Gift guide

Uncommongoods recently got in contact with me and asked if I wanted to write a post about them. After taking a look at their website, I jumped at the chance.

They provide an extensive range of exciting and creative products from an array of different sources, ranging from artists to small manufacturers. A really interesting theme to their business is the importance they place on the environment, which can be seen by how ‘green’ they aim to be. For example, all of their catalogues that are printed are done so on recycled paper or paper sourced from FSC certified forests.

Many of you may know that my sister is getting married in a couple of weeks, which drew my attention to the fact that they have an excellent section for Bridal-Shower gifts on this page. The first thing that caught my eye was this Wedding Celebration Dropbox, as it was so unique. It combines so many features, with the heart in the centre being a map of the location of where you got married, and unlike the traditional wedding book that is lost in the loft or thrown in a cupboard at home, this would look great displayed on the wall. 

Ok so the next one is not wedding specific but how gorgeous are these Candles? You can change up the oil depending on the time of year or depending on what mood you are in (Chris, if you are reading this, these would look amazing in our house - hint hint!!).

Everyone knows how important I think date nights are, even when you are married or have children. This Date Night Bucket List is such a lovely gift and would be so fun to play as a couple. 

Next, I had to take a look at the Baby Shower Gifts on this page. Even though I have had 2 babies, I find it so difficult to buy unique baby shower gifts for others. After having a baby boy, I know that these Peepee Teepees would be a brilliant and hilarious gift!

I love a good photo, as I am sure many of you are aware of by now! I don't tend to use 'props' but how adorable would it be to have a newborn picture with these tails from different characters! They include a Mermaid, Shark, Lobster and a Goldfish.

Jackson is still at the start of his talking journey but he is already saying things that make me laugh! This Kid Quotes Memory Book is such a good way to remember them all.

We have just started weaning Florrie and I remember with Jackson that a plate, to a baby, is a great toy, leading to most of the food ending up on the floor. This Mini Happy Mat Plate is such a good way to try and stop quite as much food getting on the floor.

When I was a Nanny, I looked after a gorgeous boy who just loved lego. I remember back then thinking how it would just end up everywhere!! This Play and Go Storage Mat would be amazing at protecting your feet from all the painful times you step on a brick. 

I found so many things on the website that caught my attention but I obviously can't list them all. The last thing I wanted to share was in the Gifts for Men on this page - this Umbrella. An umbrella I hear you say? After all of the gorgeous items I've previously mentioned? However, it is pretty much the coolest thing that I have ever seen - an inverted, no drip umbrella. I would love one of these as there is nothing worse than coming in from the rain and dripping water all over the house!

Let me know what your favourite items are from the website and if you make any purchases! 

Love Sophia xxx

*This is a collaborative post with 'Uncommon Goods'.

Florence 5 month update

Dear Florrie Lu, 

Here is your 5 month update...

We got to celebrate our first fathers day with you this month, at the beach! It was also your first time in the sea, so we had a lovely time dipping your toes in the water and letting you kick your feet in the sand (Jackson helped with the splashing of course!). 

Speaking of beaches, you also went on your first airplane this month and you were so well behaved. We went to Greece, so you got to meet more of your extended family and you absolutely loved swimming in the pool and the sea. You were so easy while we were away and I think that you actually slept the best you ever have, despite the temperature - one day the it reached 44 degrees and it didn't seem to bother you at all!

The day we arrived back, you turned 5 months old and the next month is going to be just as exciting as you will soon be starting to eat real food.

Milestones 

You rolled over back to front for the first time and ever since then, you just don't stay still. Even in your buggy you are constantly kicking your legs. 

I feel that we have nailed bedtime now - you are so good at our little routine of bath, feed and then bed. You sometimes wake up at about 11ish just to have your dummy but then you normally go through until about 4am in the morning, when you wake for a quick feed. On holiday you would go down a little later but then wouldn't get up until 7ish. Fingers crossed this is something that will stick. 

Your still exclusively breastfed but in Greece you did have a lick of a tomato and some watermelon. When I took the tomato away you actually cried (Greek tomatoes are the best to be fair)!!!

Routine

In Greece, the routine was very different but we roughly worked out you needed a nap every 1 and 1/2 hours: 

7:00 - Wake and a feed
8:30 - Nap
9:00 - Feed
11:00 - Nap
11:30 - Wake 
13:00 - Feed and a nap
13:30 - Wake 
16:00 - Last nap
18:00 - Bath 
19:00 - Feed 
19:30 - Bed

Maybe then a 4am feed.

Weight

You are 13lbs and 1oz - still so dinky and still on the 9th percentile. You're still fitting into 0-3 month clothing but some are starting to get a bit snug.

Keep being your amazing little self, I can't wait to see what I will be writing in next month's update! 

Love you loads 
Mama xxx