Bambini and Me - Bamboo swaddle and Washcloths review.

Sometimes you come across a brand that you would consider having another baby just to get your hands on some of the beautiful products. My youngest is now 2 and a Half and we still treat him as  bit of a baby. We were asked by Bambini and me if we would like to feature some of there products on my little blog and I found my self saying yes because I loved the prints so much. When the package came inside was a large swaddle blanket and little Son Sons eyes lit up as if it was christmas and he wanted to take it everywhere with him. 

I thought I would feature some of there other items as I fell in love with all the colours pastels have always been my favourites and these soft tones just look fabulous, lots of my friends are having babies very soon and I have my eye on some of these items, especially the grey bunny romper. We were send the yellow Bamboo swaddle blanket and a pack of Bamboo washcloths. The washcloths  were rather beautiful and the most smoothest I have ever touched. The box its self comes as a pack of 6 and in various pastel colours. They are perfect for everyone from newborns to Mummy and Daddies. The wash clothes come in a beautifully presented box which would make them perfect for a gift or present at a baby shower. They retail at £15 which personally I think its good value as they are made to a high standard. 

The swaddle blanket we were send went down a treat as pictured belie. He loves it so much he now can't sleep with out it, he likes to wrap him self up in it, its almost as if he things he is a baby. The material is super soft Bamboo. My Son Son usually uses Muslin Square as a comfort blanket but this is much more fun. Not only is it so large it is bright yellow in the most beautiful duck print. This Bamboo Swaddle would also be perfect for nursing mothers, I for one was never comfortable breastfeeding in public and this would have been so handy to avoid any naughty nip slips. Another way to use it as something for your baby to lie on over a cold changing mat. Especially a newborn, my little ones would always cry when I placed them on the cold changing matt, this would have been suer handy. The Bamboo swaddle comes in its own presented box as pictured above and comes in a variety of pastel colours. It retails at £15 which I think is an amazing price for the quality of the product. 

We personally have fallen in love with the Bamboo swaddle, I say we because Son Son loves to carry it around buy I love the colour so much. If you want to find out more about Bambini and Me by checking there website here. Also they are currently offering a deal for first time customers where you can get 15% of your first order using the code HAPPYTIMES when ordering. 

GiftAlien gift box - Peppa Pig Movie night in Review

My children are massive Peppa pig fans its something that is on in our house a lot. We were recently approached to try out a box for children to have a movie night in. The lovely people at GiftAlien sent my little Peppa pig a little box full of all the goodies for a No adults allowed Peppa Pig Movie Night. The box has been on the table for a while and has sparked some interest, Ive found Ami under the table trying to prise the box open before now. Thankfully for them the time came to see what was in the green box.

Little shouts of joy came out as two little people saw that the box contained lots of Peppa Pig Goodies. The box contained enough for two children the list contained:

Peppa Pig DVD, with 10 short stories (lasting over 50 minutes)

Peppa Pig sticker set, 6 sheets of stickers (12 sheets in the 4 child box)

Peppa Pig poster art painting kits (one for each child)

Peppa Pig paper drinking cups (one for each child)

Kiddlicious, strawberry fruit wriggles (one for each child)

Organix oath bars (one for each child)

Robinsons Hydro Sprint water bottles (one for each child)

4 Peppa Pig balloons

GiftAlien movie ticket stubs (one for each child)

I brought the outside picnic bench and placed it in front of the TV so they could sit and watch Peppa. I also gave them there tickets and made them queue up as if they were at the cinema, although Ami actually thought she was going to the cinema. They were most excited about the painting and the balloons. They sat for a good 30 mins whilst I put Peppa on in the background and happily painted. I was actually rather impressed with the results. When they finished they moved onto the snacks and drinks, which all contained healthy snacks unlike when we go to the cinema and its all popcorn and chocolate.

Ami said "This is the best time ever" I think mainly because they are not allowed to paint in the front room and it made it that little bit extra special that they did. Personally I thought the idea was really cute and enjoyed seeing them so excited about what was in the box. Was defiantly a win with these two at ages 2 and 3. Obviously we didn't do the painting at night time and I didn't leave them on there own as they are only young (and the fact that they destroyed the carpet with there paint before now hence the paint in the kitchen only rule was evoked).

We loved this GiftAlien Box perfect for friend coming over, siblings to enjoy or even a special date with your child. It brings something a bit different and fun and would make a special birthday present for a child. This box mentioned about retails at £19.99 and includes free delivery which I personally think is a total bargain. I liked the extra features such as the admit one entry ticket.

Was defiantly a win at our house, GiftAlien also do other NO parents allowed Movie night in boxes and they range from Frozen, Minions and Disney Princesses. Looking forward to trying out another one some day we loved it that much.

Also as a social treat for my lovely readers here's a 10% off code for my readers with the code MLB10 

Son Son your 2 and a Half

Thought it was about time I did an update on little baby Son Son. I say baby he is very much not a baby any more. As each day passes he gets more and more grown up. Both my self and my husband are always saying how cute he is. I last did an update 6 months ago and so much has changed, he still remains full of energy but is so more independent. I thought I would separate into categories so I can skim read in a few years time, or you can if you have a similar aged child. Not in a competition way but you know its nice to see how children develop and all that. Especially if you have been following this blog since Son Son was born.  Its kind of like a report now the sub titles have made it easier to write about and maybe not as random... Ok its me its going to be random.

Sleeping

Son Son remains a good sleeper, he loves going to bed. Out if the three he is the guaranteed one who will go to bed. A few times lately he has called out for Mummy and Daddy but is nowhere near as demanding as his older sister. All he needs is his Dummy, muzzy and some milk (still in a bottle, yes I know he shouldn't have one but hey why break the good routine). He likes a little prayer and a kiss where you say "I love you" then he says " I love you more" and that goes one for a while. We don't hear a peep, well we hearing him snoring downstairs but he generally does not wake up till his sister wakes him without fail usually at 6:30am. He rarely naps in the day only in the car now, he does flag about 6pm if he doesn't.

Eating

Son Son remains a good eater usually grazing though the day. He asks for a drink and a biscuit usually every 30 minutes. He refuses water but happily drinks it at nursery so I am told. He is a great eater and often demolishes his dinner, if we eat out he helps Ami out too. He isn't a big fan of ice lollies and ice creams but always wants them. Like his parents he has a sweet tooth and loves cake, carrot cake being his favourite. He does with that like fruit too, he won't touch a smoothie especially a home made one. His favourite dinner is anything with mash and vegetables.

Playing

Son Son loves football or any ball related thing. His Granddad brought him a small football goal and some little footballs and he has been in his element. He generally plays with most things and is often forced to play the role of Dad in his big sisters games. He loves paying in the garden especially with any mud/ sand / water. he likes to mix things to make soups and pretend to eat. He generally plays what ever Ami is playing. It will be interesting to see what it will be like in September when Ami starts school and what he will be like on his own at home. He loves watching Blaze and Bing and constantly asks for the tv on if its off.

Behaviour

He is generally sweet and cute but has developed the typical 2 year old tantrum stage. Basically if you have annoyed he will blow a raspberry and say "Your a poopey". The delights of older siblings to learn things from. He is very stubborn and takes a

lot of talking round if he doesn't want to do something. He is very cuddly and loves to snuggle with his parents. He likes to be told he is doing something well and when you praise him he gives the biggest smile. He gets away with most things because he is the youngest.

Speech

Son Son has come on alot over the last few months, he generally tackles most words now and gets ever so cross if you don't understand him. He loves to talk if you can prise the dummy out of his mouth. The nursery thought he may need speech and language but I personally thought it was Ami talking for him. If you ask poor Son Son a question she answers it before he gets a chance. He is amazing us each day with new words. Also the ability to remember things and tell us stories. like the other day I came home from work and he told me " Micheal come and drop hoover at home". I heard the story from him before my husband explained it, he was like how did you know that. His best friends are Preacha and Milly at the moment if asked.

Siblings

Being the youngest isn't always fun for poor Son Son. He is often classed as too young by Ami who is only 15 months older and therefore is a super grown up. She tells him off alot but he is ever so pleased if she lets him play. Whereas its the opposite with Asti who loves Son Son and is always encouraging him. Son Son loves it when Asti plays football with him in the garden. Son loves his siblings he is always going on about them asking where they are. He calls them Lion and Mallie.

So here rounds up my little report, I can not believe my youngest child is 2 and a half seriously where is the time going. Its nice though I feel like I am drifting far away from babies and life is getting manageable (sometimes). I am not going to lie having three children is overwhelming at time but its also alot of fun too.

We love you Son Son you are one awesome boy.

#SagGoneGrooveOn with Pampers Active Fit

My Son Son is by far that child that always has a saggy nappy. It looks like it needs changing even when it has just been changed. The boy can neck a bottle of drink in next to 20 seconds ( usually fruit shoot before you get bad ideas). It is actually a really impressive actually and a skill he will appreciate when he is older. Anyway more on track a soggy nappy just gets in the way of running, playing and generally any funky dance moves that Son Son wants to throw on a usual pre bedtime night. We have struggled to find a nappy that is comfortable and pracitcal for little Son Son.

We were recently sent a box from Pampers with the new range of active fit nappies and asked to be part of the #SagGoneGrooveOn campaign. The box contained a box of nappies and all we would need to carry out an experiment to find out how much the new magic pods really work.

As you can see above ( well as much as you can through a photo) that it is completely different to any other nappy. The nappy works by soaking up liquid really quick, I poured 150mls into the nappy and to dried in about 10 seconds and was almost dry to touch. I then cut the nappy open to see the magic inside. The magic pods are three long pouches that spread it across the nappy meaning all the liquid is  spread across the nappy resulting in no sag, and a nappy meaning your little one can be comfortable for longer.

We then tried it out on little Son Son who actually loved it. He was such a little star and ran and danced around without it looking saggy at all. The nappies did not restrict him in any way as you can see below. He loved the way they felt but decided to wear wellies and a hat to complete his outfit. I have used many nappies with Son Son and this is the first that hasn't made him sore when running. Defiantly a win with us.

Check out what they look like below its a super cute video (obviously being biased).




We will defiantly be buying the Pampers active fit they are just perfect for toddlers that do not stop.  They give him alot more room and are on the way to big boy pants ( thats a whole other ball game though). The magic pods are an great new invention and worth buying a pack just to try it out. Pampers yet again proving why they are the best nappy brand available.

I’m working with BritMums and Pampers testing Active Fit nappies with new no-sag technology. I have been compensated for my time. All editorial and opinions are my own. Visit http://www.pampers.co.uk/star-product/pampers-active-fit today for more information.

Me and Mine - October 2015

Always my favourite photos of the month, the times where we force ourselves to get together and have our photo taken together. I really was not up for it this month I was so full of cold and generally felt grim. I love the photos now though this month has some new favourites. We have done the blue shelter last year but I do love it. Son Son also insisted on wearing his hat for the photos. 

We have had yet another crazy busy month it has gone far too quick. Heres some things we have been loving this last month. 

Daddy has been loving:

- Going to Vienna 

- Few days at Centre parks

- Family time at Mum and Dad's

- Date night with the wife

- Arsenal doing well!

Mummy is loving:

- Daddy being home from travelling. 

- Annual Leave

- Childless days watching suits in bed all day

- Going to Norfolk with the family 

- Little adventures with the kids

Asti is loving

- Half term

- Playing uno and other games with parents

- Fifa Match points 

- Getting first laptop and playing a lot of minecraft

- Match Attax cards 

 Ami is loving

- Pre School and making new friends each day

- Going to Grandad and Nanna Norfolks

- Asking everyone where there mum and dad is

- Adventures outside especially in the sea

- Sneakily watching Horrid Henry

Son Son is loving

- Spending a little time in the toddler room at nursery

- Cuddles with mummy and Daddy

- Playing with cars and planes

- looking out for any moving vehicle he really does love it. 

- swimming 

We didn't plan to take this photo but after we took the shelter ones we headed down to the beach you couldn't miss the glorious sky behind us. So we quickly set up the camera to capture these wonderful colourings. They look almost fake but as we drove round the coast home the sky was a deep crimson against the dark sky it was beautiful.

That is us for another month, Next month See's our baby turn 2 which is a bit scary. I love November though fireworks and preparing for Christmas it gets a bit exciting.

The Fear of a choking child

You see it shared on Facebook, posts about children who have choked on grapes or other random things and you never think it will be your child. You think these things are very rare that when they do happen that ice cold fear grips your heart and panic sets in. See I have let my children eat most things, doing baby led weaning you know they generally gag when they can't swallow something.

See yesterday this happened to me, we were at a children's party and my Son came up to me red faced and panic in his eyes. This image I can not seem to shift from my mind his eyes piercing into me, pleading with me to help.  Time seem to freeze as I toyed up what was I going to do.

Is he crying?

No why isn't he crying?

Whats happened now?

Shit he isn't breathing.

Shit he is choking. what am I going to do!

Wait remember that baby resus training I had when pregnant with Asti 9 years ago lets try that.
NO stuff that just going to wallop him in the back.

IT was like my body wasn't mine, motherly instincts took over. I was so scared but I turned him over my arm and smacked his back so hard, too hard. Heat rising up my body making me want to pass out. Dread that he couldn't get what ever it was out. What would we do next, would we need an ambulance, my friend Andy was there he is a paramedic do I shout for him?

I am a qualified nurse,  I should know what I should be doing but your own child, all that calmness you may have on the ward is gone and your thinking with your heart. Suddenly my hits get harder, my fear is getting more intense. I am praying in my head its all too much.

Thankfully after a few more pats he dislodged part of a sweet, with a bit of vomit.

Never have I been glad to see vomit, his face still changing getting redder back over to the banging of the back. Till finally he was really sick and another part of a Haribo Strawb sweet came out. He then cried and I knew he would be fine. Relief rushed though me and I hugged him so close. Holding back the tears as I knew I was surrounded by people. Wanting to hold my baby my little son son and sob. Happy tears, cross tears for letting him eat the sweets in the first place.

Time has never gone so slowly in my life, I have never been so fearful in my life.

Thankfully for us we had a good outcome but he could have been anywhere choking on a sweet, in the middle of a park, in a different room. It is safe to say we will never be having Strawb sweets again. That was one experience I do not want to do again.

Blooming scary five minutes then he was fine and happy to eat anything and everything again. Except he was a bit more clingy than normal, he was scared. We both were, thankfully I was calm and we had a good outcome. SO frigging scary, even typing this post I have tears in my eyes. My little baby I would do anything to protect him,

SO lesson to learn watch kids eat sweets and do not buy Strab haribo sweets ever again.

Yvolution Balance Bike Review

 There is one thing I love more than toys is encouraging my children to play outside. They love to be in the fresh air and so do I. We recently got asked to review the Yvolution balance bike which I couldn't say No too. Balance bike if you are not aware are bikes with no pedals, they provide a way of learning to ride a bike with out stabilisers. Its all about helping your child learn to balance on two wheels. Ami was over joyed as you can see from the photos, she loves bikes. She was a little disappointed it didn't have pedals. She is rather speedy it was hard to keep up at times.

The Bike is very easy to put to gather and comes with minimal parts, I did it all my self with the assistance of Ami. It required no extra tools than those provided in the box. You can adjust the bike so it can grow with your child. Its very easy to adjust the seat to get the right height. Which was handy when Son Son wanted ago, he still is too small for it but never wants to miss out.

Its a very study bike and is just perfect for Ami, I like the size of the wheels too. We have another balance bike which looks tiny in comparison and the wheels on that are tiny. Ami has developed a good skill of balancing and has improved on a bigger bike more suitable for her size. She asks to take it everywhere and always wants to show the bike of to all the neighbours. I think because her older brothers bike is green she loves it even more. 

I hope to one day make the transition to pedals, but I find balance bikes to be much more cute. Pedals means that she is growing up but I am not ready for that yet. The best thing about balance bikes is no sorting oily chains out. They just sit on the bike and Pedal with there feet. Its great because they can steer the bike giving much need cofidence for when riding with two wheels.  We have really loved the bike. I was more than impressed with everything, from the gripped handles to the wide wheels. 

Such a great Product deffo one to think about for Christmas. 

Ages 3+ (max weight 25kgs) Available in green 

For Stockist Information Check out www.yvolution.com  RRP £59.99

Son Son you are 22 months

Son Son you are 22 months (well I think you are I have lost count what month you are sorry).

You are the boy of many faces and sounds. 

Another month older another month closer to 2!

This month you have finally started to talk. 

You try to repeat most words and we have had more that two words together. 

You copy everything even if he do not understand. 

You often babble to yourself we just have to prose that dummy of you first. 

You love to be outside and love to be active. 

You like to walk a little bit now but still like to try and cross the road without holding hands.

You follow Ami everywhere and try to cuddle her. 

Which is a good thing we have gone from hitting to cuddling. 

You do not do as much hitting and kicking anymore I think now you can talk a little its becoming a bit easier and less frustrating for you. 

You have developed a love of reading and always grab anyone to sit and read with you. 

You are starting to take an interest in trains and like to make tracks. 

You also like to break tracks as soon as they are built. 

You also like to interrupt any game Ami is playing which she gets rather mad about. 

You like to sit and draw even paint if allowed. 

You like to cover yourself with paint and pen. 

Last time you got hold of a felt tip you covered your face so they now have been moved well out of reach. 

 You still love your food and you are starting to eat new foods. 

I am grateful to nursery for new experiences.

You even eat grapes and mellon now which is a massive improvement.

The only meal you are not fussed with is Lunch. 

You never eat much lunch at home not really a lover of sandwiches you would rather a nice hot meal. 

You love Puddles and love water play. 

you loved going swimming this month and even braved a slide.

You are slowly warming to a bath and even sat down in the water for the first time. 

You have loved days out with Ami and mummy. 

We love our little adventures usually to a cafe. 

You are slowly getting more patience to sit still long enough for Mummy to finish a hot drink. 

You are such an affectionate little boy and love to give cuddles. 

You seemed to have chilled out a lot this last month and you seem to have your Fathers temperament. 

The ability to be cool as a cucumber yet very cheeky is just like Daddy. 

Its lovely to see you grow into a little boy. 

Yes its going by too fast but its getting easier at times. 

I love this last photo you look so small and sweet. 

Makes me want to wake you up to give you a massive cuddle.

We love you lots our little Son Son bear. 

Son Son you are 21 months

This month has flown by an we have been so busy I have intact missed a month sorry Son son when you read this when your older. I hope you don’t mind and its in fact testiment to the fact that we are busy making memories. 

SO first things first these months my little boy is changing so much. Each month we fall a little but more in love with this beautiul boy.So here you are Son Son this months update. 

This month we are finally getting a few more words, some clear ones and other attempts. 

You now call us mumma and Dadda but sometimes Daddy is called Matty. You call your dummy a more and a muzzy a mine. You also say milk you obviously love the M words. You love to shout especially when someone takes something of yours.

You still love to throw EVERYTHING. literally everything ends up at someones head. Its becoming a joke that you never miss. It can also be frustrating at times. Especially when you throw something at another child. 

You love your food and can demolish a huge plate of food. Your favourite food is still Mash and veg but you also love pasta too. Lunch is your least favourite meal and you hardly eat it unless its a hot meal. You know where the biscuits are kept and spend the whole day asking for one. You love to drink and could down a drink in next to no time.

You have enjoyed having a little bit of freedom this summer. Although you still shout when you can't see your parent. Especially if we go somewhere new. You like to pull your parents to where you want to go which can be not very helpful at times. You also like to bundle other children which is not always great. Especially when the child is maybe an only child and not used to another child bundling  them. You also hit other children which is very annoying along with throw balls at them. I think its the way you communicate because you do not talk so much. I hope its just a phase as its hard to tell you off as you too cute. 

You love to be outside and will play for ages outside. In the garden you won't play out on your own prefer to be with company. You and Ami have enjoyed throwing water over each other this summer. You throw lot of sand but have started to make sand castles.

You adore the sea and love to go in even in your clothes. We always find that strange as you still hate the bath!! You will play in any water thats not the bath or the shower, maybe your just copying your older brother? You have had a fun summer with a lot of it spent at the beach.

You are such a cute boy and you bring us such such joy. 

Heres to another month, well another two months that have flown by. 

We love you lots Sun Bear 

Ami you are THREE

My little Ami you are three today!!!

YES THREE 

It seems like yesterday I had to call Daddy to get him to come home to take me to the hospital. Apparently after I called the tried to put a TV on the wall and had to push him out the door. 

You have had a very fun and exciting year how ever quick it has been. You have been to France twice, camping and hanging out at festivals. You started nursery and we saw a completely different side to you at nursery. We heard reports of you being kind and caring to the other children and wanting to learn. 

You learned to use the toilet all on your own accord, and refused to wear nappies. 

You have made us laugh countless time with your boldness to ask anybody questions how ever random they are.

You have the most fabulous vocabulary and often amaze people at the clarity and understanding that you have. 

So here is some photos of the past year and some of the memorable moments from the past year as I sob at how quick it has gone. 

This was you at Lark in the Park Ramsgate last year. You loved the freedom of being able to do what you wanted. You loved to explore and even going on bouncy castles. 

This was from our family holiday to France with masses of relatives. You cherished this week and didn't stip going on about it for weeks after. A massive holiday with all your cousins you loved it. 

This is one of our after school  beach trips from when we lived in 

Westgate. 

You really do have the best smile and the ability to make the hardest of hearts smile. 

I took this photo when we moved house, finally from a two bedroom flat to  four bedroom house. You had your own bedroom and loved it. 

This is just one of you and Son Son I found knocking around on the hard drive. One of our days of not really doing much but feeling like we had.

This was a photo form one of our family shots. In the whole year you still event got to grips with Mummy taking a photo of you every month.  

''

You loved Christmas and really wanted a bike, you were so dissapointed with the balance bike you received and wanted a bike with pedals like Asti. You did get completely spoilt. 

You hair finally looked like it was growing, with it being so curly it seemed to look the same length for a long time. We do get complemented on your hair a lot which you either give a funny look or smile sweetly. Me and Daddy are still amazed that you have such curly hair when we don't! 

Just a photo I took on the bed one day, just a normal day at home. You loved to have a sandwich for lunch when at home and even though you do not eat it you don't like change of routine. You favourite dinner has always been pasta and you will each as much as we give you. 

This photo was taken from a beach stroll one Sunday afternoon to broad stairs. We stopped of and had an ice cream before heading in the warm. 

This one and the next are both from Minnis bay, A place where we all have grown to love.

This was taken at Spring harvest, you enjoyed a week at what you called Butlins Harvest. Even though you were cross at out Nanny Ruth you did enjoy rolling round on your balance bike and causing trouble with your friend Noah. 

This was just a picture I caught of you at church doing some actions very sweet to watch. 

Another Sunday afternoon at Minnis Bay. 

We went camping at a festival called Big Church day out. Daddy was working at the event so we had the whole event to wander round and walk up steep hills. Such a good weekend with my friend Leanne and her children. 

You always were and still are a Daddys girl, ever since you started talking you have asked were he is non stop. The same is true today we get about a million questions a day where Daddy is. You need to know what time he is home the lot. 

Never one to smile at a photo when asked to, still Mummy is trying to learn how to make you smile in a photo. 

A day out with Son Son at Margate, you love the beach and love to build sand castles even decorate them. You even went crabbing for the first time this year and was scared of the crabs. You even tried to let them go as you were a little bit bored of how long it took to catch them. 

These are us on our holiday to France back in June. You love this holiday so much we went swimming every day you loved it. You and Son Son traveled round in this cool toddler truck in which you loved. 

Whilst in France we went to Disneyland too, where you saw Elsa and walked round all day. You fell asleep on Mummys shoulders at 11:30pm. It was a magical day and one we won't forget in a hurry. 

This was from the little beach on holiday it was such warm weather and other days rainy. You loved to explore the parks but the pool was where you wanted to be the most. 

As the weather got warmer we started to explore more beaches, I say explore we only visit the ones we love.

An evening at Margate beach with the family. 

You we to Wingham Wildlife park and loved a monkey with a Teddy. You loved it so much we had to stay there for 30 mins whilst it performed all sort of tricks for you. It was rather cute to watch. 

So here was just a few of the special moments from the last year, obviously there is so so many. I could go on and on. You Ami are such an awesome girl we are so PROUD to be your parents. 

We love you lots Ami bear.