Being in Hospital with Little Bear

Seeing your child ill is one of the worst things. Seeing them so poorly and not been able to do anything breaks your heart. I knew Little Bear wasn't well the other day but brushed it of thinking i was being paranoid. See that's the problem when you work in health care you know to much and most often leave it till the last min to get help.

I noticed the other night that Sonny was breathing really quick, and using his abdominal muscles to breath. This means he has increased respiratory effort often meaning something is wrong. I shrugged it off thinking i was being over cautious. Little bear had a cold and a bad chest so put it down to that! We were seeing the health visitor the next day so i thought i would see what she had to say.  She told me all newborns breath quick and it was nothing to worry about. I was still concerned i just knew something wasn't right. So that night little bear wasn't feeding he couldn't stay awake as he effort of breathing and feeding was too much. 

So i waited till I saw the midwife later that day who spotted all the issues  I mentioned and got in touch with the pediatric on call at our local hospital. We get to hospital and his breathing was very quick and Oxygen Saturation were very low, the doctors said he had bronchiolitis this is common lower respiratory tract infection that affects babies and small children. Little bear got put on oxygen straight away and placed in an oxygen box. I tried to feed him but his oxygen levels got really low so they inserted a naso gastric tube. The worst experience ever he cried so much even had tears. I had to express milk every few hours for him, It was so so hard all i want to do is pick him up and cuddle him! I want to feed him and hold him like you do with a newborn. 

Lovely when Ami came in, she loved the playroom!

I knew i should have trusted my instincts, i often think in being paranoid and don't seek help. I will definitely in the future it made me realise its not worth the risk. I could have listened to the Health Visitor and left it, I hate to think what could have happened. Day 2 Little  little bear was still in the oxygen box and I was finally aloud to hold and feed him.. I hated being away from the other two. Ami came in a couple of times with her daddy and has enjoyed the many toys, pants was a bit more cautious and sat watching the monitor telling me every time little bears sats reading  changed.

Day 3 After a ok Day where he didn't require any oxygen at all that night his Oxygen Saturations dropped and was put back in the oxygen box, I was disappointed as I hoped we were going home that morning. Little bear  seemed ok just wasn't breathing to well. It was very boring sitting in the same Four walls most the time, with a TV and a few magazines for company when Little Bear was asleep. I couldn't concentrate on anything either my mind was racing over time. 

The next day our fourth day in hospital the nurse looking after us didn't put his Oxygen on and he maintained his levels. she was so convinced that he was doing so well that she got the doctor to review him. Sadly the doctor wasn't convinced with Little bears chest and said it would be safe to stay in again. After another good night, Little bear didn't settle too well think he was used to the sound of the noisy Oxygen we were tole we could GO HOME!! I was so happy! i missed my family and couldn't wait to get back to them. 

Little Bear going home!

Were finally home, Ami and Pants have been over joyed. Ami keeps on kissing him and Pants is pleased were home. My husband did a good job being a stay at home dad for a few days as he calls it. He told me he took care of the kids and did housework at the same time. Were glad Little Bear is on the mend, the doctors said he will have a cough that will last a few weeks but were SO glad were home. I missed out on a womens weekend away and christmas fairs in our local town. Lovely in a way to spend time just me and Little Bear.

Pants enjoying a good dance!

Guest Post: 5 Ways to Make a Child’s Bedroom More Exciting

5 Ways to Make a Child’s Bedroom More Exciting 

Keeping children entertained can be a constant concern for parents, especially if they’re below school age or off for the holidays. One good way to occupy them is to invest in an appealing and exciting bedroom for them to play in. With this, you can relax yourself or get on with the daily chores knowing your child is safe and content in their room.

There are many style tips you can implement for the bedroom but you should bear in mind the appeal for your child in contrast to their age and interests. If you’re thinking of a revamp in this area, here are five tips to help you get going.

Focus on the Bed

The bed is the most important furniture aspect to consider; after all, it will be used every day by your child and is crucial for a good night’s sleep. There are many types of model to choose from, from traditional country and divan beds through to more adventurous cabin or loft beds. These latter types can be more appealing to youngsters due to their elevated frame and possible features incorporated underneath, such as a wardrobe or desk.

You can find lots of different styles of beds for children here at KidsBedsOnline

Consider the Layout

Children of course have a lot of spare energy and will appreciate a larger floor space in their bedrooms to play in. Think about where furniture items are positioned to create as much room as possible, this will allow children to play with their toys in the bedroom and reduce the chance of accidents happening also. Beds with storage space fitted into them can help with this.

There are great free tools to plan room layouts online; there is a great list of the best ones at Freshome.

Create a Games Area

Modern day kids are treated with a whole host of electronic items to absorb themselves in, from computer consoles and TV’s to laptops and tablets. If they’re of suitable age, you should create a safe area for them to play with their electronic items. Make the seating area comfortable and also ensure their necks don’t have to strain to view the TV. Wiring needs to be protected, untangled and covered if possible so any accidents don’t happen.

Check out the two new consoles doing battle this Christmas (if your children are old enough!) here:

·         Sony Playstation 4

·         Microsoft X-Box One

Decorate Smartly

Of course, a dull and lifeless room will not appeal to children at all so think how decorating can create a more welcoming atmosphere. Use bright and simple colours on walls and floors, adding matching pictures or mats if desired. If your child has a certain interest or hobby – i.e. a favourite football team for a young boy – then use posters of their star players or football-themed wallpaper, lampshades, etc to make the room enjoyable to be in.

Take Advantage of their Creative Side

Children develop a lot of different interests when they’re young. You should provide the tools for them to harness these interests in their bedroom. Fitting in a desk for them to complete homework and use their computer are advisable for example, whilst a corkboard also allows them to stick important notes to the wall. Musical instruments are another good idea, both as a way to keep kids engaged and enhance their creative intuitions.

You can find a whole host of creative ideas for children by searching Pinterest’s DIY & Craft section.

When coming to decorate your child’s bedroom, think of the ways they will benefit from the positioning of furniture and the design of the room. Create space for them to play in whilst also reserving an area for them to complete homework tasks. Don’t forget to ask your child’s input as ultimately their opinion should be the most important. 

Adjusting to being a mum of 3

Wow what a crazy few days! from being fed up of  being pregnant to Little bear arriving into the world. Although at the moment life seems normal, it seems as if Little bear has always been here. Maybe because my husband is around it has been huge help with both babies. Although he popped out to drop some bits at work and pick up some shopping I was left with the two of them on my own. I spent the whole time (or what felt like) feeding and changing nappies.

Were fortunate that Pants is at school so at least he is doing something a bit more stimulating that being at home. When Ami was born me and Pants completed Lego batman 2 as I could hold the controller whilst feeding a baby! She would fall asleep and before we knew it hours had passed. I felt guilty as it was the summer holidays and we hadnt really done much. As I became more confidant with the two I managed to go to the park and to the beach and park up the pushchair and play with Pants.

So now we go from 2 to 3 and Ami only being 15months and not content playing the play station with me and Pants we have to do more things to  keep her entertained. She has been poorly so has wanted more cuddles and not as active as usual, although it is nice because Little bear is sleeping alot in the day so have time to play with Ami and Pants.

Pants is loving being a big Brother again, he is loving that little bear isnt on the move trying to take his toys or switching of the Play station during an important fifa game! It was really nice to see the difference a year makes. He wasn't to fussed when Ami was born but seems alot more loving and gentile to Little Bear.

Ami has found it very interesting, she actually hasn't been phased by it. Poor little bear has received a few hits when he as been crying. She also gets really upset when he cries and comes to me saying mumma mumma. He has also received a lot of kisses and she is constantly bringing him toys and blankets. She hasn't attempted to pick him up yet and is happy when he is in his swing so she can rock him (rather violently). It has been a little sad she is suddenly a giant, she is still my baby but so so grown up.

And finally us both me and my husband are very much in love. We spend ages watching him wondering who he looks like, pondering over what he will be like when older. Its been a joy to have my husband at home we still have another week with him around which is great. I find my days are going so quick, my days are full and busy. Little bear has been sleeping well at night well as well as newborns do so I dont feel to tired. During my pregnancy I would most nights be up for hours so I think my body has got used to lack of sleep!

We look forward to the next few months of Little bear being a newborn, I just love to sit and him fall asleep on me, my very own hot water bottle :)

Silent Sunday Photo

Reasons to be Cheerful Week 39

Sorry I am a little late taking part, been thinking about writing but have not got round to it! Thats fine do have a new baby and all that! Anyway this week has been a good week, well more than that an amazing week, children are such a blessing and I am more than blessed to have three :).

1) If you had not seen already that little bear finally made an appearance early hours Sunday morning. After a short (but what seemed long) Little Bear was born with a big pair of lungs and a huge protest that he was born! We are enjoying lots of cuddles and how small newborns are. He has just fit into our family as if he has always been here. We are all very much in love.

2) We have been blown away by the generosity of our friends bringing us food round so we dont have to do it our selves. Its such a big help and Pants has enjoyed guessing what dinner it will be. We have had a quiet week of hardly any visitors so I expect an influx of visitors sometime soon.

3) Pants and Ami have adapted well to a new baby in the family. Pants has loved it far more than he did when Ami was born, he keeps on picking little bear up and kissing him very cute. Ami also has liked it although when he cries he does receive a hit on the head from her. She does also give him lots of kisses to very sweet.

Pampers New Baby Sensitive Nappy Review

Life with a newborn baby is hectic and sometimes all you feel like your doing is feeding and changing nappies. Although it is all good you spend alot of time staring at this beautiful baby that you have created it really is a lovely time. We have recently been asked to try out Pampers latest nappies which is great as newborns go through them so quick. I was interested to try out the latest range which are pampers sensitive as when  my first son was born we use them and my son had terrible nappy rash, his health visitor suggested it could be the nappies and an allergic reaction  to them so we didn't use them after a few uses. We use pampers with Ami who is 15 months and have done since birth with no problems. 

With this I was happy to try out nappies that are a little more sensitive to delicate skin. So when my little bear came into the world we were using them straight away. The thing I love about the nappies is that they have a yellow line that changes to blue when the nappy is wet. This is so helpful especially when they are first born and hate there nappy being changed. The new nappies fell very soft compared to other newborn nappies we have used in the past. They also contain 50% more skin care ingredients and also have aloe vera which is known to maintain moisture levels in the skin therefore can help with nappy rashes. 

 We are currently using size 1 which seem so small compared to Ami's huge size 5 nappies. They have fitted comfortably and we have no problems with leaking especially those first few poo's.  I definitely recommend these to any new mum as they are reasonably priced and super soft. Although Little Bear is not enjoying his nappy being changed he will soon get used to it. 

Find out more about Pampers Sensitive Nappies via there website and also find them on facebook. Also check out your Bounty packs as we received some money of vouchers and some free samples. 

Disclosure: This post and review are part of a sponsored project with Britmums, but all opinions are my own.

Meet the newest member of Our Family

Meet Little Bear

Born: 17/11/2013

Weighing: 7lb 14Oz 

Everyone is so in love with our latest Addition

My Three children