chocolate cakes with them for after dinner.

Parents who disagree should probably consider asking the nanny or their own parents to do this with their children instead.

The creators of Peppa Pig are genius. They will carry on reaping the benefits of their success for as long as children are allowed to be children.

Review: Partypuffin.co.uk

I am planning a small get together for my sons third birthday... and it wouldn't be like Finn to want anything less than EVERYTHING fireman sam!

This, however is far too expensive! So I started to look at alternative ideas to keep him happy, while still having as much fun as we would if I had have spent more.

The thing is, there is so much stuff on the market, that you can go nuts and spend a fortune just on decorations...before you have even considered the presents, games, cake and party bags!!!!!

So I decided to get a bit creative and I will post on here exactly how I did it all I am sure.

Each child gets a traditional jar of mixed sweets, they just look so nice! All of the jars have been collected and recycled by myself and my lovely friends! I then recycled some silk material to cover the lids, like a country summer fate! I ordered some ribbon to wrap the tops and some see through, red bags, so I can put a cup cake in too! I hope they look great!

All of the gift tags were hand made by yours truly...they aren't that bad either! I cannot wait until they are all finished so that I can add a picture.

I got all of the plates and napkins from this online store, and they really do have all sorts!

http://www.partypuffin.co.uk/party-supplies/action/home?causeResend=1329079735378

The postage wasn't expensive considering how much I bought, and it all arrived a few days after purchase in a firm cardboard bow!

I will definitely use this site again, year after year! And here I am recommending it to friends!!!!!

PRICE: 5/5
CUSTOMER SERVICE: 5/5
POSTAGE: 5/5

FULL MARK REVIEW!

My youngest boy is one this week :O

I cannot believe that it has been a full year since I was hobbling around, waiting to go into hospital to be induced with my second baby. This year hasn't really flown by as such, it has been quite difficult emotionally after the birth, and our relationships have taken some tweaking, but here we are a year on, and things are quite happy really, if not perfect!

A full year, it seemed to go much slower with Finn, I wonder why that is?!? I have certainly wished away the sleepless nights and the time I get when I can pee all by mine self. Yet I cannot help but wonder where a full year has gone.

I haven't reached many of my targets that I set for myself, doing up the house a bit, sorting out uni... well I guess you really cannot predict what will happen in a full year. I have certainly eaten a years worth of food, but I have had no where near a full years sleep!

Well little dude, if you ever read this, for whatever reason,  I love you both. Having two babies within two years is way too tough! xxx

Happy-to-bed

I don't have many material comforts in life that i feel that i could not live without...

I own hair straighteners... But i only use them once a week... If that! I own a hair dryer thanks to deb, who gave it to me when they went home to America... But i don't really use that very often... Lovely to have one though... I now get a lot less colds!

I like socks... I wear them all year round regardless of the weather or where i am!!! But i don't think i own an actual pair that are my own... I wear bens all of the time... Or finns!!!

But whenever i have been away from home, the thing i get quite upset about being away from... Is my bed.

It is so special to me! It isn't a bed generalization... I struggle to even sit on finns... As someone's bed should be arranged exactly how they need it...right???

All of my duet covers have seen better days and i used to have ten pillows arranged just so, and one of those things you put on the end... Like a spare/extra blanket... And at one point i even put Christmas lights on it and curtains... So i could read in soft light and still have an alcove to hide from distraction and possible procrastination...

Every time i am away from home, i look at other beds with great disappointment... Nothing compares to my bed... My very inexpensive ikea bed with the none ikea mattress which is slightly smaller than the bed frame... I wouldn't change it either... I love having a gap at the bottom of my bed which is a tray to catch stray, middle of the night shuffle, kicked off the bed pillows.

Any place i visit... Any event or holiday... I always have that emptiness hanging over me... At the back of my mind... I always wish i was getting into my own bed.

That it my number one material comfort!!!

Happy-to-bed...

What is yours?

MY 5 ALL TIME FAVOURITE BOOKS FROM MY CHILDHOOD!!!

The top five books that changed my life as a child and stayed with me as an adult are as follows...Let the countdown begin...


NUMBER FIVE!!!


The Very Hungry Caterpillar By Eric Carle

This book is legendary, it was  first published in 1969, when my Mum was still a nipper!!! We all remember this book, right? The lovely, little caterpillar goes on a hungry journey, eating all sorts of goodies on his way, later to metamorphosis into a beautiful butterfly. This book first got my attention because the goodies looked wonderful, and set my imagination racing! I wasn't really bothered about ol' fatty turning into some beautiful butterfly. He captured my heart as the porky insect he already was!

NUMBER FOUR 


Maisy Mouse By Lucy Cousins

As an adult, I love that this book was written and illustrated by a woman. These days, that means a lot to me. This book captured my heart for one initial reason...lifting the flaps! I later fell in love with this little mouse, who although she was a pretty little girl mouse, she still got messy and wore dungarees. This mouse was me. Through some sort of imaginary anthropomorphism, Lucy Cousins had captured all of the characteristics of mine, which were often brushed over, or corrected, and She made them ok. In fact she made them beautiful. I quite easily got lost in this book. Regularly! When it was made into a cartoon in the late 90's-early 2000's, it didn't sound or look how I'd imagined it in my head. Luckily, Maisy was old news by then for me.


NUMBER THREE


Mog By Judith Kerr

I loved this books so much. As a child we always had cats, but the two cats that stood the test of time...and the test of living in a town... were 'Kitbag' and 'Buddah'. Mog was a combination of both of my cats. Kitbag looked just like Mog, but was a wild farm cat who survived 19 years in a busy town! Buddah however was extremely domesticated, very dopey, and very fat... hence the name! I loved this cat, and my Dad always called 'Mog', 'Kitbag' in the book, so I believed that the book was about my own cat. This book has really stood the test of time, first published in 1970, it has not aged a day! I still have the copy of this book that I used to read with my Dad at bed time. It is now taped back together in several places, and is quite water damaged, but still readable, and it hasn't put a dampener on the magical essence of this stunning book. Another female author!

NUMBER TWO


Ten in the bed By Penny Dale

This beautifully illustrated book captured my heart for a few reasons. I adored all of the pictures. Full page illustrations, so detailed, set my imagination off every time I opened the book. Another reasons was the cute little boy in it. My Dad told me his name was 'Dale', and I loved him a little bit...he was a best friend that I never actually met, my boys remind me of 'Dale' now, off on wild adventures with all of the teddies in the middle of the night, slowly dropping off to sleep one by one. I memorised this book at quite a young age, and I would try to impress people by 'reading' it. It worked a treat! I also had 'Ten out of Bed' which was even more adventurous! Yet another female author!

AND HERE IT IS...MY NUMBER ONE...ALL TIME FAVOURITE BOOK FROM MY CHILDHOOD!!!


Percy The Park Keeper By Nick Butterworth

My Dad made this book my all time favourite children's book. He did a funny voice for Percy, and a different voice for each character! Percy's 'swearing' was "Oh Thump"...this always made me giggle, more so than if he'd have said 'bloody hell'!!! I loved that he never got a moment to himself, and he had too look after all of the playful, child-like animals, that often reminded me of moments with my Dad, where I had consumed all of his time with tasks that I felt were life or death urgent, that looking back, were usually reaching toys down, or fetching juice or snacks... but it as very important to me, and he'd honour that.

It seems that these books are popular with thousands of children still, for many different reasons. But all of these books have been memorable and special to me, because of the memories I share with my Dad, reading them over and over again. Books are great, but sharing the experience makes them magical.

The birth of Finnley- By Me

Pregnancy hit me like a bus! I felt absolutely awful! I listed my symptoms to the Doctor, after fainting over...and over...and over again! He concluded that my blood pressure was low, and as I was sitting my A level exams, he decided that the reason for these symptoms was stress. 

A few more weeks passed, and people started to question if I could be pregnant. Ben went straight out and bought 4 clear blue digital pregnancy tests. I was quite frightened and nervous, a positive test would be life changing, but a negative one would leave me baffled and worried.

I did the first test. It was negative. Ben was slightly deflated, which was surprising as he had just bought us both round the world tickets. 

As the week went on, and Ben went back to work miles away, more and more of the women in my life suggested that, that pregnancy test was most certainly wrong. 

I went back to my doctor again. He said it was definitely stress. So naturally I googled all of the different exotic diseases that I was certainly dying of! 

15 pregnancy test came back negative, so I took myself to see the main GP at my surgery, who took one look at me and told me to leave and go and do another pregnancy test, and to come back if that was negative. I took no notice, I was now convinced it was a disease. 

The pain and sickness became impossible to cope with, so I did the 16th test, to prove my GP wrong! 

He was right...

The first scan was amazing, I was only 10 weeks and he looked like a tiny, dancing, kidney bean. We had done the emotional journey of coming to terms with being parents, and as soon as I realised I was really pregnant and there was my baby, that was the moment I became a Mum.





Just a few days later, Ben came to visit me, and only finished work late. I turned the light on as I felt quite uncomfortable, only to find that there was blood everywhere. We thought the worst. The cramping got much, much worse, and I was completely inconsolable. 

We jumped straight into a taxi and went to A and E. They examined me, to find that my cervix was closed, but the early stage of pregnancy and the amount of blood was not a good sign. The consultant sat down next to me, and held my hand, and placed his other hand on top of mine. He said my name, and told me that 'this is not a good sign.', ben asked several questions about miscarriage and the bleed. He kept repeating to the consultant that we had already had a scan and that our baby was alive and he was ok. Half telling the consultant that the baby was ok, while asking if the baby was alive. The consultant explained that he did not know. He said some women do bleed and go on to have their babies, but this is rare. They advised me to stay in hospital, but I was such an emotional wreck that I couldn't face it any more. I went home and had to wait a few days before my 'emergency' scan. Every moment of those few days were spent in floods of tears. Ben telling me that as long as I am ok, we can always have another baby. This support was just thrown back in his face, as I had no interest in my health, just that of my baby's. (not even 'our' baby...mine)

When we went in for the scan, the baby was ok. I was elated. 

I played it very safe after the first haemorrhage/threatened miscarriage. My hips hurt all of the time and i was diagnosed with spd. We had our 20 week scan and found out that baby was a good sized, very active, boy. Ben really wanted a son, i didn't mind at all but i was happy to go and get something blue for my hospital bag. That lump of black wavy lines on the screen was my boy. What a feeling. At 5 or so months i managed to get a bus into town. I met Ben for a Starbucks and my life felt normal for an hour. We strolled to asda casually as i was getting the odd sharp twinge. I nipped to the loo and Ben sat waiting for me. The pains started coming thick and fast, i looked down to see a small puddle of blood, i was covered in it. I went straight back out to Ben and said "do not panic"... He saw the blood... And he panicked. We got outside quite quickly and his friend came to drive us to a and e. I was lay on the floor outside asda, unresponsive but conscious. The pain had taken over. In hospital once again they examined me. They couldn't see the cervix properly because if the amount of blood. 

While My Mum and Ben were away getting drinks, they moved me from a private room to the A and E ward, where they gave me morphine and a doctor came to explain to me that my baby had apparently die

d, and I would be prepared for theatre. I have never felt so alone. I could feel the baby moving, and this just upset me more. I thought that I must be mad. I thought that every butterfly and twinge I got had been fabricated, and I was then left to explain this to my family, who were totally oblivious. 

I did not explain to them. I said nothing.

Ben came back, I was screaming about there being too many feet in my bed... the morphine had kicked in and I was scratching at my face because it felt really itchy and all of the student doctors were walking about the ward talking loudly, I had seen all of their feet through the gap under the curtain.

I was later taken up to a room where a surgeon met me. She was very nice to me, very patient and calming. She held my hand and spoke softly. She asked me what had happened. I explained that I could feel the baby moving, but he had died. I just seemed to burst and the tears wouldn't stop. She asked me if anyone had checked for a heart beat. They hadn't. She checked for me, and there it was, my little boy was alive and I wasn't insane. 

They warned me that this fight was far from over and that I was to prepare myself for the worst. They took me down to the maternity ward, I had my own private room, but I was surrounded by other people's new babies. 

I stayed for about a month.

The scan showed a large blood clot had formed, somewhere in my notes someone has assumed I had been in a car crash. I had Symphysis pubis dysfunction which left me almost completely immobile, and Placenta praevia. I was informed that they would not attempt to save him before 24 weeks. So this was my new goal. They explained that the baby would be unable to obtain vital nutrients, would be premature and heavily under weight. 

Each day I worried myself until I was physically sick. I was in and out of hospital after the 24 week point came, having contractions but my cervix remained closed. 

The minutes eventually turned into months, and I prepared myself for a premature baby. I bought him enough closes to see him through the first few days. This carried on and on until I was actually approaching my due date with a baby still in tact. I could barely believe it. Every day was a miracle to me. 

I became very large and moving was near impossible. I had several water infections which turned to kidney infections, and everything had stood against my little man. 

Then my due date came... and went!!! Baby boy was measuring at a good size some how, and had been on steroid treatment since my first contractions started. At about 34 weeks I had started to dilate. I was 1cm. The doctor said tonight is the night. progressing no further. They told me that I would have to carry on as long as possible. 

One of my many scans had an estimated due date on it which was a week out, and somewhere along the line, one of the midwives had used this date. So after going through all of my scan forms, I managed to prove that they had my due date wrong, and the midwife booked me in to be induced the following week.


The week passed slower than years have passed before.

I got to hospital and had the woman opposite warn me that She had been waiting and it was her turn to have her baby before me. She wasn't 15 days overdue like I was, but she had been in a few days.

The midwife checked me first. She asked about the contractions, but I hadn't had any that day. I was 5cm dilated, so they took me straight up... so long suckers!!!

Ben rang my Mum and She got there straight away! Ben went home for a shower.

They broke my waters for me, I couldn't really feel anything at all, just like someone popping a water balloon...from within. The waters exploded and hit the midwife in the chest. She had to go and get changed. They stood me over a bucket, which filled. She told me that I was carrying a lot more fluid than normal, and that the baby had pooped, so would need to be checked over as soon as he is born.

The contractions weren't coming so they put me on a drip. I had a diamorphine injection anyway. 4 hours later of flicking through magazines and chatting with my Mum, I asked how long I would be. She looked and said She'd estimate at least 12 more hours.

She finished her shift and another midwife came in. She was lovely. We were all chatting and the diamorphine started to wear off. She asked me if I wanted an epidural and told me "you all get the same prize at the end of it, you don't have to be a hero" but I was more frightened of the epidural!

The pain became suddenly worse, and I got the urge to push. The midwife had gone out as she could hear a very loud Ben wandering around the corridors lost. When She came back in with him, explaining that I would be a good while yet, I screamed at her that I am going to push this baby out now!!!

She said "No, do not push, you will destroy your downstairs".

She took a look and said, "good grief you are about 8cm's...now you are 10cm... right....push!"

Ben was just taking his coat off... he said "Good job I came back so soon!"

I cannot repeat what I said.

I pushed and I pushed, but his head kept slipping back every time I was getting somewhere. I felt like I was tearing, and the diamorphine had now long worn off!

The midwife dabbed the sore areas with ice cold water. It stopped the burning and made it a lot less painful. Mum and Ben were frantically rubbing my hips, and I was screaming that I just could not do it.

Eventually I pushed out the head, and the shoulders seemed to take a good few pushes too. Then all of a sudden he was out. The midwife asked Ben to press the button for the doctor to come in, but he pressed the wrong one, so the room filled with worried and confused professionals, who all went over and were whispering swear words about my baby. Ben swore, the midwife swore. I screamed and asked what is wrong with my baby... no one said a word.

The midwife carried him over to me, and placed him on me after he had, had a small vacuum down his throat to remove any of the Meconium. He was greyish in colour and his head was a funny shape. I asked what was wrong as everyone looked so shocked.

It felt like a lifetime before the midwife said "He is just bloody massive, not our biggest, but he is the biggest for a few months"

He was born at tea time, on April Fools day no less, weighing a healthy 10lbs 8oz of bubba blubba!






I could not get the placenta out, so I had to go to theatre. Ben held Finnley for the first time, and they watched the England game together. I had to have an epidural for theatre... and it was bliss. I hated myself for not having that in the first place!!!











There were only three babies on the ward. A 4lb baby boy and a tiny girl... then baby hulk of mine, 2ft long and 10lbs 8oz! No chance he was getting mixed up!

Guest blog: The Birth of Sophie- By Emma Doyle

The main reason I decided to share is just to say that a csection can be a calm & positive experience so don’t be fearful if you have to have one! The amount of times I’ve heard ‘too posh to push/easy option/cheated out of a vaginal birth/body is a failure’ associated with csections - erm no! I s’pose the gossip around celebs like Victoria Beckham and the latest Beyonce doesn’t really help matters. But what does it really matter anyway? It’s the end result that counts. A child birth in one form or another should mean we are just pleased that another child has entered the world happy & healthy and I applaud any woman that has ever given birth in any manner.

For me, I wasn’t gutted etc when I was told I was having a planned csection, it was just the way it was going to be and actually I was glad of that ‘certainty’ that a planned c-section brings, no waiting for labour to start, getting bombarded with messages “any news yet?”, how long labour will be, more waiting, will it be natural/drug/assisted, birth plan going out of the window etc Some of you may think that not very exciting but the ‘giving birth’ bit is a small part of the process anyway, 9 months growing him/her and the rest of your life looking after them! (ok, maybe the initial baby making deed was the smallest part but we don’t need to dwell on that lol)

So even though this is the birth story of my youngest (Sophie), it is so similar to my eldest’s (Chloe) that I could probably write them both in one story...

Apart from two issues I had with Chloe (both tongue twisters: oligohydramnios which is low amniotic fluid and meralgia paresthetica a trapped nerve in the thigh) the two pregnancies were identical – a sign of things to come?! Same symptoms, same cravings (Wispas!), same small bump, so same extra scans to check all was ok, same community midwife and most importantly, same position – breech – both with their head under my left ribs. Neither baby turned (probably due to my heart-shaped uterus, I think their heads got stuck up one of the sides!) so a planned csection for both it was.


Newborn Chloe 

Both pregnancies progressed well and with Sophie I was lucky enough to work up to the Friday, had one last weekend of preparation, had a big tea on Sunday night as you’re nil by mouth from midnight and then started to pop the various pills I’d been given at the pre-op appointment. I think I slept ok and then Monday 1st August arrived.

After an emotional farewell to Chloe who was being looked after by my mum & sis, we got to the hospital at 8am as planned and was greeted by a student midwife who made me feel very at home and said I was first on the list. I took that with a pinch of salt as I know emergencies etc can take priority. With Chloe, even though it was a planned csec my waters went as I was waiting for a theatre slot so I did get to experience some mild contractions whilst getting bumped up the list!
Anyway, walking into the maternity ward and seeing all those teeny newborns was a bit of a reality check!! Luckily, from then on there wasn't much hanging around. I got changed into the gowns and surgical socks etc, got obs taken, visit from doc and theatre midwife who felt my tummy and thought baby had turned and that I’d be going home to play the waiting game - I disagreed as I just knew where the head was so they got a portable scanner and confirmed baby was still breech, then a visit from the anaesthetist.

By 9.20am we were on our way over to theatre, Neil got changed and requested he didn't come in until I'd been fully prepped (this is due to him nearly passing out last time so he had to leave the room the wimp!). The atmosphere was really good, it was the same room as last time. I'm not really phased by all the equipment & needles etc so it was funny observing their distraction techniques, and obviously having done it all before it all came flooding back. I asked for Radio 1 to be put on as there was some really bad music playing! The anaesthetist had a bit of trouble getting the spinal in (owww! the pressure!!) but it all worked fine.

So then Neil came in and about 9.55am Sophie was born (I literally felt my tummy go flat!). Another girl – Chloe would be pleased! Coldplay 'Every Teardrop is a Waterfall’ was playing at the time (Leona Lewis ‘Bleeding Love’ with Chloe ironically) The sensation of feeling all the pulling etc is so weird when there is no pain. Truly bizarre. Anyway, she was a noisy one, and they bought her over, she still had quite alot of vernix on her but she was so much like her sister it’s like I instantly recognised her “I’ve seen this face somewhere before” I thought. Amazing! We had cuddles for a good 10 mins while they still worked on me, then the mw took her and Neil round to recovery. Think I was in theatre for 50 mins in total. In recovery I was told her weight (6lb 6oz) etc and we had skin to skin and she took to breastfeeding like a pro - I was so chuffed as I had a real struggle with Chloe. We were in recovery for another 20 mins while they did my obs etc. I felt really good if not a little in shock we had another little person in our family (I had been a bit in denial up until now I think).

New born Sophie

We were wheeled back to the ward - you're pretty oblivious to anything and anyone else at this point, you're just staring at your baby! It was all just so chilled out, a really positive experience. The morphine was strong although I didn’t get as spaced out as much as I did with Chloe. My drug dealers, sorry, I mean the midwives and the ward staff were really good, couldn't say a bad word about that aspect of things. Even the food was good. I didn't get much sleep but that’s just life on a maternity ward.

I was up for a shower and bandage off by 10am the next morning which was good. Sophie was seen by the doc, all good apart from a detected heart murmur so we had to go across to neonatal for some tests (at a follow up clinic now for that). The only 'bad' experience was the pain - jeez I didn't know the afterpains with your second child could be so bad. Also, having a 2nd csec can make recovery a bit harder too and the dreaded trapped wind (ask for magnesium in hot water - lifesaver!) I did have a little cry at one point cos it hurt so much. But we power on through and we were home after 3 days.

And we’re still powering on through 5 months later with my mantra ‘everything is a phase, this will pass’(currently chicken pox). I’m loving watching the sisterly bond form, although I doubt it will be there as much in 10 years time! Weaning, rolling and sitting will be next on the cards for Sophie. For Chloe, her current favourite game is ‘mummies’ (think she’s spent too much time at Netmums meets some of the stuff she comes out with). And as for me, I’m much more confident this time around and I think Sophie reflects the chilled vibe. My family is complete and all is good.

By Emma Doyle

Thank you to Wikipedia links and dictionary.com for definition links. Thank you to Emma Doyle, guest blogger, Mum and author.