A possible new chair

As I mentioned recently, I'm looking for a new chair for our living room.

We finally managed to sell our beloved (way too big!) snuggler, and so we're in need of a new chair. And as it's only one chair, we thought we might as well go for something that'll give the room a pop of colour.

And here's the favourite so far...

It doesn't look very bright in this photo, but it is a gorgeous bright teal in real life. And is super comfy!

And if we get a new chair, it's only fair that our Little One also gets a matching one. What do you think?

Photos:
Next
Mamas & Papas

The KonMari Method

I was reading one of my favourite blogs recently and came across a recommendation for this book - The Life-changing Magic of Tidying by Marie Kondo.

I'm definitely a bit of a neat-freak, but I always seem to accumulate a mountain of clutter. The house never really feels all that tidy.

Now, I'm not really in to self-help books, but I thought this might be worth a go. And what a great decision it was. It might be taking me a while with a new baby in tow, but I've already discarded 8 big bags of 'stuff'.

It sounds ridiculously easy, but all you need to do is hold each item and ask 'Does this spark joy?' - and when you ask yourself this, it's surprising what you're willing to get rid of!

This drawer used to be full to bursting...

                               

And KonMari's other invaluable tip? Folding properly.

I know, how much difference can folding actually do? Well, a lot! In a nutshell, everything needs to be made into a square, folded and stood upright so you can see what you have. It's embarrassing how easy and simple her suggestions are! 

                                        

And now I looove my wardrobe - I highly recommend having a go!

                                    

Photo:

KonMari book

Chairs

Since the Little One (and all her stuff) came along, our 'average' size home suddenly feels very small. And since we're not in the position to move just yet, we're organising, reshuffling, and discarding.

Unfortunately, this means getting rid of our beloved (but huge!) 'snuggler' chair.

We still need an armchair in the room, but a much smaller one. Unfortunately, I've fallen in love with a chair that is still too big...but I do love it!

I saw this in the Habitat department at Homebase and instantly fell in love. It looks cool, it's so comfy and I can just imagine snuggling up on it and reading a good book.

Ah well, not to be at the moment - let's keep looking...



Photos:
Snuggler chair
Chair

Parenting advice

Make sure your baby naps. But don’t let them sleep too much.

Don’t forget to do tummy time at least once a day. But don’t let your baby be on their tummy too much or it’ll damage their spine.

Remember to look after yourself and get out of the house. Also, make sure your baby has a routine, and do not disturb it.

Skin on skin contact is extremely important. But never rock your baby to sleep, or you’ll still be doing it when they’re 18.

Always put a hat on your baby when you’re outside. But don’t let them get too warm.

Keep your baby clean. But don't give them a bath too often or they'll have dry skin.

Entertain your child with colourful toys. But make sure they're not overstimulated.

Dummies will soothe an upset baby. But dummies will ruin their teeth and affect their speech.

Try to create the best sleeping environment for your baby – making it dark and quiet. Carry on as normal when she’s sleeping, be it hoovering or listening to music.

And the best one ever...sleep when the baby sleeps. Who's ever been able to do this?

Baby gifts

The sheer amount of stuff.

I always knew that this Little Person in our lives would bring with her a lot of things - a cot bed, a pram, a car seat, a moses basket - but I never realised the amount of things other people would give us.

Don't get me wrong, I'm extremely grateful for everything we received, but I'm just not sure what I'm meant to do with 15 fleece blankets, 42 vests and 31 soft toys...

Before the Little One arrived, whenever a friend or relative had a baby, I made my way to M&S, bought a beautiful soft blanket and a pack of babygros. Never again.

After receiving way too much stuff, I have learnt a valuable lesson. Let the New Mum decide on what she wants or needs. A voucher or gift card is not a thoughtless gift. Chances are, she has already bought too many things as she 'nests' before the birth, and so won't need another blanket, vest or babygro.

Let the New Mum choose how she wants to dress the New Arrival, and allow her the joy of buying impractical but pretty dresses without spending a penny.

Or, if you're not keen on giving a gift card, why not try one of these - just make sure to buy them in a shop that's easy for the New Mum to get to, so she can exchange them if she receives duplicate gifts.

Baby Milestone Cards

Something fun for the New Mum when she's getting used to her new life, and probably not something she's already bought as it's not usually on any baby list.

Handprint and footprint kit

Another fun thing that she might not have bought, but will be something lovely to keep.

Whiteboard

A little random, but priceless in those first few weeks when you're trying to remember the last time the Little One had a feed. I use an app by now, but found this really useful when the Other Half was home and we both needed to see the information.

And if you want to get the New Parents something, food, box sets and magazine subscriptions are also great gifts for those first few weeks of parenthood.

Photos:

Clothes

Cards

Footprints

White board

Babygro

Dummies

While I was pregnant, I was convinced I would not be using dummies.

2 weeks after delivery, I was using dummies. Regularly.

The truth is, babies like to suck. It comforts them and makes them happy, it would almost be mean to stop them from doing it.

To be honest though, after a couple of weeks of sleepless nights, the Other Half and I were staring at our wonderful little girl wondering what the hell was wrong with her. She was fed, dry, warm. What else could we do to stop her from screaming the house down?

We tried the dummies we received in a hamper just after she was born. Thrown in the nearest drawer because we would never need them. Ha!

We tentatively put the dummy in her mouth. Silence. 

Blissful, amazing and wonderful silence.

We're still using them, and so glad we are. Sometimes, the Little One is perfectly okay, but just needs to be soothed.

I'm very aware that dummies have a had a bad rep, but they have kept me and the Other Half sane, and the Little One quiet. A very happy family indeed.

Sleeping bag

Get one. Now. Right now.

Honestly, they're a lifesaver. Before our Little One arrived, I dutifully bought some cellular blankets and I've been given a gazillion different blankets from friends and family. However, our little kicker hates them.

Granted, they're very handy for the car, but as for sleeping all night - the blankets are off in a matter of seconds.

After a couple of weeks of our Little One waking up cold at night, we tried a sleeping bag and she slept like an angel. Well, most of the time.

So, get one - now!

A few things to bear in mind when you're buying one.

1) Make sure you get the right tog rating. We're currently using a 2.5 tog sleeping bag, which keeps our Little One nice and toasty.

2) Don't buy light coloured ones - babies tend to dribble on the top bit - and no-one has time to wash them every morning!

3) Make sure you can open and close the zip without any hassle and that it doesn't have too may buttons. The first one we bought had a very awkward zip, and just as the Little One was dropping off and we put her in the sleeping bag, we spent so much time faffing with the zip, that she was waking up!

4) Get a sleeping bag that is big enough, especially if you have a little kicker!

Photos:
Blanket
Sleeping bag 1

Sleeping bag 2

Sleeping bag 3

Sleeping bag 4

Bibs!

Like most mums-to-be, before the arrival of our Little One, I looked at all the pretty babygros, the cute little cardigans and gorgeous miniature leggings. But no-one told me that even if I did buy all these beautiful clothes for my Baby Girl, no-one would actually see them.

Most newborns feed every 2-4 hours, and therefore, the potential for any spitting up/posseting/full on projectile vomiting is extremely high. And so, in order to save that gorgeous cardigan your Little One is wearing, you put a bib on her. A big bib.

And so no-one sees her cute outfit. Boo!

It's a shame then, that no-one sells beautiful, practical bibs.

We were given a lot of bibs as gifts, but they're either very pretty but too small to catch any sick/dribble, or very practical (i.e. large and of the pullover variety (have you ever tried taking a bib off a baby when she's asleep, only to find that it closes with velcro - every mother's worst nightmare!)).

After a bit of googling, the only pretty-ish and practical bibs I could find were DIY (I can't sew!)...

...or only sold in Australia.

So, if anyone knows where I can find beautiful bibs, please do let me know! I'm tired of hiding my Little One's pretty outfits, or winging it without a bib and finding her covered in God knows what!

Pink bib
Yellow bib
Heart bibs

New Year Resolutions

Happy New Year everyone!

We've had an eventful 2015 here in Cardiff - we went to Thailand, we got engaged and we had a baby! Amazing!

Last year, I made 10 resolutions. Today, I thought I would have a look back to see if I managed to stick to them, and what my resolutions will be this year.


So, my 10 resolutions were:

1. Be Sian

I'm really unsure whether I've managed this year, as it's been a very different year. Being pregnant meant that I was unwell or extremely tired for most of the year, and then, since the Little One arrived, I've been even more tired. I'm still Sian, but I'm also Mummy now. I want to embrace this new role in 2016, but also still 'be me' and be there for the Other Half as well - he's just as important.

2. Drink less

Well, this one was pretty easy due to the human being growing inside me! But I have to admit, even though I can't really go out binge drinking any more, that cheeky glass of wine at the end of the day has become even more of a habit since having a baby - it's too tempting when I'm home all day on my own. However, new year, new me - let's do this! 

3. Watch less TV

I definitely didn't stick to this. In fact, I think I probably watched more TV this year than I've ever done before, again, due to being pregnant and then having a tiny screaming person in the house. TV is a good escape, and something you can do with minimal effort, one handed, with a tiny person sleeping on you. However, I really hope to use my time better this year, after getting into a routine with the Little One - I can still read, blog and do certain crafts while she sleeps on me.

4. Stop 'saving up' activities for the weekend

I really tried with this one, but didn't manage it unfortunately. I really wanted to look forward to my evening, not just the weekends. These days, I have no weekends. I have no idea what day of the week it is most of the time. Problem solved!

5. Do less chores

This one I stuck to. The Other Half helped out more when I was pregnant and it was so nice having him help around the house. Unfortunately, now that I'm home all the time, the chores have started being left to me again. However, I don't really have the time for them any more between feeding and nappy changing. I think this year I should concentrate on my Little One - I don't want to miss a smile or a laugh because I'm cleaning the bathroom.

6. Stop feeling guilty

I don't think I'll ever manage this one, it's in my nature. I tried letting my parents call me but it led to me not speaking to them for weeks and them being annoyed that I hadn't been in touch. Just not worth the hassle. I do feel less guilty now with a baby, as I have a great excuse (!), but I still feel guilty about minor, insignificant things, pretty often. I really need to try to get to grips with this, but I'm not holding my breath.

7. Stop procrastinating

I didn't really stick to this one either. I came up with ideas, wrote them down, but never got round to them. I must do better this year, especially as I'll be at home more. I want to get things done.

8. It doesn't have to be perfect

This relates to the previous point. I plan and plan, and then never get round to doing anything because the time isn't quite right. What am I waiting for? Just do it.

9. Eat better

I managed to lose around 20lbs last year, just before I went to Thailand. I looked and felt great and I was full of energy, then I got pregnant. I'm the heaviest I've ever been at the moment, but that's fine - I grew a human being - I rock! Mind you, as awesome as I think I am, I do need to eat better. Being at home all the time means that it's too easy to have a big fattening lunch, or snack on chocolate all day. I'm in no major rush to lose all my baby weight, but it'd be nice to lose a few pounds and feel better.

10. Make an effort with my friends

I failed with this one last year, mainly as I was pregnant and usually knackered or ill. However, surprisingly, having a baby has made me very very sociable, and I love it! I've been to a few classes and coffee mornings and met up with quite a few mums from work - it's been lovely getting out of the house and chatting with someone who's in the same position as I am. I definitely plan on keeping this up in 2016.

All in all, not bad I'd say. Being pregnant made some of the resolutions difficult, but helped with others.

This year I'd like to:

1. Appreciate every moment with the Little One.

2. Save up for our next home.

3. Let the little things go. 

4. Make time for me.

5. Make time for us, as in, me and the Other Half.


Let me know what your resolutions are for this year! x

Images:

Television

Guilt

Exercise

She's here!

So, 6 weeks after her arrival, here's a short post about the new addition to our family.

Our little girl, Lucy Lloyd, arrived at 03:10 on 17 November 2015, weighing a healthy 8lb 3oz.

Even though the birth didn't go quite according to plan, all that has faded from memory by now, and I'm loving motherhood.

The first couple of weeks were hard, trying to adjust to this new person in our lives. But now that the Other Half is back at work, we've got into a rhythm and I love seeing her change and develop every day. She's perfect in every way...even when she's filled her nappy or is screaming the house down for no reason whatsoever.

Welcome to our world Lucy Lloyd, I can't imagine life without you.