Try on my first ever @shein_gb order with me! ✨ Try on my first ever @shein_gb order with me! ✨

(Feat lots of P & Indie interruption…) 

Which one is your favourite? 

#highstreethaul #sheinhaul #fashionhaul #fashionreel #breastfeedingfriendlyfashion #mumstyle #highstreetstyle
🐚 🐚
✌🏼 ✌🏼
Let’s talk about the nap trap. 💤 Controvers Let’s talk about the nap trap. 💤 

Controversial opinion incoming…

Firstly, your child won’t die if they don’t have their nap in a dark room, with their white noise machine, Egyptian cotton sheets and sleep spray once in a while. 

Children do need an element of routine, but it’s also important for them to understand how to adapt. And you aren’t a bad mum for taking them out over nap time. 

If I had a £ for the amount of times someone has said “I can’t come at that time because X will be asleep” or “X is still napping so we won’t be able to make it now” and my personal favourite “we have to go to dinner at 4pm because we need to be back to start bedtime” …

I’m not judging, each parent is only ever doing what’s right for their children. We all know that, we’d walk on hot coals for the little buggers. 🔥 

But are we always doing what’s right for us? 

You need to be able to go out, socialise, take a walk, eat a meal, go to the shop without timing your life around your baby every single day. 

If you’re at home then sure, go for the routine, enjoy the dark room and the guaranteed break that time gives you. But don’t be fearful of breaking that routine to enjoy something else on occasion. Especially with the summer holidays coming up, when you may have other children to entertain. 

You might find little one will adapt just fine and maybe even sleep on the go. A baby sling is pretty much a guarantee for most babies! Indie lived in my @freerider.co , bless her! 

And if they don’t, then that’s ok too. It’s a one off!

Allow yourself a little freedom and you might find that you can not only release yourself from the nap trap, but also not miss out on things you want to do! 

This is your permission to put yourself first on occasion. Meet for that coffee, go to that event that’s right across nap time, enjoy a late dinner with friends, just go for it! 

You got this mama! Naps are not prison ❤️
Visiting Krka National Park with toddlers was a ri Visiting Krka National Park with toddlers was a risk, but it paid off. 

We read loads of reviews about whether it’s possible or not with toddlers, but we took the risk and I’m glad we did. 👌🏼

Now don’t get me wrong, we did and saw less than we would have if we didn’t have the girls. But what we did see was stunning. 

My tips with toddlers: 

👉🏼 get a private transfer if you can as they can usually provide car seats. It’s about a 1/1.5 hour drive from Split. 
👉🏼 Buy the boat tickets and get dropped off at the Scradin entrance to hop on the boat. We also got the boat back to here, but if you want to you can also walk back to the other entrance, Lozovac.
👉🏼 You can walk the gravel paths with buggies, it’s not the easiest, but it’s pretty doable.
👉🏼 Take the wooden bridge to see the waterfalls, but unless you have baby carriers or older kids you won’t want to walk up to the higher view point. 
👉🏼 You can’t swim where the bus drops you off, so if you want to swim you need to hop on a bus, and then a boat to a different location. You can paddle and enjoy a small waterfall in this location though. 
👉🏼 Remember to take some coins for the toilet, and lots of water and snacks! There are food and drink places there and benches to have food, but the boat and the queues can be long and it’s gets hot. 

Have you been to Krka National park, what did you think? 

#familytravel #toddlertravel #familytravelineurope #croatiatravel #croatiawithkids #krkanationalpark #krkanationalparkwithkids #europetravel #croatiatravel
Went to town in @homebargains to spruce up this li Went to town in @homebargains to spruce up this little area of the garden. 

Feels like gardens take so much effort and work for so little time in them 😂 anyone else?
These moments remind me why I picked you 🥰 These moments remind me why I picked you 🥰
Come to Croatia with us ✈️ A super easy and Come to Croatia with us ✈️ 

A super easy and quick (2.5 hour) flight with @jet2pics and we stayed at @le_meridien_split in Split and it was gorgeous.

I’d say the hotel isn’t very kiddie, but it was child friendly. There was a kids club (the girls didn’t go, but we saw through the window and it looked jam packed with fun stuff) and all the staff were super into kids. So so friendly. 

However, it did have a very adult vibe. We didn’t mind that and our girls are used to being taken along to more adult environments, but if you are looking for a more family inclusive hotel this one probably isn’t the one I’d go for.

There were no kids meals for example, but I was really impressed with the amount of children related extras you could have added to your room, such as bed guards, stools for the bathroom, nappies etc. 

But the pool was great (deep) and there was a very small splash pool for the girls, which they loved. It was right on the beach and there was a beach club which we went to one day with rentable cabanas and sun loungers. Again pretty adult heavy, but we didn’t mind, we had a lovely day. 

Split itself was great and the small cobbled streets were easy enough to navigate with strollers and little feet. 

We also went to Krka National park (I will do a seperate post for that one) which again was doable with toddlers, but limited. 

All in all a wonderful trip and Joss and I actually felt like we had a holiday too, which can be a challenge when you have to chase toddlers around all day. I will definitely be back to Croatia ☀️

#familytravel #toddlertravel #travelwithtoddlers #travellingwithkids #europetravel #europeantravel #familyholiday #toddlerlife #familyfriendlytravel
We read multiple reviews about whether or not krka We read multiple reviews about whether or not krka national park was suitable for toddlers/buggies, but we decided to take the chance. 

So glad we did! 

Beautiful ☀️
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Mama · 27th December 2018

Hypnobirthing diary: week three

3

As the end of our course emerged we spent some time recapping what we had already been through in the other two weeks, whilst also solidifying some of the preferences. This week we talked some more about what we think our preferences might look like, Joss’ super important role on the day and also, the all important pelvic floor.

Here is my diary for week three:

Preferences

So I talked about this in my previous blog, but I think it’s important to cover again as during this week we thought about it in a bit more detail. Joss and I had started researching and noting down some preferences and it’s important to do that together as although I will be the one labouring, it is still very much Joss child that I am bringing into the world and we should start to agree and make decisions as a parenting couple.

Again, if you don’t know where to start with birth preferences, this list from The Calm Birth School is actually really handy.

Your pelvic floor

So earlier in my pregnancy I did a pregnancy pilates course that focused on the pelvic floor and getting it as strong as possible. Now, you have probably heard a lot about your pelvic floor if you are a woman, but I didn’t really understand the importance of it until I got pregnant (oh my god, the need to be able to hold your pee is real!) If you don’t want to do something like pilates and would rather stay home and practice your exercises, the best thing is that you can do it anywhere. And a bonus is that if you have a birthing ball you can do rocking motions that also help strengthen it and they are all super easy to do in front of the TV. There are plenty of youtube videos and online tutorials on the best way to do them, also some handy apps you can download.

The perineal massage

Now this is something I definitely did not know about until I started following mums to be on Instagram and the whole world was talking about Expert Midwife’s Peri Prep Your Bits (and no it’s nothing to do with Nandos). A perineal massage is something they recommend for pregnant women to do from about 34 weeks pregnant and is a simple massage that can be done daily or a few times a week to help loosen your perineum to help with the birth.  

The Expert Midwife site does have a great explanation for how to do it properly without it being uncomfortable. You can also use things like almond oil, jojoba or olive oil if you don’t want to splash out on one of the branded ones. It’s not essential but I have heard good things and of course it’s not for everyone and I am sure will weird some people out, but it’s something we discussed so I thought I would share.

Prenatal bonding

This was something we talked about during our session as there is research to show that once babies are born they react to voices, sounds, stories and music that they heard whilst in your tummy. What a lovely thought. Babies can also distinguish the voice of their parents and even their touch, so whilst you might feel like you sound silly talking out loud to the bump, it is important. It is also great to play the hypnobirthing tracks out loud rather than through headphones as baby can then also listen and enjoy the relaxation with you. They may even settle to those sounds after they are born.

Babies will also know the difference between yours and your partner’s touch vs a stranger giving your belly a rub. I can personally vouch for this as whenever Joss holds his hand on my belly she will actively move her body in my tummy to sit under his hand, without fail. She doesn’t do that for anyone else, not even my hand.

In addition Kate told us that there is research to show that babies of mums who were early risers followed that pattern when they were born and those whose mothers slept late were then themselves late sleepers. I might spend my maternity leave purposely sleeping in until 10am if that’s the case!

Gemma-1058
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Top – JoJo Maman Bébé / Leggings - Topshop Maternity

Soothing strokes

One thing we have talked about in every session but I haven’t noted down yet in a diary is the impact of soothing strokes. This is where you get your partner to use the palms of their hands or finger tips to soothe you by very lightly stroking you on your arms, neck, shoulder etc - this is a great way of stimulating those all important endorphins.

We have yet to master this one as I am super ticklish, but if it works for you then go for it.

And here are the breathing techniques I have been learning again, just in case you wanted to remind yourself.

The Calm Birth School breathing: In for four, out for eight – all through the nose if possible. It takes some getting used to, I can make it to six at the moment, but I am sure practice makes perfect. I have been practising in the car on the way to work whilst listening to the Happy Mum, Happy Baby podcasts (which I highly recommend by the way)

Wave Breathing: This is a visualisation one, if you can. Imagine a wave or a surge of energy and take a deep breath in through the nose for seven, and then out through the mouth for seven. I am trying to practice this one in the mornings whilst I get ready for work, and I have heard it’s also a fab one to try when you are experiencing braxton hicks (which I haven’t yet).

If you want to know more about hypnobirthing or Kate you can find it all here.  I will be documenting our four week course in a weekly diary, so keep popping back if you want to know what we are learning each week.

Fabulous photos by Fordtography

In: Mama · Tagged: baby, birth, hypnobirthing, labour, mama spinkdot, pregnancy, pregnancy journey, pregnant, style, tips

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A lovely weekend spent with family & friends. A ve A lovely weekend spent with family & friends. A very full and happy heart today ❤️
Happy Saturday guys 🌸 Happy Saturday guys 🌸
Happy Friday everyone! 💐 This beautiful little Happy Friday everyone! 💐

This beautiful little piece of art was created for me by my lovely friend @hollywetherall when she asked me to be her bridesmaid 3 years ago. She said she drew me arrows because if I want something I just go and get it. 

So here is your daily reminder to go out and get it! No better time than right now ❤️
Looks like we have another Daddy’s girl 💕 Th Looks like we have another Daddy’s girl 💕

This one is so alert and so chatty already. It’s hard not to compare, but you can’t help it. I’ve really started to realise how having a prem and tiny baby affects the way they develop and grow in the early months. Pepper was born at 36 weeks, Indie at 37 and they are so different in so many ways. P was always behind a lot of her peers in size and development for a long time, and having Indie had made that even more apparent, but look at her now. Flying! 

Each child is so different, just like us. As long as they get love, care and plenty of attention they will all flourish in their own time ❤️

#mumblogger #mumlife #motherhood #parenting #siblings #dadlife #daddyanddaughter
Happy 4th Birthday Spinkdot 🎉 The blog has ev Happy 4th Birthday Spinkdot 🎉 

The blog has evolved a lot over the four years as I found my own little space on the internet. It’s allowed me to have a hobby that I love, continue my passion for writing, build confidence, meet wonderful people and even help some lovely women along the way. 

It’s been an outlet when I needed it the most and a little place I’ve found solidarity on some of the hardest days. I have so much more planned for this little space and I wanted to thank you all for being on this fun journey with me ❤️

#mumblogger #miltonkeynesblogger #mkmums #mumlife #motherhood #parenting AD baby sling kindly gifted by @freerider.co
Pepper is always copying what we do because that’s how she learns, but this was one that brought a tear to my eye 💕 

I wear Indie in my @freerider.co sling every day, so P is so used to seeing that as normal parenting. Today she asked me if she could wear her baby in the sling too and she was such a natural. 

#babywearing #mumlife #toddlerlife #motherhood #parenting AD Freerider sling kindly gifted
My babies are always my favourite accessory 💕 My babies are always my favourite accessory 💕 

#mumlife #motherhood #mumstyle #babywearing
Loving our @byhannahwalker matching hairbands 💁 Loving our @byhannahwalker matching hairbands 💁🏻‍♀️ #mummyandmini
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A lovely weekend spent with family & friends. A ve A lovely weekend spent with family & friends. A very full and happy heart today ❤️
Happy Saturday guys 🌸 Happy Saturday guys 🌸
Happy Friday everyone! 💐 This beautiful little Happy Friday everyone! 💐

This beautiful little piece of art was created for me by my lovely friend @hollywetherall when she asked me to be her bridesmaid 3 years ago. She said she drew me arrows because if I want something I just go and get it. 

So here is your daily reminder to go out and get it! No better time than right now ❤️
Looks like we have another Daddy’s girl 💕 Th Looks like we have another Daddy’s girl 💕

This one is so alert and so chatty already. It’s hard not to compare, but you can’t help it. I’ve really started to realise how having a prem and tiny baby affects the way they develop and grow in the early months. Pepper was born at 36 weeks, Indie at 37 and they are so different in so many ways. P was always behind a lot of her peers in size and development for a long time, and having Indie had made that even more apparent, but look at her now. Flying! 

Each child is so different, just like us. As long as they get love, care and plenty of attention they will all flourish in their own time ❤️

#mumblogger #mumlife #motherhood #parenting #siblings #dadlife #daddyanddaughter
Happy 4th Birthday Spinkdot 🎉 The blog has ev Happy 4th Birthday Spinkdot 🎉 

The blog has evolved a lot over the four years as I found my own little space on the internet. It’s allowed me to have a hobby that I love, continue my passion for writing, build confidence, meet wonderful people and even help some lovely women along the way. 

It’s been an outlet when I needed it the most and a little place I’ve found solidarity on some of the hardest days. I have so much more planned for this little space and I wanted to thank you all for being on this fun journey with me ❤️

#mumblogger #miltonkeynesblogger #mkmums #mumlife #motherhood #parenting AD baby sling kindly gifted by @freerider.co
Pepper is always copying what we do because that’s how she learns, but this was one that brought a tear to my eye 💕 

I wear Indie in my @freerider.co sling every day, so P is so used to seeing that as normal parenting. Today she asked me if she could wear her baby in the sling too and she was such a natural. 

#babywearing #mumlife #toddlerlife #motherhood #parenting AD Freerider sling kindly gifted
My babies are always my favourite accessory 💕 My babies are always my favourite accessory 💕 

#mumlife #motherhood #mumstyle #babywearing
Loving our @byhannahwalker matching hairbands 💁 Loving our @byhannahwalker matching hairbands 💁🏻‍♀️ #mummyandmini
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