Christmas with a two year old

This is my third Christmas as a parent and I can whole hearted lay say it's been the best yet. The first was a crazy, exhausting time enjoying those fuzzy first few weeks as a new mum, the second was great but at just 1 and not yet walking or talking much D didn't really know what was happening but this year was amazing fun.

I spent Christmas with a 2 year old and it's been Special, funny, exhausting and pretty much everything in between! D has really embraced Christmas this year, she loves the lights, the 'pretties' and has counted every day waiting for Father Christmas to arrive. She's been able to wrap (and open!) her own presents, sternly warning everyone 'not touch presents till Christmas day' And she's loved being around her family, being centre of attention and keeping us all entertained with those amazing little things that only a 2 year old can!

Here's a few of our Crimbo highlights.

Decorating her first Yule Log

The Many renditions of Rudolf the Red nosed Reindeer

Sprinkling Reindeer dust in the front garden and watching my brother try to throw a carrot on the roof and get it to stay there. Apparently they can't come inside they stay on the roof (seems logical)

D waking us up by reporting 'Father Christmas left his socks in my cot'

D Discovering hide and seek is the greatest game ever and playing with anyone and everyone  (and perfecting her counting from 1-10)

Visiting her 90 year old Gramps and making everyone smile in the nursing home with her aeroplane Impressions and Dancing

In the words of my little cracker 'Merry Christmas everybody!'

Silent Sunday

Should we be allowed to smack?

So smacking is back on the political agenda as the Children's Commissioner for England has called for a ban on all smacking of children. I'm not normally overly opinionated in my blogs and this is always going to be an emotive subject which I am sure we will all have our own views on but I thought I'd mull it over (publicly!) and share mine.

For the record I don't smack Daisy and I hope I never will as I have never seen smacking as a solution to her misbehaving or testing me. Believe me there have been times when I've reached the bottom of my 'parent toolbox' and literally not known what to do next but I've always seen smacking as the sign I've lost control of the situation and on a personal level that would be a major fail for me as a mum. My job is to be the parent, try to guide and teach Daisy (who lets face it can be pretty feral at times!) about how to behave, how to treat others and how to control her emotions. What lesson am I setting if I cannot control my own emotions and resort to violence.

Pro smackers I find always tend to use the same old excuses / explanations for their choices - 'I was hit as a child and it didn't do me any harm' Well I'm no psychologist but surely the fact you continue to use smacking as a solution is in itself an indication that those 'techniques' used as discipline in your own childhood have strongly influenced your capabilities to deal with testing behaviours in a controlled and none violent way. I was smacked as a child and although I'm obviously not emotionally scarred by this, I have no doubts it's not the route I wish to go down with D. I don't remember feeling sorry for my behaviour or thinking I'll never do that again when I was smacked I just remember feeling angry, resentful and quite frankly sorry for myself - the reason for the smacking was completely lost. 

And this is one of the reasons I cannot accept people's opinion that smacking is an effective way to discipline children, surely if they stop said behaviours after being smacked it's more out of fear of being smacked again than as a result of them thinking about and changing their behaviour. On top of this there's the glaringly obvious violence of it all, yes we can sugar coat it by referring to a 'tap on the hand' or 'little smack on a bottom' but smacking is smacking. How can we expect our children to learn about respect, kindness and gentleness if we hit them? It's completely illogical. 

It's illegal to hit another adult, illegal to hit an animal yet the law doesn't stop parents hitting their own children. The details within the laws referring to smacking children state that it is not against the law as long as no marks, cuts or grazes are left. For me this lacks any real understanding about the true impact smacking can have on a child's emotional well being and the well being of the parent / child relationship. I can only guess this loophole exists as a result of a small proportion of old school politicans refusing to support a full ban - well shame on them. 

I appreciate that for many of us smacking was a pretty normal part of our childhood, smacking was an accepted form of discipline and not seen as causing any harm, however, like with most areas of parenting we're constantly learning and studies now show that using smacking to correct bad behaviour is not only ineffective but can also be damaging to the both the child's psychological well being and the relationship between said parent and child. It is for this reason I don't resent my parents for their choices, instead I embrace that I don't need to parent in the same way, I can make my own choices based, yes, on the research that smacking doesn't work but mainly on my own instincts as a mum which simply tell me it's wrong. 

I know a legal ban on smacking won't stop all parents using violence towards their children, I know it won't stop child abuse but I hope it would at least show some parents that there are other ways to manage difficult behaviours and allow the relevant authorities to help families who struggle with managing these behaviours without the ambiguity of the existing legal loopholes.

'I don't like it, mummy'

So after being the proud mummy of a little girl who would eat anything I fear we have reached our first wonderful stage of fussiness at mealtimes

I'm guessing it's no coincidence that this has happened at the same time Daisy's speech has literally exploded, she's now very capable of telling me what she 'doesn't like' (everything it would seem!) that she's 'finished' or she 'wants to get down'

I must admit I'm finding it hard to get my head around, in 25 months we've not had a single meal on the floor, no food throwing and very little refusal of anything. I will openly admit to feeling a little more than smug as D tucked into olives, hummus and pittas while other mums would be prising their kid's mouths open or trying to sneak a spoon of mush in during yawns! I felt truly confident I had a fab eater on my hands but it seems nothing ever lasts forever! She happily eats lunch, mostly breakfast but gets super fussy in the evening. 

So far I've tried to avoid refusing her yogurt or fruit afterwards as I've always been keen not to use 'pudding' as a reward but I can't help feeling like I've been duped when she happily tucks into yogurt after refusing everything but a couple of baby sweetcorn and some carrots (yeah that's what's more even more frustrating, she generally eats her veg!) 

I'm trying to see this as another phase, something that'll pass. I get that she's asserting herself and can see food is one of the few tools she has to do this but it's so frustrating when you take another half eaten plate back into the Kitchen. 

With Christmas just around the corner I suspect her routines will be completely out for a while so I'm going to bite my tongue and hope this, like most other phases, will pass and we'll be back to her eating everything in sight and always wanting more.

I want this again!

Silent Sunday

Homemade Advent Calendar

I had originally intended to write this a week or so back and would have were it not for one major problem - I hadn't finished the blooming thing! However here it is, completed on the 1st December and if you want to know how, read on! 

Daisy had a traditional advent Calendar last year as she was only 13 months and wasn't really eating chocolates. I decided this year I wanted to make her an advent calendar myself so she could have a mix of sweets and presents but also try and make something which would be a decoration we could use year after year. 

So I started by getting lots of different coloured pieces of felt and making the individual pockets. I wanted them all to be different so used lots of colours and patterns. 

I wanted a raffia backing so cut out the right sized piece, turned the edges in and added biased binding to stop it fraying. I then started pinning the individual pockets on. Sewing on the pockets was by far the most time consuming, it would have been a breeze with a sewing machine but alas, I don't have one so had to hand stitch it all. 

Once all the pockets were in and straight(ish) I filled them with sweets, treats and toys. The beauty of being able choose what she gets every day means I can decide whether she has chocolate that day, something healthy like raisins or a little Toy. I decided to make Christmas Eve bigger to hold a decent sized toy rather than do one for Christmas Day as I reckon she'll have enough to keep her occupied on Christmas morning. 

So I'm pretty happy with the rest and D loves it after the initial 'what is mummy?' 

Silent Sunday

Does Sugar Cause Hyperactivity?

There's been a couple of occasions recently which have led me to ask myself this very question.

It was Daisy's birthday yesterday so last weekend was spent at her grandparents, the highlight of which was a little party with some of our friends and their little ones. Daisy had been showered with gifts and attention and had a thoroughly wonderful time. At about 5pm she started to get tired and even at one point took herself to bed saying she was sleepy, I could see she wouldn't last much longer so hurried Mr R to do the birthday cake. Normal birthday cake traditions ensued, lights off, candles lit and toddler sobbing to the sound of Happy Birthday! Surely it's the same at every party ;) 

Next, everyone has cake and the magic happens - my previously exhausted little girl is up, dancing, playing and generally having a wonderful time. She finally went off to bed about 8pm! I know what you're thinking, paranoid helicopter mum, convinced any change in behaviour is due to sugar and additives but hear me out....

The next night Daisy went to bed as normal but when we went also went off to bed at 10.30pm (yeah I know, but it was a school night and kids parties are seriously exhausting!) she was still singing Incy Wincey Spider and chatting away to herself. Lying in bed listening to her conversation with the gang (Doggy, Panda and Monkey for those of you who aren't in the know); I remembered Mr R had decided, in his wisdom, to offer her a slice of her birthday cake at 7pm instead of the yogurt I had suggested?

So was it the cake fuelling her party persona and chatty bedtimes or just a come down from a fun filled weekend? 

Recent research says no, it's not the sugar and apparently it's all in my head. A study took place in which parents were led to believe their children had consumed sugary foods one day and not on another. The parents were asked about their children's behaviour on each day and apparently reported an increase in hyperactive behaviour on the day they'd had sugar. However the two days had been switched and the children had in fact had no sugar that day, leading to the conclusion its parents expectations of their children's behaviour after eating sugar which leads to false assumptions they are riding a sugar rush to rival willy wonka! 

Speak to fellow parents however and they say otherwise, convinced that their children turn into Duracell bunnies after sweets, cake or the dreaded fruit shoots. Personally I've certainly never had an evening like this with D, she seemed perfectly happy but just couldn't switch off. 

For me, I'm tempted to take a bold move, doubt science (or the above study at least) and keep an open mind. In D's case, maybe it was the sugar, maybe the weekends events, maybe both - who knows? But I can promise you I'll be erring on the side of caution in future and banning cake before bedtime! 

Silent Sunday

Happy Birthday Daisy Bea

You turn 2 tomorrow and it's got me thinking how much you've grown over the last year...

You've learnt to walk, run, jump (admittedly your feet don't leave the ground but who cares) and dance, dance, dance! 

We've drank hundreds of cups of imaginary tea, eaten make believe dinners and been on fictional shopping trips.

You've learnt humour, you understand humour and I love how to say something wrong intentionally just to make us laugh.

You've learnt about your family, that we're a family and who your Grandparents, Aunties and Uncles are. You're learning to play with others - watching and copying your little friends.

You love to wash your hands, singing away as you 'tidy and wash' and you can tell us where all your body parts are, you especially love finding your tickly armpits!

You sing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star or Incy Spider and you love to talk to your teddies and make sure they're all ok.

You love to bake, you love to eat and you love love love the swings! 

You can count to ten, identify your shapes and colours and you could paint all day long.

Perhaps the most amazing thing is you've learnt to show love and understand how much we love you.

Happy Birthday beautiful girl xxx

Preparing your Toddler for Childcare: guest Post

Daisy was just a wee babe when she started childcare at 10 months old *sob*, she had passed through a period of pretty severe separation anxiety and had emerged a chilled out, easy-going little lady. We decided to opt for a childminder for Daisy and in the early days didn’t feel we needed to do too much to prepare her for going. We had some settling in time and I would hover in a nearby cafe trying to convince myself I was enjoying the freedom but otherwise she seemed to accept the change with very little concern. When the dreaded day came and she went full time she happily disappeared into the house, while I on the other hand was a mess, crying all the way to work clutching my mobile 'just in case'…

I have been asked to write a guest post for Shona and Cecile at Wriggly Rascals about preparing your toddler for childcare and if you have read my blog you will know it’s a topic close to my heart, you can read the full post here

About Wriggly Rascals

Wriggly Rascals was set up by Shona Motherwell, a frustrated mum of twins Mhairi and Archie to get mums together to share pregnancy, baby and toddler advice via quick surveys to get the facts about what other mums do. Our mums pass on loads of great tips to mums who have asked for help. If you would like some advice, get in touch at www.wrigglyrascals.com

Kiddicare 342 Stocking Fillers: A Review

So those hazy days of summer are sadly behind and the BBQ and paddling pool have been packed away, but rather than wallow in the inevitable wet and rather gloomy weather ahead of us, I've decided to get on the festive bandwagon and start thinking Christmas.

Being from big families, Christmas has always been important to Mr R and myself. Lots of family time, food and let's not be coy about it - presents! We all love a present and as a kid preparing the well thought out Christmas list was a key part of the festive countdown. I've been pretty well organised this year and have bought most of Daisy's presents but I'm still in need of the very important stocking fillers. I loved my stocking as a kid and hope Daisy will do too, so when Kiddicare asked if I would like to review some of their fantastic stocking fillers range I jumped at the chance.

As suspected there was a brilliant selection and at great prices. I decided on three toys from the Buzzing Brains range as I felt they would both appeal to Daisy's interests and indulge my love for wooden toys and imaginative play. When we received the Wooden Building Blocks, Numbers Puzzle and Sing-A-Tune Microphone (not wooden, but I just knew she'd love it!) Daisy couldn't wait to get playing.

We were at my mums when she tried out the Sing-A-Tune Microphone and it was instant hit - singing and dancing in abundance - even the dog was expected to join in! The microphone is a great little toy, lots of buttons, sounds and flashing lights (what's not to love when you're two!). Daisy had no trouble using the buttons herself and loved entertaining us all. At £8.99 I can see this one making a fair few appearances over Christmas - and sadly probably not only by Daisy!

I chose the Buzzing Brains Numbers Puzzle and the bricks as I love traditional wooden toys - who doesn't? I wondered whether they would get a look in next to the flashing lights and jazzy music from the microphone but they have been a massive hit. The Numbers Puzzle is already a firm favourite, it's fun, brightly coloured and the pieces fit into the puzzle easily. There are pictures of fruit behind each piece which allows us to practice colours as well as numbers. Daisy really enjoys playing, and I get the satisfaction of feeling like she's developing and learning from it - everyone wins! The puzzle is £7.99 which I think is a fair price for a solid and well made toy. 

I saved the Wooden Building Blocks till last as these have been the most successful by far and have been played with every day since they arrived. What's not to love? Bright, colourful and classic! We've made towers, beds, animal pens - whatever Daisy is playing with the blocks get involved, I've already decided I'm going to add to them as she's enjoyed them so much. You get 50 blocks in the set, all different colours and shapes and so far they seem really good quality and haven't lost any colour despite the occasional chew! The blocks are £11.99 and I can see they are going to be worth that several times over with the amount of play time Daisy will get from them. 

All three of these toys are within the Kiddicare 342 promotion which is running from the 5th November until the 2nd December. If you haven't done so already have gander, to say there's something every child would love is an understatement, I for one have a very happy little girl!

The Kiddicare 342 offer will run from 5th November 2013 till 2nd December 2013 in stores, online and via the Kiddicare app. We were kindly sent the above toys for the purposes if this review but all opinions are my own.

Silent Sunday

An Unwelcome Visitor

So we've had a visitor at the Robinson Household for the last few weeks and although we found him something of a novelty to start with I'm beginning to feel like he's out stayed his welcome.

However despite me making it very clear we're not his biggest fans it appears Mr No (or Mr Not as he is more frequently known) is very much here to stay

I mentioned Mr No briefly in a previous post, talking about how glad I was Daisy was growing confident enough to express her feelings and I do still feel that, I really do. I'm not eating my words, yet!

But on those days when you been told No 468 times and you can still hear her grumbling No mummy when you're not even in the room I'd be lying if I said I wouldn't be a very happy mummy if Mr No suddenly decided enough is enough, packed his things and left.

My only concerned is he may leave the door open for Mr Why! 

Nappy Kind Boutique Leg Warmers

I recently received a very pretty pair of Aster Twist Huggalugs leg warmers from the people at Nappy Kind Baby Boutique as always when I get new clothing for Daisy I couldn’t wait for her to try them on. 

I was a little concerned about whether they would be too hot with the recent mild weather but as things took a turn for the worse over the weekend with the build up to Storm St Jude we had the perfect opportunity to give them a little outing.

Daisy wears tights with shorts and leggings a lot so I thought the leg warmers would be perfect to add an extra layer to these, plus getting Daisy to wear anything other than frilly knickers is a bit of task some days but she loved the leg warmers. They are lovely and colourful and plenty long enough (Daisy is fairly tall for her age) best of all they stayed up so no saggy knees issues!

Like most mums I don’t have time to be sorting washing into delicates and the like so the fact that these kept their shape and colour in the first wash is great, hopefully that wont change in future washes. My only criticism is one of the leg warmers snagged slightly after the first day which is disappointing but I was relieved to see that they had protected Daisy’s tights while she played.

I’m planning on embarking on the crazy journey of potty training next year so will be looking forward to using these to keep Daisy a little warmer while she runs about in her undies.  I can also see how useful they would be for a crawling baby to protect their knees especially on wooden floors like we have or just to add a bit of warmth in the summer when wearing dresses and shorts.

On the whole I think the leg warmers are a great idea, fun, stylish and really versatile. Have a look at the website, they come in various sizes with some great designs for boys and girls and at the moment there are some fantastic bargains as well. 

www.nappykindboutique.co.uk

Bedtimes, Mr Moon and the Dark

There's been a tired haze hanging over the Robinson household recently as Daisy has unfortunately starting waking in the night again. At first we put it down to a bit of separation anxiety (as I've previously blogged, Daisy has had the occasional Velcro baby moment) but when she also started getting upset when we put her to bed (previously unheard of) we realised this could be trickier than we thought.

A few nights back she awoke at 4am(ish) and I heard a very sad little voice cry 'mummy I don't like it' and it dawned on me she might be getting a bit scared of the dark. However with a little lamp on and the obligitory mummy in the room, she'd happily fall back to sleep and stay that way till morning.

So today we took a little trip to the lovely Jojo Maman Bebe in town for a toddler friendly nightlight. We went for the Celeste and Moon nightlight and Daisy chose the moon design, as she's recently discovered the moon and it's become her latest obsession. 

So we got Mr Moon home, tried him out in the bathroom and had a little chat about how he will be Daisy's friend at night if it's dark. Daddy was also dragged into the bathroom to be shown Mr Moon in all his illuminous glory as Daisy proudly announced she's not scared of the dark.

Last night was the first real test and it went really well, we had Mr Moon on while she fell asleep and we turned him off to save some power until we went to bed later on. Despite a couple of wake ups where she put herself back down she had a fantastic night. In fact I found myself lying in bed at 7am this morning with both Daisy and Mr R fast asleep. Whether it was down to Mr Moon or not is yet to be seen but so far so good.

The nightlight is perfect for toddlers, it seems pretty hard wearing and the light itself is nice and gentle. You can choose to have a changing colour sequence or just one shade. The casing doesn't get hot and it's easy for Daisy to turn on and off so she can take him into bed with her if she wants to during the night. Mr Moon also has a handy hooped design so he's easy to hold and carry about.&nbsp There are no batteries as it's charged by a separate unit and it lasts the night through so we can simply pop it on charge during the day.

I don't expect miracles and I'm sure there's still plenty of sleepless nights ahead but I do feel Mr Moon has given D a little comfort and hopefully banished some of those nighttime woes. 

Silent Sunday

Buzzy Babies Feeding Book : A Review

I have been lucky enough to be sent one of the lovely Buzzy Babies feeding books and even though my nursing and weaning days are over for now, I couldn't wait to review it.

The book has an irresistible vintage charm with a hand drawn cover and reminds me a little of story books from my own childhood. Inside there are charts for recording babies feeds, weaning info, gifts and some very handy notes pages where you can record medication or development milestones. The layout inside is beautiful and I can see it would be so easy to use even if you're scribbling down notes with a baby on one arm and a toddler hanging from your trouser leg. There's also a handy little pocket at the end of the book for keeping loose papers in.

I'm sure we can recall those missing weeks when we first bought our babies home, finding random items in the fridge and leaving the house in our PJs. This book is the perfect solution for remembering the important stuff. I had a scruffy slip of paper stuck to the fridge where I would try to note down Daisy's feeds as at the time I didn't know anything like this existed but would have been all over it if I did.


I also love the weaning section. We did Baby Led Weaning with Daisy and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. The Buzzy Babies feeding book not only allows you to record the foods baby has tried listing any allergies, likes and dislikes but also serves as a wonderful memory of such an important time in your little one's life, I can imagine adding photos to this section to act as a little diary for when Daisy is older. On a more serious note I can also see how the book would be fantastic for parents who for medical reasons are required to keep a note of feeds, weaning or medication.

All in all I think the feeding journal is great, It would make a fantastic and unique gift for a new mum as well as a treasured keepsake for when your little on grows up, you can even choose to have it gift wrapped for you. To be honest I can't wait to have the opportunity to use it in practice and that's not an announcement in case you're wondering and when that time comes I promise a follow up review.

www.buzzybabies.co.uk

Disclaimer - I was sent a journal for the purposes of this review but all opinions are my own.

Getting My Craft On

I've been promising myself for months now I would put some time aside and get a bit creative. I have decided to try my hand at making Greetings Cards and finally got round to trying out a few ideas today.

I love doing crafts with Daisy, but it felt so good to relax and spend some time by myself doing what I love. Before full time work, marriage and motherhood I would spend hours drawing and painting (I even have a degree in Fine Art!) but finding the time and space with a very curious 22 month old who also happens to love painting is tricky to say the least! 

So here are my first attempts, they're a little rough round the edges and I want to work on the designs, but I'm fairly happy for now. I would love to one day be in a place where I could make money out of making these but for now I'm very happy indulging myself. 

New Baby / Birthday Card

Girls Birthday Cards

Christmas Card

I'd be really interested in your opinions, which you like, done like? I'm also hoping to get some boys cards made as well so will be canvassing opinions again! 

Autumn

Daisy's had a bit of a tummy bug over the last couple of days but started to feel better this afternoon so we headed out to the woods for a bit of fresh air. 

It really reminded me why I love this time of year, the sun was shining, the leaves turning a hundred beautiful shades of red, orange and brown, Berries on the bushes and conkers on the ground - I am so over summer!

Leibster Award

So I've been nominated for a Leibster award, the very kind Mental Parentals have sent the award my way and (abeit much later than I have hoped due to craziness at work, but that's another blog) I am gratefully accepting it.

For those that aren't already aware the Leibster award is presented by an existing blogger to another as a kind of recognition for their blogging, it's a fab way for new bloggers to show appreciation for each other and find out a little about us all!

As I understand it the rules for awarding the Leibster goes a little like this;

If you choose to accept the award you answer the questions about yourself which have been set by the blogger who nominated you, you then nominate other bloggers and set them your own questions. Now I'm very, very new on the scene so like the Mental Parentals who nominated me, I will nominate another 3 bloggers to keep sharing the blog love!


So here are the answer to the questions I was given...

1. Why did you start blogging?

I started blogging because I love sharing and felt it was a great way of remembering this amazing time in my daughter's life.

2. Is this your first blog? If not, what was your first about?

Yes, first one and I'm still very, very new!

3. How would you describe your parenting technique?

Fairly gentle but with boundaries. Daisy is my first so I'm very much learning as I go along!

4. If you could choose your last 3 course meal, what would it be?

French Onion Soup, Steak & Chips, Panna Cotta.

5. Who would you get to play you in the film of your life?

Winona Ryder in the head, probably Miranda Hart in reality.

6. What is your biggest guilty pleasure?

Terrible television.

7. What do you consider your best talent / skill?

I cook a mean Roast Dinner and have an infallible memory!

8. Who is your favourite singer / group / band? 

Beth Orton.

9. What was your favourite toy growing up?

Sylvanian families.

10. Summer or winter?

Summer (but Christmas makes it a close call).

11. Is there anything you think your readers should know about you?

I have a degree in Fine Art painting.


I have chosen to nominate the following blogs...

mummyupallnight.blogspot.co.uk

turtlelucas.blogspot.co.uk

katchambers.wordpress.com


And here are your questions...

1. How long have you been blogging?

2. What do you blog about?

3. What's your favourite day of the week and why?

4. How do you relax?

5. TV or Radio?

6. What would be your 3 desert islands items?

7. What is the first Single you bought?

8. Restaurant or takeaway?

9. What would your recommend to a new mum as a must have baby item?

10. Describe yourself in 3 words?

11. What was the happiest day of your life?

It's Friday, I'm in Love!

Dear Daisy

At nearly 22 months old your funny personality is truly starting to appear and every day little things you do remind me just how much I love you.

Here's today's, I love........

1) how you tell us 'not' instead of 'no' when you don't want something

2) how you only ever want 'tatoes' when I ask you what you'd like for tea

3) how you scrunch your nose when you smile, just like me

4) how you tell me 'nice' when I wear something new

5) how counting only ever starts at six, who needs one to five anyway!

6) how you just have to shout 'I'm king of castle' whenever you stand somewhere high

7) how whenever we talk about Daddy being at work you make a 'toot toot' sound (I'm sure you think he works on the trains)

8) hearing you shouting 'its my mummy' when I collect you from the childminder