Cantaloop Pregnancy and nursing top Review

When you are pregnant it is great to have a few items of clothes you can keep when the baby is born. If your anything like me it may take months to get back to your pre pregnancy size and be so disappointed when all your old clothes don't fit. I recently got asked to review a Tank top by Cantaloop and I wasn't to sure, I haven't worn many nursing clothes in other pregnancies so was not sure what to expect. 

When it came it was in a little tub, which I though would make a lovely baby shower gift. It made it a little special and different. I wore it straight away and got a few weeks wear before Little bear was born. I have work it alot being a lover of tank tops anyway. 

I loved that is was loose fitting so didn't cling to my post pregnancy tummy. I often wear it at night as it can be easier to fed little bear through out the night wearing looser clothes. My only issue is that sometimes the little clasp can be difficult to open when you are about to fed your baby but once I worked out how to do so it was fine. It has an integrated bra that provides comfort and extra support whilst breast feeding.

It is a versatile top used as layers in the winter or a lovely top in the summer. You can purchase one here for £28.99. It comes in black or white and its a great addition to your wardrobe. 

disclaimer: we were provided this top in order for a review, all opinions are my own. 

2013 Round up 2014 is here..

Its finally here, Im not sure why I put finally as the last year just flew by. I still feel like I should be wearing summer dresses because that's where my mind is! Last year was a really good year for us we have seen many blessings on us as a family on been on some crazy adventures. A year of firsts for Ami and a new addition to the family has been a great thing too.We have been on many adventures seeing us being stretched beyond our capacityand feeling tired to having a blast and wondering what we are doing.

Disney Land Paris

To start of the year we decided to go to Disneyland paris for a day trip! Yes a day trip that involved getting up at 1 and travelling for 5 hours including a ferry trip to Disneyland and arriving home early hours of the morning. The only problem was Ami broke out in spots with chicken pox and was so itchy and contagious! We still went dosed Ami up on piriton and found out you can baby swap meaning Pants could go on the rides two times in a row!

Spring Harvest

We as a family served at spring harvest in minehead this year, Well everyone except the kids they enjoyed being part of the team and playing with all the other children that were around. My husband was there for 3 weeks we just joined him for the middle one. It was a lot of fun and something that pushed us a little having a family with us. 

Scripture Union

Me and the kids went on mission within our local scripture union. Which we helped out in the toddler age. We as children were taken to this as my mum wanted a few hours peace from us but I kept on going as a result found my faith there so I always enjoy helping their. They also host a massive water fight where the fire men come and spray water at all the kids its alot of fun

Lark in the Park Sidcup and Ramsgate 

This is both my church and New Generations Community events where they see thousands of families come along to experience kids clubs, family nights out, craft and good fun. All put on for free for the benefit of the community. I love it It holds a good piece of my heart I met my husband their and who doesn't enjoy hanging out in marquees, letting the kids have some freedom to play and serving on a team with your friends. 

Denmark

We went to Denmark to serve on a team in a school, we went to teach some lessons and host a week called Jesus week. It was hard work I was 38 weeks pregnant and found myself just chasing after Ami the whole time. She enjoyed all the attention she got from the students. We went to a really cool pool and I didnt give birth which was helpful as that eventuality could have been a little crazy. 

Ami's Firsts

My little girl went from being a baby to turning into a chatty toddler. She achieved many firsts and just grew up too fast for our liking. She learned to sit, crawl, stand, walk, run and turn into the cheeky girl she is. She is such a blessing and so funny to watch. 

Pants Football

Pants joined his first football team and has scored many goals (a few own goals to add to the list too). He has grown up loads and is such a lad. He is loving being a big brother to his sister and brother. 

Little bear joining us

In November little bear was born, completing our little family and just slotting in. After a uncomfortable pregnancy I was glad it was over. He has settled in well and now life is so busy with a 15 month age gap can be crazy at times but also alot of fun! 

Finally a Nurse

After nearly 6 years at university being part time and maternity leave I finally finished my training! years of sitting in front of a laptop wondering what I am doing is over. I got a job at our local hospital and am on maternity leave again crazy.

So that was a few highlights of last year, this year is new, this year is exciting I cant wait ti see what adventure lays ahead. We sadly lost our friend Joel last year and times we still dont believe it but look forward keep our eyes on the good, keep our eyes on Jesus. 

Pregnancy - 40 weeks and 5 days overdue

I have started to go mad! I cant focus! I cant do anything my brain is all over the place! I am now 40 weeks plus 5 days Pregnant! Those 5 days make so much difference, its like waiting for the postman to come with a package you are expecting you know its coming but you just want it NOW!! My mother calls alot, maybe she thinks I will forget to call her when I go into labour and her favorite words usually are "Enjoy it whilst it is quiet!!". Thanks mum.....

I had the midwife yesterday, which was very interesting I thought I had an appointment at the doctors surgery and called to rearrange as it clashed with parents evening, they turned round and said that I didn't have an appointment and in fact I had missed one last week. I hadn't heard from anyone and decided to call my community midwife. I actually didn't know who it was after seeing so many different ones throughout my care but took my chances on the first number in my pregnancy notes! She said I had missed my appointment last week and she didn't call as she thought I had had my baby!

40 week bump! 

That does sum up the care I have received this pregnancy which is a shame, just glad this isn't my first pregnancy otherwise I may have been a bit lost. I had some bloods taken and still measuring at 34cm but she said the baby felt a good size. She booked me in for a sweep for next Tuesday I am hoping I wont need it. Both Ami and Pants were a week late so hopefully this little monkey will follow suit.

This pregnancy had been so different to my others. With Ami I got a lot of braxton hicks in the evenings but with this little chappy nothing! no twinges no nothing I am not uncomfortable makes me think is he going to come or am I going to end up being induced. I don't want that have had my heart set on a water birth at our local Midwife led unit. The only thing that's been similar is my love for Soap bubbles!! Soap bubbles you say .. yes its my crazy craving apparently means I have low iron but I cant get enough, I love the smell the taste a bit yuck but thinking about it now lovely! (sorry for my pregnancy weirdness there!!)

Will miss My  cup holder bump though!

Its funny when overdue suddenly you cant think of anything else other than the baby. Although him being late is good as we haven't decided on a name for him yet, I think we will wait to see what he looks like first before making our minds up. So now to eat lots of curry and do other things to try and bring labour on.

Waiting waiting waiting for a baby to arrive!

So I thought I was ok with the pregnancy going beyond my due date but now its all I think about. I remember the other two pregnancies feeling exactly the same. Suddenly everytime you see someone they ask you not had it yet or when you going to pop can secretly drive me mad! My mum said to enjoy the time before the baby but it can be hard to relax when every pain you get you think will turn into established labour.

I suppose there is no hurry to have the baby but I just so excited to see what he looks like, will he have dark hair like his brother and sister did when they were born, what will he weigh I just cant wait. although this week I have not been overly uncomfortable I still have a tiny bump (although my husband disagrees and calls me sizematronicle) it measures just under 34cm when should be about 40cm.

Both Pants and Ami were a week late, both born on a Saturday and both weighed within 50 grams of each other so maybe this baby will follow suit, he is was due last Saturday so maybe we have a few more days left. I dont feel ready for this baby but like everything I tend to do in life where I fell out of depth I know that I am always going to pull through. Maybe I should make the most as my mum says, go to the park/ beach with Pants and Ami, do things we may find a little tricky soon.

Also I know Im going to get an awkward call from my mum suggesting that me and my husband have sex in order to bring on the baby. No thanks don't want to hear it from my mum cheers. Any tips you have that have brought on your labours let me know?

Theraline Pregnancy Pillow Review

When I previously heard about an pregnancy pillow I thought it was yet another pregnancy thing on the market, but after using it for a while I am converted. We got sent the pillow from Theraline and I was amazed at the size and how light it was.  I am the type of sleeper that moves around alot in the night so at first the pillow got in the way and I ended up throwing it of the bed in frustration one night as couldn't get comfortable. As my pregnancy has continued I have found it harder to get comfortable at night and waking feeling so breathless it was keeping me up for hours. I also have suffered with a bad back and wake in the night as in to much pain to move. Been a little annoying so I decided to try the pillow again.

This time I used it in a different way wrapping it around my back and then between my legs, suddenly it was like someone had lifted alot of weight of my back. The pain I usually had when in bed was relieved by the pillow. I was so amazed and gutted I hadn't used it properly before and had missed out on some more good nights sleep before new baby comes. I have also used it for in the evenings and sitting on the couch. Its been such a relief I have never experienced back pain in pregnancy and glad I have something that has helped a little.

We also recently have been on holiday that involved a ten hour drive and I took the pillow for the journey. I wrapped it around my self and managed to sleep the journey. which could have been near impossible had I had a normal pillow. Also we were sleeping on a sofa bed whilst there it was great to have the pillow with me to nest into and take some of the stress of pregnancy of my back.

I look forward to using the pillow when the baby is born to help aid breast feeding, I found often at night when Ami was born propped against the wall feeding her, it was uncomfortable and not very good for my back. My son also tried to steal it for his bed I found him a couple of nights cuddled up to the pillow very sweet.

I definitely recommend this pillow for any pregnant woman, It had most definitely improved my sleep and helped me to get comfortable. Its reasonable priced and can be used even when not pregnant. Find out more on the Theraline website, twitter or facebook

We were sent this pillow to review, all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

39 weeks pregnant plus a few days!

Ok so its getting scarily close now, I am going to have a baby within the next two weeks. To say I am ready is a huge understatement but I will be ready when the time comes!

I am currently 39 weeks pregnant I don't think I look it but definitely feel it sometimes. I still am suffering with a bad back that gets worse at odd times. I often wake in the night and cant turn as my back is hurting so much. In Denmark I was sleeping on a sofa bed which was more comfortable than my bed and since coming back Saturday I realised how unfriendly to pregnancy my bed is. I wake up with bad breathlessness and generally feeling uncomfortable after a nights sleep.

But I am excited, I am excited about having a baby that doesn't move and I can leave in one place and know he wont move, although with that properly cant leave him as he will get trodden on by his older sister! I wont see the midwife until next week when 40 weeks so hopefully wont see them till after baby is born. I have been disappointed with the care I have received from this pregnancy. I have had 4 different community midwifes and my worst pregnancy but I suppose because its my 3rd they expect me to know it all.

I finally all ready in regards to stuff nappies and cotton wall are all ready, outfits all washed and waiting for my little man to wear them and everything else will just fit into place I expect. We have an Icandy Pear double pushchair that I have been using with just Ami in, not sure how much I am looking forward to it getting any bigger with another baby attached! My mum says it will be a good workout regarding the weight and will help me shed weight post baby (thanks mum!!)

Here is the Bump 39 weeks

The most annoying thing about this stage of pregnancy every pain I think I am going into labour no fun lol! its all about waiting!

The only thing I havent got is a sling that I find comfortable, so if you have any suggestions of some that do not kill your shoulders let me know.

Were off to Denmark

Denmark you might say but arnt you about to have a baby? Yes this is true! Im due to have a baby in two weeks time and this Saturday I shall be travelling a 16 hour journey to spend a week in Denmark! Complete craziness I know but sometimes in life you just have to have these adventures. These stories that will be told again and again.

We as a family love mission, we love serving and helping out, so when we got asked we didnt think we just said yes. There are risks certainly, big risks that could prove to be expensive or we could have an awesome week. We are going to volunteer at a Christian boarding school teaching lessons and getting a bit of the Danish culture. Pants is so excited about going to Denmark, Im a little sad (ok alot sad) that I am going to miss his first time on an airplane. On our way home my husband will fly back with the kids leaving me to endure another long car drive home at 39 weeks. I suppose I see so many firsts, I saw my children take there first steps and talking often from behind a camera to send to my husband, so he can do the same for me the other way round.

So what happens if the baby is born in Denmark? Well that's an obstacle we will have to deal with, my husband will have to fly back and drive out to come and get us, but both my other two children were a week late so hoping this little monkey stays put till after we get home!

Amazing thought the stuff we are taking one baby is enough heres a list of stuff we have to take (and the just in case stuff!)

• Ami's Car seat
• New baby car seat (just in case)
• Travel cot 
• Push chair
• Hospital Bag (dont forget the notes too) 
• All our luggage/ food for Ami and nappies
• Pants car seat
• toys
• Cake 

Just for a week we have so much! We will have a lovely time Im sure, a bit of time to spend as a family of four, a little bit of mum and dad time for the kids. I am excited but very nervous about 16 hour journey out there with a 14 month old! 

Do you have any tips for long car journeys and toddlers?

A month to GO (36 weeks)

So here we are a month away until my due date!  I'm so not ready, I keep on thinking its happening to someone else and not me! I'm uncomfortable and have awful backache sometimes but still I am not going to have a baby soon am I. Its all lovely too we have been given loads of clothes which are all folded and sorted for this little boy who is due to make his arrival soon!

With our care this time were not on our 3rd community midwife which is a little annoying as its as if its all over the place. I get told I should be taking vitamin D by one, folic acid by another and a whooping cough jab! Fortunately this is my third pregnancy and although different protocols have changed I know I'm fine and what I should and shouldn't do!

Anyway she does all my checks I say how much pain Ive been in and she recommends to stop taking pain killers if they are not working, which I don't mind because I awful at remembering/ taking any tablet (hence why pregnant twice in two years), but I suppose its good to know there is something that makes me think its going to help with the pain.

She also measures me and I am coming up small at 30cm when I should be 34cm, she asked me lots of questions where I told her I always measure small, and have done with all my pregnancies. So off we went for a scan, sadly my husband was busy so he didn't come which is a shame as he is more confidant than me and probably would have asked more questions. The lady doing the scan didn't say much did some measurements and I was on my way, I didn't see much just some ribs and a spine, but everything is ok and he is estimated to weigh 6lb at the moment! exciting!

So now Im currently packing my hospital bag in the event that he shall come any time now! I dont hold much hope the other two were a week late but its best to be prepared! I cant remember what to put in it (even though i only had a baby last year) So far vests, baby grows and breast pads! oh dear!!


What was vital for your hospital bag? any hints?

33 weeks Pregnant

All the 3's 33 weeks pregnant. Where has this pregnancy gone? This by far had been the most hardest pregnancy I have had. Ive been suffering with bad lower back pain which has been a little annoying. My community midwife offered no help saying it was to late for a physio referral and if it got worse to go to day care. I found it to be a little annoying no advice given from my midwife so after a few more weeks struggling getting up and moving I called my doctors who prescribed me some stronger pain killers, which is fun as they make me a little dozy and spaced out! Still have back ache which means days of from work.

Oh well not long to go now, We are now in that stages of sorting things out that we need for a newborn baby! Ive actually started to get a little excited seeing all his little clothes I sometimes get them out and re fold them. Boys clothes have become alot more fashionable from when I had pants. We been blessed with many donations of clothes for the baby which is so helpful.

Now also the decision on the name, we both have ideas and likes but not managed to find one we both agree on. I really liked Toby but people call my husband Carvy and he thought it would be to mean on the baby to have the nickname of Toby Carvy lol.

Me at 33 weeks

Things we have: 

• Cot 
• Moses Basket
• Double pushchair
• car seat
• Baby Bath
• Tons of Newborn Clothes and 0-3 months
• a few blankets 
• Nappies 

Things Still to get organised

• baby bouncer
• newborn Car seat head hugger
• Blankets (as the ones we have are pink) 
• Cotton wool and Wipes 
• Muslin Square 
• Sort Hospital Bag 
• Mat Pads and Breast Pads (cant forget these important essentials) 
• Cosy Pjs for post pregnancy
• Big Nik naks (cant beat a bit of comfort post baby) 
• Presents from the baby to older siblings
• Need to organise who will have kids when I go into labour!
• Im sure theres much more to do I just can get my mind round that there will be a little baby with us soon!

Pregnancy weeks 18 - 29

Im sorry i have not updated my pregnancy much lately, busyness and not much changing too much except getting bigger and more painful as each day goes on. So We found out we were having a boy which is exciting and now we are in the process of choosing a name for the little monkey. This has been hard as my husband has been wanting to carry on the initials of AFC but me not liking many A names, or others been taken by close friends! Then we were so busy over the summer and I am suddenly in the third trimester and not long at all to go!

When I was pregnant with Ami I had a strange craving that I would love the smell of bath bubbles! would sometimes even eat them! crazy or what, my midwife said it was to do with me being Anemic. Ive suddenly got these cravings back this pregnancy so much have low iron again!! Good times explains why im so tired (or is it that I am currently chasing round a 12 month old baby). 

Another thing that has been troubling me is hip pain! If I sit on the floor or a hard chair or even sleep I have been in so much pain! been getting worse as the pregnancy progresses, as I have never experienced anything like this it has been quite annoying! Anyone have any advice did you suffer with SPD in pregnancy? I think thats what it is, my last midwife appointment she said to wait and see. No help really when you in pain but its better the more I move so am trying to stay as active as possible! 

The fun continues with this extremely active baby! Another 10 weeks to go and I will be a mum of 3! scary times still have so much to sort out! Such as Cot, pushchair, clothes.... ok I dont have hardly anything!! oh dear!! Im sure it will get sorted in time!

Heres a recent Bump picture, excuse face I was pulling at my husband!! 

Baby number 3: 20 Weeks

So reached the halfway point! hurray it has gone so so quick cant quite believe it, scary next time I see my baby he will be in my arms! In case you didnt see my post we are having a Boy! Exciting times! Pregnancy has been a little rough the last few weeks, been really sick and finding certain foods that trigger it! Gross, never really suffered with sickness in pregnancy so been a new experience!

Also been so tired even found my self after the school run lying down on the sofa having a quick few zzz's whilst Ami is entertained by Pants! Even today in tesco I just had to sit down I came over all pale like I was going to faint! I put it down to low blood sugars!  had a similar experience with Ami but was fortunate to be at work so tested sugar levels was 2.2 when it should be over 4! Got to have a break lol wow thanks!

But other than that everything is going well, he is very active kicking me well! I do love it when you start to see your belly move! I would have taken a bump shot but its exactly the same as 17 weeks haven't grown hugely, Have started with Maternity clothes just to get the usage out of them lol

Did you have any crazy Pregnancy symptoms!


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Were Having a .....

So we finnally had our 20 week scan! where is this pregnancy going! before I know it the baby will be here I will be a mum of three, suddenly not so care free anymore! We both was thinking another girl, that would be good we have tons of clothes ready Ami will have a little sister. A little boy with olive skin and dark hair like his dad football mad like his brother, I was not fussed could swing either way!

Last year we were only having Amis 20 week scan where they scared us telling us they saw a shadow on her heart and we had to go to St Thomas's but thank god everything was ok! So they started the scan showing us everything, feet hands, baby yawning, all so cute! The scan ended and we asked the question boy or girl? ..... and we are having a little boy! I nearly cried really didnt expect it at all! There was a stunned silence between me and my husband! He was so sure another little princess but now another Arsenal fan! me and Ami now outnumbered were never going to watch the girly films! But im also so so pleased! next time i see my little boy he will be in my arms! i will be a mum of three... making me feel like a proper grown up!

My mum tried to persuade me not to find out, but i couldnt not I find it really helps me bond with my baby, thinking about him, getting stuff ready! I didnt want to find out when i had pants but his dad needed to know then told me an hour after the scan, Thanks! With Ami me and my husband wanted to know so we could prepare, the great thing about being in a church people are always happy to give you stuff! Now I cant wait he is going to be one handsome little chap hurry up 20 weeks!

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17 weeks Pregnant

So 17 weeks already! Cant believe how fast this pregnancy is going and we find out if were team blue or pink in 20 days!! Still not feeling pregnant maybe too busy and dont have the time to reflect? 

Have started to feel the baby move and kick so thats nice helping me bond with the baby! I think its a boy my husband thinks its a girl! No other symptoms except feeling really tired all the time ok and maybe a bit emotional! i felt a little teary because Pants is staying the night out and we wont watch Brittains got talent final! oh dear!! bit of a loser! 

But as you see im not really looking pregnant yet! a bit pale need a bit of sunshine.... ok a lot of sunshine! but looking forward to the next few weeks getting to 20 weeks halfway!

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Pregnancy week 15

Not the most interesting of posts but if you enjoy reading about pregnancy or love reminiscing about yours, or even givng advice read along!

Ok sorry guys not being going on about my pregnancy too much, mostly because I forget about being pregnant! So here i am week 15, 25 weeks to go exciting as that is. 5 weeks till we find out which sex will rule in our house! My husband would love a girl me a boy. Either im happy with a girl would be easier as we have all the clothes ready and Ami and baby number 3 would happily play barbies when older (like me and mu sister did).

 I don't seem have any pregnancy symptoms except find it so uncomfortable at night , with both the other pregnancies i had anemia so may explain why i feel so tired all the time!! I also don't have a bump yet just starting to look a bit plump! Looking forward to buying some maternity clothes as gave all mine away doh! didn't think we would need them so soon!! sadly i didnt loose all pregnancy weight from Ami so don't actually look much different! The other day i thought i felt a kick but surely its too early. I felt ami kick at around 16-18 weeks cant remember. Must start thinking im having a baby and make a midwife appointment next week!

I would show a bump picture but as there is none i will enlighten you with a bump from Ami This was me at 40 weeks!

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So the cats out the bag! baby number 3

In case you didnt see our Silent Sunday post earlier today the news is we are in fact expecting baby number 3!! A bit shock its taken 7 weeks to finally kick in! but yes im going to be a mum of 3!!! So here i am 13 weeks pregnant thinking what we going to do! i know were going to be fine we always are but well you see in the next coming months whats in store for us!

So another baby means the age gap between Ami and the new baby will be 15 months dont know if thats a good or a bad thing! People have given me mixed reviews on it so far, weather its a good thing or a bad thing. i guess we will see , we have been blessed in the fact that Ami is very chilled out so thats always a bonus. its crazy how quick it goes so will be nice to have a baby around that doesnt move or desperate to get into everything!

anyway my husband is very pleased he wants 4 children! hes hoping for another girl (he says i breed mad boys) bit harsh. im not fussed we have one of each so what ever comes im happy (i secretly would love a little boy) although we have tons of baby girl clothes so that would be handy!

but we are blessed all children are a blessing! Good times!!


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