30 Weeks Pregnancy Update

Here is my 30 week pregnancy update...

Symptoms: My sciatic nerve pain is the same as last week and I am starting to struggle with bending down. I also had a midwife appointment the other day and I am measuring quite big (scary to think this bubba might be the same size as Jackson was!) but everything was all good. I got my results back from my gestational diabetes test too and they came back negative. They did, however, find that my iron levels were a little on the low side but nothing to worry about yet - she did mention if I felt tired or out of breath, to get it checked out, so basically if I feel pregnant then??!!!

Food Cravings: Diet Coke but it has to be from the can! 

Movement: The movements have defiently changed into rolls rather than kicks. Chris has managed to feel loads this week which is lovely too. 

Sleep: I have not had the best week for sleep. One night I actually woke Chris up as it felt like my calf muscle had popped out of place and it was so painful! I had that quite a bit last pregnancy as well. Chris thinks that it is like what footballers get when they get sudden cramp and roll around on the floor, which makes me feel a bit better about it! 

Things I am missing: Sleep!! 

Best Moment: Getting started on Jackson's big boy room - it's so close to being finished!! 

Worst Moment: Had a cold, so missed yoga again. 

Love Sophia xxx

2nd Trimester Essentials

Now that I am in my 3rd trimester, I have looked back to see what my 2nd trimester pregnancy esstentials have been:

1. Every Tuesday, I head to yoga, which has massively helped during my 2nd trimester. It helps you relax all of your muscles and relieves some of the pains and aches common with pregnancy. 
2. Feeling comfortable is a very important part of pregnancy - maternity leggings and joggers are just so good for this! 
3. Sleeping gets more and more difficult the further along you get. This time around, I showed and felt pregnant much earlier, so I needed the help from having extra pillows and a pregnancy pillow. 
4. I use coconut oil for alot of things such as cooking, hair and body. During pregnancy, making sure your skin is moisturised helps with stretch marks and coconut oil is brilliant for that. 
5. I think that this is just more of a mum essential; dry shampoo. 
6. As you body starts to grow, stretch mark cream is so important. I have heard that stretch marks are just hereditory but making sure that your skin is moisturised does help massively.
7. I have included a blanket in my list, as just snuggling up in the evening is so important to help the body relax after a long day.
8. A 1st trimester symptom is spots but I had it well into the 2nd trimester too. This face mask from Lush has helped clear up my skin loads. I also do think that the spots tend to clear up during the 2nd trimester anyway but it's nice to have a bit of luxury too!  
9. When your pregnant, it's even more important to drink water. I am terrible at the best of times, which is why I brought one of the Hydrate M8 bottles. Such a simple and basic idea but it really does makes me drink much more water. 
10. Chris and I love reading this book every week, seeing what the baby is doing and how big the baby is getting. 

Did you have any different 2nd trimester esstentials? 

Love Sophia xxx

Weekly meal plan #5

This weeks meal plan consists of some nice and easy recipes. Plus Chris even said he'll cook a meal one day (even easier for me)!!!!  

Chicken Stir Fry- I brought some of the pre-prepared stir fry vegetables for this meal which make it super easy. Then I'll just do a quick sauce with ginger, soy sauce and whatever else I fancy.

Cider and Mustard Chicken - I'll serve this with some mash potatoes.

Homemade Pizza - Chris really wanted to make pizzas so this will be a nice evening off cooking duties for me!!

Spag-bol - I'll make loads of this to put some in the freezer.

Lamb Shanks and Cous Cous - We have this meal quite a lot as it is one of our favourites.

Love Sophia xxx

What Jackson Wore #3

This will be the last 'What Jackson Wore' before I go full steam with all of the Christmas outfits (I have got a few pretty cute ones!!!). The temperature has really dropped this week so we thought that it was time to buy Jackson a new pair of boots too. 

Jumper: Zara Trousers: Zara Boots: Clarks 

Lauren, from The Life and Loves of Lolly, suggested taking pictures on the stairs, so I gave it ago this week and it worked so well. Look at that chubby grin!!!!

Due to the new 'photo shoot area' we didn't have as many bad ones this week but this one was quite funny half way through a quick game of peek-a-boo! 

The same as the last two 'What Jackson Wore' blogs, we're linking up with This Mama Life and the The Diary of an Ordinary mum for the #WeekendTotStyle. Visit one of their pages if you want to link up too! 

Love Sophia xxx

What Jackson ate #1

Jackson has been on and off of his food recently. Some days he just doesn't want anything and others all he wants is fruit! It can be really draining, especially when you have spent a long time cooking a meal and all he does is throw it on the floor. Here is a list of what I 'tried' to give him on a typical day...

Breakfast 

1/2 a hot cross bun with butter. On the side he also had 1/2 a banana, 1/2 a pear and some grapes. For a drink, he had a beaker of milk and a beaker of water, I tend to just leave the water around all day too so he can have some whenever he wants.

After this, he asked for more food so he had a crumpet, with butter and marmite, and a tangerine.  

Snack 

Mid-morning, he had a bread stick and an apple. 

Lunch 

Hidden veggie pasta - I cooked broccoli, mushrooms, leeks and a tinned tomato and then blended it all to make a yummy sauce for the pasta. It's a brilliant way to get all the good stuff into your child without them knowing! I also gave him some cut up grapes and the rest of the banana from the morning. 

Snack 
Banana bread, tangerine and a fig biscuit - quite a big snack but he woke up from his nap starving!

Dinner 

For dinner, it was left over roast ham from the day before. He ate about a 1/3 and then threw the rest on the floor!!

Dessert was a yogurt and some pineapple. 

He was offered milk before bed but he didn't really have any. 

Hope you enjoyed a day in Jackson's tummy!!

Love Sophia xxx

29 Week Pregnancy Update

Here is my 29 week pregnancy update...

Symptoms: Emotions have been all over the place lately, which means I have been massively overreacting to everything!!! Lower pain is the same as last week but with some added Sciatic Nerve pain. I didn't manage to go to yoga this week either, as I got Jackson's bug that day, so this may have added to the pain too. I have also been sooooo tired, not like normal tiredness but pregnancy tiredness!!!!

I have also had my gigastional diabetes test done, which was so boring (the reason that I had to have it was because Jackson was such a big baby!!!).When having the test, you are not aloud to eat or drink for 12 hours beforehand (only a little water). My appointment was at 9am when I had the first set of bloods taken and then get given a horrible drink! Then you have to wait 2 hours (you're still not allowed to eat or drink anything in this time) and then have the next set of bloods done. I went on my own, Jackson went to my mum's which I am so glad about. I am also glad that the hospital had good WIFI as my phone had ran out of data - I did bring a book with me but just can't get into it at the moment, so any recommendations would be much appreciated!! 

Food Cravings: Nothing much this week. Chris on the other hand has brought home a lot of treats this week (I think he is nervous that we won't have any more in the house for a while!). 

Movement: Lots of movements this week, some days the baby just goes crazy! Also I do feel that the movements are starting to change more into proper movements rather than just kicks. Lots of people have felt the baby move now! 

Sleep: I have been tossing and turning a lot more this week, which I think is due to my size waking me up. 

Things I am missing: Nothing this week.

Best Moment: Jackson now points to my belly and says 'bebie', which I still don't think that he understands but it is so cute. He gives my belly tons of kisses and cuddles too. 

Worst Moment: Not being well - it's hard enough being pregnant and ill but being a mama too is difficult!!!!

Love Sophia xxx

Mountain Buggy Nano Stroller Review

 A few months back, my sister in-law bought a new stroller and I immediately had stroller envy! At the time, we had another one from a leading brand (I wont mention which one, as I don't want to bash it seen as we did get really good use from it!) which we were starting to find was really big. However, the reason that we brought it in the first place was because it went up to 20kg, whereas most of the others only went up to 15kg, which in our case would not have been worth it as Jackson was already over 13.5kg!

When I started to look more into the Mountain Buggy, it too went up to 20kg. However, the main feature, for me, was that it folds up so small (I haven't yet tried it but they do say you can take it on an airplane as hand luggage, which is very handy).  Most of the time, I keep a double buggy in the car but the Mountain Buggy stroller can also fit alongside it, which makes my life much easier, not having to get buggies in and out of the garage everyday. 

With baby number 2 on the way, I again will be needing a double buggy but I will still have both buggy's in the car, more for the reason that there will often be times that I will want to baby-wear our new baby and have Jackson in the buggy. 

The only down side to this buggy is that it is only suitable from 6 months, although, saying this, you can use the buggy with your car seat but to be honest I don't think it looks that secure (I have not had the chance to try this so don't take my word for that!!!)

It does come in a few colours but I liked the black one the best. 

Jackson doesn't seem squashed in it like he does with some others. 

Here it is folded. 

It did come with a carry bag but we have never used it and to be honest not sure where it is!!

Have you been through a couple of buggies/strollers to find your perfect one? 

Love Sophia xxx 

Messy Play

I love messy play, however, I also love my house! So during the winter season, I try to do activities like these which contain Jackson to his high chair. 

I have two very simple messy play materials that both babies and toddlers will love!!!! 

Shaving foam is the first one; I just brought some cheap shaving foam, put it all over the tray and then let them get stuck in (please excuse the stained tray, that was from another messy play!).

The other one takes slightly longer to prepare but is just as fun; just mix cornflour and water together. Make sure you don't add too much water as you want a really gloopy substance so that, when you touch it, the warmth of your hands makes it slightly more liquidly (Chris was amazed by this as it is also very relaxing to play with!!!).

Generally the tidy up was alright but you do still get a bit of mess (I don't think it is possible to avoid this with a toddler)! 

Let me know if you do any of these activities and if you have any more messy play ideas. 

Love Sophia xxx

What Jackson Wore #2

Welcome back to another addition of 'What Jackson Wore'. 

I love babies and toddlers in dungarees, especially boys. These ones are from Sainsbury's and what I really like about them is that they are made from the 'jeggings' type of material, so they are really soft and still give him the flexibility to run about like a crazy toddler. 

The Top is a vest top from H&M. The hoody is obviously from Gap. 

Had to throw in another photo gone wrong! 

Love Sophia xxx

28 Week Pregnancy Update

Here is my 28 week pregnancy update...

Sorry no picture this week! 

Symptoms: I had horrible heartburn this week (this baby must have hair as long as mine!!). I have also had a few headaches, which have even woken me up some nights. Still been a bit emotional at times but feeling much better than last week. I have also had some discomfort near my C-Section scar, unsure it it is just lower pain, like normal, or scar pain.

Food Cravings: Apples, but I haven't had too many because of the heart burn!

Movement: The baby has moved very low down; I keep thinking he/she is trying to get out!!!!!

Sleep: Been sleeping fine this week apart from the occasional wake up with a headache.

Things I am missing: Nothing this week.

Best Moment: My goregous first boy has been really nice towards the end of this week. We have had a tough few weeks with him being really naughty, which not only has been very tiring but makes you question yourself as a mama. 

Worst Moment: I think the worst part was Jackson being sick with a 24 hour bug. He's only ever been sick (propper sick I mean, not baby sick!) twice in his little life. I hated it, however, I did get some epic cuddles!!!

Love Sophia xxx

How to make Playdough

Jackson has started to get into playdough recently. He doesn't normally sit for very long but it does make a really good rainy-day activity. From working in nurseries, I have learnt how to make my own. It really is so easy and it also doesn't dry out as much when you do your own! 

What you need: 

1 cup water

1 cup plain flour  

1/3 cup table salt

2 tbsp oil

2 tbsp cream of tartar

A few drops of food colouring 

A few drops of vanilla extract (optional but does make it smell better)

All you do is put all of the ingredients into a saucepan on a low heat and constantly stir until it starts to look like playdough. 

As soon as it is cool you can start playing!

I really need to get a few playdough utensils for him to play with too, as he used to be fine just making do with what we had at home (rolling pin etc.) but now he is doing it more and more, I think we can treat him a bit!!

Let me know if any of you make some! 

Love Sophia xxx

Weekly meal plan #4

It's getting really cold now, so time to get out the Slow Cooker, which I think is one of the best kitchen appliances for families or for people that work long hours. I have been searching the internet and my cookbooks for the best comforting meals...

Baked Ham in Cola with Potatoes and Vegetables - I am going to make a big one with this, so that we can use it for a couple of this week's dinners. 

Mustard Chicken and Bacon with Mash and Vegetables - another slow cooked meal that sounds really tasty! 

Tarka Dahl - I have never made this before but it looks yummy. Another one I am going to make in the Slow Cooker this week.

Italian Stallion Sausages - This is a Joe's Wicks recipe. I will make double the portions so I can freeze half of them.

Chicken Pie - This is another Joe wicks recipe and one that I have made recently and kept in the freezer.

Let me know your favourite Slow Cooker recipes!

Love Sophia xxx

Cleaning Routine

Working as a childminder and having a toddler myself causes a lot of mess and dirt. This means I really need to keep on top on the cleaning. I do, however, avoid doing it when the babies/toddlers are awake, so I do most of my cleaning during nap-time and in the evenings. 

In the past, I was either doing too much cleaning or not enough, which is why I came up with a weekly routine, doing a little bit each day and making it more manageable. Call me anal, but it works so much better!!! I don't include things like making beds, emptying bins or unloading the dishwasher in the list, as these are always done daily anyway. 

Monday 
Dust Bedroom
Washing
Hoover Downstairs
Clean Bathroom

Tuesday 
Hoover Up and Downstairs 
Mop 
Washing 

Wednesday 
Dust Jackson's Room 
Dust 2nd Bedroom 
Hoover Downstairs
Washing 

Thursday 
Clean Bathroom 
Hoover Downstairs
Ironing 

Friday 
Dust Downstairs 
Mop 
Hoover Down & Upstairs

Saturday 
Hoover Downstairs
Change Beds 

Sunday 
Hoover Downstairs
Mop (depending on what we have done during the weekend)

Do you do your cleaning all in one day or do you spread it out during the week like me? 

Love Sophia xxx

Toddler Snacks - Roasted Peas

Like I said in my previous Toddler Snack blog, Sweet Potato Crisps, Jackson LOVES to eat. I thought that I would share another healthy, easy and low cost toddler snack. This one is Roasted Peas - yes thats right, I am going to roast peas!!!! Even though my toddler loves to eat, vegetables are not his favourite, so I have to think of clever ways to get them in him! 

All you need for this is 3 ingredients:

Frozen peas (thawed)

Oil - in the first picture, you will notice extra virgin olive oil, but then I remembered I had Fry-Light, which works much better as you really don't need a lot of it.

Garlic Powder - You can use a different herb or seasoning if you prefer.

You need to make sure that the thawed peas are as dry as possible.

Spray the peas with your fry light, add a little seasoning and give them a good mix. 

Set your oven to 190c and add your peas. I put them in for 15 mins to start with and then for  an additional 10 mins, after giving them a mix. 

This is what they are like when they are cooked; great for babies learning their pincer grip! 

Let me know if you have a go at making them. 

Love Sophia xxx

27 Week Pregnancy Update

Here is my 27 week pregnancy update...

Symptoms: I just feel so pregnant this week and bending down is getting very difficult. I am feeling very emotional again and I seem to be so much bigger than with Jackson. During my last pregnancy, I loved watching my belly grow but this time I feel very body concious. If I wear anything other than a baggy jumper, I don't feel confident at all, which I do think is largely down to my boobs which are massive already. I'm not a fan of my boobs when I am not pregnant but now they are a good few sizes bigger, I hate them!!! 

Food Cravings: Just food in general, which doesn't help with my body issues when all you want to do is eat!!!

Movement: I have had a busy week so have felt less movement, but all is still good on that front and the bubba still moves regularly. 

Sleep: I have been doing a lot of blogging bits this week, which I can only really do when Jackson goes to bed. That means I have been going to sleep very late! 

Things I am missing: Nothing this week.

Best Moment: I am afraid, whilst writing this blog, I have been very emotional and just can't think of anything! Hopefully I will have lots next week.

Worst Moment: Feeling sad about my body, which I just feel guilty for because I know how lucky I am to be pregnant. Also, I had the flu jabs which I never enjoy - being stabbed with needles is not pleasant!! 

Love Sophia xxx