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 · 9th January 2019

The second trimester: an honest review

So if you read my blog about the first trimester then you’ll be pleased to know that things got a lot better. So much so I am naming this trimester the ‘magical’ one. Whilst the first trimester was full of nausea (this did carry on into the second trimester but we won’t dwell on it), strange changes to the body and hormone imbalances; this one has been all about magical milestones and a change of mindset.

So here we are 31 weeks pregnant, with just a couple of short months left to go. I am still below my pre baby weight (weird right) and my bump has finally arrived. But what have been my favourite and not so favourite bits?

Best bit #1: It’s a girl!

Before I got pregnant I always thought I wouldn’t want to find out the sex of the baby before it was born, but as soon as those two lines appeared I knew I wanted to know. We decided to get an early scan and surprise our family with a little reveal over a lunch at home. I loved the reaction and being one of three girls myself I knew my sisters and Mum were going to be especially excited. Poor Dad though! I think finding out the sex has really helped with the bonding process and also with preparing myself for what is to come, so I am really glad we did it.  

Best bit #2: The 20 week scan

This was such a fun experience as the baby really looks like a baby at this point and you get to see all the little limbs and even fingers and toes if you are lucky. We also had a really lovely sonographer at ours who explained what every little blob on the screen was and why she was measuring it. This massively puts your mind at rest, so if in doubt, just ask. We also found out the baby has super long legs, just like her Dad, and is doing some hilarious yoga pose in our 20 week scan picture.

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Best bit #3: The baby boom

During our second trimester we were lucky enough to find out that even more of my family and friends were expecting. It’s so nice to not be on this journey on your own, as believe it or not pregnancy can actually feel quite lonely. I now have 3 of my cousins and 2 super close friends going through the experience at the same time, which is lovely. Means we also didn’t need to book onto NCT classes to meet other couples as our maternity leave weeks will be full of baby dates with people we already know and love.

Best bit #4: The tiny little kicks

There really is nothing quite like it. I felt my first little kicks at about 20 weeks and they were so faint I wasn’t even sure they were kicks, but then there were a few more and a few more. I had felt a bubbly, popcorn sensation a few times on and off from 16 weeks, but nothing as obvious as the first little fist pumps from inside your belly. It’s like there is a little person just poking you saying “Hey Mum, I am here!” It was also really reassuring, as the tumbleweed period between the nausea ending and the movements starting can feel like a lifetime with no reassurance that your baby is ok. Those little wriggles and punches all just make you feel confident that your little one is doing ok in there.

Best bit #5: Hypnobirthing

During the second trimester we started our hypnobirthing course. I have been documenting it throughout the four week course and will put together a few more blogs about it too, but I honestly couldn't recommend it enough. Meeting Kate and spending time learning more about the changes, the birthing experience and the choices you can make has made me feel really empowered. Within two weeks I went from frightened about giving birth, to actually being quite excited about what our birthing story will be.

19 (1)

SHOP THE LOOK

Dress – ASOS Maternity

Now, it wouldn’t be an honest blog without the not so fun bits.

Not so fun bit #1: Separation anxiety

Anyone else get this? Joss went away a couple of times during the second trimester and whilst I always miss him if he heads off anywhere, we have always been a couple that still very much have our own lives. We have both been away numerous times without each other and it’s never been an issue. Not when pregnant though! I have never known anything like it.

I am not a needy Wife at all and I like to think that I am quite chilled when it comes to him doing whatever makes him happy, but when he went away this time I was riddled with separation anxiety. It was absolutely horrible, I just wanted to cry all the time. I also worried that something would happen to him and that our Baby wasn’t going to ever meet him. And whilst I know these were all irrational thoughts and he was going to be fine, I just couldn’t shake them from my mind. It was a really weird feeling for me and not something I had ever experienced before. The joys of hormones aye?

Not so fun bit #2: Managing my health

Lots of women have ongoing health conditions that mean they have to have consultant led care during their pregnancy and I just happen to be one of those. I have hypertension (high blood pressure) since I was about 21 and whilst I have been poked and prodded many times to find out why, it appears I am one of those strange people that has it for no reason at all.

However, because of this I am at a higher risk of pre-eclampsia and so have to be monitored a bit more carefully. We have had lots of extra appointments and growth scans since finding out I was pregnant and I also have the Low PAPP-A hormone, which is nothing major but it calls for a bit more monitoring. And whilst this is absolutely not the worst bit of pregnancy at all, as so far myself and Baby have been healthy, it always comes with an extra bit of worry and as a first time Mum you have plenty of that to go around already.

I also struggled with the unknown. What does Low PAPP-A mean? Why do they want me to be induced? Should I opt for a c-section? What happens if my baby doesn’t grow how she should? But the best thing I did was not only turn to Google (everyone does it, let’s not pretend) but also make sure I asked my midwife and consultant any questions I had. It sounds silly, but sometimes it can feel silly to ask too many questions. I soon had to get over that and ask away!

And what about the random stuff!

Random stuff #1: Nesting!

Oh my god it’s so real, along with baby brain. I always thought it was just something people said when trying to be all cute “Aw you are nesting” - but it actually happens, its real! Poor Joss has been subjected to more DIY in the last 3 months than he has in the last 3 years and I have found a new love for flavoured antibacterial sprays (Method sprays to be exact!) How sad!

The moment I realised how real nesting is, was when I was on a chair in my kitchen having emptied the entire contents of all our cupboards, clutching a bottle of rhubarb antibacterial spray, scrubbing the insides. Never in 29 years have I had the desire to clean the insides of cupboards like I did that day. I also cried because Joss didn’t want to move the microwave to a different location in the kitchen…

We have since completely redecorated the downstairs area, our hallways, the nursery and thrown out bags and bags of stuff. But has the nesting been fulfilled? Probably not…

Random stuff #2: Baby brain

Now this is one I really didn’t believe in, but my god I have it so bad. Unless it’s written down I will not remember it, I stop mid conversation and totally forget what I was saying, I walk into rooms with no idea why I am there. It is madness. I am more concerned that people keep telling me your normal mind doesn’t return after the baby is born. Am I destined to have porridge for brains for the rest of my life?

Random stuff #3: Bump envy

Now this is a silly one, but I am yet to be convinced that other people don’t get this. In the first trimester you mostly just look like you’ve eaten a big dinner, but as you reach the second trimester and beyond you want to start looking more pregnant. I kept looking at my belly thinking that nobody was going to know I was pregnant and I just wished it would be bigger. I am pregnant with lots of other people and they all seemed to have big bouncy bumps and I didn’t. I was super jealous. The bump has well and truly arrived now, but it took a while. It’s so silly really, but I am sure others must have felt this way too?

In: Mama · Tagged: baby, birth, hypnobirthing, labour, mama spinkdot, pregnancy, pregnancy journey, pregnant, second trimester

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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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