Ive Moved

As of today I am moving my blog.

Please do come and take a peek at the new and improved site and say hello.

You can find me over at:

www.wouldliketobeayummymummy.com

Look forward to seeing you there.

Karen x

117/366 - Preschool Is Soooo Tiring

This was Poppy when she came home from Preschool this morning:

Poor little thing was worn out.

Karen x

116/366 - Rosie's Hat

Today Daddy, Rosie and I enjoyed a little trip out whilst Poppy was at Preschool (never been done before). Whilst out, Rosie found this gorgeous hat and decided she had to have it. Daddy couldn't resist her smile and "please Daddy" so brought it for her.

Karen x

115/366 - Little Old Me

I have been avoiding the camera recently imagining I look huge and bloated as the weeks go by in my pregnancy. I was quite surprised therefore when Husband took this photo of me yesterday , I actually liked it.

So this is me at 27 weeks.

Karen x

27 Weeks Pregnant - My Bump Diary

Wow 27 weeks and approaching the 3rd trimester. I am a bit confused about when this officially starts to be honest as different books/sites say different things. I think it might be next week though.

This week my little girl is about the size of a cauliflower, that's around 36cm n length and  weighing approximately 1.5-2.2Ib.

Her eyes open and close now, she sleeps and wakes at regular times and may suck her finger or thumb. Her brain is starting to show some activity and will continue to develop and grow more complex over the upcoming weeks.

Its been a bit of a difficult week for me as I have been really poorly (sore throat/ loss of voice and cough). It was a very nasty virus which knocked me off my feet completely but luckily I am back to feeling peachy again!

The only other complaint I have is this ongoing itchiness. I have seen my midwife who advises me it is probably normal but she has organised a blood test for next week to check my liver. I cant explain how bad it is but the pharmacist has given me some calamine with aqueous cream which is helping to some degree. It feels like insects crawling all over me and sometimes burns, particularly on the tops of my feet....not nice at all! I have no rash or spots though so that has got to be good!

All in all I am doing ok. Husband is on leave for two weeks so is helping out lots with the girls and letting me rest when I need to,  I have even managed a few sneaky afternoon naps :-). I'm making the most of it as we are going to be moving in the next few months so life is going to be busy. Luckily we are moving closer to my family so that will be lovely and they will be around to help too.

It is a bit unsettling not knowing when we are going but I am trying to stay calm and relaxed about it all. We are hoping to move and settle before the little lady arrives. However, I have found out the Maternity Unit there is all brand new (only opened last year) so that sounds good and is very reassuring. As soon as I know when we are due to move I will have to arrange a visit.

My bump is starting to grow more and I have noticed I get out of breath more easily.  I am feeling pretty good though so am going to let Husband take some nice pictures of me over the next few weeks...watch this space, I might post a few.

Lots of baby stuff has started to arrive for me to review too, its all very exciting and I honestly cant wait to meet her and let her try it all out.

Overall feeling good, feeling lots of movements and am happy to be pregnant again.

Karen x

114/366 - My Lovely Husband

This is my gorgeous Husband. We have been together 20 years this year and are still not bored of each other! Love you Husband!

Karen x

ghd's - Introducing The Gorgeous New Peacock Collection

Last week was a pretty bad week for me as I was feeling really poorly.  However, it greatly improved when I was sent a brand new pair of ghds from the Peacock collection to review....lucky me!

I am a huge fan of straightening my hair and ghds are the best. I did have an old black pair but they have been relegated to the back of the wardrobe  now these shiny new ones have arrived:

The ghd Peacock collection is the very latest hairstyler and is available in three different colour ways - there is the gorgeous deep amethyst purple (which I was sent to try),  a rich emerald green and a dazzling sapphire blue. All look bright, colourful and very beautiful.

Not only do you get the gold classic styler with coloured plates and accents but they come beautifully presented in this gorgeous box complete with a luxurious  storage bag and mat, making them ideal for presents:

The mat is really handy and something I have been meaning to buy for a while. Its heat protective so you can save your carpets and furniture from those little burn marks that so easily occur:

As someone who is already addicted to her ghd's it was the small things I noted and fell in love with. Not only do they look beautiful but I like the way ghd lights up purple when switched on (im such a girl), how easily they glide through my hair and how they turn them selves off after 30 minutes if you forget to.

Its amazing. It only takes a little time to straighten your hair but it can make a huge difference to how you look and feel.

Here is me transformed from looking a bit rough (hair tied back, no make up)  to ...w ell lets just say much more like me:

Now not only can you straighten your hair with these, you can also have a go at curling them too. Here is a little clip to show you how to do it:

It looks so easy, I am going to have to have a go at doing that.

I would definitely say every Yummy Mummy needs a pair of ghds and would recommend the Peacock collection to you all. They are absolutely gorgeous!

Karen x

My Week That Was...

Well this week has been a bit of a write off really as I have been really poorly and struggled to get by. It started with losing my voice for a day on Sunday and although it came back on Monday, it was croaky and sore coupled with  a terrible cough and no energy. Needless to say it hasn't been the most exciting week of the year so far.

Monday - Thinking it was the first day of term we got almost there before bumping into Poppy's Teacher who informed us it was a Teacher Training day aahhh we could have enjoyed a lie in.  We ended up having a quiet day at home instead with lots of playing:

Tuesday -  This afternoon the girls had to go and have an injection each as apparently they were missing one. There were a few tears but overall it went ok. Whilst there Husband spotted a head louse in Poppy's hair...yuck!  We treated it straight away and luckily they had not had a chance to lay any eggs.

Wednesday - Poppy went to School all day and Rosie was a very good girl at home with her poorly Mummy. She had great fun amusing herself  by dressing up, putting on a show for me:

Thursday - Poppy was at School this morning and in the afternoon was absolutely shattered. We just took it easy. I thought both girls were going down with my illness as neither were quite right but luckily they didn't.

Friday - Husband finished work early which was lovely. He is now on leave for two weeks...yipppeee!

Saturday - It was a busy morning with Poppy's ballet lesson and then her and I nipped into town for  a bit. Having broken the zip on my boots I managed to order a new pair and we brought some yummy things for lunch.  Later Daddy and Poppy made some white chocolate cookies.

Sunday - Today was the first day I felt human again!

We took the girls swimming and they really enjoyed themselves. This week they were jumping in from the side and had great fun splashing around. We were all worn out by the afternoon so enjoyed a lazy Sunday one.

Hope you all enjoyed a better week than us:

Karen x

113/366 - So Easy, Anyone can Do It!

This is Rosie on her Sisters LeapPad. She may only be 21 months but she's pretty good on this already.

Karen x

112 /366 - Copying Big Sister

This was the girls just before Poppy's ballet lesson this morning. Little Rosie was due to stay at home with Daddy today and whilst still in her pj's rushed off to get herself a tutu and copy her Sisters moves. Very sweet!

Karen x

111/366 - The View From Our Bedroom Window

We have discovered that we are definitely moving this Summer and I started to wonder what I would miss about living here. Number one has to be the views from our windows...this photo was taken from my bedroom window this evening:

Karen x

110/366 - Still A Little Girl

I am always blogging about how grown up Rosie is for her age (now 21 months). However, pictures like this remind me she is still my little girl really:

Karen x

109/366 - The Dreaded Headlice

It was Poppy's first day back at School yesterday...in fact she was only there for half a day and she caught head lice for the first time ever!

We treated it immediately. There were no eggs or nits just the lice...quite  a few of them.

Despite not being happy about it she has been very patient and sat really well whilst having her hair done.

Karen x

108/366 - 26 Week Bump

At 26 weeks my bump seems to be growing daily and there is no mistaking that I am pregnant. The girls are both fascinated with it too!

Karen x

My Bump Diary - 26 Weeks Pregnant

I am now 26 Weeks pregnant and starting to feel it.

This week my baby measures approximately 36cm top to toe and weighs around 760g (1.5 - 2.2 Ibs). She is also now apparently the size of a lettuce!

Around now her eyes may begin to open. Her eyes and her eyelashes have developed. Her immune system continues to develop and she is practising breathing.

As for me, well this is not my best week. In fact I am starting to suffer from some of the indignities associated with pregnancy.

My skin continues to itch and burn, I have discussed it with my midwife who tells me it is normal  and associated with stretching of the skin. I'm not so sure as it is top to toe! She has however, arranged for me to have some blood tests in a few weeks time to rule out liver associated problems.

The baby is now resting on my bladder which is not good particularly when I have a nasty cold and cough! I constantly feel the need to pee and have to cross my legs or run to the bathroom when coughing or sneezing.

My bump is growing now  and is quite uncomfortable at night time, meaning I am not sleeping as well as usual.

I am feeling a bit sorry for myself this week (can you tell?) - unwell, uncomfortable and emotional.

Hoping next week is a better one.

Karen X

Ive Been Nominated!

Its that time of year again ....The Mad Blog Awards where fantastic blogs get recognised and win prizes.

Well guess what? I have been nominated!  Not just once either but twice for Best Baby and Best Pregnancy Blog! I am thrilled!

I have been watching all my friends and blogs I love get selected and didn't realise until today that I had been nominated too. A huge thank you to whoever nominated me.

I started blogging back in January 2011 when my Husband was away. It was a way of recording family life but I had no idea what I was doing. Then I began a mission to make myself feel fit and yummy again and started reviewing beauty products.

One year on and my blog has changed direction massively as our little family of four are about to become five.  These days it is all about our family life, my pregnancy and parenting.  I am also in the process of making the move to become self hosted so watch this space.

I don't expect to win an award as there are lots of other fantastic blogs out there. However, there is not much time left so I would love to get some more votes. If you haven't already voted please feel free to add my name in, it would be very much appreciated.

Many thanks

Karen x

107/366 - A New Game

Today Poppy decided to teach Rosie how to play and match up the dominoes. She was very patient with her and Rosie did pretty well too.

Karen x

My Week That Was....

Another lovely week in this household.

Monday - we decided to have a quiet one today. The girls were both shattered so we had a day at home starting with a lazy lie in and complete with Disney film Tangled (Poppy's favourite)!

Tuesday - Today was our 8 year anniversary. Poppy decided we should celebrate by making a cake. Both girls got stuck in and we made a big carrot cake complete with pink icing and a heart made of chocolate balls...all her design!

Once the girls were tucked up in bed, Husband went off to collect the curry we ordered whilst I had a lovely soak in the bath complete with Lush ball, then we ate and watched a film. ...a very relaxing evening!

Wednesday - The weather was rubbish today so all plans to head to the park were dashed. Instead I decided I needed to catch up on the ironing pile as it was overflowing! The girls were very well behaved - with a supply of snacks, they happily played together in the playroom with the mega blocks:

Thursday - Today Poppy was really missing her friends so we decided to get crafty. First I let them loose a cereal box,  glue and a box of goodies to stick on them. Then Poppy found a packet of beads and a pipe cleaner and decided to make herself a bracelet. It was very pretty.

Friday - Daddy finished work early so we got to spend the afternoon with him which was lovely.  Poppy also got to work decorating a brush, comb and mirror set she received for her birthday last year. A fun but lazy day!

Saturday - We took the girls swimming. We have been quite a few times in the last month and both girls are becoming much more confident. The difference was amazing. Afterwards we were starving and decided to go to Pizza Hut as a treat. It was really nice and the girls were both very well behaved...a lovely day out!

Sunday - We went to Pennywell Farm for the day. It was a lovely day out and apart from one temper tantrum from Rosie and one incident of a goat pinching Poppy's name sticker of her chest and eating it... all was well. My highlights were holding a baby duckling and seeing Poppy enjoy her first pony rides:

All in all another lovely week.

Karen x

106/366 - Rosie At The Farm

Both girls had a great time at the farm today but Rosie amazed me with how fearless she was. She had great fun running around, feeding them and poking her fingers up their noses.

Karen x

A Trip To The Farm

Today was the last day of the Easter Holidays so we decided to do something special and took the girls to Pennywell Farm, Buckfastleigh, South Devon.

Picture taken at end of day

As soon as we arrived we knew we were going to enjoy ourselves. We had only just got through the gates when us parents got the opportunity to hold  a baby duckling and show the girls. I was so excited. It was so cute and fluffy and very soft. He was obviously used to being handled and wasn't scared at all. It made my day:

We then saw a variety of small animals including rabbits and guinea pigs and Poppy got to hold a baby mouse which she really enjoyed:

Rosie was so excited and didn't stay in her pushchair long. She just wanted to get out and touch all the animals. I was amazed by how fearless she was...feeding baby goats and donkeys and sticking her fingers up their noses.... um-mm nice!

Here are a load more photos of the girls having fun:

Another Highlight for me was Poppy having her first pony ride. As someone who used to ride a lot when I was younger I have been dying to get her on a pony for ages and was really happy she enjoyed it:

As well as seeing all the animals, real tractor rides for the whole family and a picnic, the girls were thrilled there were several playground areas and loads of tramperlines to keep them amused:

A great family day out to end the holidays on.

Karen x

105/366 - 2 Of my Favourites

I love this picture of Poppy with her Daddy. They were just messing around but I think it turned out really well.

Karen x

104/366 - Poppy Makes Jewellery

Poppy was really missing her School and friends today so we decided to get crafty and cheer her up. This is her modelling a bracelet she made out of a pipe cleaner and some beads. She threaded them all on herself:

Karen x

Little Dish and The Big Toddle Need Our Help

We all know how difficult it can be feeding toddlers - making sure you get the right balance of flavour and variety to tempt their tiny taste buds. Many Mums work too so have little time, some have no idea how to cook and sometimes we all just need a little help and some new ideas. Well the good news is, there is help out there.

Have you heard of  Little Dish yet? They sell a variety of  meals, especially aimed at children aged 12 months +.

Aimed to take the pressure of parents they offer a variety of healthy, tasty meals (with no added salt or sugar) that are ready in a matter of minutes. Sounds pretty good to me:

Each meal is made with 100% natural ingredients and is tested by a panel of tiny testers before they reach the stores. They can be found in the chilled compartments of Sainsbury's, Tescos, Waitrose and Ocardo. Watch out for a review coming soon!

Their latest news is that they have teamed up with Barnardo's to become their official sponsor of the Big Toddle. If you are not sure what this is yet, its the UK's biggest fundraising event for the under 5's - a "mini" sponsored walk for children. All money raised goes towards helping some of the UK's most vulnerable children under 5.

Right now Little Dish and Barnardos need our help.

This year the theme is Superheroes. Your children will have great fun dressing up and helping to "save the day" whilst also getting out in the fresh air and doing some exercise themselves.

Little Dish are offering 10 lucky readers the opportunity to set up their own Big Toddle and have special starter kits ready to send out to help you do this. They include:

• More detailed information on the Big Toddle
• 2 day menus to suggest some activities to do with your group
• Balloons, and
• stickers too

If you want to get involved, all you have to do is leave me a comment below and a way of contacting you (ie twitter id).

Lets have fun and help raise lots of money this year for a very good cause!

Karen x

Pretty Little things - Mummy and Me

This weeks topic for Pretty Little things is "Mummy and Me". Since being pregnant I seem to be the person taking all the photos and am not in many of them so I decided to take one especially for this post.

Its not the best photo in the world but it shows me with my two pretty little girls, looking gorgeous in their matching dresses.

Husband has two weeks leave at the end of the week and is planning on doing a family photo shoot. for us all. We are going to get some pregnant ones of me and some nice ones of all of us together. Fingers crossed they turn out OK.

For more Pretty Little things head over to Mummy Daddy and Me Makes Three.

Karen x