Mamatography 21 - Me and Mine May

This post is part of a blog link up hosted by Lucy at Dear Beautiful Boy.

The first of our monthly family photo comes from the middle of the month. M likes to have her tongue stuck out all the time, so in a bid to make her look less unusual, we all stuck our tongues out!

Then at the end of the month we went for a fun photo booth shoot. Not the easiest of adventures, but fun!

Baby Led Weaning - Week 3: Poo

I promised you a poo post, so here goes!

When B started solids, we had great fun spotting what she'd eaten the day before appearing in her nappies. A bit of broccoli here, a mushroom there, and I even watched her poo a green bean once, which was totally hilarious. So we were very much expecting this to happen with M too. However, within a day or two of starting her journey with solids, M's poos had become more formed, solid, unlike the breastmilky poos she'd been having since we'd sourced a regular milk donor for her supplements. I don't know whether she's digesting her food properly or doing a fantastic job of mashing the food up with her gums. I'm still waiting on a whole slice of courgette that I watched her swallow though! And now that she has 1 tooth, and a second about to emerge, it will be interesting to see how her poos change.

From her birth until she started solids, M has been an irregular and infrequent pooer - once to twice a week at most, but not constipated or struggling. They were formed whilst she was on formula supplements, with the odd runny, seedy, breastmilky poo here and there, and then all breastmilky when she was solely having breastmilk. Once M began solids, she began doing 3-4 poos a day, which was exciting and annoying in equal parts - I'm not a fan of poo!

Mamatography 19 - 6 Months On

M is 6 months old today. The time has flown by. She's a delight and we all love her a lot. She has been breastfeed with the aid of donor milk and some formula administered with a supplemental nursing system. She cut her first tooth yesterday and has been on solids for nearly three weeks. And only a few of the fears I had about caring for two children have been realised, though being a mother of two really is a whole different ball game!

Here's what I have learned over the past 6 months:

Baby Led Weaning - Week 2

M is seriously loving food! Here's a run down of what she's eaten this week, with some beautifully messy photos:


Monday

Breakfast - buttered toast fingers

Lunch - sleeping

Dinner - homemade pizza; onion ring; red pepper

Tuesday

Breakfast - buttered toast fingers - we're not very imaginative when it comes to breakfast!

Lunch - beef stew; cheesy mashed potatoes; steamed courgette, carrot & broccoli

Tea - eggy bread; banana

Wednesday

Mamatography 18 - Siblings: May

Our morning routine now includes B and M touching each others faces, as though they are reconnecting after the night apart. It's lovely and gentle, and reminds me of animals nuzzling each other. M usually wakes first, and she will sit beside me, alternating between nursing and looking over to see if B is awake yet. She's developed a fake cough, which is quite clearly used for attention seeking purposes! As soon as B wakes, M's face cracks into the biggest smile, B leans over and touches her face, and then says, "Mummy, M is my sister!" Will I ever get tired of hearing that joyful statement?

The two of them make each other so happy - just seeing the other one can stop tears. It's a delight to witness. B told me the other day that she and M are getting married, and that daddy will wear a golden ball gown at the wedding!

This post is part of the Mamatography 2014 Project with Diary of a First Child and Momma Jorje.

We are taking (at least) a photo a day, a collage or a picture each week to keep a record of our year. Join us at any point during the year and start sharing your own daily photos!

Click Get the code here below to add the blog hop to your blog and join the fun. (Also sign up to be added to a comment group!)

This is a Blog Hop!

---

1. Week 18 @ Anktangle

2. Week 18

3. new york momma | week eighteen

4. Momma Jorje - Week 18

You are next... Click here to enter
This list will close in 3 hrs, 2 min (5/10/2014 11:59 PM Europe - Greenwich Mean Time)

What is a blog hop?
Get the code here...

Linky Tools  |  Linky Blog 2013

Baby Led Weaning - Week 1

Our second Baby Led Weaning journey has begun. M had her first solids experience at 23 weeks. That's three weeks before her 6 month birthday, which just goes to show one of the beauties of weaning in this way. We didn't have to rely upon an arbitrary age to reach, but had measurable abilities to watch for.

Baby led weaning means allowing your baby to lead the way on their journey to full time solid food. It's not - as many seem to think - the introduction of finger foods to a baby already fed on purées, but rather putting food in front of your baby and letting them explore and feed themselves. If you're feeding your baby some of their food, they're not leading the way, so there is no such thing as 'part traditional, part baby led weaning,' though a baby can feed themselves with purée if given a loaded spoon. 

Illegal is Illegal

There's a petition going round that calls for Sports Direct to issue an apology for the treatment of breastfeeding mother, Wioletta Komar, in one of their stores. I am reluctant to sign it. For a start, a forced apology is meaningless. But, more importantly, this situation calls for much more than an apology, however much Ms. Komar would like to receive one.

Breastfeeding mothers are protected by the Equality Act of 2010. It is illegal to harass, victimise or discriminate against a woman because she is breastfeeding. You cannot ask a woman to leave a public place or feed elsewhere or cover up; you cannot refuse to serve her because she is breastfeeding. It is against the law. 

The chap in Sports Direct who told Ms. Komar that she couldn't feed in the store committed a crime. An apology isn't good enough. When a crime is committed, then there should be consequences under the law.

Mamatography 17 - Me and Mine April

This post is part of a blog link up hosted by Lucy at Dear Beautiful Boy.

Where has this month gone? We've been so busy, I almost forgot about Me and Mine, so here is our last minute family photo, taken in bed at 6:50 this morning!

This month:

The hubby has enjoyed...

Our day out at Stanwick Lakes

Having conversations with B

Engaging more with M

Eating together as a family since M started baby led weaning

Starting to get the house sorted by using Habithackers

I have enjoyed...

Watching The Crimson Field

Settling into a gentle routine that works for both girls

Green smoothies

More time with the hubby in the evenings

Some extra sleep in the mornings when the hubby takes M downstairs for a bit
Easter

B has enjoyed...

Watching Frozen and listening to the soundtrack

Eating chocolate

Spending a day with Nannie and Grandpa

Getting wet at Stanwick Lakes

M has enjoyed...

The Jumperoo

Starting Baby Led Weaning in the last couple of days

Playing with Daddy first thing in the morning
Learning to sit up

This post is also part of the Mamatography 2014 Project with Diary of a First Child and Momma Jorje.

We are taking (at least) a photo a day, a collage or a picture each week to keep a record of our year. Join us at any point during the year and start sharing your own daily photos!

Click Get the code here below to add the blog hop to your blog and join the fun. (Also sign up to be added to a comment group!)

---

1. Week 17

2. Me and Mine

3. Momma Jorje - Week 17

This linky list is now closed.

What is a blog hop?
Get the code here...

Linky Tools  |  Linky Blog 2013

Mamatography 16

Today we went to Stanwick Lakes and had a thoroughly enjoyable day. The adventure playground there is awesome! With sand and water features to play in too. B loved getting wet. Even the inside of her boots were soggy! But what I found most wonderful was her fearlessness. This photo shows her climbing up the netting to go down the slide. We've had the policy of telling her that if she can't do something at the play area by herself, then she shouldn't be doing it, as we want her to problem solve for herself. And this is the result - she can climb with the best of them. My little mountain goat. 

This post is part of the Mamatography 2014 Project with Diary of a First Child and Momma Jorje.

We are taking (at least) a photo a day, a collage or a picture each week to keep a record of our year. Join us at any point during the year and start sharing your own daily photos!

Click Get the code here below to add the blog hop to your blog and join the fun. (Also sign up to be added to a comment group!)

---

1. Week 16

2. Momma Jorje - Week 16

3. Diary of a first child

This linky list is now closed.

What is a blog hop?
Get the code here...

Linky Tools  |  Linky Blog 2013

---

Mamatography 15

This is B's drawing of her granddad. I'm so proud! It's the first drawing she's done that has any resemblance to what it's a drawing of. My daughter, the artist!! 

This post is part of the Mamatography 2014 Project with Diary of a First Child and Momma Jorje.

We are taking (at least) a photo a day, a collage or a picture each week to keep a record of our year. Join us at any point during the year and start sharing your own daily photos!

Click Get the code here below to add the blog hop to your blog and join the fun. (Also sign up to be added to a comment group!)

---

1. Earth Mamas World

2. Week 15

3. Momma Jorje - Week 15

4. Week 15 @ Anktangle

This linky list is now closed.

What is a blog hop?
Get the code here...

Linky Tools  |  Linky Blog 2013

Mamatography 14: Siblings - April

It's so lovely to watch the developing relationship between my beautiful girls. B loves to cuddle M, and the other day she spontaneously said, "I love you," as she was hugging her. I have to admit, I did shed a little tear! B also calls M "my precious lady," which she's heard the hubby calling us.

As M is getting more interested in her toys, so is B - she loves to play with the baby toys, but is very insistent that she is sharing. She's very helpful in finding things for M to play with and in showing her books. I do think B is desperate for M to grow into a playmate, as she keeps talking about what they will do when M is bigger. She has big plans!

M is still besotted with B. She watches her constantly and smiles and laughs at everything B does. We're already getting the feeling that she's going to be one of those little sisters that grins when her sibling is caught doing something they shouldn't, whilst also being the one encouraging them in the first place! She also shouts at B to get her attention, which does make us laugh.

This post is part of the Mamatography 2014 Project with Diary of a First Child and Momma Jorje.

We are taking (at least) a photo a day, a collage or a picture each week to keep a record of our year. Join us at any point during the year and start sharing your own daily photos!

Click Get the code here below to add the blog hop to your blog and join the fun. (Also sign up to be added to a comment group!)

Mamatography 13: Me and Mine - March

This post is part of a blog link up hosted by Lucy at Dear Beautiful Boy.

So, last month we didn't manage to get a whole family photo, but just a couple of days later we had some professional photos done. The girls are very photogenic; the hubby and I not so much! But here is our best one.

But, that was nearly a whole month ago, so here's a current family photo. We raided B's dressing up box, because if you're going to look crazy tired in a photo, you might as well look proper crazy! And our girls will look back on these photos and see that mum and dad were fun. 

And as a bonus, you get to see our cress head family portrait! 

B and I have had some fun with these. I drew the faces; she sprinkled the seeds and has enjoyed watering them daily, proudly showing off her 'seeds' to everyone who has come round.

This month:

The hubby has enjoyed...

More time laughing with me

Seeing M smile

Playing 2048

I have enjoyed...

Wearing Wingz which allow me to wear my short sleeved tops and dresses with covered arms

Green smoothies for breakfast

Joining in with the 100 Happy Days project

Watching Parks and Recreations

B has enjoyed...

Winnie the Pooh

Drinking through straws

Singing, especially A,B,C and Twinkle, Twinkle

Growing cress

Going to museums

M has enjoyed...

Rolling

Staring at her hands

Playing with her toes

Baths in the tummy tub

Watching B

Screeching with excitement

This post is also part of the Mamatography 2014 Project with Diary of a First Child and Momma Jorje.

We are taking (at least) a photo a day, a collage or a picture each week to keep a record of our year. Join us at any point during the year and start sharing your own daily photos!

Click Get the code here below to add the blog hop to your blog and join the fun. (Also sign up to be added to a comment group!)

Mamatography 12 - Dressing Up

This week I got fed up of tripping over play kitchen stuff, so that's up out of reach and the dressing up box came into rotation instead. It's not got a great deal in it yet - lots of sunglasses, a few hats and various headbands, along with a nurse's cape from my own childhood and B's elf outfit from Christmas. It also has her great grandma's bead necklaces. B really enjoyed dressing up, but she particularly loved picking out headbands for M to wear. M was not phased at all! And the best thing - B decided to tidy up the box and put it away all by herself, without me asking!

This post is part of the Mamatography 2014 Project with Diary of a First Child and Momma Jorje.

We are taking (at least) a photo a day, a collage or a picture each week to keep a record of our year. Join us at any point during the year and start sharing your own daily photos!

Click Get the code here below to add the blog hop to your blog and join the fun. (Also sign up to be added to a comment group!)

Mamatography 11 - Giggles

For St. Patrick's Day we all wore something green, and the hubby bought me a packet of Guinness crisps. B and I made a collection of all the green things we could find in the lounge.

My mum and dad got back from their month in Australia, and came to ours for breakfast on the way home. It was so good to see them and B was the most excited I've ever seen her. My dad and the girls are wearing bowls on their heads, because B insisted that they all wear helmets and these were what she produced!

 

This little monkey nut has started to giggle properly this week. She's been a tough crowd, but we're finally working out what tickles her funny bone, and it's lovely to hear.

This post is part of the Mamatography 2014 Project with Diary of a First Child and Momma Jorje.

We are taking (at least) a photo a day, a collage or a picture each week to keep a record of our year. Join us at any point during the year and start sharing your own daily photos!

Click Get the code here below to add the blog hop to your blog and join the fun. (Also sign up to be added to a comment group!)

Mamatography 10 - Siblings:March

M's biggest smiles are directed at B. She is always watching her big sister. B still wants plenty of cuddles with her little sister, but insists on getting her face so close to M's that she has, on occasion, had her face licked. 

We're in the middle of the four month sleep regression with M, and B has started waking early. She was always such a late riser, but M is the opposite and is wide awake and grinning at 4:30 in the morning. You can tell B is getting up much earlier than she is used to - look at the bags under her eyes. 

This post is part of the Mamatography 2014 Project with Diary of a First Child and Momma Jorje.

We are taking (at least) a photo a day, a collage or a picture each week to keep a record of our year. Join us at any point during the year and start sharing your own daily photos!

Click Get the code here below to add the blog hop to your blog and join the fun. (Also sign up to be added to a comment group!)

Mamatography 9 - Let's Go Fly a Kite

A sunny, blustery afternoon spent flying out new kite on Dunstable Downs. And yes, I did have to run after the kite when B left go, mummy-tummy jiggling all over the place! Thank God for supportive bras. 

This post is part of the Mamatography 2014 Project with Diary of a First Child and Momma Jorje.

We are taking (at least) a photo a day, a collage or a picture each week to keep a record of our year. Join us at any point during the year and start sharing your own daily photos!

Click Get the code here below to add the blog hop to your blog and join the fun. (Also sign up to be added to a comment group!)

Mamatography 8 - Me and Mine February

This post is part of a blog link up hosted by Lucy at Dear Beautiful Boy. 

Sadly, due to a very busy month at work we haven't managed to get the hubby in our group photo, so you only get us three girlies. You can tell he's been doing lots of work by my crazy, tired eyes and unwashed hair!

This month: