5 Ways To Make A Memorable Baby Shower

Baby showers are a celebration that the UK mums and dads has recently adopted from our American cousins and they've become all the rage over the last couple of years. They seem to grow in popularity every year and it's no surprise as to why. They are a great way to celebrate your pregnancy, they add to the excitement of the lead up to your new arrival, they are the perfect excuse to have a party with your friends and family, receive lots of thoughtful gifts and eat a truck load of indulgent snacks. What's not to love?

I had a baby shower when I was expecting Noah which you can read all about here. It was hosted by my mother in law and all my closest family and friends were invited. I was in two minds about having a baby shower at all, as I'm not one to be the centre of attention, but I'm so glad I did as it was a very special day for me and one that I remember fondly. I was surrounded by people that I love and I laughed so much that a few times I thought I may actually force myself into labour!

Not only did I have an incredible time at my baby shower but I also received some really useful gifts too. My favourites being a baby bath, baby towel and a whole hamper full of Pampers Sensitive Wipes and Pampers Premium Protection New Baby Nappies. I used both the nappies and wipes as soon as Noah was born as I knew they are the only newborn nappy endorsed by the British Skin Foundation, so would be kind and gentle on his newborn skin which was great for my peace of mind. It also helped me a lot as a new Mum, as I didn’t need to buy any wipes or nappies for the first couple of months. As lovely as baby clothes, shoes and toys are you can’t beat receiving the necessities and Pampers were just that to us. If you want to really treat an expectant parent to the most useful gift of all then I would recommend looking at pushchairs. A great idea would be for everyone to chip in and splurge on one - I know I would have really appreciated it!

If you’re thinking of having a baby shower or wanting to plan one for a friend, then I really can't recommend one enough. Today I thought I'd share a couple of tips which could help you create a baby shower to remember.

1. Invite the right guests

This could make or break a baby shower, it really could. Do your research on who your expectant mother would like to attend as you really don't want a sour face relative or arch enemy turning up for the event. She'll want to be surrounded by her nearest and dearest so it really is all about quality and not quantity when it comes to your attendees.

2. Be organised and prepared

When hosting, it certainly pays off to be organised and have some sort of itinerary to work with. You want the baby shower to run smoothly and avoid any stress which other guests or expectant mother may pick up on. You also don't want to be running around like a headless chicken and will want to enjoy the party yourself.

3. Plan lots of fun games

A highlight of my baby shower has got to be the games! There are so many fun games that you can plan for a baby shower, some are ice breakers, some bring out people’s competitive side and some are downright hilarious. A favourite of mine has got to be the chocolate nappy game where you add different melted chocolate bars to different nappies. They are then passed around and the guests have to guess what chocolate each nappy contains by sniffing it. The person who guessing the most correctly wins!

4. Provide lots of food and snacks

Imagine turning up to a baby shower and there being no food! There would be a lot of unhappy guests and well not providing food to a pregnant lady is just the epitome of cruel, how could you do that to her! Sacrilege! A buffet style spread would suffice but make sure there is lots and lots of cake!

5. A thoughtful gift or two

A good place to start are the essentials that any new parent will relish as a present – a healthy supply of Pampers nappies and wipes to get them started, it definitely helps having them on hand! A very personalised and thoughtful way to end a baby shower is to also present the expectant mother with a memento to mark the occasion. There are so many options when it comes to a thoughtful keepsake, especially online and most don't cost very much either. I was given a crystal heart decoration with a blue ribbon and it was one of the first items I put inside my son’s memory box. I still treasure it three years later.

For more tips and advice on throwing the best baby shower possible read this article brought to you by Pampers. Do you have any tips or ideas when it comes to hosting a baby shower?

- Wrote in collaboration with Pampers as part of The Pampers Baby Board.

Pregnancy Diary: Week 35

20/10/13

35 Weeks Pregnant.

Now I am at the 35 week milestone my baby seems so close and within my reach. The thought that he could be here in just 5 weeks time is incredible. Where has the time gone? I say that every week but my pregnancy and this year has gone so fast it's frightening but also very exciting!

As the pregnancy draws to an end my symptoms don't change too drastically week by week. One a whole I feel great but it is getting increasingly more uncomfortable to do simple little things. I have felt pressure on my cervix for a while now but this week I feel so sore as there is a lot of weight down there. If I have been sat down for a while, then stand up I feel everything drop, it is so uncomfortable and makes it very difficult to walk. I am also struggling to sleep at night time. I will just lie in bed exhausted but my mind just won't shut off. I lie there for hours just dreaming about the day we meet our baby, holding his little hand and having that first cuddle. Then as soon as I hear the birds chirping and it starts to go light I seem to be able to sleep. Maybe it's my body's way of telling me our baby is going to be a night owl just like me. My body's way of preparing me for all those sleepless nights. I'm ready for them, bring it on! 

I don't really feel much bigger on the bump scale this week but I have a feeling that I may really pop over the next few weeks. Our boy is still very active in my belly but now that he is running out of space his movements are more like big turns and shifts rather than sharp little kicks. Every movement feels amazing even the strong rib prods and the little hands tickling behind my hip bone.  

I had my baby shower this week and I blogged all about it here. It was an incredible night, surrounded by my fantastic family and friends. We had lots of yummy treats and played lots of fun games. It will be a night I will remember forever.  

That's it for another week. I wonder how many more of these posts I will write before he decides to enter the world. I could be writing a 41 week post, but I really hope not. I have begun getting really impatient now and just want him here with us. We cannot wait to meet him!

My Baby Shower

Baby showers originate from the States but are becoming increasingly more popular here in the UK as of late. I've always thought they were such a lovely concept because they bring all your close family and friends together to celebrate the upcoming arrival of your little one. 

My Mother in Law to be kindly offered to throw the baby shower for me and at first I was a worried as I am not one for being the centre of attention and prefer to take a back seat. I never had an 18th, 21st or even an Engagement party for this reason and I have always regretted it. I didn't want that same regret in turning down the baby shower and I am so glad that I went ahead with it as it turned out to be a pretty unforgettable night!

My baby shower was on Friday 11th October at 7pm and I arrived early so I would be in time to greet all the guests. When I walked through the door I was amazed at how much effort had been put into every single detail. There were blue balloons everywhere, nappy pin confetti, baby vests on washing lines, banners, handmade pom poms, a gingerbread favour tree and even a baby made out of nappies! My Mother in Law must of spent hours making the cake, it was beautiful. It was decorated with thick blue icing, sugar babies, teddies, butterflies and bottles made out of icing.. She had baked ginger bread favours for each guest in the shapes of baby clothes and prams. There were little paper nappies filled with white and blue sweets and the cutest cupcakes you have ever seen. Everything was handmade, stunning and delicious. I still can't believe how perfect everything looked and I can't thank her enough. 

When my family and friends arrived I tried my best to introduce everyone. Most people hadn't met each other before but thankfully the ice was broken early on in the evening and everyone got a long well. While everyone chatted I put all the gifts people kindly brought in the table for later. I have to admit I did have sneaky peaks into the gift bags when no one was looking!  

After everyone had relaxed and had a glass of wine we begun the traditional baby shower games. First up we played feed the baby which was like pin the tail on the donkey but instead you are trying to stick a bottle in the babies mouth. That was a lot of fun, who doesn't like being blind folded and spun around! Next we had a game where everyone had to guess the size of my bump with a piece of string. Now this got a lot of laughs because some people guessed way too big but it was my Sister who was the closest and won! We also had a nursery rhyme quiz which I was terrible at. There was a lot of old school rhymes in there that I think I will have to learn before the baby arrives. Last but not least we had the ever so popular dirty nappy game. If you haven't heard of this one before you are in for a treat. Different types of bars of chocolate are melted into nappies and passed around the group. You have to decipher what chocolate bar is in each dirty nappy by smell. We all got stuck in and very competitive. We all ended up in hysterics especially when my Mum decided to nibble a bit of chocolate out of the nappy! I can proudly say I came second in that game, I know my chocolate! 

We then had a bite to eat and a natter and I got stuck into all the gorgeous gifts everyone had bought for our boy. He received a hamper full of baby essentials, towels, snow suits, toys, books, clothes, vouchers and lots more. He is one lucky little lad and everyone wants to spoil him just as much as we do. 

We ended the night with a toast to Noah and to our future as a family. It was a truly special night and one I will remember forever. 

Pregnancy Diary: Week 30 & 31

22/09/13

30 & 31 Weeks Pregnant. 

I have found these two weeks a little bit easier than the previous two weeks. I don't know if it's because I am getting used to the big changes in third trimester or just that I feel better in general. The nausea has gone again and I am like a bottomless pit when it comes to eating. Nothing seems to satisfy me. I've been craving crisps, cake and milk mainly but honestly everything looks tasty to me at the moment. When it comes to my energy levels I am exhausted most of the time and my sleep is erratic. Some days I will sleep really well and others I am up every hour. My heartburn has been horrendous but it does seem to come and go. I will have a few days where it's constant and then some days where I don't have it at all. 

As my bump gets bigger it's even harder to be comfortable. Simple things like sitting on the sofa is difficult, I have to elongate my torso to find relief as he is always beneath my ribs. Getting out of bed is hilarious to witness as I literally have to roll off it. I have also developed a major waddle which has amused countless amounts of people! My lower stomach is smothered in stretch marks, I joke that they look like flames! It is all worth it though. 

I have noticed a change in the babies movements too. They are no longer little kicks or little movements. I literally feel every movement he makes. He's a very active little boy especially at night time when I am trying to sleep. He is so strong and the movements are so big now. I really enjoy watching my stomach move. He loves it when I give my bump a good rub and will wriggle in response. 

I had my 30 week midwife appointment in these two weeks too. Everything was fine. Baby is still measuring big but she said it's nothing to worry about. I know that the measurements can be inaccurate too so I try not to frighten myself at the prospect of pushing out a huge baby. We always said we would have a big boy and if he was anything less than 8lb there would be a lot of shocked people in our family. We are expecting a pair of big long legs too. We also had a tour of the birth centre the following weekend too. I really enjoyed the tour and I will be blogging all about it soon. 

Our cat Ted is still obsessed with me and is being super loving. I think he knows! He will come sit behind me on the sofa and just touch me with his paw. It's adorable. I think after he gets over the initial shock of having a baby in the house he will make a great companion. I know you have to watch cats around babies, the same with all pets but I wouldn't have it any other way. I want our son to love and respect animals just as much and his Daddy and I do. 

We also had a play around with our travel system. I have to admit it took us a while to figure out how to attach the car seat to the base but we got there eventually! We had a trial run with it indoors, it moves so easily and is so lightweight.

As I type this we only have 8 weeks left before our due date. 

54 days until my due date, 19 days until my baby shower and just 6 days until my maternity leave! 

Before I know it my son will be in my arms and I can't wait! 

Review: The Baby Box Company

The Baby Box Company is a Mother and Daughter run business which was inspired by the birth of their Son and Grandson Harry. They really wanted to do something modern and new when it comes to personalised gifts and so The Baby Box Company was born! Out with the old and in with the new, no more pinks for girls and blue for boys. They specialise in funky bright unisex gifts that Mum's really want and need. 

I was very excited when the prospect of reviewing one of their boxes came to my attention. Not only do I love personalised gifts and baby boxes but I am also one of those people who sways away from the traditional blues for boys. 

I was sent the Really Useful Box for the purpose of this review. The box was presented beautifully, in a hard cardboard presentation box and all tied up with a big red bow. I loved their logo in the corner. I find the whole branding to be fresh, bold and cool. It's a brand that stands out and that you will remember. 

The personalised message inside was a lovely touch. I just had to take a photo.
Thank you Chloe and Chris!

What's inside the box?

Aden & Anais Super Stars Swaddle: A swaddle was on my to buy list so I was very happy when I saw this in my box! This Aden & Anais muslin swaddle is 100% cotton and with an attractive bold star design. This will be perfect for swaddling, burping, changing and nursing my baby when he arrives! 

The Baby Box Company Red Bodysuit: This bodysuit made me smile when I opened the box as I am a huge cat lover. It's so hard to come across a cat design that boys can get away with so I'm extremely happy with it. Not only is the bodysuit 100% cotton too but it is also exclusive to The Baby Box Company and made here in the UK!

Sock Ons: I have heard brilliant things about these little Sock ons! I can't wait to try them out on our little one. If he is anything like his Dad then he would be losing his socks constantly but not with Sock Ons. You simply put them on over your babies socks and it keeps them in place, no pulling them off and no more lost socks! Brilliant!

Gogo Toys Wooden Rattle: A round wooden rattle surrounded by brightly coloured beads with a little bell in the middle. It looks like great fun! Not a toy he will be able to use straight away but a nice little something to put away for when he's a little older.


All this for £25. 

Well worth it in my opinion. All very useful and excellent quality products.  

 The Baby Box Company have been a pleasure to deal with and I would recommend them and their goodies to everyone. Their boxes would make an ideal gift or just a treat to yourself!

I was sent the gift box for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own. 

Time Is Flying By

Where has the time gone? It doesn't feel like two minutes ago since we found out I was pregnant. The pregnancy and this year as a whole has flown past in the blink of an eye, it's frightening! Time just seems to go by faster and faster as you get older. 

There's just 16 days left until I start my Maternity Leave, just 29 days until my baby shower and finally just 64 days until my due date! 

I wonder if he will arrive close to his due date? Will he will be early or late? Will I need to be induced or will I go into labour naturally? Will I be able to have the natural water birth? Will I be able to handle the pain? Will I be able to breastfeed? Will I be a good Mum? There are a thousand questions I keep asking myself and only time will tell. 

I am so excited about what is just around the corner for us. Our lives will never be the same again and I am so ready for this! I can't wait to meet our boy!  

Pregnancy Diary: Week 28 & 29

08/09/13

28 & 29 Weeks Pregnant.

As my pregnancy progresses simple things are beginning to become hard work and It's safe to say these past two weeks have been the most difficult. Third trimester has not been my friend so far. The nausea, heartburn and exhaustion have returned from First trimester and new symptoms such as ache's and pains, stomach and legs cramps have all come into the equation! There is never a dull day in Third trimester! I also had a huge anxiety attack at 28 weeks and it frightened me so so much. I had never experienced anything like that before and did not know what was happening. I couldn't breathe, was hysterically crying, shaking and retching  It wasn't a pretty picture. The more I tried to calm down the worse the anxiety attack became. Nick rushed home from work and we ended up going to see my GP right away. He signed me off work for ten days due to stress and ordered me to relax and take it easy. I contemplated taking my maternity leave early but decided to carry on. I am beginning to feel a lot better but for a week or two I didn't feel like myself at all. 

My bump seems to have gotten a lot lot bigger lately and all my stretch marks seem to have appeared over night. I am covered below my stomach and all on my hips. You can't expect to carry a baby and not get the odd stretch mark and they are so worth it. My belly button sticks right out now and it looks really comical as my bump looks like a Cyclops! 

I am continuously feeling our little bubba wriggle about now. I mostly feel big movements and changes rather than the sharp kicks. His favourite thing to do is to kick me in the ribs, it feels so strange. It doesn't hurt at all it just feels indescribable. I laugh cause he mainly does it when I am slouching at the PC it's like he is telling me to sit up straight! Stop slouching Mummy! Another new sensation is when I am in bed at night his head is so low down it almost feels like he is going to fall out. I hope he stays in the position for the birth! 

We bought a Maxi Cosi Cabrio Fix car seat this week thanks to Nick's Grandparents. It fits perfectly into our car and it also fits our Icandy Apple pram. We struggled to get it for a while as it was sold out at all our local stores. Now it's bought it's one less thing on my to do list. 

My lovely Mother in law and I have begun planning my baby shower too! I say I have been planning it but really it is all down to her! I just chose a date and selected the people I want to attend. It's not for a while yet. We decided to throw it once I am on Maternity leave. I really cannot wait for it. It will be a great chance for all my close family and friends to get together and celebrate the upcoming birth of my baby boy! 

I honestly can't believe how quick this pregnancy has gone. It doesn't feel two minutes ago since I found out I was pregnant and was dancing around on my own in the living room! I absolutely adore our boy so much and can't wait to meet him!