Airwrap Mesh Baby Cot Bumper

The other day I had an experience I never want to repeat. I put Ami down for a nap and went to sort some washing out and a few minutes later I hear Ami cry. This wasn't any cry, not a cry that she cant sleep but a cry as if she was in pain. My heart thudded and I ran into her room, the look of sheer terror was on her face and tears running down her cheaks, she had got her leg caught in the bars. I rushed over and wedged her leg up out of the bars and gave her a huge cuddle. 

I had a little moment of panic what if her leg doesn't come out, what will I do how can I help my baby. We sat down on the sofa whilst I comforted her and she cried in confusion and tiredness. thankfully she wasn't hurt. So when we got offered to review the Airwrap Mesh Bumper I jumped at the chance, I never want to experience that again. Ami is a typical toddler and doesn't stay still when asleep. I often go in the bed and find her the opposite end of the cot or lying width ways in the cot. 

We received the bumper in no time at all, and I put it on the cot straight away. The great thing its completely safe, the material is breathable and unlike traditional bumper it folds down when stepped on so cant be used to climb out of the cot. A relief to hear when you have a toddler who loves to climb. 

I love that it came in white, its very neutral and can have a calming effect when settling for sleep. I think it looks cosy the soft sides can distract Ami from the environment around her. The soft material is a bonus when it comes to babies bashing the sides of the cots when sleeping and waking up. I like that the material isn't to thick too so has conflicted any space in the cot. 

I recommend this to any parent who is looking to purchase a bumper, I have read that traditional bumpers can be unsafe and can be a contributing factor to SIDS. This bumper is different its breathable and safe to use beyond 6 months. It can help stop getting limbs trapped which is an issue when babies start to move. The Airwrap bumper isn't too expensive and Retails at £24.99 over at babydino.com not a huge price for peace of mind when they are sleeping. Also check out Babydino on facebook and twitter

Disclaimer: We received this Bumper for a review, all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

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.

Reason to be Cheerful Week 37

Its that time of week to share the things that make you happy the little and the big blessings that happen in life. If you have not taken part before find out more over at Mummy from the Heart blog where Michelle started this linky well over three years ago to write the things she has been blessed about so why not find out more and take part your self if you haven't already.

1) We traveled and arrived safely home from Denmark, after a week on mission with children and being heavily pregnant I was glad to be home. We saw some great things and had a good time encouraging young people in Denmark. The kids loved it and were really good for there dad on the plane home! I managed to have a day to myself whilst waiting for them to arrive home (I had traveled back the day before by car as to far gone to fly) I got my nails done and went out for lunch was lovely. 

2) Due date is finally upon us, we will have a baby very soon! I have felt nothing so far, no twinges, no pushing down so I expect he is taking after his Dad and being late! Everything is all ready for him and I am looking forward to a baby that doesnt wreck everything and is into everything. 

3) Pants is back to school and has started with a good week, he started an after school pottery club in which he is really enjoying. He even has been saying the teacher said he has been listening well, I shall find out the truth of this next week at parents evening. 

4) We booked a holiday yesterday to France for next summer very exciting, we have never been abroad for a holiday as a family. Also many of Matts brother and sisters are going including his mum and dad so should be good fun.

Two Children under 2

When I found out I was having another baby I wasn't sure what to think. This baby wasn't planned but not unwanted. I did feel a little anxious of what future will hold and what effect this could possibly have on my career. I felt the same before I had Ami but after it all just fits like they do and you just get on with life, it doesn't change just gets busier, you have less time to get your self ready and spend more time getting kids ready.

Some people have commented on how hard its going to be with two small babies, not really what I want to hear before he arrives. My  mum being the most critical she had me and my sister 14 months apart so has done similar age gaps. I have also heard good things too such as it was hard at first but as they got older they are now closer and its great. I am not sure what to think to be honest, yes I am alot scared by the prospect of two little ones but on the other hand looking forward to the challenge.

I am sadly one of these people that if someone says you cant do that its all I want to do! I am very determined when I put my mind to things so hoping I can use this attitude when this new baby comes! Although I think this pregnancy has gone so quick that suddenly I am here at the end about to go into sleepless nights but strangely not thinking much about it. I think its because I am looking after Ami and watching her progress and learn new things. I see her now at 15 months and all those sleepless nights from a year ago are forgotten so I am sure it wont be long before normality resumes (I hope).

Two children under 18 months must have benefits and I plan to keep positive and take one day at a time! If he is as chilled out as Ami was we have nothing to worry about! I not worried life may become more busier but its about to become more interesting,

Have you had children with close age gaps?

What would be good advice or tips?

Ami your 15 months

 Ami your 15 months 

you are certainly growing up so much

you are turning more into a toddler each day

you amaze us and make us laugh so much

You love to read and look at pictures

you have a favorite Farm book and love to look at the cats

 you love to feel the page for different textures and take delight in turning flaps of pages

you love to also pull all your books out (even when not reading them) 

You love to explore and go on adventures 

you have started to not venture to far in places your not certain of

you went on your first mission trip to Denmark 

Enjoying travelling and loved being around lots of people

 you love to be part of what people are doing 

especially Pants and love to mimic what he does 

he is incredibly patient with you even when you bop him on the head

he is one of your favourite people and he makes you laugh the most

you have continued to learn new words 

although you do still scream when you want something 

you can now try to copy words people say to you 

some new words are, Josiah, Kelly, cat, granddad, tree and many more

 you love to swim and play in water 

you love to pour things into cups and play little games 

you love to get water everywhere 

and go crazy if you hear anyone in the bath or mention the word bath

you understand simple commands such as where is your hair or take this to Pants 

you love to feed your self and take great delight when that piece of food makes its way onto the fork.  

you love to dance and often do some mad moves

including looking like your running really fast on the spot

you make us laugh and we love nothing more than dancing

you love to climb everything especially stairs

We love you loads Ami bear

this was our last month of you being our littlest baby 

not that much will change but suddenly you will seem so much bigger

We cant wait to see you as a big sister we know you will be great (if not too over helpful) 

Denmark Trip Part 2

So we made it, we survived a mission trip to Denmark and didn't have a baby whilst abroad. Huge relief but really glad we went, really glad we took the risk but ultimately happy to be home. If you missed the first part catch up to it here.

This is one of my favorite places

I love Denmark people are generally happy and helpful, the pace of life is slower and the staff especially at the school we were working with were very laid back. Both myself and my husband got involved teaching different lessons from English to Citizenship. I also taught a history lesson in which I ended up doing a history of music quiz wasn't as bad as I thought (bearing in mind im very shy). 

Some antics at the assembly 

We also got to be involved in some afternoons running some creative projects for the students that didnt want to take part in the sport. My husband and Pants went of to run sports such as English sports day, football and play ground games. Whereas me and Ami helped to make sweets, bake cakes and cookies and make heart baskets. Ami even got involved in the making of some biscuits (this involved her licking the mixture of a whisk but she loved it all the same!) 

Making heart boxes 

We also went swimming again at the awesome pool, and got the bouncy castle out. Pants had a great week he had plenty of time to play or ask to play on a laptop like his friends were. Ami loved to walk the corridors of the school going up and down the steps exploring and having loads of people talk to her. She even by the end of the week began to sit down for longer than five mins. Nice break for me!

Ami helping make cookies!

They also slept well most the time, we had one awful night where we lost Ami's soft bedtime cat and poor Peter (find out more about Peter here) was maliciously thrown on a high speaker and poor Ami kept waking with out a teddy to cuddle! Must remember to take plenty of soft toys everywhere we go now!! 

Playing football at the gym! 

I was very nervous about leaving, I wasn't looking forward to travelling home especially in a van it didnt seem the most comfortable of ideas to me. Also leaving my family in Denmark as they were flying back the next day. It must have been pregnancy hormones or something similar but I got really tearful when leaving and sad I was going to miss the kids first time on a plane, but a nice memory for my husband. The journey home was fine I managed to sleep alot and play on Pants DS. I then got a day to myself whilst waiting for them to come home. That was lovely got my nails done, went out for lunch and lazed around just caring for myself! 

Dad give me the ball!!

My husband said that on the plane Pants was a little bit scared at times and shut the blind so he didnt have to look out the window, and luckily for him Ami fell straight asleep as the plane took of. All in all we had a great time I doubted alot at first why we went but Im glad we took the risk. We saw some great things happen and got to encourage some teenagers so was good. 

My little family on the plane

Here is some more photos of what we were up to! Excuse the mobile photos even though we took the DSLR it never came out of the bag! 

Ami on the swing

playing yet another game of football!

Huge game of pairs 

nothing beats a hug with Peter!

Pants enjoying the plane ride!

Peter arrived back in the UK safely