Our Baby Bedtime Routine 23 May 2016 11:17 AM (8 years ago)

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #EveryoneSleeps #CollectiveBias

Every parent lives in hope for the moment their baby sleeps through the night. With Henry, sleep was a battle when he suffered with silent reflux, but once it was under control at 12 weeks, he was a dream baby and slept for a solid 12 hours. Then Everly came along, and we happily celebrated when she slept through the night at just 8 weeks old. Little did we know that her 8 hour spell was never to be repeated!

Although she still wakes a few times at night to nurse, I know that having a good bedtime routine makes a difference in how well she sleeps. We've had a simple routine in place for a couple of months now, so that Everly knows when bedtime is approaching. Here's how it goes...

1) Bath Time - Everly adores her bath time, she always gets excited with anticipation when we approach the bathroom. I like to make sure it's warm in there before I undress her and give her a quick clean with Huggies Natural Care Wipes. I love these as they're made of 99% water, so they're gentle on her delicate skin, yet thick enough to clean any messes with their triple clean layers. Everly always calms and quietens when we place her in the water, so it's an ideal way to wind down in the evenings. I always finish her bath by giving her a little baby massage to keep her dry skin hydrated.

2) Diaper & PJ's - We pop the nightlight on in Everly's nursery, then change her into a Huggies OverNites Diaper before placing her in her nightclothes. I've tried one too many diapers that have leaked during the night, which make the whole getting up in the night scenario all the more unpleasant, for both the parents and baby. So I like that the Huggies OverNites wick away layer and snug fit waistband provide maximum leakage protection for up to 12 hours (we live in hope!), so Everly's skin is kept dry and she can get a peaceful night’s sleep. The Disney designs are pretty cute, too!

3) Reading - Then it's time for cuddles and a bedtime story. Henry has always loved books, so we wanted to introduce Everly to reading from an early age, too. Our favourites are Snuggle Bunny, When The World Was Waiting For You, and Pat the Bunny. She loves to try and turn the pages!

4) Nursing - Time for Everly's last feed, with only the glow from her little toadstool night light illuminating us.

5) Lights Out - If all has gone well, Everly nurses to sleep and I place her in her crib, but sometimes she requires a little rocking and shushing before she drifts off into a milky slumber.

Let me know how you get a full night's sleep with your little one!
P.S. Here's a coupon you can use to stock up on Huggies OverNites Diapers (we purchase ours at Target)

Five Months with Everly Rose 17 May 2016 8:00 AM (8 years ago)

Was there ever a sweeter vision than the gentle curve of those soft cheeks, those long lashes that frame those deep blue eyes that have given me insight into myself, and those delicate rosebud lips that find me. Everly has been with us for five months in person, and with each day she shows us more of her soul. When she is herself, she is quiet and at ease. She gives smiles and giggles readily, brightening the day of all those who see her. She reaches for cuddles and loves being sung to, hearing the sweet lullabies of her newborn days. When Matt brings her to me, her face lights up, she kicks in delight and I feel so very blessed to be her mama.

My little girl buries herself in the curve of my neck, and I breathe in her sweet scent, the softness of her delicate wisps of hair tickling my nose. She is our real life doll, with her perfect little face that I am so in awe of. She's earned the nicknames Pudding, on account of her plump round cheeks, and Cricket, due to her love of rubbing her feet together.

Her innocence and newness fascinates me, the juxtaposition of her paired with her rambunctious, precocious and very gregarious big brother. I love to watch her watch the world, her eyes turning to things that capture her interest, her hands seeking to explore objects and items that interest her 5 month old mind. I am witnessing, again, the beginning of a person and a unique personality, and there is nothing else like it. I am watching her interests grow, and her inquisitive nature develop. I am witnessing first hand, minute by minute, the growing of her soul.

When she chooses to use her voice, she coos softly, a melody to our ears, as if she is singing. She finds joy in bouncing one leg and shaking her rattles. Shrieks of delight fill the room. She has whims and desires, as real as an old soul, and I am captivated by it. This insatiable charm that holds such power over me, as I absorb every facial expression; the uneven curl of a smile, the jut of her bottom lip before the tears come, the raised eyebrows that divulge the unexpected joy of a fleeting moment.

She is the quiet warm edge of our family unit, sometimes overlooked but ever present. Henry reaches for kisses, stroking her hair that is forever wild, as if it's trying to drift up and away into the clouds. The two of them clasp hands and she gazes up at him. They laugh together and I am reminded that those infinite hard motherhood moments are worth even just a second of these blissful moments, when your babies are together, interacting and loving each other.

She has always had a place in our hearts, and now she has a place at our table. How did that happen so soon? Her petite body on the peripheral of our family dining, her presence small but powerful. I cannot believe she has been with us for so long, yet so little. And here we are, on the perimeter of introducing her to a whole new world of taste and sensation, when all she has known is the sweet milk of her mother. I am excited in anticipation for the delights in store for her. We will explore and learn together.

Everly. Our Everly Rose. My darling girl, how you have grown into your name as you have grown into my heart. It has settled with you along with those sweet rolls on your thighs, and now it fits you so perfectly. As if there was never any doubt. It was who you were meant to be. Before we even knew you. Before you were made.

You are blossoming day by day and it is a joy to behold. Your touch is illuminating, it grounds me and reminds me why I am here. Being your mother.

You are a gift and I have found you.

Life With Two Children 9 May 2016 11:00 PM (8 years ago)

Life with two children is busy. And exhausting. As a stay-at-home mama, my day is a balancing act between meeting the needs of three people. It is a never-ending cycle of nursing, diaper changes, toddler tantrums, meal preparation, rocking to sleep, playing, tidying up, washing clothes and folding laundry.

It's also laughter and silliness, cuddles and kisses, the joy of watching your children interact - sometimes with giggles, sometimes with tears. It's finding fun in the mundane things, it's looking at the world through your child's eyes and finding joy in the simplest of things; the arrival of a parcel, a song that makes you get up and dance, watching a spider build a web.

It's an emotional rollercoaster. Some days are great, like when the stars align and Henry and Everly nap at the same time, and then other days are downright difficult, like when Henry is having constant tantrums and Everly is super fussy and WILL NOT SLEEP, and then she finally drifts off in my arms, and I'm just about to make the tentative transition to her crib, and of course that is the moment that Henry bursts into her nursery to tell me he can't find his blue tow truck. The days where there is literally NO break? Those are very tough.

When you have a toddler and a baby, it's all about making life that little bit easier. I love discovering baby gadgets that help make parenting quicker and more simplistic. So when I was putting Everly's nursery together, I was looking for items that were functional but also stylish. Thankfully Henry is now potty trained, so I only have Everly's diapers to deal with, but if you're a parent you'll know that a diaper pail is THE essential item in a nursery.

Munchkin's Step Diaper Pail is sleek in design and unobtrusive, which is ideal because although a diaper pail is a nursery necessity, it's not something you want to stand out. The white stainless steel fits in nicely with the look of Everlys nursery, but most importantly of all, it does its job well. The step pedal makes it simple to use, and it's effective at preventing odors from escaping with its lavender scented baking soda and self-sealing systems that works by twisting the bag shut as the lid closes. I also love that it features a childproof locking system, because I quickly discovered that Henry loves delving in there in his attempt at helping. And the elongated design means I don't have to bend over to make the drop, which as a tall mama is a small mercy. When you already have a bad back from nursing and baby wearing around the clock, every little helps! It's made diaper changes one less thing to worry about and it looks good paired with the rest of Everly's nursery furniture.

So yes, life with two is intense! Some days we don’t get out of our pajamas until after midday. Other days we're up and out of the house early for one of Henry's toddler classes. It's all part of the ups and downs of motherhood.

In collaboration with Munchkin

How to Overcome A Traumatic Birth Experience 25 Apr 2016 3:00 AM (8 years ago)

Traumatic birth experiences. As if childbirth isn't emotionally and physically difficult enough as it is, there's those who will have a birth experience that will leave them traumatised, and possibly with PTSD. I've been unfortunate in that all three of my birth experiences have been traumatic - enduring 12 hours of labour with William and Noah, knowing that they would die soon after their birth; the anxiety during Henry's labour and the fear for his safety when the neonatal team arrived due to meconium being present; and the very fast and intense experience of precipitous labour with Everly.

Interestingly, it was only after my daughter's birth that the trauma of the experience affected me. Perhaps it is the culmination of three traumatic birth experiences, perhaps it's solely down to the way hers unfolded that was so different to my expectations, but either way, despite all of them being distressing experiences, it is her birth that has stayed with me, keeping me up at night as I replay it in my mind.

Precipitous labor is the medical term for labour that lasts less than 3 hours from the start of contractions to delivery. The contractions are intense - your body is going from zero to 10 centimeters at an extremely fast pace, and for labour to be completed in such a short length of time, the contractions are continuous and extremely long and intense right from the start, with no time to administer pain relief. I had no time to process my labour. One minute I was experiencing my first contraction, the next I had arrived at hospital with less than a minute between them and begging for someone to help me. I felt out of control, helpless and fearful.

Those are my experiences of traumatic births. There are a number of other events that can contribute to a traumatic birth experience. A lengthy labour or a short and very painful labour. Induction, poor pain relief, feelings of loss of control, high levels of medical intervention, emergency deliveries, impersonal treatment, not being listened to, fear for baby's safety, stillbirth, or baby’s stay in the SCBU or NICU. For parents, events around their baby’s birth may have been confusing, unexpected or unplanned.

Here are a number of ways that have personally helped me and I hope can aid others in recovering from a traumatic birth experience...

Write

Writing is such a cathartic process. It may be difficult, but it allows you to process your thoughts and clarify how you feel and pinpoint the particularly difficult parts. I write down my thoughts through my blog - sometimes I publish them, other times they stay in draft form. Jot down thoughts in a notebook, write in a journal or pen a letter to yourself. I found it particularly helpful to write out Everly's birth story and detail what had happened, step-by-step.

Cry

I believe in the power of tears. Let the tears come - don't suppress the emotions. Disappointment, sadness and grief all manifest through tears, and it the ultimate release. Only 30 minutes after arriving in hospital, I lay in bed with my newborn daughter in my arms and I cried due to the shock I was in over the whirlwind of events that had just taken place. I needed to let those tears come and acknowledge the disappointment I felt that yet another birth had become an unpleasant experience.

Talk

Whether it's with medical staff, the person who was present with you at the birth, a doula, or a counsellor, talking is a form of therapy, and an ideal way to explore your memories, feelings and thoughts surrounding a traumatic birth. When I was seeking out information about overcoming a traumatic birth experience, I discovered Birth Afterthoughts - a confidential service in the UK that provides an opportunity to discuss and understand what happened during the labour and birth process. It's the perfect opportunity to have any questions answered and fully understand the medical assessment and decision making process that took place.

Request Birth Notes

It's likely that the labour and birth were very different to your expectations and the plans you made during pregnancy. In the moment, you may not have had time to process what was happening, or the reasoning behind it, so reading over the birth notes at your own pace, in your own environment, can allow you to fill in any blanks and help you come to terms with the sequence of events.

Make a Complaint

This may not be applicable for every traumatic birth experience, but if you were treated in a poor manner, it can help provide closure and healing. William and Noah's birth was traumatic for obvious reasons, but with Everly's birth, the way I was dealt with contributed to the trauma I experienced. I should not have been treated the way that I was, and I don't want any other women to ever have that experience, either. The nurse in triage didn't check to see how dilated I was, she didn't check our baby's heartbeat, she didn't monitor my contractions, she refused to give me pain relief, and ultimately she did not believe that I was in labour until Everly's head was crowning. And this was despite informing her that my waters had broken with meconium present, and that I had tested positive for Group B Strep and needed antibiotics asap. No woman should feel so disregarded that she ends up pleading for help, and I will be lodging a complaint with the hospital.

Support Groups

It can be a huge helping talking to others who have been through the same, or a similar, experience. Search for Facebook Groups, find charities who offer support forums, or look for groups that meet locally. Getting in touch with other women who have experienced a traumatic birth gives you access to people who are able to hear, acknowledge and understand your experiences. Their support and understanding can be invaluable, especially as your closest friends and relatives are often unable to provide that level of comfort and comprehension.

Have you experienced a traumatic birth? Let me know what helped you recover from it.

10 Natural Teething Remedies 20 Apr 2016 12:00 AM (8 years ago)

Excessive drooling, red cheeks, irritability, constant gnawing on fingers and toes.... these are all the symptoms of teething and mean your little one is getting ready to sprout those first tiny milk teeth. When it comes to teething, I prefer to reach for natural remedies over medication, and I've tried an assortment of different products in the search of something that will help ease the pain of my little one's suffering. These are my 10 favourite natural teething remedies which I can always rely on to provide some relief for those sore gums...

1. Camilia Teething Relief Camilia is a natural one-product solution that contains no benzocaine, sugar, dyes or preservatives. I love the convenient single-use liquid oral doses, they're sterile and so easy to administer.

2. Comotomo Silicone Teether Both my little ones loved to chomp on their itty bitty fingers, but it can leave them looking a little red and sore, which is why I love the Comotomo Teether. It's perfectly designed for little hands to hold and features multiple baby-finger-shaped biting points to chew on. It's easy enough for even little baba's to use, plus it's made of 100% safe medical-grade silicone.

3. Bickiepegs Teething Biscuits These were a favourite with Henry. These hard, finger shaped biscuits are perfect to bite down on, and I love that they don't contain sugar.

4. Fox Wooden Teether This cute little teether features a clip, so it's always within reach when baby's gums need some relief.

5. Amber Necklace The premise behind these necklaces is that amber is a resin which when warmed by the body releases oils containing succinic acid – a natural pain reliever. The oils are absorbed through the skin and into the blood steam where they get to work improving immunity, relieving headaches, teething pain and reducing inflammation of the throat, ear and stomach.

6. Freezer Pop Moulds These are the perfect size for little hands to hold. Either freeze homemade fruit purees for a tasty and soothing treat, or use breastmilk if your baby is under 6 months.

7. Weleda Chamomilla Granules Made from soothing chamomile root, these granules are ideal for younger babies (they can be used from birth by being crushed and dissolved in cooled boiled water). The base granule is made from sucrose so it won't cause problems for lactose-intolerant babies, and they work for colic as well as teething pain.

8. Hyland's Natural Teething Tablets Just pop 2-3 of these tiny teething tablets under the tongue for fast relief. They dissolve almost immediately, so they don't pose a choking hazard, and quickly soothe baby's teething troubles.

9. Fresh Food Feeder These are great for soothing a baby's sore gums - just pop in a piece of frozen fruit and they can safely gnaw away!

10. Orajel Baby Naturals Teething Gel Containing no benzocaine, parabens, belladonna or dyes, this homeopathic formula immediately soothes irritated gums and calms restlessness.

The age old favourite of freezing a wet washcloth is also an easy and effective way of helping soothe sore gums! What are your go-to teething remedies?

Co-Sleeping With The BabyBay 8 Apr 2016 12:00 AM (9 years ago)

When I was pregnant with our baby girl, I spent hours searching for the right place for her to sleep for the first six months of her life. Whereas Henry had slept in a moses basket, and then a small crib besides our bed, I knew I wanted something different this time around. I'd read about the benefits of co-sleeping, (or side-sleeping), and I'd also become a lot more aware about the importance of using an organic mattress when it came to a baby's sleep environment.

What I loved about co-sleepers was that I would be able to see and hear my baby with her being so close to me, without the danger of her actually being in bed with us. It would mean no getting out of bed numerous times each night (a huge plus if you've had stitches or you're recovering from a caesarian) to feed, soothe, and cuddle our newborn, which can exacerbate the already overwhelming exhaustion. Night time nursing sessions would be a lot easier, too.

It wasn't just for my benefit either. I knew that newborns love to be in close contact with their parents, where they feel comforted and safe. A co-sleeper allows baby to sense and smell their parent, helping nurture that special bond. It sounded like the ideal sleep solution for a newborn. Safe and secure in their own crib, yet within an arms reach to comfort and soothe. Now I just had to find one.

I soon discovered that here in the USA, there is a very limited choice of co-sleepers available, and none which fit the criteria I was looking for. So I started researching what other countries used. The SnuzPod (owned by pretty much every blogger that has given birth in the past year). The Halo Bassinest. The Chicco Next to Me. But none of these were right. I wanted a wooden co-sleeper, no plastic, no mesh sides, no foam mattress. I didn't want it to cost a fortune, either.

And hallelujah, after months of research, I stumbled across the BabyBay, and it ticked every single box. The multi award winning Babybay is THE original bedside cot and offers all the benefits of co-sleeping without the risks. Not only was it everything I was looking for, it’s versatile (a side rail can be added to make it a stand alone cot, and lockable wheels can be added for extra mobility), plus once your child has outgrown the crib, it can be adapted using a selection of accessories. It can be transformed into a bench, a desk, a highchair. Far for being a 6 month wonder, Babybay offers years of flexible use, making it good value for money.

I love that the BabyBay is designed and manufactured in Europe from locally sourced, sustainable natural beechwood, which offers antibacterial and antistatic protection. The water-based finishes are non-toxic with zero or low VOC, to promote a healthy sleep environment.

The BabyBay is priced at a whopping $445 here in the USA, but through my research, I found that a lot of UK parents were buying the crib from Amazon Germany, where it's very popular and a lot cheaper. So I did the same, at a price of just £85, and I ordered a Little Green Sheep Organic Mattress from Amazon UK and had that shipped over too.

It took just one week to arrive, and only 15 minutes to assemble. The sleeping platform (which also features ventilation holes) can be raised and lowered easily using an allan key, allowing for quick adjustments. Once attached to our bed, it was extremely sturdy, solid and secure. It sits completely level with our mattress, with no gaps or any risk of slippage between the crib and our bed.

It's now been 4.5 months since we first placed our baby girl beside us in the BabyBay, and we're still loving having her so close to us. With hindsight, I should have opted for the BabyBay Maxi - their larger version - but I didn't realise we would have such a long baby! I'm hoping for another month before we reluctantly make the transition to her own room. If you're looking for a natural, wooden co-sleeper with an organic mattress, I highly recommend the BabyBay. Affordable, safe and it looks pretty cute, too!

Breastfeeding - The Essentials 1 Apr 2016 1:00 AM (9 years ago)

Breastfeeding requires a lot of dedication and perseverance, and it can actually be difficult to get the hang of it - for both mama and baby. So anything which makes it that bit more comfortable and easy to manage can be a lifesaver, especially in the early days when you're dealing with engorged breasts, cracked nipples and hours upon hours of nursing. So for all of you mamas out there that are, or will be, nursing your sweet babies, here is a list of my breastfeeding essentials, which have really helped me when it came to nursing both my little ones.

1. Medela Swing Breast Pump

Whether you want to introduce a bottle of expressed milk to your baby, build a stash for going back to work, or just relieve engorged breasts, the Medela Swing Breast Pump is my favourite of all the breast pumps I’ve used. Its small size means it's convenient to store (or fit in your handbag) and it's ideal for helping to build your milk supply. What I love about the Medela is the way that it mimics the way a baby suckles - fast in the beginning to stimulate the let down, and slower and more forceful once the milk is flowing. I once tried a manual pump and expressed absolutely nothing... then I used the Medela Swing Pump and was over the moon to pump 4oz just on one side.

2. Undercover Mama Camisole

I tried using a nursing cover a few times with Henry and didn't like it - it inhibited my view, left us both hot and I was constantly having to rearrange it whilst feeding. This time around, I knew I didn't want to be messing around with a cover, but I wanted to limit my skin exposure when nursing in public, for the sake of my own inhibitions.

I love Undercover Mama because it clips onto any nursing bra and transforms it into a cami, so if you need to lift up your top to feed, having this on underneath keeps your stomach covered, which is ideal for the immediate postpartum wobbly stage, plus it keeps you warm! I either wear them on their own around the house, or under non-nursing tops, which eliminates the need for buying special (and usually expensive) nursing clothing.

3. Washable Bamboo Breast Pads

Breast pads that are soft and absorbent are so important to have on hand in those first few weeks, and as you continue nursing. Any breastfeeding mama that has forgotten to put in her pads understands the importance of these! Milk doesn't just let down when you're feeding. Random baby crying... looking at photos of your children... generally feeling happy... yep, here comes the milk! I love washable bamboo breast pads as they're super soft, extremely absorbent and not at all bulky. They come in packs so you always have some to wear whilst others are in the wash and they dry really quickly. For when I'm leaving the house and want something a little more secure, I rely on Lansinoh Disposable Nursing Pads to stay in place and keep me free from milk stains.

4. Burp Cloths
Neither Henry or Everly spit up a lot, but they both had trouble with my fast let down, which meant a lot of spilled milk when they were learning to control the flow. There were also many times when Everly would pull off the breast, but the milk just kept on flowing! Nobody wants to end up with milk-soaked clothes, so I always tuck a burp cloth underneath me as I nurse, to soak up any spills and keep both of us dry. Of course, it's also great to use as a burp cloth that you throw over your shoulder. These SwaddleDesigns Muslin Burpies are incredibly soft and absorbent and feature a reversible pattern. They're the perfect size for rolling up and popping in the changing bag, too.

5. BKR Water Bottle
Your body needs a lot of water, and breastfeeding is thirsty work. There were so many occasions with Henry when he'd fallen asleep whilst feeding and I didn't dare move and wake him - so I sat for hours, unable to reach my water although I was desperate for a sip! Having a water bottle close to hand means you can drink as you feed and stay hydrated. I love this glass BKR bottle which has a silicone sleeve and looks cute, too.

6. My Brest Friend Breastfeeding Pillow

After researching a few nursing pillows, I came across 'My Brest Friend,' which seemed to be the best of the bunch. Unlike most others available which have an open design, it clips around the waist, securely keeping it place and supporting the back, as well as giving you a place to rest your arm. Using the pillow made breastfeeding so much more comfortable and stopped the backache I experienced when I tried to nurse with no support.

The cover is removable and washable, and also has a little elasticated pocket on the side, which is a great feature for keeping any extras like Infacol, lip balm or a burp cloth nearby. Whilst I did stop using this after a few months once Everly was bigger, it was an absolute essential when I was getting the hang of nursing again. It really is worth investing in - I used it 8 times a day for the first 3 months with both my babies - it's definitely earned its worth!

7. Nursing Bras

Having to wear a bra all day and all night isn't so great (we all know how good it feels to take it off at the end of the day) so I was searching for a completely soft, comfortable nursing bra that I could also choose to sleep in. I love Emma Jane for all of those reasons – it almost feels as though I have no bra on. The band doesn't cut into my ribs, it gives minimal support but still keeps things contained and it holds a breast pad on one side for letdown during those nighttime nursing sessions! For more structure and prettiness, I can't fault Bravado, which gives great support and shape without any underwires.

Little Extras
Nipple Balm
Although somehow I magically never needed it, nipple cream proves invaluable to a lot of breastfeeding mamas, particularly in the early days when babies nurse pretty much constantly day and night. Lansinoh Lanolin Cream and Earth Mama Angel Baby Natural Nipple Butter both get amazing reviews, and I always have some on hand, just in case.

Tracker App
Another lifesaver during those first few days and weeks. In the haze of sleep deprivation and countless feeds and nappy changes, a tracker app allows you to easily keep note of when you feed, which side, and for how long. I use 'BabyConnect' from the App store and it enables me to log everything from feeds, sleeps and nappies, to weight and length measurements. I absolutely love having all of that information in one place and in my phone, because I pretty much always have my phone within reach when I'm breastfeeding!

Ddrops Baby Liquid Vitamin D3
Baby Ddrops were recommended to me by the pediatrician, as they're specifically designed to support breastfed babies to ensure they're getting enough Vitamin D. Just one drop contains the recommended dose of 400 IU, without any other chemicals or additives. The best thing about these drops is they're so easy to administer - just pop a single drop on the nipple at the beginning of a feed once day!

Are you a breastfeeding mama? What are your nursing essentials?

Everly's First Easter 30 Mar 2016 12:00 AM (9 years ago)

I hope all my lovely readers had a wonderful Easter break, despite what I hear the weather was like back in the UK! Easter is a big holiday here in the US. The stores are filled with all the Easter paraphernalia you can think of - ready filled Easter baskets, an entire 30ft aisle filled with an assortment of egg shaped candy and chocolate, books, crafts, toys and religious items. Not to mention all the Easter egg hunts in different locations, photos with the Easter Bunny, an Easter parade and a Spring petting farm at the mall.

Easter has always been a time when we visit family, so it was bittersweet this year, as it was our first with Everly with us, but also our second Easter away from our parents and my brothers, nieces and nephews. We couldn't help but feel homesick when we looked out of the window and saw cars lined up outside our neighbours homes.

Nevertheless, we had a lovely few days together as a family of four. This was the first Easter when Henry could actually participate in an egg hunt. I have such fond memories from when I was a little girl and my brothers and I would eagerly run out into the garden in search of treats from the Easter Bunny, so I was excited to start the tradition with Henry. Our backyard here in Virginia (the word 'garden' somehow doesn't fit anymore and feels too English!) is around 50 times the size of the one we left behind in our small Victorian terraced house, so I had a fantastic time finding lots of secret spots to hide the eggs!

We didn't want Henry to gorge on too much chocolate, so we opted for colourful plastic eggs which I filled with a variety of mini chocolate eggs and little toys. It was a delight to watch him search through the trees and leaves, exclaiming in excitement when he found an egg. Watching our little boy run around the large expanse of grass under the impossibly clear blue sky, with the sun warming our bare skin, just confirmed for us that we made the right decision in moving to America.

Easter was also special for us as Everly chose to celebrate by rolling from her back to front for the first time - whilst on a Skype call to Granny and Grandad no less! All in all, it was a really lovely weekend, filled with many special moments. I just love all the happy memories that are being made here.

The Reflux Baby Survival Kit 27 Mar 2016 11:30 PM (9 years ago)

Henry had severe silent reflux disease as a baby, and it took 3 months before he was even diagnosed as having GERD by a paediatrician. For those who have never had a GERD baby, it means constant screaming and baby being very difficult to get to sleep and stay asleep. It was an unimaginably hellish three months, and Matt and I had to quickly find a way to help soothe and settle Henry as much as possible. As (bad) luck would have it, Everly also has reflux, although thankfully nowhere near as bad as Henry had it. I'd describe hers more of a discomfort than agony, but nevertheless, we've used the same items with her as we did with Henry to make her more comfortable. If you're suffering along with your reflux baby and wondering how on earth to make life more bearable, try the items below and hopefully it will bring you and your little one some relief.

1. Cloud B Sleep Sheep

White noise is often suggested as a sure-fire way to soothe a baby. This cute little lamb has four sounds and two timer options - 23 minutes and 45 minutes. We opted for the 'On the Go' version, which is smaller and easier to transport. Most of the time this stays velcroed to the crib, but we've also attached it to the car seat and we'll be taking it on holiday with us next month. There have been so many times when we've reached over to switch this on when Everly has woken in the night and it's settled her back to sleep. I have to admit, Matt and I also enjoy the soothing sounds of waves as we drift off!

2. Fisher-Price Newborn Rock 'n Play

Babies with reflux hate to lie down flat as it aggravates the acid being brought up. Henry and Everly both screamed when we attempted to lie them down, so we needed to find alternatives so we could all get some rest. The Rock n' Play was a life saver in the early weeks with Everly when she was unable to sleep in her bassinet at night. The incline is the ideal angle for helping keep milk and acid down, plus the curved legs are perfect for easily rocking baby back to sleep. On the occasional bad night we still resort to using this and it always lets get in a few hours of sleep. I just wish this had been available to us when Henry was a baby!

3. MAM Soother

How I wish Henry had taken a dummy, but the only soother he was interested in was his mama's boob! Pacifiers help stop the acid from coming back up the throat, so we tried one with Everly and it has definitely helped us settle and calm her down.

4. SwaddleMe Original Swaddle

Swaddles are great for settling babies by mimicking the safe and secure feeling of being in utero and inhibiting the startle reflex which can easily wake them. I have traumatic memories of trying to rock Henry to sleep and he'd be writhing in my arms, arching his back and clawing at me due to the pain he was in. Swaddling calmed him down and allowed me to rock him to sleep without me ending up looking like I'd been in a fight with a cat. I love the SwaddleMe as it's foolproof to use with the velcro tabs and it has an easy opening to enable middle of the night diaper changes without having to take the whole thing off.

5. Baby Wrap

There are two reasons why baby wraps are perfect for babies with reflux. Firstly, they keep baby in an upright position which means less acid being brought up. Secondly, it's such a comfort for them to be snuggled up tight against their mama or dada and hearing that familiar heartbeat. Everly took all her naps in the wrap for the first three months, falling asleep almost instantly after I'd placed her in it. This is what got me through those first few difficult months!

Have you got a reflux baby? Let me know what works for you!

Everly Rose at 3 Months 17 Mar 2016 10:00 PM (9 years ago)

She is almost four months old, our Everly Rose. How swiftly time has taken our days, replacing those warm, sleepy newborn cuddles with an active yet placid baby girl, who is quickly learning how to clutch onto things that she desires. She gazes at me, her mother, with those big beautiful eyes that follow me as I move, her face lighting up as I approach her. I wonder what she sees when she looks at me.

Her smile is crooked and her hair is longer, growing ever lighter. Our beautiful girl clasps her hands together and curls her tiny toes. She pulls off when she's nursing to give me smiles, those soul searching blue eyes looking up into mine. She has a dimple inside her right cheek that shows itself when the melody of laughter bubbles up out of her.

She is small and soft. She is serenely quiet, watching her family go about her, her tranquility only interspersed with a giggle when she is amused by something that her big brother has done. She is tranquil and calm. A sweet angel amongst the chaos that is family life. Our gentle rose.

Weight & Height: Everly started out as a very chubby baby, being 8lbs 3oz at birth, but she's now at a very petite 10th percentile for weight. She is a slight little girl - long and lean, just like her mama!

Sizes of... Clothes: 3-6 months // Nappies: 1

Nursing: I'm still exclusively breastfeeding, and nursing Everly every 3-4 hours in the day, and pretty much whenever she wakes during the night. I'm conscious that she is on the smaller side, so I don't want to stick to any schedules or prolong the length between feeds if she wants her milk earlier.

Health: Our little darling is still suffering with reflux. We're now on the third medication, forever in search of something that will ease her discomfort and take her back to being that content little baby she once was. It pains me to see her in distress. What once were beautiful breastfeeding moments have now become desperate cries of sorrow, and I wish I could help her, but there's nothing I can do. We can only hope the medication takes effect soon or she outgrows it.

Sleep: Sleep has become a battle. Whereas once we were enjoying 5-8 hour stretches at night, Everly now wakes every 2-3 hours, the discomfort of her reflux startling her from her slumber. It has been exhausting for us all, and I feel more tired now that I did in those early newborn days. Nap times are even more difficult and hard to come by. Lengthy rocking, shushing, and nursing are all required to lull her to sleep, all the while she is screaming like a cat, and a mere 40 minutes later after she has finally drifted off, she will start crying again. I wish sleep didn't have to be this difficult for her.

Likes: Being lifted high up as I sing to her. Kisses on her neck and ribs. Tummy time is a favourite as she can watch the world (of Henry) go by. 'This Little Piggy' on those tickly little toes of hers. Watching Henry play and having him interact with her. He always gets the most giggles out of her.

Dislikes: Oh, how our baby girl despises her car seat. She screams and screams, her delicate body racked with sobs, tiny tears rolling down those sweet cheeks of hers, and nothing will comfort her. I frantically hold her hands, stroke her hair, sing to her, pop her paci in, until the tears are streaming down my face too, seeing my darling baby so upset. I don't dare drive her anywhere on my own, it is too traumatic, and even when Matt and I are together we try and only take her in the car when we absolutely have to.

Development: Everly is growing more vocal by the day, practicing using that dear voice of hers by cooing and shrieking with delight. She has found her hands and discovered all that they can do, by reaching and grabbing for toys and bringing them to her mouth. I think we're seeing the start of teething, as she's constantly chewing on her little fists and has had some fretful days.

Whereas a month or so ago she liked to be held constantly, Everly's now more content to do tummy time on her playmat or sit in her bouncer. I think it must be due to her eyesight developing - she can see I'm still nearby and doesn't panic! Vision Direct has just launched a great interactive tool for seeing the world through your baby's eyes and taking a look at how your their eyesight changes during their first year. I find it fascinating to see how little babies can actually see when they are very new, and it makes even more sense that they need that close contact in the early months to feel reassured and safe.

Introducing a Bottle to a Breastfed Baby 9 Mar 2016 1:00 AM (9 years ago)

Although I absolutely love breastfeeding Everly, sometimes it can feel a little overwhelming, being the sole source of nourishment for your baby. So I was keen to introduce her to a bottle once she hit the 7 week mark, which would give me the freedom of being away from her for more than a few hours if needed. I was looking for a bottle which would allow me to feed her a little expressed milk each day without her getting confused or later rejecting the breast, and the Munchkin Latch line has allowed just that. I love their products - very innovative and specifically designed to meet the needs of a breastfeeding mama.

The Munchkin Latch bottle is designed to ease the transition from breast to bottle by mimicking the breast which avoids nipple confusion. The accordion shaped teat allows for movement without breaking the latch (Everly certainly likes to wriggle and look around during feeds!) and an anti-colic valve reduces the amount of air swallowed during feeding. Everly is notorious for gulping air when I nurse her, so it was a small blessing to have this in place to reduce the likelihood of any gas-induced grizzles.

Having a new baby whilst chasing around after a toddler means I need products that do their job without any fuss and make the whole process of raising two little ones that much easier. The specially designed Munchkin brushes, paired with the sterilizing bags and adjustable nursing pads make the whole process of pumping, cleaning and sterlizing that much quicker. I wash all my pumping gear and bottles by hand, so finding a specially designed bottle and pumping brush where teeny tiny brushes are conveniently stored inside the handle got me very excited - anything to make being a mama easier is a joy! I love that the large conical brush head and small mascara-style brushes mean I can thoroughly clean all the parts, which I was struggling to do with the generic bottle brushes on the market.

Let me know mamas, how did you introduce a bottle to your breastfed baby?

In collaboration with Munchkin

My True Love 8 Mar 2016 3:00 AM (9 years ago)

I'm in love with a boy.

He has shown me a new way of viewing the world. For him, everything is an adventure, and he finds wonder in things I once found ordinary. We sit and gaze up at the trees that surround us, his fingers in my hair and the glow of the late afternoon sun warming our faces, and he tells me about all the things that intrigue him. His enthusiasm and zest for life bring me to life.

His hands cup my face, and he gazes at me deeply with eyes so blue they are like the ocean, infinite in their intensity, holding truths about the purest kind of love that exists. When he embraces me, the world stops for a moment, and we are frozen in time, a warm aura around us. He holds me, and I feel truly loved, more so than ever before. He tells me that I make him happy, and I can see it written all over his beautiful face.

He has opened my heart and shown me how to love in a way I had never experienced before - so powerful and unwavering.

A mother's love.

A love like no other.

Chocolate, Banana & Peanut Butter Lactation Smoothie 18 Feb 2016 1:00 AM (9 years ago)

As a breastfeeding mama, I'm conscious of keeping up my milk supply so I can continue nursing Everly for as along as possible. I started reading up on superfoods that boost lactation, and discovered flaxseed is great for breast milk production, as well as being high in Omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and fibre. Then I discovered that lactation smoothies are a thing, and I couldn't wait to try out a recipe. This is my favourite by far - it is so quick to make and satisfies my hunger when I don't have time to make a proper lunch.

Ingredients:
1 Banana
2 Tbsp Peanut Butter
2 Tbsp Flaxseed
1 Cup Almond Milk
1 Sachet Carnation Breakfast Essentials (Sugar-Free Milk Chocolate Flavour)

Simply blitz the ingredients together in a blender for a few seconds and serve, it's that simple! Overall, this is a really nutritious smoothie - I use Silk Unsweetened Almond Milk, which contains 50% more calcium than dairy milk, the peanut butter adds protein, and a sachet of Carnation Breakfast Essentials contains 21 vitamins and minerals (plus it gives it that delicious chocolate flavour!)

As a side note, Henry also LOVES this smoothie, and always asks for a cup of his own when I make it. He refuses to drink cows milk, and doesn't like cheese, so this is a great way of ensuring he's getting all the calcium he needs.

Tips:
- Ground flaxseed is easier to digest - be sure to store it in the fridge once it's been opened
- Use a frozen banana or add 1/2 cup ice to thicken the consistency of the smoothie
- Try adding Brewer's Yeast or 1/2 cup of oats, which are also good for aiding milk production

What I'm Reading: Books to Inspire 14 Feb 2016 12:00 AM (9 years ago)

Around this time last year, I talked about three books that have inspired me and helped me to lead a more fulfilling life. Today's post is a continuation of that, with another collection of books that have enhanced my outlook on life and led to some positive changes.

Simplicity Parenting

Much like The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying, Simplicity Parenting focuses on stripping away unnecessary distractions and reclaiming space and freedom, thereby allowing children's attention to deepen and individuality to flourish. It explores ways to streamline your home environment, reduce the amount of toys, books and clutter that have accumulated, and ridding the home of sensory overload. I love that way it talks about the importance of establishing rhythms and rituals, which give a child a sense of security and reassurance, and how it reveals the enormous benefits of leading a more calm and connected life with, and for, your children.

The Clean Eating Cookbook & Diet

As I mentioned in my New Year's post, I'm embarking on a healthier lifestyle, and changing my diet is a huge part of that. For too long now, I have been guilty of consuming junk food, and my body is finally revealing the consequences of my indulgence. This book covers the fundamentals of clean eating in manageable bullet points and paragraphs. The simple format allows me to dip into it quickly and efficiently whenever I have a moment, and simply skim reading it in my spare time has allowed me to learn a lot and feel inspired to change my eating habits. What I especially appreciated in this book was a 14 Day Clean Eating Meal Plan (breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks all included) with the addition of a shopping list, broken down into categories and listing specific amounts needed to follow the plan. This is a huge time saver and makes the whole process of switching to healthier diet much easier. There are over 100 healthy whole food recipes listed, and much to my surprise, I didn't balk at the the mere thought of them, and I'm excited to put into practice what I've read.

Unworking

This is a book that truly has the power to drastically change a person's life. Following one man's journey as he quits his high paid job, steps away from the 9-5 working life we've all been conditioned to participate in, and embarks on a new and fulfilling life with his wife and children. The basic premise behind his story is that nobody should waste the best years of their life on a job, only to wake up at 65 years old and realise they've wasted their life. It's a book I will talk about in more depth in another post, as it's something that has really resonated with our family and we're hoping to put some of the theory into practice. A truly inspiring book that opens your eyes to a whole other world of possibility.

What are you currently reading? Let me know your recommendations!

Life With Everly Rose - 2 Months Old 9 Feb 2016 12:00 AM (9 years ago)

I wish time would slow down a little. I cannot believe our little girl who I swear was only just born is now almost three months old. I've already had to pack away a whole bundle of clothing that she'd outgrown which was an emotional ordeal, and she's racing through so many milestones. Everly is such a content, happy little thing. She rarely cries, and gives constant smiles. I adore her sweet little face - her tiny upturned nose, those little pink rosebud lips, and her big blue almond shaped eyes. And I just love nuzzling into her soft fluffy hair, she is too cute!

Weight & Height: 10lbs (25%) and 22.5 inches (90%)

Sizes of…. Clothes: 0-3 Months // Nappies: 1

Health: We had a horrible scare last week. After mentioning in passing to our pediatrician that Everly's legs often went rigid, suddenly everything got very serious and next thing we knew she was having blood taken, being referred to the ER and then admitted overnight for more blood tests, an EEG and a barium swallow test. Long story short - she is fine and it is most likely Sandifer Syndrome, which is a symptom of her reflux, but it is harmless and it's something she'll soon outgrow. It was beyond upsetting to see our little girl having needles poked into her (it is ridiculously difficult to take blood from such tiny veins so there were many tried and failed attempts) and electrodes stuck to her head whilst hearing her screams, and I too had one or two sobbing sessions from the stress of it all. I hope to never see her in hospital again.

We discovered at Everly's 2 month checkup that she'd dropped from the 50th to 25th centile for weight, so we're keeping an eye on it. I suspect tongue tie might be an issue which would affect my supply and how well she can take milk from me, so we'll be seeing a lactation consultant this week to talk things over. I'm hoping I won't have to supplement or switch to formula, but it might have to be done to get her gaining at a good pace. I need to put some chub back on this bub!

Sleep: We were treated to two nights where she slept through the night (9pm-5am) but since then, she's gone back to waking around twice each night. A natural routine of sorts has developed for her daytime naps. I nurse her, she has an hour of awake time (including the feed) and then it's time for a snooze. She still mostly takes naps in the Solly Baby Wrap, but I'm working on getting her to sleep in her crib in the daytime. It's just so much quicker and easier to pop her in the wrap and walk about for a few minutes instead of half an hour of rocking, shushing and patting, followed by the tentative transition from arms to crib, and the tiptoe to the door, all the while praying she doesn't wake up so you don't have to start the process all over again!

Milestones: Everly treats us to plenty of smiles and giggles, and she's doing well with tummy time, doing mini push-ups and peering around the room. She has also mastered the front-to-back roll, and can roll onto her side from her back.

Likes: Everly loves, loves, LOVES when I sing to her. She beams up at me, her little nose wrinkling in delight and her eyes twinkling with joy. Her favourite song is, 'Que Sera Sera,' which is the same song my mum used to sing to me when I was little. She loves watching Henry play (and he equally loves showing her his toys and demonstrating how they work!) and she enjoys being held upright and walked around the house so she can look at her surroundings. Bath time is always a favourite, too.

Dislikes: Everly absolutely hates her carseat. For a baby who is otherwise very calm and content, she saves a special kind of scream for the carseat. Needless to say, we all dread car journey's and have to steel ourselves for an unpleasant ride.

Favourite Memory This Month: Everly was lying on her playmat, Henry was beside me, and I was singing sweet nothings to them both whilst strumming on my ukulele, with Everly gazing up at me and giving me the biggest smiles and shrieks of joy.

First Snow 28 Jan 2016 12:00 AM (9 years ago)

There is something quite magical about snow. The way it glitters on the ground, so pure and fresh. It's not something you see too frequently in England, so to witness a Virginian snowstorm, in all its white fury, was a mesmerising sight. It came down in a thick, fast flurry, settling heavily on all that lay beneath it, transforming our world into a real life snow globe.

After the blizzard was over, the snow began to fall more gently, and watching from the warm, safe haven of home was so peaceful. I was rocking Everly, her head on my shoulder, softly singing to her, the angel wing softness of her hair brushing against my cheek, and I gazed up at the glowing halo of the moon and felt such a sense of calm in the midst of this white wonderland. And I remembered those word that fit so perfectly... "The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow. Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below."

Matt and I had dreamy romantic ideas about racing down hills on a sled with the children, the wind fast against our ears and shrieks of delight, but what we hadn't known was that toddlers and babies aren't quite so keen on the snow. After spending a careful half hour wrapping Henry in thick layers, rendering him almost completely immobile, we eagerly led him out into the snow only to have him look about, realise his small body wasn't capable of fighting fifteen inches of snow, and then ask to go back inside. As for Everly, she blinked furiously in the bright white light and let out a soft sad cry when we set her down, her bottom lip quivering at the shock of it all. So it was a quick round of photographs before we headed back inside for some cosy cuddles and a freshly baked chocolate cake.

Becoming A Big Brother 23 Jan 2016 1:00 AM (9 years ago)

A sudden cry fills the previously peaceful space, and seconds later, the fast thunder of tiny feet running. Henry, racing to comfort his baby sister, his desire to reach her so great he doesn't even question dropping his treasured collection of cars in favour of rushing to her rescue.

"It's alright Evvy, don't cry little one," his soft little voice says, and I look over from where I'm stood in the kitchen to see a chubby hand reach out to stroke her soft dark hair, his head tilted with concern, and a smile passes across my lips to see my little boy being so tender towards his baby sister.

Henry delights in being a big brother. He has always been a very loving and affectionate child, but from reading others experiences, I had prepared myself for some tantrums and perhaps a little jealousy when we brought Everly home, particularly as Henry and I have always been exceptionally close. For twenty-five months he and I had enjoyed being together all day, every day, and I wondered if our new baby girl would feel like an intrusion for him - an interruption of our previously exclusive relationship.

As a believer in the principles of attachment parenting, Everly and I have physical contact for most part of the day, either through breastfeeding or wearing her in my wrap, so I thought Henry may feel a little pushed out when his mama suddenly brought home a new baby who never left my side. But from the moment she arrived, Henry has adored Everly. His face lit up when he laid his eyes upon her for the first time, a smile brightening his face as he leaned in close to greet this little creature who he'd been waiting to meet for so long, and an exclamation of, "Aww, tiny baby so cute!"

Throughout the day he asks me to, "talk to Evvy, mummy," and we both sit beside her and hold her miniature hands and chat to her about what we've been doing, watching her sweet baby face give dimpled smiles in response. He asks me to sing to her, to read to her, and I happily oblige, passing the hours with fantastical tales and melodic rhymes, these two dear children of mine my captive audience with their big eyes which follow my every move.

He brings his toys over to "show Evvy," and tells her how they'll play together when she's older. He offers her his most beloved possession, his raggedy bunny Minna - an honour bestowed upon only a precious few. He is forever giving her cuddles and sniffing her hair ("mmm, smells of flowers!") and my most treasured moment between them - a stroke of her face and a gentle kiss as he then looked into her eyes and said, "Aww, my little darling."

Watching your children together, it creates a whole new feeling of wonderment. No words can describe what my heart feels - it is a love like no other. I will cherish watching their relationship develop, their bond growing as they do. It is such a gift to have a sibling to share your childhood with. A whole collection of moments and memories awaits them, and I feel so blessed to be able to witness it.

Everly Rose - 1 Month Old 12 Jan 2016 6:00 AM (9 years ago)

Life seems to go into super speed when you have a newborn. The last 7 weeks have absolutely flown by and it's difficult to remember a time when Everly wasn't with us. I'd been very apprehensive about the newborn stage with our baby girl, as we had such a horrendous time with Henry due to his undiagnosed gastroesophageal reflux disease and cows milk allergy. Thankfully, Everly has been so much easier than her big brother was, so I'm able to enjoy the newborn stage for the first time. With Matt taking 3 weeks off for paternity leave, which was soon followed by the Christmas break, it's really the first time I've been alone with both children for an extended period of time. It's still early days of learning to juggle a toddler and newborn whilst also taking care of myself, so I consider any day I manage to get us all dressed, fed and teeth brushed to be a success! I haven't yet braved taking them both out alone, but it is currently -5'C here so I think we're better off snuggling down inside!

Weight & Height:

At her 4 week checkup, Everly weighed in at 9lbs 4oz and measured at 22 inches, putting her at the 50th centile for weight and 91st centile for height. She's tall like her mama! This has meant she barely fit into newborn clothes (luckily we hadn't bought many in this size) and moved onto 0-3 pretty quickly. I know it won't be long until I'll have to switch her into 3-6 months, which seems ridiculous as she's still looks very much like a newborn, but this little girl's legs are long and they need room to stretch!

Health:

We had a scare after Everly's newborn screening results indicated she may have Cystic Fibrosis, and we needed to take her to have a sweat test. I mentioned in my first trimester post that my blood tests had shown me to be a carrier for CF, but Matt had tested negative much to our relief. For a baby to have CF, both parents need to be carriers, and although Matt had tested negative, they only test for the most common mutations, so there was still a possibility that Everly could have the disease if Matt had a rare mutation. We took our brand new baby girl to the hospital where they strapped electrodes to her tiny arms and ran a mild electric current through to stimulate her sweat glands, before placing gauze on her to collect the sweat over a 30 minute period. Strangely enough, the worst part wasn't the electrodes (Everly was actually fine with them) it was the doctor pulling off the tape that had been used to secure the gauze. Our sweet little girl cried like we'd never seen her cry before, which just broke my heart, but thankfully she soon calmed down and dozed off. Luckily we didn't have to wait too long to get the results, and later that day we were told the good news that Everly didn't have Cystic Fibrosis, which was a huge relief.

Around the 4 week mark, Everly developed severe baby acne, which completely covered her lovely little face and reached her neck and chest. What once had been soft and smooth baby skin was now painful looking red, inflamed bumps. Due to the severity of it, our pediatrician prescribed an anti-fungal cream, which cleared it up in just a few days.

After a few weeks, we also noticed that Everly was displaying the same symptoms of reflux that Henry had had as a newborn, albeit not as bad (constant crying instead of constant screaming). She wasn't feeding well, she wasn't sleeping well, and if awake, she was crying. She's now on the same medication that Henry had which has worked well, and we have our calm and happy baby girl back again.

Sleep:

After the sleepy newborn haze had lifted, it soon became apparent that Everly suffered from reflux, and was unable sleep lying flat on her back. After all my hours of research into co-sleepers and organic mattresses, out of desperation we ended up placing her in the Rock n' Play to sleep, which elevated her and allowed her (and us!) to get some sleep. Once her medication was working, she started sleeping in her BabyBay crib again, and we've been treated to quite a few 4 hour blocks here and there. In the day, naps are taken on her mama using the Solly Baby Wrap. It's a miracle worker and sends her off to sleep within minutes, leaving me with my hands free to get things done around the house and play with Henry.

Social:
Everly is such a smiley little baby. She gave us her first smile on Christmas Eve when she was 5 weeks old, and she's been giving them freely ever since. It is the best feeling when I go to her and she responds with a big smile, lots of cooing and an excited kicking of her legs. She sometimes treats us with a giggle, too! I love seeing her little dimple and hearing her sweet voice. She likes to be included in the family, so we make she can see us all when she's in her bouncer, and she happily looks about at us all as we chat together.

Breastfeeding:

Nursing started well initially, but then we started facing the same problems I had with Henry - choking, gasping, wriggling, pulling off and occasionally crying. Instead of the calm and peaceful breastfeeding sessions I'd been enjoying, it had turned into a wrestling match where we were both left tearful and frustrated. I knew it was due to her reflux, and once her medication had kicked in, the problems disappeared. I still have a forceful letdown which she can struggle with, but otherwise it's all settled down and she's feeding every 3-4 hours in the day and usually 4-5 at night. I have a Medela breast pump which I'll be using soon, so we can start giving her a bottle of expressed milk each day and I can have some time off once in a while!

Likes:

Everly loves being chatted to (Henry is always telling me "talk to Evvy, mummy," and being amongst the family. She sleeps best on mama and dada's chest, she enjoys watching Henry play and she is very calm and peaceful at bath time. She loves when I kiss her tiny toes and lets out a big laugh!

- - -

I just adore our darling Everly Rose. I'm completely captivated by her beautiful almond shaped eyes, her sweet little upturned nose and fluffy chick hair that sticks straight up in the air! She is such a blessing to our family and each day I love discovering more of her personality. It's a joy to see the interaction between her and Henry, it is just the sweetest thing when he gives her cuddles and kisses, or says "it's ok Evvy, it's ok" and strokes her head when she cries. They are my world.

2015: A Year of Change 4 Jan 2016 2:00 AM (9 years ago)

Wishing all of my readers a wonderful New Year! I hope the festive period bought you much merriment and that the arrival of 2016 has been met with excited anticipation. The end of a year always serves as a reminder to reflect on the months gone by - what has changed, the highs and lows, the hopes and wishes for the year ahead. 2015 has felt the fastest year of my life. A whirlwind that saw time slipping away so easily, and now when I look back on photographs taken at the beginning of last year, I cannot believe how much Henry has changed and developed. A visual reminder to celebrate each and every day and the ordinary yet precious moments they bring.

THE YEAR GONE BY

So much change, love, happiness and freedom has come to our family in 2015. I look back on the past year and feel truly blessed. The beginning of 2015 saw a big change on our horizon - a move to America. It was something I had expected to carefully document here on my blog, but the joy of a new pregnancy was tainted with severe sickness which was so debilitating that I wasn't able to do anything at all, which lead to a long absence from blogging and social media.

The first few months here in the USA were difficult. We were in temporary accommodation for longer than we had expected, and what we thought would be a month at most stretched slowly into eight long weeks. The apartment itself was perfectly fine, albeit small. What made it hard was living out of our suitcases for so long - the only items available to us were a small collection of clothes and a selection of toys for Henry. It was a tough time, being in a new country with a new pregnancy, severe sickness and none of our homely belongings or family to bring any comfort. But we got through it, and thankfully, found a beautiful home where we now live. It is palatial compared to the Victorian terraced house we left in Nottingham, surrounded by tall trees, so peaceful and calm, and every time I make the drive back to it, I can't believe we live somewhere so incredible.

One element of this past year that really stands out for me is the weather here in Virginia. It sounds so trivial, yet the weather has always had a big impact on my mindset and general wellbeing. Anyone who has ever lived in the UK is well acquainted with the perpetual grey days, frequent rainfall and seemingly absent summers. So arriving in Virginia and experiencing 'holiday weather,' year round was an absolute joy. Waking up to sunshine and blue skies almost every day certainly lifts your mood and gives you a new zest for life.

We've already made so many happy memories here, and our home is a place that I hold dear to my heart. I think back with fondness of Henry and I sitting side by side on the sun warmed steps of our porch, the glow of the late afternoon sun on the tall trees, enjoying the warmth on our faces as we chat and take wonder in the sweet simplicity of our surroundings whilst we wait for daddy to return home from work. The memory of placing my hands on the firm roundness of my blossoming belly, feeling our baby girl move beneath my fingertips as I watch my beloved husband and son play together, uninhibited and free in the dappled shade of our garden, the sound of their laughter filtering back to me where I sit on the decking under the never-ending expanse of blue sky. And the fast thuds of little feet running along the hallway, accompanied by giggles of glee, the sweet sound filling the walls and my heart with so much joy.

For the first time in a long time, I've felt truly happy. After all the trauma and grief that Matt and I faced as fresh faced newlyweds, we made a new start in the most dramatic way possible, a move to the USA, and now we're the happiest we've been in years. We never believed we'd get to this place. In the days and weeks after William and Noah died, when grief consumed us and made us heavy and sunken with sorrow, and each day was a matter surviving, we couldn't envisage ever being happy again. But here we are, living a life we never imagined, and finding joy again in a country we didn't know we'd been living in.

We've seen Henry blossom into a confident and charismatic little boy, full of life, love and laughter. We've welcomed a daughter into our lives, our little American citizen. I can't wait to watch her grow and discover her personality. What an honour it is to witness the progression of your child, and I'm so happy to be able to do it all over again with our little girl in a place we have come to love so much.

THE YEAR AHEAD
I have so many hopes for 2016. I want to travel more around the USA. 2015 only saw us take a short break to North Carolina, due to my high risk pregnancy ruling out travel further afield. This year, we want to explore. I want to breathe the fresh mountain air of the vineyards in Charlottesville. I want to marvel over the beauty and tranquility of Shenandoah National Park. I want to feel the soft warmth of white sand between my toes in the Bahamas. I want to feel small and overwhelmed, looking up at the bright city lights of New York.

I hope to live a healthier lifestyle. In and amongst all the chaos of moving countries and battling morning sickness, our diet quickly became one of convenience, which inevitably lead to weight gain. I've never been one for exercising, but now in my late 20s, I find myself being pulled in the direction of experiencing exercise as a form of mindfulness.

I want to take more time for myself in 2016. For three years, I have dedicated myself wholly to my children. Ensuring my pregnancies are as healthy and risk-free as possible, persevering through breastfeeding, devoting myself to their development and wellbeing. Henry and I have spent every moment together since he was born. I can count on one hand the number of times I've been away from him for more than a few hours. It's the way I've wanted it, with Matt and I raising him solely in these first few years which are so precious and fleeting. It's been humbling and rewarding beyond measure, but I want to dedicate some time to myself this coming year. It's not that I have lost part of myself since becoming a mother, but rather that I'd like more time to be the person I was before I became a mother. To pursue my hobbies and interests again, to dress up more and enjoy taking time in my appearance. Fewer makeup free days and sweatpants, more red lipstick and stylish clothing, because even the little things can make a difference. On Christmas Eve, I decided to end my 15 year relationship with long brunette hair, and left the salon with a blonde long bob. I instantly felt renewed, refreshed. Amazing what difference a new hair style can make.

I want to take time out to pursue the things I'm passionate about. I have always had a love for writing, since I was a little girl, and it's something I dearly miss. I want to find more time for Project Life, which is such a beautiful way of documenting our family life. I want to get back into blogging more regularly, to document my thoughts on motherhood as I'm experiencing it, to write more on baby loss to help those who need it, to collaborate with brands I feel passionate about.

But most importantly of all, I want 2016 to bring more cherished memories with the people I love most fiercely. My family... Matt, Henry and Everly.

Here's to a wonder filled 2016. May it bring you everything you wish for.

Our Christmas in Virginia 27 Dec 2015 1:30 AM (9 years ago)

I hope you all had the most wonderful Christmas and that this festive season has been filled with joy and happiness. Mine was spent with Matt and the children, and for the first time in my life, I didn't spend Christmas Day with my parents and brothers. Having grown up in a big family, which is even larger now with my sister-in-laws and five nieces and nephews (there's 16 of us in total!) Christmas Day with just my little family of four felt very quiet in comparison. Hopefully we'll be spending some Christmases to come with extended family - either here in Virginia or back in the UK - as it didn't feel quite the same without all the hustle and bustle. It was also the first time I've ever cooked a Christmas dinner - or any roast for that matter - but it went surprisingly well!

There were two surprises which made Christmas very special this year - Henry said he loved me for the first time on Christmas Eve, the sweet words I've been longing to hear for so long, and Everly gave us her first smile in the early hours of Christmas morning. Both moments brought us so much joy, our children truly are the greatest blessing of all and I feel so lucky to have them.

Below are a few photos from the day. I loved dressing Everly in her tiny red Christmas dress, although her tights were a little baggy on her skinny newborn legs! As I was taking some photos of her with her 'Today I Smiled For The First Time' milestone card, she decided that it was an ideal moment to practice another one - what perfect timing! I love the shots I got of her and Henry together. It's amazing to see the bond they already share. Henry is so loving and sweet towards her and she loves staring at him as he chats away to her. I know they'll be great friends when she's a little bit older.

How did you spend your Christmas this year? Please do leave me your blog links below as I'd love to have a read.

A Magical Christmas 23 Dec 2015 10:33 AM (9 years ago)

Just two nights until Christmas! December seems to have flown by and now the most magical day of the year is almost upon us. It's always been my favourite part of the year. My birthday on the 3rd December always signals the start of festivities as it's become a tradition to put up the tree in the evening. Each year, Matt and I open a bottle of champagne, press play on our Christmas album and transform our home into a festive wonderland. This year was a little different - our home in the USA is a lot more spacious than the one we left behind in the UK, which has allowed more scope for decorations, much to our enjoyment. I skipped the champagne this year as I'm breastfeeding, and between hanging ornaments and arranging wreaths, we were tending to Everly, who was just a few weeks old. There was something particularly special about decorating for Christmas this year - our first one spent in the USA, and of course it will be Everly's very first Christmas.

Over the 8 years Matt and I have been together, we've developed a number of our own Christmas traditions, adding more since our children were born. Each year we buy a new Lemax collectible, so by the time they're older we should have a nice little village set up! We adorn the tree with a personalised ornament for each child, and this year, we added something special to our Christmas collection which Matt and I have both always wanted - a train track around the bottom of the Christmas tree. There's now a Polar Express in miniature that encircles our tree - complete with sound effects and figurines of the characters. Henry absolutely adores it and shrieks with delight when we turn it on!

I'm especially looking forward to Christmas this year as Henry is now at an age where he gets excited about presents. He's been such a good boy about not touching the gifts under the tree, and I can't wait to see him rip open the wrapping paper come Christmas morning after being so patient. I also love watching his awe as he gasps in wonder at the Christmas decorations outside our house and in the neighborhood. A twinkling reindeer and a sleigh, giant snowmen and glowing candy canes - it is a sight to behold!

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!

My Darling Daughter 20 Dec 2015 1:00 AM (9 years ago)

She gives dimpled smiles as she drifts off into a milky slumber, warm in my arms. A laugh escapes her lips and her face lights up - a glimpse of a little girl I'm yet to know. What mirth her dreams must bring.

The sweet wisps of her dainty dandelion lashes curl upwards, so delicate they might float away on a breeze. Her tufts of chestnut brown hair are as soft as an angel's wing on my fingertips. Her gentle sighing breath, a melody to my ears, a lullaby of life.

My sleeping beauty.

This tiny treasure who makes my heart so full. The whisper of her name so sweet on my lips.

My darling Everly Rose.

Photography by Jacki G Photography

Christmas Gift Guide - For Babies 15 Dec 2015 1:00 AM (9 years ago)

I love buying gifts for little ones who revel in the magic of Christmas. Henry's at an age now where he gets very excited about presents and requests particular toys, so it was easy to select gifts that I know will delight him, but little Everly - our baby of the family - will only be four weeks old, so I was a little lost as to what to buy her for her very first Christmas. For anyone else who's wanting to mark the occasion, but unsure what to get, I put together a selection of a few favourite items from Etsy which would make lovely new baby gifts...

Paper Bag Toy Storage - Baby Milestone Cards - Pink Romper - Fox Socks - Bear Pillow - Cloud, Moon & Star Pillows - Teddy Bear - Cloud Burp Cloth

Everly Rose: A Birth Story 13 Dec 2015 1:00 AM (9 years ago)

Three weeks ago we welcomed our sweet baby girl into this world. It is amazing how time flies, it only feels like yesterday that I was heavily pregnant, yet it's strange to think of a time when we didn't have her with us. Matt has had the last 3 weeks off work on paternity leave so we've enjoyed some precious time together, creating new and beautiful memories as a family of four.

Today I wanted to share Everly's birth story, which was so very different to the calm birth I'd envisioned. It was fast, intense and traumatic - a precipitate labour - a term which I was blissfully unaware of until it happened to me. A world apart from Henry's birth, and relaying it here will be cathartic for me. I never shared Henry's birth story on the blog, as it was a sacred time that allowed us to heal somewhat after the heartache of delivering William and Noah, knowing that they would not survive. It was a natural birth, without gas and air or an epidural. It was calm, controlled. I breathed through the increasingly intense contractions, slowly and steadily, keeping focused. Everly's birth was also completely free of pain relief, with labour only lasting for 2 hours instead of the 10 it took for Henry to arrive into the world, yet the intensity of it meant I would gladly choose a longer labour again.

This is our story, her story...

Everly Rose

November 20, 2015

8 lbs 3 oz
8.07pm
20.5 inches

D Day

The day of Everly's due date arrived on Friday 20th November, along with our 40 week check with our OB. We had our usual biophysical profile scan done, which checked how our baby girl was doing, then the non stress test, which also reassured us she was doing well. We arranged to have an induction on the following Monday, before our OB checked to see if I was dilated at all and told me I was at 2cm. She joked that the threat of an induction can often bring labour on - who knew she would be right! After our appointment, Matt and I went for a walk around our neighborhood, enjoying the sunshine before he headed back to work.

When Matt arrived home at 5.30pm, I was resting on the sofa, enjoying watching Henry have a wild time running around with his granny and grandad. When I mentioned to Matt that I'd felt some period-pain type cramps, he asked if I thought I was in labour, and I answered that I was unsure. Little did we know that just two and a half hours later, we would be holding our baby girl in our arms. Around 6pm, the uncertainty had left and I knew I was in labour, as I was having regular contractions with definite stops and starts that I was able to time on my pregnancy app. Matt called our OB and she told us to come to the hospital. Just after putting Henry to bed at 7pm, my waters broke - a slow trickle rather than the sudden gush I'd experienced with the twins and Henry.

Moving Fast

Between my waters breaking and getting into the car to make our way to the hospital, the pain level and frequency of the contractions sped up at an alarming rate - from being comfortable just an hour earlier to contractions so painful I was unable to talk through them. We arrived at the hospital and entered the waiting room, ringing through to the ward to let them know. And then we waited... and waited. I was hunched over from the pain, wishing they would hurry up and let us through so I could have an epidural as planned and relax a little. My contractions were coming close together - I remember feeling a flicker of concern that I'd had 5 or 6 whilst waiting there for 10 minutes or so. Still nobody came to get us, so Matt rang through again and warned them my contractions were very close together. We waited some more and I was getting increasingly frustrated, knowing I needed antibiotics on an IV for at least 4 hours before birth if they were to prevent Group B Strep from passing to the baby. At last someone came to collect me; thankfully with a wheelchair, because at this point I could barely move from the pain. I was taken to triage, where a nurse handed me a gown and told me to undress. I don't think she was expecting me to do so right there and then in front of her, but the pain was so severe I wanted to move things on as quickly as possible, so I'd stripped off in a matter of seconds.

Then, much to my horror, it was on to the admin side of things. An endless list of questions, so trivial and meaningless, which should have already been known. Then an error on the system, further delaying me being checked to see how dilated I was. The nurse had no sense of urgency, no concern for my pain levels or interest in checking the wellbeing of our baby with foetal monitoring. Matt was repeatedly telling her that I needed antibiotics as soon as possible as I'd tested positive for Group B Strep, and that not only had my waters already broken, but we suspected there'd been meconium present. Still she slowly meandered around the room, as if I wasn't writhing in pain just a few feet away. Matt began to answer the questions for me, I was in too much pain to talk, my contractions had just a few seconds break between them and I was struggling. Until the nurse said to Matt, "I need her to answer," and I wanted to slap her for being so ridiculous.

15 minutes later and still neither the baby or I had been checked. I was tired of waiting.
"I want an epidural," I muttered between contractions.

Then the words I couldn't believe I was hearing...
"We have to check you're in labour first," she replied.

And it was then that the panic rose in me as I realised that this woman did not understand what was happening to me, that time was running out, that this all consuming pain that had swiftly descended upon me would not be relieved. The contractions were on top of each other, one after the next, relentless. The slow, controlled breathing that had me labouring peacefully with Henry was rendered useless in this situation. The pain had me curled into a ball, clutching Matt's chest into me. I began to shake uncontrollably, and I found myself murmuring desperate pleads. "Someone help me. I need help. Why won't anyone help me?" I felt out of control and completely alone in a world of pain.

"I need to push," I said with panic, as the uncontrollable urge to bear down took over my body. And finally, FINALLY, this woman took a look between my legs and saw our baby girl's head, and it dawned on her that not only was I truly in labour, I was about to have this baby in a matter of minutes.

No time for an epidural, no time for an IV, no time for the antibiotics which would help prevent my baby from contracting Group B Strep from me during the birth. She pressed the emergency call button. Suddenly there were people filling the tiny triage room, voices urgently discussing where to take me, the words, "she won't make it there on time," and my bed was quickly being wheeled out into the corridor and into a delivery room.

Her Arrival

Thankfully, we made it into the delivery room and the doctors and nurses were frantically trying to gown up and get everything ready, all the while telling me to to puff rather than push. As soon as they were ready, my feet were in stirrups and I was given the go ahead to push. Although the pain was horrendous, it was a relief to be in the final stage - I knew the end was in sight which meant the agony would be over. The white hot pain washed over me each time a contraction rolled in. There was mention of an episiotomy, another voice answering that there wouldn't be time. The doctor was getting her instruments ready as fast as she could, but it was too late. After a total of just three contractions and six pushes later, our daughter was born. A second degree tear, but sheer relief once her head was out. And then she was in their hands, our tiny darling girl, her throat being cleared with a bulb syringe so she could let out that beautiful cry we'd all been waiting for.

The whirlwind of what we had just experienced stilled for a moment as she was placed on my chest, that cherished moment I'd been waiting for. We stayed together like that for a long time, her and I, chest to chest, the rhythm of our heartbeats against each other. She found her way to my breast entirely on her own, latching on and suckling as if she'd been doing it forever.

A few hours later, Everly was taken to the nursery to have her stats checked and Matt and I were left alone in our room. It was then that the overwhelming shock and trauma of everything that had just taken place had time to settle on my mind, bringing with it the sting of tears.

Henry meets Everly

The following day, Henry came to meet our newest family member. What a precious moment - our children meeting for the very first time. I knew that Henry would adore her, and from the moment he laid eyes on her, he has loved her. Kisses, cuddles and strokes of the hair were given in abundance and his face lit up with a smile when she opened her eyes. I am so excited to watch them grow up together and develop a special relationship.

Recovery

With the speed and trauma of Everly's birth, recovery this time around has taken a lot longer than with all the boys. After William and Noah, I was physically fine and able almost immediately. With Henry, it was a few days of pain after an episiotomy before I felt back to normal again. This time around, it's taken a few weeks to feel as though I'm on the road to recovery.

I was discharged from the hospital 2 days after giving birth (Everly needed to be monitored for signs of Group B Strep for 48 hours as I hadn't had time to receive antibiotics during labour), and instructed not to lift anything heavier than our newborn, not to drive for 2 weeks, and I should only walk up a flight of stairs once a day max, so it was difficult being unable to care for Henry and Everly in the way I wanted to. Simply getting in and out of bed took great care and was very painful, and walking was difficult for at least a week - I had to take it extremely slowly.

Three weeks on and I'm feeling good again, and it's lovely to be able to play around with Henry again and be more active in my involvement with him. Everly has taken to breastfeeding really well, just as Henry did, and I'm thankful that I've had no pain or difficulties with getting her to latch on. I'm hoping to continue breastfeeding for at least 6 months, preferably a year, it is such a beautiful and bonding experience between mother and baby.

- - -

Thank you so much for all of the kind words and congratulations over the last few weeks. We are so overjoyed and thankful for another blessing in our family, and I'm looking forward to sharing our journey as a family of four.

Introducing Everly Rose... 27 Nov 2015 1:00 AM (9 years ago)

Introducing our darling baby girl, Everly Rose, born on Friday 20th November at 8.07pm, weighing 8lbs 3oz.

- - -

After writing my 40 week pregnancy update, and going along to our last OB appointment where we booked an induction for the following week, Everly decided she didn't want to wait any longer and arrived right on her due date! It was an intense and traumatic 2 hour labour which only just saw me giving birth in a delivery room, after being rushed from triage where I'd started pushing shortly after arriving at the hospital. It was a frantic and frightening experience - far from what I had envisioned her birth to be, but I'm slowly coming to terms with it, and although her fast entrance into the world may have been a shock, we are so relieved she arrived safely and healthy.

We have fallen in love with her tufts of dark silky hair, her delicate long fingers, the dimple in her right cheek and her softs mews and murmurings. Henry simply adores her and has been so gentle and loving, softly stroking her head and asking to cuddle her, which causes him to shriek with delight! We're so happy to have Everly home with us, and I feel so blessed to have a newborn to cherish again. I can't wait to discover who she becomes...

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Amy Antoinette - A Motherhood & Lifestyle Blog View RSS

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