tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13329121353936737812024-03-04T22:44:54.375-08:00The Rare BitJust an American girl and her Welsh family. Ramblings about living, working, and starting a family in another country.Baby Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06242439247999989267noreply@blogger.comBlogger66125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1332912135393673781.post-57039041129379459402012-06-11T02:50:00.001-07:002012-06-11T02:53:30.246-07:00Another post about poo<div><p>I probably talk about baby poop way too much, but I challenge any parent to claim that they don't find their own child's bowel movements a source of endless fascination. Hell, I've heard educated and well-dressed couples discussing it matter-of-factly over dinner at a nice restaurant.</p>
<p>When you have children, poo becomes such a routine part of your day that it ceases to be disgusting (although there are always extreme cases). In fact, for most parents, the load in their child's diaper acts as a daily print out of their overall health and wellbeing. The fascination stems from the reassurance that at a glance you can mostly tell if that they're feeling well, eating at least a few vegetables, and staying hydrated. Reports are relayed to your spouse with all the detail an accuracy of a medical exam. If the child is unwell, one of the first questions is "how is her poo?"<br>
For a while it made me wonder how parents of older children keep track of this stuff, but then I remembered that older children can generally string sentences together to more or less accurately relay how they feel. And the fact that their parents don't try to substantiate those statements by poking around in the toilet (ewwww), reassures me that this fascination with the contents of my children' diapers will one day wane, and I will be able to return to polite society. Maybe.</p>
</div>Baby Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06242439247999989267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1332912135393673781.post-24549314792217618752012-06-10T14:13:00.001-07:002012-06-10T14:13:43.866-07:00A case of the blah blah blogger<div><p>It's really been a case of radio silence on this blog lately. I really have just felt so blah about it, and I'm pretty sure it was just a reflection of other life pressures, and not  a lack of desire to write. I still found myself composing posts in my head, but then shrugging my shoulders when the time came to fire up the computer and get to work. </p>
<p>But now I feel ready again. I feel like we've turned a corner and things are just easier. I don't mean that they're easier because the kids are getting older (Elle will be one in 4 weeks!!), but because I feel that I've started to hit my stride as a mother. I've gained confidence in myself and the decisions I make for my children, and that feels good. Also, Iwan has started going to preschool 3 mornings a week, and aside from giving Elle and I some time together, I've found it provides a nice foundation upon which we can build our week. And it's so lovely to see Iwan thriving and learning in his new environment.<br>
Finally, we're counting down the days until we head to America to see my family- it's going to be a great summer!</p>
</div>Baby Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06242439247999989267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1332912135393673781.post-11317147780976235802012-03-29T04:31:00.001-07:002012-03-29T04:31:04.777-07:00Mio bambino in Bambino Mio<div><p>This week I'm taking part in a cloth nappy challenge in partnership with Emma's Diary and Bambino Mio. Although we're no strangers to cloth in this house, we have become a bit more reliant on disposables for bedtime and naptime. So my challenge for the week is to keep Elle in cloth all of the time- and try to get my "cloth mojo" back. Because with two in diapers, I haven't been feeling quite as enthusiastic about cloth nappies. But Bambino Mio sent us 3 of their hot-off-the-presses new MioSolo nappy to try. I'll give a full-on review once we get through the week, but so far we're quite happy with them. You can see how much Elle enjoys her Mio Solo in Parma Violet!</p>
<br/><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCEG-YKizu8YsoIdivOMz_8Bs7GCVotYXmU6c73rMcZcaTX16FZR4pDGMWlXdh9tcTReC3j-sKr3P5i9YOdDBXcXixvV__arDfGwrjcZGaWOzYbxTw9ZcAZDbevFZCQcwTq4mgT7UCBVkF/' /></div>Baby Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06242439247999989267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1332912135393673781.post-51748005996002717712012-03-24T15:43:00.000-07:002012-03-24T15:43:31.041-07:00Review- Vicks Coolmist HumidifierI don't know about you, but we had a really rough winter. Our little family was brought down by illnesses ranging from tonsilitis to food poisoning, not to mention the standard sniffles and expected bouts of teething. Anything that helped ease our suffering was seized and put into action immediately!<br />
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This is why I so enthusiastically accepted an offer from <a href="http://www.emmasdiary.co.uk/">Emma's Diary</a> to review the <a href="http://www.emmasdiary.co.uk/new-mums-favourites/vicks/breathing-becomes-easy.aspx">Vicks CoolMist Humidifier</a>. I had heard great things about it, and had seen it around the shops, but I had hemmed and hawed over whether or not to buy one. After trying it, I not only wish I had gotten my hands on one earlier, I'm actually considering buying one for each bedroom in the house.<br />
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When the <a href="http://www.emmasdiary.co.uk/new-mums-favourites/vicks/breathing-becomes-easy.aspx">CoolMist Humidifier</a> arrived, we had actually just returned from a trip to the doctor's office (we should get some kind of frequent flier miles for the amount of time we spend there), and Iwan had just been diagnosed with a chest infection. So, pretty much perfect timing. Once we had followed the preparations directions provided, we set the humidifier up in Iwan's room. It actually looked quite smart and sleek, not at all obtrusive. Not that style really matters too much to the comfort of a sick child, but I definitely noticed and appreciated it.<br />
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The <a href="http://www.emmasdiary.co.uk/new-mums-favourites/vicks/breathing-becomes-easy.aspx">CoolMist Humidifier</a> was simple to set up, and intuitive to operate. My husband was in charge of keeping the water tank topped up, and he definitely appreciated how easy this was to do without splashing or dripping water everywhere. The humidifier can be used with or without the Vicks VapoPads, which release the signature menthol scent to provide a comforting night's sleep. I'm certain this helped Iwan sleep more easily while he was getting over his illness, and so allowed us to sleep better as well.<br />
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Also, both of my children suffer from mild eczema, and I found that running the CoolMist Humidifier in their rooms at night really helped us to combat this problem. I'm sure it also helped a bit with my husband's snoring when we tried it in our room- so you can see our need to have one in every room of the house!<br />
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All in all, this is a great product. Initially, I thought the price tag was a little steep, but I've come to see that it's definitely worth it. We have been using ours every night for over a month now and have not encountered a single problem. Definitely a worthwhile investment for any family.<br />
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<a href="http://www.emmasdiary.co.uk/">Emma's Diary</a> is GIVING AWAY TEN COOLMIST HUMIDIFIERS! To be in with a chance to win, just click on <a href="http://www.emmasdiary.co.uk/new-mums-favourites/vicks/breathing-becomes-easy.aspx">this link</a>!<br />
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***FULL DISCLOSURE***<br />
The <a href="http://www.emmasdiary.co.uk/new-mums-favourites/vicks/breathing-becomes-easy.aspx">Vicks CoolMist Humidifier</a> was provided to me free of charge. My opionion as expressed in this review is my own and based on my experiences using the humidifier with my family for several weeks.Baby Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06242439247999989267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1332912135393673781.post-10837555347195681782012-03-01T03:44:00.001-08:002012-03-01T03:44:37.842-08:00My Little Revolutionary<div><p>Elle's hair is suddenly much longer on the sides than on top. It makes her look a bit like Benjamin Franklin. It's hard to get a good pic that shows this, because her hair is so fine and light, but really, it's kind of uncanny. I'm super tempted to pose her with a pair of bifocals and a kite. Or maybe set up a printing press in her nursery.  I ran this by her, and this was her reaction:</p>
<br/><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEWrukqLIEoXNYsdPB-i2R1yacJIzZLOu-Lky148EXibegyiMIqkw4fvn2BCgMxXx83z7w_jctsfJO47C4qRvBmTQbsEdV-rCk6Ecsuj9tfe2AIRQWboIvMRbiazYjnxNl8hjHQUxLpor0/' /></div>Baby Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06242439247999989267noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1332912135393673781.post-26547740380151555842012-02-02T13:31:00.001-08:002012-02-02T13:31:23.260-08:00The Essential One- Giveaway Winner!<div><p>The lucky winner is comment 8- Micaela!<br>
Micaela, you have 72 hours to contact me to claim your fabulous prize!</p>
</div>Baby Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06242439247999989267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1332912135393673781.post-65186839681884754182012-01-20T01:34:00.001-08:002012-01-20T01:34:51.061-08:00Morning People<div><p>Could it be that we're turning into morning people in this house? While admittedly I never spring out of bed, it is one of my favorite times of day. </p>
<p>We're not get-up-and-goers. We're jammies, and bed head, coffee on the sofa, and Winnie the Pooh on TV watchers. Cuddles and toast and waving bye-bye to Daddy from the front window. That's how we do it. </p>
<p>Mornings are for coziness. Afternoons are for adventures.</p>
<br/><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrjNMsk1rgUbXOeHZna3pAxKpSOxPtmay_fOZN66xn8z391AyNqA7m6-0DCNl-JDwNCMaCDM19UWSd6iQxJeMkTkVTqccchQcWMxhHLpOwX0YU8RVpQFKw3X92MuQNpNToCR7Ye7moQZxP/' /></div>Baby Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06242439247999989267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1332912135393673781.post-66144016623319085512012-01-13T14:44:00.001-08:002012-01-13T14:44:56.645-08:00Well that was fun...<div><p>Iwan just started sobbing in the middle of of "3rd and Bird." He was sad because Muffin was stuck on a lilypad. Either he's pregnant or it's naptime.</p>
</div>Baby Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06242439247999989267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1332912135393673781.post-20374600373259285732012-01-11T15:04:00.000-08:002012-01-12T04:33:54.339-08:00The Essential One- Review and Giveaway!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC3GCpfnt6tw41HQz8JBmhRNhvyQm4TJVeoM0NfDMKqj0GhkZ8eveDwM9k29zV8mL_CP8LuNJ6KqAMaNGjaiu9BOpyPHo8fa0kpurM5dvc6I2wfmMLsQy-VaKF6LpJOwdBXcqFK6N-5JR8/s1600/2012-01-12+11.20.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC3GCpfnt6tw41HQz8JBmhRNhvyQm4TJVeoM0NfDMKqj0GhkZ8eveDwM9k29zV8mL_CP8LuNJ6KqAMaNGjaiu9BOpyPHo8fa0kpurM5dvc6I2wfmMLsQy-VaKF6LpJOwdBXcqFK6N-5JR8/s320/2012-01-12+11.20.22.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
A little while back I was approached by a great company about the possibility of reviewing some baby clothes for Elle. As you can imagine, as the first little girl on both sides of the family, Miss E is not lacking in attire. What then, would tempt me into adding to our laundry load? Very simple. Nothing but the best. <a href="http://www.theessentialone.com/" target="_blank">The Essential One</a> baby clothing is that good, folks. <br />
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"Okay," I can hear you saying, "but it's <i>baby clothes. </i>What's the big deal? Make a tiny something, slap a bunny on it, and call it a day." But the thing about this company, is that it is more than just clothes. It's an idea. I like ideas. The whole premise of the <a href="http://www.theessentialone.com/" target="_blank">The Essential One</a> is simply to provide the essentials your baby will need in his first year (think bodysuits, sleepers, hats, snowsuits- the <i>essentials</i>, get it?), but to provide them at an outstanding quality you'd be hard pressed to find on the high street. Furthermore, <a href="http://www.theessentialone.com/" target="_blank">The Essential One</a>, although operating via web and catalogue sales, seeks to provide a truly boutique experience for their customers.<br />
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When the products for Elle arrived, they came in a branded cardboard box and carefully wrapped in tissue paper. What's more, everything had been spritzed with a subtle, gentle, hypoallergenic scent. There was also a personalized note tucked into the box. Lovely. Just lovely. It certainly made me smile.<br />
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I was sent loads of great things to review, and had a great time playing dress up with Elle. The Essential One sent us sets of their bestselling <a href="http://www.theessentialone.com/5-pack-baby-bodysuits-pink-p-15.html" target="_blank">bodysuits</a> and <a href="http://www.theessentialone.com/3-pack-baby-sleepsuits-rose-pink-p-8.html" target="_blank">sleepsuits</a>, an <a href="http://www.theessentialone.com/baby-all-in-one-daddys-girl-p-51.html" target="_blank">adorable all in one</a>, <a href="http://www.theessentialone.com/2-pack-baby-hats-pastel-pink-p-74.html" target="_blank">two hats</a>, and (my favourite) a <a href="http://www.theessentialone.com/fur-baby-snowsuit-p-59.html" target="_blank">furbaby snowsuit</a>. The quality was really apparent as soon as I started handling the products. The fabric is all super soft, and I later learned that it only became more so upon washing. The backings on any appliques are soft and not scratchy. Everywhere I looked I noticed little details revealing how this company goes the extra mile: How the little ribbon zip pulls on the snowsuit are stitched so they stay in place and look neat, how decorative details are all embroidered or applique- not printed, how the sets come packaged in matching fabric bags- there was no plastic in sight! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYlXbgV0hbtfeD16r2Z-5AiYMZMUnyBEdcwR8rZToKdCls8vq7B-11VMoW1VyhtnpMMEoUoDC3n0gmD-qV9lEHZxUYEJeslMKGqFjtM_nATLjbp7vzwDUcMZFghDyYGGlBLZXQQ97Lla5K/s1600/2012-01-12+11.28.27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYlXbgV0hbtfeD16r2Z-5AiYMZMUnyBEdcwR8rZToKdCls8vq7B-11VMoW1VyhtnpMMEoUoDC3n0gmD-qV9lEHZxUYEJeslMKGqFjtM_nATLjbp7vzwDUcMZFghDyYGGlBLZXQQ97Lla5K/s320/2012-01-12+11.28.27.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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In size 3-6 months, these clothes fit Elle really well (she was nearly 4 months when we started using them). They even fit well over her bulkier cloth nappies, which is something we often struggle with- especially with bodysuits. The hats especially work really for her- most hats tend to shift and end up over her eyes, but these stay in place and look so darn cute! These clothes wash beautifully- after many many washes, the colours are still sumptuous, the fabric silky-soft and free from pilling.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd-SLpQQcdPnY2mjMzBaify4kTiDmQlFWoFQ9WjpwsIQ4g2ljgEiYnNhEmJj7-5tlWJ8CT4xF67k9N0jC97sSI44PZWWqMRpChlmehgj6kOSIRyokUhUr_SaN6J6Eh0iljhpH5QKV-d1RX/s1600/2012-01-12+11.23.57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd-SLpQQcdPnY2mjMzBaify4kTiDmQlFWoFQ9WjpwsIQ4g2ljgEiYnNhEmJj7-5tlWJ8CT4xF67k9N0jC97sSI44PZWWqMRpChlmehgj6kOSIRyokUhUr_SaN6J6Eh0iljhpH5QKV-d1RX/s320/2012-01-12+11.23.57.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Everywhere we go, we get comments on these clothes, people always want to know where they're from, and are constantly exclaiming over how adorable they are. But no single item has caused such an uproar as the <a href="http://www.theessentialone.com/fur-baby-snowsuit-p-59.html" target="_blank">snowsuit</a>. Taking Elle anywhere in that thing is like the Beatles on Ed Sullivan. People just can't get enough! "She's like a little bear!" "Oh, how sweet!" "I wish they made that in my size!" are just some of the comments we've heard. And let me tell you, we love this thing. I think we have basically used it every day since the beginning of November. Elle is so cosy in it, and it has kept her warm on many a family outing. I really really think that <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">£28 is quite reasonable for something of such great quality that you would get so much use out of. Also, we have washed the snowsuit a number of times and it is still as soft and fluffy as the day it arrived, which has really astonished me.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvrEyPMmdrNcubn31kTR9IW5wkxfriq1VcuZuF6RjN4iq_uT5jmHQXxzbXiuh1o7lx4dZE8zO1yZcIdmmPp-lHGr0xqkpJie5GVo2ktyxbQvOv8TfopM5qy4TQMownpid05THwhN67dwMJ/s1600/2011-10-26+11.40.57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvrEyPMmdrNcubn31kTR9IW5wkxfriq1VcuZuF6RjN4iq_uT5jmHQXxzbXiuh1o7lx4dZE8zO1yZcIdmmPp-lHGr0xqkpJie5GVo2ktyxbQvOv8TfopM5qy4TQMownpid05THwhN67dwMJ/s320/2011-10-26+11.40.57.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Cosy and warm in her Furbaby Snowsuit during a recent trip to London</span> </span></div><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">So while my impressions of The Essential One baby clothing is overwhelmingly positive, there are a few things I would wish for: Number one, I wish they had an "Essential Kids" range- I want to be able to continue buying these gorgeous products for Elle once she's older, and I'd love to be able to buy clothes for Iwan at this quality and price point, and in those gorgeous stripes and patterns. I wish that they had more colourful choices in the unisex range. But really? That's about it. Elle's about to move up to the next size, and you better believe that I've been stalking the website!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Now for a bit of fun ****GIVEWAY**** Open until January 25th, 2012</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Essential One has generously offered a great giveaway for a lucky reader of The Rare Bit! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">One reader has the chance to win the following prize package:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">A pack of sleepsuits in your choice of either <a href="http://www.theessentialone.com/3-pack-baby-sleepsuits-rose-pink-p-8.html" target="_blank">rose pink</a>, <a href="http://www.theessentialone.com/3-pack-baby-sleepsuits-blue-p-7.html" target="_blank">blue</a>. or <a href="http://www.theessentialone.com/unisex-babywear-c-14.html" target="_blank">unisex</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">A </span>£5 e-voucher to spend at <a href="http://www.theessentialone.com/">www.theessentialone.com</a> and free shipping of your order.<br />
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What's more- <b>The Essential One has generously offered to ship this prize anywhere in the world, so this giveaway is open to everyone!</b><br />
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Here's how you can win! Mandatory entries (you must follow these steps in order to win, winning entries will be checked):<br />
Leave a comment saying that you follow The Rare Bit publicly (if you don't already, click on the link to the right to make sure that you do!).<br />
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Cruise on over to The Essential One and take a look around- come back here and leave a <i>separate comment</i> telling us which product you'd love to try.<br />
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Extra Entry:<br />
Like <a href="http://www.facebook.com/theessentialone" target="_blank">The Essential One of Facebook</a> and leave a separate comment saying that you do.<br />
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<b>Entries will be closed on January 25th, 2012, at 9:00 pm GMT. A winner will be selected at random using random.org</b><br />
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**Full Disclosure**: These products were provided to me for review by The Essential One free of charge. My opinion is my own and based on my own experiences of using the clothing on my daughter for several weeks. <br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>Baby Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06242439247999989267noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1332912135393673781.post-6012873277630706552011-11-11T23:35:00.001-08:002011-11-11T23:41:16.638-08:00Next on my to do list...<div><p>I seriously need to unsubscribe to emails from Kate Spade. </p>
<p>All my money apparently goes to keeping my kid in Clarks at freaking £30 a pair. Beautiful and overpriced purses? That was a long time ago, my friends.</p>
</div>Baby Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06242439247999989267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1332912135393673781.post-72193039049512845002011-11-09T14:21:00.001-08:002011-11-09T14:21:50.596-08:00That just happened...<div><p>I was in a meeting today for over an hour. When I got home and went to feed Elle, I realized that the left side of my nursing bra had been undone the.whole.time. Just further evidence that I am unfit for most social and professional situations.</p>
</div>Baby Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06242439247999989267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1332912135393673781.post-78284032596352625052011-11-07T01:45:00.001-08:002011-11-07T01:45:23.444-08:00Are you kidding me with this boy!?<div><p>Oh good morning world. By the way, you're welcome. <br>
BAM!</p>
<br/><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgF6oK5-5Iynxb1RQ7kCFRqKcTMrwdu_iI8iMb4J28M2zvo1yl2iUr7qdDDTh8_Z-i8LhGakrriFfbwN64tBDBRTBU_M_7WKxDFmryy4MtJhX9LoX3gWk-KToomBijghUP73K1HubxqksB/' /></div>Baby Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06242439247999989267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1332912135393673781.post-23422969375562576572011-11-06T14:11:00.001-08:002011-11-06T14:13:27.966-08:00This is why our marriage works<div><p>Today G and I took the kids to a used book fair. While there we found a 500 piece jigsaw and decided that we both quite fancied it. So we get home, put the babies to bed, enthusiasticaly pull out the puzzle, spend 30 minutes sorting out the edge pieces, another 10 minutes starting to put the thing together.  Then we decide it's too hard, pack it away, and spend the evening drinking wine.</p>
</div>Baby Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06242439247999989267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1332912135393673781.post-56753871710504493082011-11-04T15:17:00.001-07:002011-11-04T15:39:16.746-07:00An afternoon with my girl<div><p>When Iwan was first born, I remember thinking that I'd be happy to just have a house full of boys. I loved experiencing the growth of my relationship with my new baby son. Having taught middle school, my heart quaked at the thought of ever having a 13 year old girl of my very own.</p>
<p>But then I had Elle, and in the 125 days since she was born, she has dashed these fears. I love having a daughter, and more specifically, I love having Elle as my daughter. She is so sweet and sunny, and has the most amazing capacity for joy, and for bringing joy to those around her.</p>
<p>As much as I love watching my children interact, I cherish the times I get to spend one on one with my little girl. Iwan had me to himself for a long time, so I sometimes worry that Elle is getting short changed.</p>
<p>But yesterday afternoon we did get some of that rare time together. After taking care of a few chores, we snuggled on the sofa, read books, sang songs, and watched a little Gone With the Wind - an especially "OMG I have a daughter" moment. It was a perfect afternoon, and I hope it's something we'll both always make time for. I am so blessed to be able to spend time on earth with this little girl, and I am so excited for the wonderful crazy ride of raising a girl.</p>
</div>Baby Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06242439247999989267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1332912135393673781.post-24652553548105264092011-11-04T01:44:00.001-07:002011-11-04T01:44:15.596-07:00Emma's Diary Post- It's all about the poo<div><p>I totally meant for this to be my NaBloPoMo post for yesterday, but I scheduled it to post incorrectly- boo. So you'll get two posts today. That still kind of counts, right?<br>
Anyway, here's my latest piece for Emma's Diary. Enjoy!<br>
<a href="http://therealemmasdiary.blogspot.com/2011/11/just-call-us-disgustingtons.html">Emma's Diary: Just call us the Disgustingtons...</a><br>
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</div>Baby Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06242439247999989267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1332912135393673781.post-34969542114426393592011-11-02T11:09:00.001-07:002011-11-02T11:13:34.552-07:00Cousin Love<div><p>They say you can't pick your family, so with that in mind we totally lucked out. Iwan is over the moon about his cousins moving to the neighborhood- and G and I think it's pretty awesomesauce too. I grew up adoring my cousins, but with most of them living 5 hours away, I was often left longing for more cousin goodness in my life. <br>
And so watching the boys together today made me feel all soft and nougaty inside. How could I not? Especially when they do things like this:</p>
<br/><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOvXOdbdxX4KcMDdT9geYfDFEAycJua8dDuFS-UNaBBu4RvAIVhtVYdOgKmenOvcYJcMHwKD5k6SUQFHnU1MJsFkx95QLNfh1a8_oK9GqmRuZJHWsuqOuqbmDicZND0icGK-Owzlp3Bv1Z/' /></div>Baby Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06242439247999989267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1332912135393673781.post-91582451074748092752011-11-01T08:12:00.001-07:002011-11-02T13:13:30.067-07:00NaBloPoMo<div>So November is National Blog Posting Month. The idea is that you post every day for the entire month. I'm actually going to try and give it a go. I can't promise that most of my posts won't just be pics of my kiddos, because they probably will, but I will try and get some actual decent writing in as well. Not just rambles. Like this. Hey! Here's a sideways baby!<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ZmVxuyZUksbR8vyvHEs2az3HcS-zs3OSVVbcYlh8reLbyNYfGGGVnh9plylcxdn9MyIO85zZ5JYuJxTFtstLaqwuv6ehZb5oE2YXB_V-SreJngvx3l14-RVn2CGfzsDUIJXuFF699Qp9/" /></div>Baby Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06242439247999989267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1332912135393673781.post-18707643909452154172011-10-21T11:05:00.001-07:002011-10-21T12:00:45.984-07:00Half Term!<div><p>Since my husband is a teacher, I sort of live for school holidays. I mean, who doesn't love extra quality family time (and by 'family time' I mean the hubster watching the kids in the morning so I can take a shower for longer than 5 minutes, and put on make up in the bathroom rather than squinting at my reflection in the toaster). <br>
But, I'm excited for reals, you guys.  We're heading off to Cardiff for the week, and spending some time in our old stomping grounds. As much as I love living up North, I do miss Cardiff insanely a lot. My to-do list is much too long  (is it bad that 90% of the things on the list have either to do with eating food at certain places or drinking alcohol at certain other places?) but I'm hoping we can get around to all of the places we love and hug all of the people we love. </p>
<p>If I've managed to survive the 4 hour car journey with the babies, you can expect updates throughout the week.</p>
<br/><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpK9ztPsu-NWhJqzUZIOsZi-z9bt5O-P3280Im2tj5WdFBbD4ET8izPTunVO6GwK9mB-8KtGW-XWA6duGnjvijxq3qWP7rsfga3Ll4yBiabPBHNcRwAzIa337ayY7cXUwSkLbe_LYBzDdw/' /></div>Baby Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06242439247999989267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1332912135393673781.post-31172803182197224942011-10-18T03:54:00.000-07:002011-10-20T05:41:09.642-07:00Exciting News!<div>I don't know why, but since I've had children I always feel the need to preface any exclamation of "Exciting News!" with the disclaimer "I'm not pregnant." So yes, I have exciting news, and no I'm not pregnant.<br />
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I'm so very excited to announce that I will be joining 9 other amazing bloggers over at the brand new <a href="http://therealemmasdiary.blogspot.com/">Emma's Diary Blog</a>! If you've had a baby in the UK, I'm sure you remember getting the Emma's Diary magazine from your midwives Well, Emma has taken her journey as a mother to the web, and has brought together a group of amazing (if I do say so myself) writers to share our experiences as well. Whether you're already a parent, trying to conceive, or are making your way through pregnancy, there will be something for you! I hope you all decide to follow this great new blog!<br />
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My first post should go live today. I'd love to have your support :)Baby Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06242439247999989267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1332912135393673781.post-37517804978686004092011-10-16T13:49:00.001-07:002011-10-16T13:49:51.457-07:00Harvest Time!<div><p>Although the weather app on my phone told me that the weekend was going to be a washout, it actually turned out to be lovely. Blue skies, blossoming chrysanthemums, and crisp autumn air.</p>
<p>When the weather is quintessential to the season like this, I always feel obliged to do something seasonal. So today we went apple picking in my father-in-law's allotment. </p>
<p>We picked our apples and loaded up on lots of fresh autumn veg. Iwan took a bite out of a raw potato. Elle sucked on her coat collar and took it all in.</p>
<p>It was just one of those colorful, bright, days where nothing much happens, but the kids come home muddy and tired.  We didn't finish much on our weekend to-do list, but I know we'll sleep well tonight.</p>
<p>The weekend went by too fast, but these smiles will tide me over until the next one rolls around.</p>
<br/><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcR1Me-Hw2IXeqpwgoivIv8P0_BOnNMXBEbaO_Awde-Nm2vG3UroCe-HZfpF7niPkbvtXyhBp5_OSD8sQyXJdzK8wLvNVozD-8yFTnG-E-GugCIFC-ezSGjhjUn_I8VhnQL4EAZGrukLdj/' /></div>Baby Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06242439247999989267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1332912135393673781.post-11883916609068684302011-10-12T12:47:00.000-07:002011-10-12T12:47:28.193-07:00Maternity LeaveWhat kind of stay at home mom takes maternity leave? Apparently I do. Sorry to have left you all in the dark for so long, but, hey, raising two kids in no joke. While the baby is relatively low maintenance (insofar as little babies can be "low maintenance"), I seriously needed the past few months to adjust to this new way of life. But now that I can once again find time to get dressed before lunchtime, I can carve out time for ye olde blog. Oh? What's that? You don't care about me? You just want the details on the baby? Oh alright...<br />
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Sweet baby Elle was born on July 2nd, 4 days late (much to my chagrin). She weighed 8 lbs 9 oz, and is the spitting image of her daddy. I won't bore you with a birth story, except to say that it was med free, painful, triumphant, and one of the happiest days of my life. She is sweetness personified, the very image of happiness, and she lights up our hearts with joy every minute of every day.<br />
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Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you The World's Sweetest Baby:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW9TItiTOCqj03z3GvzW6v6WUPhWi-HEXbNbc4aFtZWnTwi65oyfIeqMiqIhwnvS_1TLEhhHL-qdujzWRZpakd5iAOm-J-HsGDFE-9JmCJ5qeHBd3AvPYfWORSMe5LOqXQWUJcXIGu3VH7/s1600/DSC03871.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW9TItiTOCqj03z3GvzW6v6WUPhWi-HEXbNbc4aFtZWnTwi65oyfIeqMiqIhwnvS_1TLEhhHL-qdujzWRZpakd5iAOm-J-HsGDFE-9JmCJ5qeHBd3AvPYfWORSMe5LOqXQWUJcXIGu3VH7/s320/DSC03871.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Life is good. We are happy, and I'm happy to be back :)</div>Baby Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06242439247999989267noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1332912135393673781.post-90763156423621192172011-06-01T04:01:00.000-07:002011-06-01T04:01:40.548-07:00HibernationBefore I start this post in earnest, please allow me to direct your attention to the awesome review and giveaway I've written over on <a href="http://transatlanticblonde.blogspot.com/">Transatlantic Blonde.</a> If you're looking for some seriously comfy and pretty PJs, <a href="http://www.hotmilklingerie.com/">HOTmilk</a> has got you sorted!<br />
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Anyway, I as the lack of posts lately would indicate, I seemed to have entered into that stage of tunnel vision unique to the last several weeks of pregnancy. I'm finding it really difficult to focus on anything that's not directly related to preparing for the baby. And in my mind "directly related" apparently means scrubbing the oven hood and eating my weight in peanut M&Ms. <br />
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It's true though, right now if a task doesn't seem to be getting me closer to being ready (whatever that means!), then it doesn't seem to be worth my time and attention. This is why I can seem so productive in some areas, yet such a slacker elsewhere. Although my house is getting cleaner and more organized, the downside of this is that I turn my back on the things that could make the next few weeks go faster: Time with friends, writing, relaxing with my family. Time moves a bit slower when you only stop nesting to analyze every Braxton Hick contraction and every twinge your body makes. <br />
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I want to enjoy this time. I want to cherish these last few weeks as a family of three, and shower Iwan with love and attention, to make sure he doesn't feel short changed when the baby arrives. But, man, it's hard to balance this with this need to prepare.Baby Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06242439247999989267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1332912135393673781.post-19264177042441991732011-05-09T02:59:00.000-07:002011-05-09T02:59:08.806-07:00Making a House a HomeYesterday G said something that I had been thinking for awhile: "I just want our house to feel like a home." I mean, of course it feels like a home in that the three of us are here together, safe and healthy, and blah blah blah. What he meant is that we haven't done a whole heck of a lot to make this place feel like our own since moving in. <br />
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On any given day, it can feel just a bit better than a nicely arranged storage unit, on the bad days it can feel like the place where toy boxes throw up and laundry baskets come to die. <br />
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Don't get me wrong, it's a lovely house on a lovely street, the rooms are big and bright, and (luckily) it was nicely painted when we moved in (except for Iwan's room, but I'll get to that in a second). The carpets are new-ish and a nice color, but could definitely use an appointment with the <a href="http://www.rugdoctor.co.uk/">Rug Doctor</a>. We have some nicely arranged photos on the mantle, and have hung two pictures in the living room, but that's pretty much the extent of our decorating up until now.<br />
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This is not without reason. We moved in just before Christmas, and then promptly took off to America for five weeks. Add to that, a pregnancy, a one-year-old, a husband in full time graduate school, and the state of our house is definitely understandable.<br />
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But, poor Iwan. The kid has been sleeping in a pink bedroom for nearly six months now. Something has to be done. (Although, quite frankly, Iwan doesn't seem to mind the pink).<br />
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I would like to get the bulk of this house feeling more homey before the new baby arrives. But I tend to be overambitious in my planning, so I need to prioritize. Next weekend we are tackling the kids' room (yep, Iwan and the new baby will be sharing for the time being, since we'd rather not lose our guest room). Paint is picked out, accessories are ready to go. It should be fairly straightforward. <br />
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But there are other, little jobs, that are niggling me. Take our dining table and chairs. We bought them second hand from a charity shop, with the plan of repainting the table and making some cute new covers for the chairs. I have it all worked out in my head, it's the execution (or, rather, finding time for the execution) that's a problem. In my mind I'm Kirstie Allsopp in her homemade home, in reality I usually end up just going to Ikea. But in this instance, the table has already been purchased and is just sitting shabbily in the kitchen, waiting for some time and attention to be lavished on it's water rings.<br />
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So here we go, the next few weeks will tell the tale of how much of this stuff actually gets done. Any tips would be welcome, and I promise to update with pictures after we complete any of these tasks!Baby Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06242439247999989267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1332912135393673781.post-17116039889694342482011-04-20T03:07:00.000-07:002011-04-20T03:07:08.398-07:00Delusions of Miniature...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg90ANURXMi_2Ojb1vop2QcjqRTVrmhgaWwUFmVE3RkLCNjcAL3Ia1rTP8nAr6M6tW9-2qQxxJLDjfL6Z1ffickOMzNYNt6SI4N_V7Fpq1I-oOlnxOBmIkSjQAFMGQOMplS0vTqpMp7RQ7M/s1600/DSC03610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg90ANURXMi_2Ojb1vop2QcjqRTVrmhgaWwUFmVE3RkLCNjcAL3Ia1rTP8nAr6M6tW9-2qQxxJLDjfL6Z1ffickOMzNYNt6SI4N_V7Fpq1I-oOlnxOBmIkSjQAFMGQOMplS0vTqpMp7RQ7M/s320/DSC03610.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>30 Weeks Pregnant and Delusional</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br />
</i></span></div>So maybe you've heard about the gorgeous weather we've been having in Britain? Apparently we're one of the warmest countries in Europe right now, which makes me feel a little sorry for all the people who spent money on trips to Spain and Italy for the Easter holidays. It seems we've skipped right to summer, which is fine by me. The only thing is that I've never been pregnant in the summer, so I don't have any appropriate maternity clothes. <br />
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In my mind, this was fine because surely my normal shorts and things would fit with the aid of a bella-band. So when I went to get dressed this morning I dug out a cute pair of khaki of shorts and naively tried to step into them and pull them up. Yeah, they wouldn't budge over my ass. The button gaped a good 5 or 6 inches away from the buttonhole. Welcome aboard the SS NotGonnaHappen.<br />
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I mean, really. Who was I kidding? I'm 30 weeks pregnant, why in the world I thought I'd fit into a pair of my skinny girl (ok, healthy, average girl) shorts is beyond me. I can't roll over in bed without a very deliberate though process and series of synchronized actions, but somehow those puppies were going to fit? Reality check for one, please?<br />
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The good thing is that I don't mind gaining weight in pregnancy. I'm growing a human- it comes with the territory, so this makes it easy to laugh about. In the meantime though, I guess I better go and do a little shopping.Baby Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06242439247999989267noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1332912135393673781.post-55650444163371872082011-04-14T02:27:00.000-07:002011-04-14T02:27:47.957-07:00Perspective please...I need it!<br />
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I know I haven't written much in the past week. What with Iwan turning one, and me turning thirty you'd think there'd be loads to write about, and there is. It's just that with all that's been going on in the past week, I've been left with very little time to write.<br />
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And lest you think it's all party party party over here, the biggest time suck of all has been a nasty little virus called <a href="http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Hand-foot-and-mouth-disease/Pages/Introduction.aspx">Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease</a>. Iwan came down with this little gem over the weekend, and is just now getting over it. Poor baby!<br />
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While I'm sure my son would argue (if he could) that the most difficult thing about this illness are the mouth sores that made it impossible for him to eat solid food for a couple of days, I, on the other hand, would say that the waking up at night is the worst part. This is where I need a little perspective. The me of 4 or 5 months ago would laugh in my present face for complaining about this. Iwan was notorious for waking up 3-4 times a night until he was about 8 months old, it was really hard but we dealt with (how we dealt with it is another whole post entirely- I'll get to that someday. Promise!). Since then, G and I have become accustomed to Iwan sleeping 12-13 hours, with the only little peeps heard over the monitor being the contented little snuffles of a blissfully sleeping baby. <br />
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But this week he has been waking once or twice in the night because he doesn't feel good. Totally understandable. But here I am, dragging myself around as if I've spent the night mainlining tequila with Charlie Sheen. Again, the me of 5 months ago is shaking her head. For her, waking once or twice would have been a huge sleep victory. Granted, she wasn't pushing her 30th week of pregnancy, but still...<br />
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I spent a couple hours this morning wondering if I'm going to be able to deal with a newborn again. I mean, of course I am, but this week has been a little reality check. I guess it all comes down to expectations. I would never expect my newborn baby to sleep through the night, so that makes it much easier to deal with the constant wakings. But when I put my one year old to bed, expecting to snooze right on through, it's much more of a shock to the system when the monitor starts blinking a few hours later.<br />
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Here's hoping that little mister feels better soon, and we all start getting a good night's sleep again. At least for the next 10 weeks or so!Baby Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06242439247999989267noreply@blogger.com0