29 December 2014

Pregnancy: 38 Weeks

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The last week has gone by in a flurry of festive activities so only now am I getting the chance to do my 38 weeks pregnancy update. I can't quite believe I only have 11 days left of this pregnancy and will soon be welcoming a new baby boy or girl into the family unit. It's really exciting but also rather terrifying at the same time. I keep thinking about how Logan will react and how this new baby will fit in but I'm sure like all families we'll get on with it and enjoy our new addition as we should.

Christmas was lovely and relaxing this year and practically stress free which was nice. The other half and I decided to stay in the house and have my Mum and Dad over for some dinner so that I didn't have to go anywhere and so Logan could happily play with all his toys. Dinner went well, was tasty and we had practically no left overs since I had planned in advanced however the other half did complain he would have liked more parsnips which I'll take as a compliment since they were so yummy, haha.

Pregnancy wise I'm feeling ok at the moment, a bit tired and struggling to get comfortable in bed at night but apart from that I think I'm doing ok. Still mobile enough anyway to get around and do what I need to do although can't sit and build Lego on the floor with Logan anymore, have to sit at a table instead. According to the pregnancy websites the baby is practically ready to be born now so it's just a waiting game for me, 11 more days to go!

So not much else happening really, lets see what this week brings and roll on 2015!

38 Weeks Pregnant


Bargains of The Week - w/c 22.12.14

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Forgot to post this last week with all the Christmas excitement and finishing up work etc so please do forgive me. At least it's up now though :)

I haven't done a bargains post for ages as frankly I haven't really been shopping much recently and pretty much finished off Christmas shopping etc a good few weeks ago, however I have purchased a few bits and bobs recently so thought it only fair to share.

Hello Kitty Electric Toothbrush
Lots of shops have sales on at the moment and I've been hunting for a present for one of Logan's friends birthday's next month. I spotted this little cutie in Sainsbury's for £5.00 instead of £10 so snapped it up to add in as an extra gift. Logan received a cool batman toothbrush from one of his friends for his birthday a few weeks ago so fingers crossed this goes down a treat for one of his little girl friends.


Baby Dribble Bibs
These are so cute and I know I don't know the sex of the baby I'm having but at £2.50 reduced from £5 in Sainsbury's I just couldn't refuse. It's only really the blue bib that might look odd if I have a girl but who cares. We're dog lovers and if we have a girl she'll wear this bib with pride.


Nintendo 2DS Blue Carry Case
Logan's getting a Nintendo 2DS from Santa this year and required some kind of case to keep it in. His favourite colour is blue so when I spotted this was reduced to £8 on Amazon I ordered it up straight away. Not much of a bargain really but saved a couple of pound and it was free postage too.


Dove Travel Minis
These are great little travel minis and perfect for putting in my maternity hospital bag and at £3.00 (down from £6) on Amazon they are a great bargain. You get 6 items in the pack working out at 60p each which I thought was really good. Saves me lugging big bottles of shampoo/ body wash etc into the hospital with me.


Fisher Price Glow & Soothe Seahorse
I purchased a pink one of these for my cousin's little girl when she was born. They're very cute, it sings songs and the tummy glows etc. Since I have no idea what gender my baby will be I decided to buy the blue version of this as it'll go for a boy or girl and seeing as Argos have it for half price at the moment I couldn't resist. £16.99 down to £8.49 is a good wee bargain and I managed to use some Nectar points I had to pay for it so even more of a bargain. Happy days!


So has anyone else managed to bag some bargains recently? Feel free to share.



20 December 2014

The Boys Bedroom Makeover

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This post has been a long time coming but I didn't want to show everyone until the last few bits and bobs had been finished. It's taken longer than I'd have liked but at least it's done now and I'm happy to say Logan is over the moon with his new bedroom makeover. To start with though (since he's autistic and doesn't like change) he cried because he wanted his old wallpaper back, only natural really, but within minutes he was jumping around and discussing the new wallpaper with us. The theme the other half and I chose was mainly Superhero based with some Lego thrown in between. Our son loves both and is a massive fan of the Lego Marvel Superheroes PS4 game so we couldn't go wrong redecorating his room along those lines.


The first thing to get changed was the walls. The cartoon bird wallpaper was stripped and changed to Superhero poster wallpaper and the green walls were painted white since the wallpaper had so much colour in it anyway. I was worried the white would be too cold but it's actually turned out really well since we've got a warm brownish carpet and plenty of coloured accessories in the room.

Next thing to change was the bed, which was a toddler bed from John Lewis, and since Logan's feet were practically touching the bottom it had to be taken down and stored up the loft. Luckily earlier in the year (around June) we had bought a compact ottoman double bed for our spare room which we gave to Logan for his new room. It worked well as the spare room has now become a baby's nursery and we wouldn't have had space to keep the big bed. I have to say the other half and I are a bit jealous of Logan's new bed as the mattress is so comfy! I can see us purchasing our own new mattress in the near future.


The last thing to really be changed was the furniture. There's a high chest of drawers and a rocking chair which were brown but we decided to go for painting them white with basic Lego colours for the drawers and the spokes in between the rocking chair. Something a bit different and fun for a child's room. The drawers have been completely finished but I'm still waiting to get the rocking chair back. It's not as urgent as the drawers however so I can wait a bit longer for it.

Now all the room needed was some accessories so I scoured the internet for something exciting and here's what I found;

Captain America Shield Rug
Spiderman Bean Bag
Superhero Comic Cushion
Lego Marvel Superheros Lampshade
Superhero Bedding #1
Superhero Bedding #2
Spiderman Bedding
Lego Superman Clock
DC Comics Batman Lamp
Lego/Superhero Prints (framed at local framers)


As you can see from the photos Logan's room is an odd shape as we've got a coombe on one side of the bedroom however I think we've managed to make his room look pretty cool and everything seems to fit in nicely. I'm sure there'll be more bits and pieces to add as I spot them online and in the shops. Superheroes and Lego aren't going to go out of fashion any time soon either so fingers crossed Logan wants to keep his newly decorated bedroom this way for a few years to come.





19 December 2014

Pregnancy: 37 Weeks

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Well I can't quite believe 37 weeks pregnant is finally here! I'm now considered full term which is a scary thought but still have 3 weeks of growing left to do hopefully. The baby's gut now contains meconium, which is the first sticky yucky poo that a baby will pass when born. Sometimes it can happen during labour when the baby is stressed. I'm sure Logan did this during my labour with him. I've got my fingers crossed I'll still be getting my planned c-section though so hoping for a no repeat this time round.

A lot of websites are saying the baby should weigh just over 6lbs now but like I've said before I'll be surprised if this baby weighs any less than 8lbs. I'm quite excited to find out the weight and also the sex of the baby of course as the other half and I have no clue. As long as the baby is healthy we're completely happy with either gender. Logan can't quite decide still if he'd like a brother or a sister which is cute. He keeps asking when he'll get his sister then two seconds later it'll be "me and my brother..." very sweet.

As for me this week still feeling a bit tired and having the odd nap when I can which is nice. I don't feel like I'm quite waddling as much as I did when I was pregnant with Logan but I'm definitely struggling to get up off the sofa, put my winter boots on and drive the smaller car as it's lower. Just means I get to take the nice big car when I have to go out which is lovely and more comfortable. I'll need to enjoy the freedom whilst I can I suppose as with a c-section I won't be driving for up to 6 weeks after the birth!

It's been a busy old week again but quite productive apart from the other half and Logan catching the sickness bug!! I'm praying I don't catch it myself what with being heavily pregnant and also so close to Christmas now. Can't help it though especially at this time of year with all the bugs flying around at school.

Anyway roll on next week and Christmas!

37 Weeks Pregnant



18 December 2014

Review: SwimFin

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The other half and I had recently been taking Logan to swimming lessons at our local leisure centre however he was becoming less and less interested and one week had a major meltdown then said he didn't want to go back which was a shame. We did take him swimming every weekend ourselves anyway but we wanted to try to help him learn to swim and we just weren't sure if his arm bands were really helping him learn much. That's when the lovely people at SwimFin kindly agreed to let Logan test out their product.


With Logan being autistic I wasn't entirely sure how well he would take to SwimFin with the flotation device being on his back instead of his arms, which he is used to, but he really liked the fact that the SwimFin looks like a sharks fin so that was a good start.

SwimFin is described as "a teaching aid, flotation device and fun water toy all in one. It should be worn high on the back, above the centre of gravity. This way it will ‘suspend’ the child in the water – it will not tip a child forward if worn correctly. A SwimFin should never be used with a baby that cannot control their body yet, and it must NEVER be worn on the front of the body.

The most important thing about SwimFin is this: the more submerged it is, the more support it is giving. This means when the child is vertical, doggy paddling through the water, SwimFin will be almost completely submerged, giving maximum support. As the child’s body position becomes more horizontal, SwimFin comes out of the water giving less support. This means the child is swimming more for themselves with less and less assistance. And Swimfin never has to be inflated, deflated, or need to have additional support added or removed as with armbands/discs, body vests etc."



Showing off his new SwimFin.

So what did Logan think of the SwimFin we were given, well in all honesty he loves it. He was allowed to choose his favourite colour, blue, to review and like I said the fact it looks like a shark fin (which Logan finds totally cool) really helped put his mind at rest when we didn't put arm bands on him and only the new SwimFin. I asked him how comfy it was to wear and he said "it's fine Mummy" which is great as if he wasn't happy with it he would soon be telling you. It's also very easy to take on and off. It has 2 velcro straps which slot through the SwimFin and then wrap around your child's body. Really easy and simple.

I'm really surprised at how light weight the SwimFin actually is. Logan's not the lightest of children, in fact he's deceivingly quite heavy, and the SwimFin keeps him steady and buoyant in the water with no problems. The first time he tried the SwimFin on he couldn't wait to jump in the pool and pretend to be a shark. It was great to see him so happy and enjoying himself at swimming again. I so wished I could have taken photos and videos of him in the pool but since it was a community leisure pool I wasn't allowed. Fair enough though.

As for actual swimming I feel it has definitely brought Logan on a step or two in the 3 weeks we've been trying it out. His arms have far more movement now than they did with arm bands which means he's not just bobbing around in the water but actually having to use his arms to swim himself from one place to the next which I'm thrilled about. Before the SwimFin he would only really use his legs to propel him through the water but now he can use both arms and legs to maneuver.

The SwimFin retails for £21.99 and comes in a large variety of colours.You can even purchase extra straps in regular or large in different colours if you fancy for £6.99.

Overall a brilliant product which I'll be recommending to friends and family. I really wished the other half and I had got one sooner for Logan but at least he's getting the benefits now. It's a cool shark fin shape, light weight and has plenty of colours to choose from. I think the pricing is reasonable compared to other swimming aids on the market and it's a sturdy piece of kit which I can see lasting us a good while.

Mummy's rating - 10/10
Logan's rating 10/10

For more products and information please visit www.swimfin.co.uk. You can also see what they get up to on Facebook and Twitter so why not pop over and say hello! Remember to tell them The Breastest News sent you.


SwimFin provided Logan with his very own blue SwimFin in order for us to conduct this review. All opinions are my own.





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14 December 2014

Pregnancy: 36 Weeks

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Well Logan's 5th Birthday has finally came and gone this week. He had his birthday party last weekend which he loved and thought was totally awesome! I'm so glad as I was really worried it would be like last year and be too overwhelming for him, however he surprised us all and enjoyed every minute - even taking part in every party game which he normally doesn't do at parties. He celebrated his actual birthday mid week at home with us and his grannies and grandads so was quite happy. I'm kinda glad the party is out of the way now, no more stressing about it. Sometimes I wonder why I give myself all the stress of organising a kids party but you do it for your child and I'm sure other parents are just the same.


Work has been getting busier the closer it gets to year end but I'm so glad to say my lovely maternity cover has now started and she's taking on the work I do so well. I'm literally throwing lots at her and she's just accepting it and getting on with it, brilliant. So glad the right person was found in the end. I only have around 5 days left to work over the next couple of weeks so trying to pass on my knowledge and tidy up odd ends now. I'm sure I'll get there eventually.

I had my first visit from the health visitor this week. She was lovely and quite down to earth although asked quite a few probing questions of which I'm sure I never got asked when I was having Logan? I know they need to ask certain questions though for the healthy and safety of new parents and babies so I wasn't too bothered about it all. At least she was nice as I've heard some horror stories (not in this area though). I also attended a Breastfeeding group this week for expectant mother's but was so disappointed that only 3 women (including myself) turned up. I know breastfeeding isn't for everyone and after speaking to the health visitor the stats for breastfeeding are pretty poor in our area anyway which is a shame. Fingers crossed I can breastfeed this time round again.

The Christmas tree has finally been put up in our house, woohoo! The other half and I were waiting till after Logan's birthday so as not to confuse him too much and he didn't seem to mind so that was good. Logan even helped bring all the Christmas stuff down from the loft and set up the tree which was lovely to see. He really enjoyed it.


As for my pregnancy this week I've generally been feeling really good although a bit tired so have been having a good few naps on the sofa when I have a few minutes to spare. The baby has been moving well but I'm getting a little breathless with the limited room, especially when the baby has a massive movement and the whole bump distorts into some weird shapes. I can clearly feel which way the baby is choosing to rest inside as well although I'm never sure if I'm touching it's bum or back etc but you can clearly feel the babies body and sometimes the odd foot or hand. Some of my maternity tops are no longer stretching over my bump so I have the odd bit of belly hanging out haha. Luckily my jeans/trousers are all over the bump so no skin on show to disturb people.

I've finally managed to pack some sort of hospital bag! I've done one for myself and will be using my baby changing bag as a bag for the baby's things. There's a few things I won't be able to put in my bag till last minute such as nursing bras, dressing gown etc as I'm still using these at the moment. I've written a list so I don't forget what I need though.

Next week will be as busy as usual with Christmas lunches and parties, catch up with friends and a few parties for Logan as well but Christmas is almost here and I can feel a relax coming my way hopefully.

36 Weeks Pregnant





Tightening Up Your Home Security This Winter

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Photo Credit

Home security at any time of year is very important but I always feel it becomes more so during Winter. With the daylight reduced dramatically and more chances of shiny new purchases being in your home from bikes, gadgets, alcohol, toiletries etc it's prime pickings for those with sticky fingers. So I thought I'd share with you some of my tips for tightening up your home security this Winter.

Don't Leave The Car Running
I know it's so easy to leave the car running to have it defrost whilst you're busy in the house prepping your stuff for the day ahead however leaving the car running, even in your drive, presents the perfect opportunity for car thieves. There's no hassle for them, they simply slip into your driver's seat and off they go with your lovely car. This type of crime increases over Winter because people like to defrost their cars but want to stay in the house to keep warm.

Close Your Blinds
When it starts to get dark close your blinds around your house, you can't see out really anyway and your living space basically becomes a nosing ground for anyone walking past. It also makes it easier for people to catalogue items you have in certain rooms, especially the ones on ground level.


Lock Your Doors
Might sound simple enough but when you get in your house automatically have the front and back door locked. Some people will watch for you going into your house and try the door at the back of you to see if you have left your handbag/coat/keys etc near the front door. Gone are the days when you can leave your doors unlocked so don't risk it. Especially if you have kids/ animals in the house. For extra security you can also get a door sensor so every time an access door is opened you'll hear a beeping noise, a bit like when you enter/leave a shop. Some home alarm systems already have this feature built in so worth checking your paperwork.


Letter Box Guard
Letter box guards are really good, they stop people putting hooks etc through the letter box to steal your keys/valuables but they'll also stop animals from chewing your mail - bonus! We've got one like this from Amazon which works well to stop my dogs chewing the mail. Depending on what you're looking for you can also invest in fire proof letter boxes too for extra peace of mind.


CCTV
Nowadays CCTV has become so cheap it's accessible to most people and well worth having as an extra precaution as you never know when you might need to call upon it, if not for yourself then for someone else. Best places to position cameras for outside the home are your front door, side of house and back garden if you have one. Inside the home it's really up to you but probably best sticking with main points of entry; front door, back door, conservatory/patio doors and your hallway or living room might be a good option.

Sensor Lights
Perfect to stop those pesky prowlers in their tracks and also helps you feel a bit safer too as you're not wondering around your house in the dark at night. Like the CCTV I'd have a sensor light fitted at the front door for anyone walking past, up the side of your house and also in the back garden. Any dark area really which you feel could harbor a fugitive.

A lot of these tips are quite basic and we'll all have thought about them at one point or another but with the busy lives that we lead it's so easy to forget and put it to one side, that's when something usually happens and you'll be kicking yourself that you didn't act sooner. I really hope some of these tips help and if you have any of your own please leave a comment and share.


This is not a sponsored post. All words and opinions are my own.



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5 December 2014

Pregnancy: 35 Weeks

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I'm feeling a bit perkier this week and even managed to get my haircut which cheered me up however the nesting bug has well and truly settled over me. I'm constantly running around tidying or cleaning something which is driving my poor other half mad as I'm moaning at him to do things as well! My son's having his birthday party this weekend too so I've been in overdrive trying to organise and finalise party bags, food, cake, venue, entertainment etc. I think I'm almost there and tonight will be spent prepping food as well as tomorrow morning so fingers crossed I haven't forgotten anything. I'll be glad when it's all over and it's just Christmas I have to worry about.

I had another visit to the midwife mid week and all seems to be going well. Blood pressure fine, urine sample normal, weight gain checked (I closed my eyes), baby kicking fine and heart beat sounded lovely, bump measuring ok too so on the right track anyway. The baby should now be around 5 1/4lbs in weight and will put on around an ounce a week until birth. My son was just shy of 10lb when he was born so I'll be surprised if this baby weighs less than 8lbs. Not long to wait and see though. According to the online baby development websites, most of the basic physical developments are now complete and it's only really weight the baby has to put on. They also say my uterus has grown to around 15 times it's original volume and is tucked up under my ribs, no wonder I struggle to breathe sometimes.

I still haven't packed my blooming hospital bag and I'm constantly thinking about it so must really get a move on. Anyway, roll on this weekend and Logan's birthday celebrations.

35 Weeks Pregnant


3 December 2014

Lego Mini Figure Crayons

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With Logan's Lego Marvel Superhero Birthday Party fast approaching I've been working hard to get some party favours ready in time to include in his party bags. Having a Lego/Superhero theme has meant there's lots I can do and include in the party bags but I've kept it simple as I always feel party bags can sometimes be filled full of tat. I wanted to include something a bit more unusual in the bags so when Lego Mini Figure Crayons popped up in a Google search I took great interest.


Now I'm not the best at crafty things but making the mini figure crayons actually looked really easy. Firstly I bought the mini figure ice cube tray from the Lego Store online. I did try and see what Amazon/Ebay had however the reviews stated that the figures weren't true to size and the silicone moulds were in fact replicas and not genuine Lego products. I then got some crayons, branded ones seem to work best however I also used Tesco's own crayons which were fine but don't use the Black. Not sure what's in them but they smoke and burned my mould *sniff*.


I chopped up the crayons and squashed quite a bit into each mini figure mould. If it's the tall skinny crayons then one will make one mini figure. If it's the fat chunky crayons then half will make one mini figure. Or if you're using the Tesco crayons then half a crayon will make one mini figure.


Now that the mould is ready I popped it in the microwave on high for 12 minutes. Some people use the oven however the microwave was the easiest and fastest option for me considering I had to make 30 sets of 4 crayons each! Be careful when taking the mould out of the microwave when the crayons have melted as it's fecking hot! Leave to rest for a good while until the crayons are nice and cool then pop out and package as you please. Sometimes you'll get the odd breaking of a neck on the mini figure crayons however just reheat in the microwave and try again.


See, that was pretty simple wasn't it and I'm sure if I can do it then anyone can. If you have a lot of crayons to make like I did then remember to leave yourself plenty of time to get them done, especially if you only have the one mould as waiting for the crayons to cool and harden can take a while.

The final product ready for the party bags.





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