Living Arrows - December 2020

It's the most wonderful time of the year - even if we are in lockdown. What a year. Back in March, April, and May we couldn't have imagined that we would still be in this position but here we are. We had a lovely, Covid-secure day out at the start of the month which I think I'll upload as a separate post. We also had a great Christmas - despite all the restrictions and not being able to see certain family members. Noah and Ava got everything they asked for and more. I really felt like we had to compensate for the terrible year we've had. Did you have a nice Christmas?

 

Living Arrows #21 - Sunny Days & Spring Fairs

It's been a while since I last published a Living Arrows post, so to make up for it I decided to choose a couple of shots taken at the spring fair a few weeks ago. I had intended to post them sooner, better late than never! The kids always enjoy going to the fair and it's become a yearly tradition of ours. Their Great Grandad visited in the morning we planned to go and kindly gave them both £10 in £2 coins for rides, they were ever so excited! Here are a couple of my favourite photos of the day.

Living Arrows #20 - Happy Easter

We had a lovely Easter break this year. Noah had two weeks off school and the weather was glorious. We pretty much spent every moment outdoors, enjoying the weather and we had lots of days out too. I took these pictures one afternoon before one of our many egg hunts. I lost count of how many times I had to rehide those eggs! The kids had so much fun! Did you have a nice Easter? 

Living Arrows #19 - Children In The Trees

Noah and Ava, like most children, love to be outdoors. It doesn't matter about the weather, it could be raining or snowing for all they care, they just want to be outside. I don't know if it's the fascination of their natural surroundings and all the fresh air, or if it's because they have more freedom to explore and to play. Perhaps it's a bit of both! They both have an interest in climbing tree's at the moment too, though they are both still too young to be able to do it properly and safely. That said, Ava is only two and I swear she's able to climb better than Noah!

Living Arrows #18 - The Birthday Girl

On the 3rd of March, it was Ava's 2nd birthday! I know, where has the time gone? I honestly could cry! I took a dozen photo's on the day like all parents do and didn't know which to go for. In the end, I chose these two (kicking myself that I shot these in portrait and not landscape) as they were both in their element, chowing down on Ava's Baby Shark birthday cake! That's the best part of a birthday right? 

Ava - On The Eve Of Your Second Birthday

I've been writing weekly and monthly updates for the kids for years now, but none have felt as surreal and as bittersweet as this. My baby girl, Ava Jean is two tomorrow. How did that happen?

It's such a cliche when parents say that their children grow up too fast, and I'll admit that I've lost count of the number of times that I've said and typed that exact phrase, but it is so true. Not only does it feel so surreal, but it also feels extremely bittersweet, much more than ever before. I think maybe it's because we aren't having any more children, so every first that Ava experiences, is a last for us as parents.

Two years old is such a milestone too. She's a fully fledged toddler, with a mind of her own, who no longer wants to be coddled. Well, she does in some circumstances. She still loves skin to skin contact and still sleeps in our bed, but she is extremely independent too! She likes to do things for herself, without the interference of her Mummy and Daddy, even if she struggles. She has such drive and determination, lots of qualities that I hope she holds onto throughout her life because they will get her far.

Don't ever change Ava, you are one in a million and you inspire us to not only be better parents but to be better humans too. We love you more than you'll ever know.

Living Arrows #17 - Ice Cream And Sunny Days

Living Arrows has become a personal highlight for me. I love having the time to sit, and share memories of my kids, being kids. I did have another set of photographs to share for this week but decided to use a different set. I had a plethora of photographs of the kids, playing in the snow and making snow angels, but with the drastic change in the weather, I decided to scrap the idea and share some snaps of the kids enjoying the sun instead.

These shots were taken at Edisford Bridge on a spontaneous afternoon out. It was a few days before the heat struck, but it was warm enough to wear shorts and T-shirts and to eat lots of ice cream! I think that Noah and Ava would live off ice cream if I let them and I could spend hours watching them enjoy it.

What's In My Changing Bag

I'm not a shoe, makeup or handbag kinda girl. I like them, but I can do without them, however, the same cannot be said for changing bags. I adore them, and I'm probably a little obsessed with them. I've had so many different changing bags since becoming a mother five years ago, from lots of different brands, but my all time favourite is the B.F.F changing bag from Ju-Ju-Be, which I reviewed last year. It's functional and practical, whilst being stylish, and on trend too.

With a love of changing bags comes a fondness for WIMCB blog posts (what's in my changing bag.) It's a guilty pleasure of mine, to have a look at what other people carry in their bags. On blog posts of course! I'm not peeking into peoples bags in real life! I've also written a couple over the years, at different stages of my children's lives because they are great to look back on, and I like to think that they may help out a fellow parent. Today I've decided to write an updated WIMCB post, featuring numerous items which I always carry in my changing bag.

Miscellaneous: 

I thought I'd start with the miscellaneous items that I carry, some of which can be deemed essentials too I suppose, depending on various factors. Whatever the weather, or time of year, I make sure to pack suitable spare clothes and accessories. In winter it's all about hats, gloves, and spare layers and when it's summer time I'll pack suncream, sun hats, and spare vests. My kids are like bottomless pits so I always carry a couple of quick and easy snacks like fruit, crackers, and fruit or yogurt pouches. Last, but not least are the little bits and pieces that keep them entertained while we're out. Board books, activity packs, and small soft toys are always a winner.

Essentials: 

Then there's the essential items that I carry in our changing bag, the items I wouldn't leave the house without. That would be nappies, wipes, bibs, my purse, my keys, my phone, and most recently Oderase.

Oderase is an air freshener with a difference and perfect for packing in your changing bag. Rather than mask bad odours like regular air fresheners do, it eliminates them by attaching itself to the offensive odour particles and erasing them from the air. It comes in a handy pump spray bottle (yay, no aerosol - I wouldn't carry aerosol in my bag) and is non-toxic and fragrance-free. It's been approved by Allergy UK, Good Housekeeping Institute, and achieved Cradle to Cradle Certified™ SILVER.

I've been using Oderase both at home and on the go for the past week and I'm really impressed with the results. It's ideal for using every day, at home but it's also been a godsend for using in public baby changing rooms. When entering them I tend to always have to breathe through my mouth to avoid the smell. Why do they always smell? Even first thing in the morning? I feel sorry for Ava because she's too young to suss out that trick yet. Thankfully, all I have to do is spray a little around to room, and voila! Odours, eliminated! Only available at Ocado, a 100ml bottle usually retails at £4.99, however, it's on offer at £3.99 until 19/02/2019.

What items do you carry in your changing bag? Would you consider using Oderase?

AD - We were sent a bottle Oderase for the purpose of this feature and received a fee to do so, however, all opinions are my own.

Keeping The Kids Fit And Healthy In Winter

As a mother, my children are always at the forefront of my mind. Getting the correct nutrients into their diet is detrimental to me and I'm conscious of their vitamin and mineral intake. When it comes to their diet I don't have to worry much because they are fabulous little eaters, enjoying very balanced meals and preferring fruit and veg over most foods (I know, I swear they are aliens!) We are also always out and about, soaking in the natural Vitamin D that the sun provides, however, it's so much harder to do in the colder months. Not only is there less sunlight on a whole, but it's that cold that sometimes we would all prefer to stay at home in the warmth.

That said, we wrap up warm and brave the cold every day. It's great to stretch their legs, get some fresh air in their lungs and to enjoy one another's company. Even the smallest of walks end up a huge adventure for Noah and Ava. Sticks become swords, stones become gems, and flowers become magic wands. That's probably one of my favourite parts of parenthood, watching my children find joy in objects that I often overlook. It's kind of a reminder to slow down and to enjoy the small things.

Vitamin D is important because it helps to regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate within our body, which are needed to keep bones, teeth, and muscles healthy. It also supports the normal function of the immune system in both children and adults.

Everyone in the UK, aged 1 and over requires 10 micrograms (μg) of vitamin D a day and 8.5-10 micrograms a day for infants under 1 year, particularly during the winter months. Formulated specifically to meet the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition’s (SACN) and Public Health England’s (PHE) new recommended vitamin D guidelines is Fultium Daily D3. Fultium Daily D3 is a new, high quality, pharmaceutical grade supplement. 

Fultium recently sent us a box full of their Daily D3 capsules and drops, enough to see the whole family through Winter. I'm hoping that they help ward off some of the cold and flu bugs that Noah continuously brings home from school. Also included in the gift box were sunflower seeds and a grow your own salad kit, to bring a bit of sunshine indoors. The kids are so excited about planting the seeds and I'll make sure to share our progress on social media.

Fultium daily D3 is available in pharmacies only, in packs of 30 (RRP £3.99), 60s (RRP £7.49), 90s (RRP £10.99) and as 15ml drops (RRP £7.99). The capsule gelatine is both Halal and Kosher certified and the drops are suitable for vegetarians. Both are both free from artificial preservatives and sweeteners and can be purchased in store, or online at Boots.

- AD: This is a paid collaboration.

Living Arrows #16 - One Little Girl And Her Colouring Pot

This is my first Living Arrows post of 2019 and I thought I'd share these really sweet photo's I took of Ava a few weeks ago. Christmas had been and gone, and Nick and Noah were back at work and school. It was just Ava and me, at home, alone together. I love having one on one time with her during the week, moments which sometimes are hard to come by with second (and third, fourth, fifth) children. Although I miss Noah while he's at school, this is truly a benefit of having a three year age gap because otherwise, we'd rarely get some time just the two of us. I try not to feel the Mum guilt either, as Noah had me all to himself when he was a toddler and I make sure to set aside some one on one time for him too. 

Ava - 22 Months Old

I've been a bad Mum. The last time I wrote an update for Ava was back when she was 17 months old! Everything has been so hectic lately, in the best kind of way, and well, it's second child syndrome for you! Those are my excuses, and I'm sticking with them! Anyway, I'm here now, to fill you in on everything Ava is up to lately, but more importantly, for us to read back together when she's older.

Character 

I've lost count of the times I've said this, but Ava is well and truly one of a kind. People always comment on her personality, how charismatic, entertaining and funny she is. Her aura would be yellow like the sun, she just radiates happiness and is honestly a pleasure to be around. She is confident, independent, intelligent, determined, charismatic, creative, friendly and affectionate, yet feisty and stubborn too. She is quite easy going, like her brother, which makes being her Mummy a very rewarding and enjoyable experience.

Speech
She is a little chatterbox and likes to speak in her own little language. That said, she knows countless words and is also putting two and three words together now. She could say hiya, ta, hi, Mam, Mama, Mummy, Dada, Daddy, Nanna, Grandad, cat, hat, cheese, shoes, car, ta ta's, choc choc, tea, that, wee wee, poo poo, baby, dip dip on the last update but is learning new ones every day. Her new words include NOAH, bye bye, orange, strawberry, apple, coat, socks, bath, ice cream, drink and please. Joined words include Hiya Mama/Dada/Noah and Bye Bye Mama/Dada/Noah.

Size
I've not weighed her in a while, but she's quite solid. I predict that she's still following the 91st centile nicely. Clothing wise she wears a mix of 18-24 months and 2-3 year old clothes. She wears a size 6 nappy and size 5 shoes.

Health
Ava has 16 teeth and is waiting for the last four now, the two sets of second molars which tend to come through from 2 years old. She's handled teething like a champ, none of them have bothered her, so I hope that will be the case when she gets those four too! Teeth aside, she had her first full-on cold just before Christmas and it seemed to last weeks. For the first couple of days, she really struggled with it, it was horrible to see her poorly.

Feeding

Ava has two 12oz bottles of cows milk a day, one in the morning, one at night. I'm in no immediate rush to cut the bottles, they are only little for a short amount of time so I'm letting her enjoy them while she can. Food wise, she loves the stuff, just like her Momma! She tends to just pick at breakfast but has a decent lunch, dinner and then some supper too. Favourites include; all fruits, all veg, especially carrots, green beans, beetroot, and gherkins. Fish, especially salmon and tuna. Pizza, chicken, cheese, cereal, chips, crisps, dip, rice, pasta, yogurt, and chocolate.

Sleep

Ava loves to sleep, usually sleeping through the night but she is still in our bed and she can stir occasionally. She tends to have an hour or two nap during the day, but sometimes she skips it. We are currently renovating the kids' rooms so in the next few weeks we hope to settle her in her own bed, in her own room. Wish us luck! Although I think I'll really miss out nightly cuddles.

Milestones and new tricks

* She is starting to put two and three words together.

* She has a great pen grip and has fantastic control when mark making.

* Her imagination is next level and is constantly role-playing in a realistic manner. 

*  She likes to try to put her own clothes and shoes on, and brush her own hair and teeth, which of course I have to help with too, despite her protests!

* She can now recognise her first colour; orange!

* She knows countless animals and the noises they make.

* She did her first wee on the potty this week, though we haven't started potty training just yet as I don't think she's 100% ready yet.

Likes and dislikes
Her entire family, she loves spending time with us or visiting other family members houses. Going for walks, exploring, jumping in puddles, running, jumping and climbing. Drawing, colouring and mark making. Playing with playdoh, or anything creative. Her dolls and playing Mummy. Animals. Reading books. Her wooden kitchen and role-playing. She loves listening, dancing and singing to music. Her favourite cartoon is Peppa Pig and she likes to watch nursery rhymes on YouTube. Alexa. Baby Shark. Bath time! She doesn't like having her teeth brushed because she wants to do it herself and she doesn't like insects.

Living Arrows #15 - Merry Christmas!

Christmas as a parent is one of the most amazing times of a year, a truly magical time. It's almost as though we can relive the wonder all over again, through our children. Christmas Eve is probably my favourite day of the whole season because I love building up the excitement for the kids and asking them to help prepare everything for the big man's arrival.

This year we had our annual Christmas Eve boxes, filled with lots of yummy treats, Christmas jumpers, a book, bath bombs, and a few more bits and bats. We also did the usual tradition of leaving out a glass of milk, a mince pie for Father Christmas and a carrot for the reindeer. We also left some reindeer food (oats) in a bowl and hung a magic key on our front door. The kids went to sleep as soon as their heads hit the pillow and they were up at the crack of dawn, it was still pitch black outside! We had the most amazing Christmas and we hope that you all did too! Merry Christmas!