Shining blue eyes

“Technology is both our saviour and our doom” Olaf: Frozen 2.

This is possibly the best and weirdest quote, to describe technology for parents.

Do you feel that you are relying too much on technology such as tablets and TVs?

If so, you are not alone!

I feel that I rely too much on tv, especially in the early mornings, entertaining my son. As I am not a morning person!

Before I can even think about my first cup of coffee I put on the tv without a thought. I just want a few extra minutes of sleep. I put on some Sam or something on Disney and close my eyes to get some minutes before I start of my day.

The worst thing is it’s slowly becoming part of our routine. I know I need to change that and I will be tomorrow.

I don’t want my son to feel that when he wakes up he can watch tv. I want to create a better routine for him without the over reliance on technology. So goodbye tv in bed in the morning. Hello to crazy antics! I haven’t really got anything planned on what I will do with him in the morning. Maybe a wee chat? Or probably some gymnastics? Who knows!

I am trying to use my phone less and less around him. I really don’t want him to think he can bury his head into a phone when he is older. So, I am trying not to go on social media much.

We have been going out more playing in the garden. Counting down to throw a ball, watching clouds, watching birds and playing cars. You know what? Both of us had a blast. With no cares in the world laughing and coming up with strange ideas on what to do with a brush.

However, if the weather is awful. I do admit the tv is on most of the day and a lot of it being what he wants on. I know it’s going to be hard to stop him wanting the tv on but I guess I am to blame for this.

I do feel a lot of mum guilt, with me relying on the tv. I probably should not have him so used to getting his way on what he decides goes on tv. I should not have used it as a way to calm him down when he has a tantrum. I feel that there could be better ways for me, without resulting in the tv getting put on. Sometimes, I simply don’t have the will or feel strong enough to talk to him and calm him down. I am slowly working on this through other means.

Every week we do baking together. We both love to bake and he learns some key skills such as mixing egg and learning his numbers. I have also now braved paints with him, where I can teach him colours and he can get his Jackson Pollock on! James has discovered stickers now. So as you can imagine stickers will be placed over us in the future. I do have imaginative play with James. In fact I built a castle last week with cardboard boxes. Some of this is still standing and he loves it. No technology is involved in these activities, well, minus Alexa blasting show tunes.

Sure, technology can be very useful in education and communication in the wider community. I get it! Especially now more than ever. Where we use FaceTime and Zoom to speak to family and friends near far.

I do have a couple of cartoonito apps on my phone. They are both useful one being a shape sorter and the other is matching colours. Yes, I know, you are probably thinking can’t you use an actual shape sorter?

Well, yes. However, not if you are out waiting for a car or an appointment. Those are a few circumstances when I use my phone.

I think when James gets older we will have to limit his screen time. Teaching him the importance of taking time away from his tablet and tv. I know it can sound cruel but I am really looking out for him.

I would love him to enjoy being out getting caught in the rain and finding new animals to watch. I want him to have a healthy life.

Yes, I know you are probably thinking oh the irony! However, I can’t possibly be the only mum who is feeling this way? I know I have made mistakes with putting on tv and I have learned from them.

Stay safe

💖

If anyone asks me, what should I get a two year old. I have an answer for you!

A gym mat!

No joke, it’s one of the best things we have bought for James. He loves to tumble and roll around on the floor, sometimes wrestling a cuddly toy etc. We have laminate flooring which can be a worry if he falls and hits his head on the floor, with the mat, he can jump on it which lessens my anxiety. The cushioning is thick enough that he won’t badly hurt himself.

We also use it to race cars down and make into a tunnel, it folds which makes it great for storing. That’s if it does get put away! It can also be made into a den, this usually comes down when James decides to throw toys into and then decides to jump onto! It provides hours of fun.

The PLUFSIG mat costs £22 from IKEA. You can get it in green and pink. We went with green as it works with the interior. It’s also a great length measuring 78 x 185 cm. So it’s great for showing off forward rolls and some other gymnastic skills.

I highly recommend this product for a physical toddler.

Should also point out that it’s also great to lie on whilst watching a movie!

Stay safe

💖

*This is just a recommendation and not an endorsement *

Does this sound like you?

• Cut/ dyed my own hair
• Made banana bread
• Walked more often
• did some diy
• Decluttered numerous times
• Zoomed
• Re/Discovered a music act
• Binged watched numerous shows
• Learnt all the words to the Frozen songs
• Get excited about new episodes for children’s shows

Then you my friend are in my own club!

Lockdown has re-iginiated my passion for baking. I watched a lot of bake off last year and started to bake. This year we have baked nearly every week. Don’t worry I share my bakes with the family. Much to their delight. As James’ loves baking today he even used the hand mixer for the first time. So if you have any recipes I can try please let me know!

I have cut my hair once or twice but, I am wanting to grow it and possibly get it cut for charity. So, using my very handy skills I cut the boy’s hair which, by the way, I did a good job on! I am not thinking of changing jobs but it’s good to know that I do have a talent elsewhere.

One thing for sure, is I am definitely not a talented singer. I honestly worry what the neighbours think about where they can hear me and James singing to Frozen and other musical songs. It’s getting to the point of ridiculousness where we now have some moves thrown in!

Talking of music I have rediscovered my love for Bon Iver and The National ( thanks to Taylor Swift). Sean is introducing me to other music acts such as Bright eyes, Fleet Foxes and Aqualung. So, he doesn’t have to listen to The Corrs or music from the Christmas John Lewis adverts. You have to admit they are good! If you have any recommendations please let me know.

Last year we wanted to do a few things around the house. We wanted to finish the garden by painting a fence and sorting out the patio. Due to the great weather at the start of lockdown we managed this. Then we moved onto the plumbing. Ok we got a plumber out as we had no idea on how to fix our plumbing issues. Still that was another job completed. We then decided to paint our bedroom white. It now feels so much bigger and brighter now. The diy feeling hasn’t gone away yet. As there is still so much more I want to do!

We have watched a lot of great shows during the lockdowns. We finally watched Line of Duty and Schitts Creek. Both fantastic. However, I do have a couple of gems that I have to mention! If you have Amazon Prime then I highly recommend Corner Gas. If you are anything like me and like sarcasm then, definitely try it out. Over on BBC iPlayer try out Tourist trap. It’s set in Wales and has amazing music. The characters are hilarious and honestly it is a laugh out loud show. Have you got any gems?

I think everybody has zoomed or FaceTimed at some point? Isn’t it weird to think when we were little, that we imagined the future to be sort of like this? Not leaving your sofa and still managing to see people who live far away. Or in some cases, over a mile away!

Well this is our lockdown life in a nutshell. What’s your lockdown life been like?

Let me know!

Stay safe

💖

“Why don’t you listen to me?” Is probably heard through every household. More so than ever!

Parents are tasked with the hardest job ever. Where they are not only a parent, but, a teacher, doctor and most importantly a friend to their little ones.

I honestly take my hat off to every parent who is homeschooling their kids. I honestly don’t know how you do it!

However, I am a mum to a toddler. A toddler who is trying to push all my buttons. Who can give Jekyll and Hyde a run for their money. Honestly, it’s incredibly hard coping with a toddler who wants your attention for most of the time during the day. At first they will give you a really cheeky smile that will make you melt and be amazing by listening you to and wanting to join in. Then by a click they turn into a little rascal by not listening to you and playing on you like you are a climbing frame.

To try and keep my little one amused, I have tried offering some sensory activities . I offer water fun, arts and crafts and playing with jelly. I am trying to teach him numbers and colours.

I don’t come up with a plan in the morning for the day. I don’t even come up with a “pl” (Phoebe’s best line on friends).

You can try and come up with amazing ideas. However, do the kids stop and sit and take part?

If your kid is anything like mine. They will need a lot of reassurance and encouragement. I try and I really do try to get him to sit down and be curious on what I have set up for him. This doesn’t work a lot of the time.

He will just run for a different toy and say “bye”. Not really bothered what there is for him. Don’t get me wrong James likes doing some things more than others. He loves participating in baking and water activities but trying to introduce new activities can be very hard.

This can cause me to become frustrated. I turn into someone I am not and sadly I raise my voice. Once I realised what I have done. I go back down to his level and offer him a hug.

In hindsight, I realise that I should take a few seconds and take a deep breath before I confront James. As there could be a reason why his behaviour changes. He could be hungry, warm or sore.

That’s when another parents role starts we turn into Miss Marple or Poirot. We have to investigate the reasons why they act up. With James he usually changes behaviour so he can get attention or because he wants to take us to the kitchen so he can have something to eat.

See, what I mean?

In lockdown it is harder for us parents. As we can’t get out as much. So the kids have a lot more energy. Energy that they don’t know what to do with. James just runs around like a whippet and throwing balls from the ball pool everywhere, and I mean everywhere!

With the amount of energy they have. It’s hard for them to use it all appropriately. We do go out for walks and play in the garden but that doesn’t always work. We try to dance away the energy whilst listening to children’s music and musicals, but that doesn’t always work.

As a parent to a 2 year old i have to set a routine. This does sometimes work with the change in his behaviour. We have a set time for a nap and I try to encourage a creative time and a learning time. I alternate this. Most of the learning time is in the morning when he is more awake.

However, as parents we shouldn’t go through this alone. We should talk to other parents as they may be going through the same thing. They might have some tips too!

A great website to check out if you are struggling with parenting during lockdown is http://www.parentclub.Scot

I don’t want parents to think that they are alone. So if you feel you are alone message me. I am always there, if you need to talk.

Stay safe

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When I was little I loved watching the adventures of Thomas the Tank Engine, and, the heroism of Fireman Sam. Luckily, this has passed down onto James!

Just now he loves watching Fireman Sam! He knows who the characters are and likes the theme song. I can’t complain! As it is a pretty decent song, but, I do prefer the guitar riff in the original.

However, after watching multiple episodes of the said fireman. I do wonder what world Pontypandy is in?

The insurance would surely be sky high?

So, that can maybe account for the lack of residents in the high accidental prone town. As not a lot of people will be able to afford to live there. Especially when there is a certain little boy who is modelled on Dennis the Menace ,who surely would have been given an Asbo by now! Has been causing arson “by accident”, put other people’s lives in danger and chooses not to listen to some of the very few sensible adults!

Don’t get me started on the handyman of Pontypandy! He is just as worse. I can tell you this for nothing I wouldn’t want him looking at my pipes!

It is a good show and does provide education on fire safety and some on the importance of friendships.

However, it does me frighten me that my son likes this troublemaker character a lot! I really hope that this does not promote the mischief he gets in.

Watching this from an adults perspective is terrifying. You start to think why have they not got a fire alarm linked to the fire station? You start to wonder why there is only a few sensible adults in Pontypandy. Have they signed a contract to live there as protectors and guardians?

I put these questions to you, the public to help me find out the answers to these very weird questions!

Now, onto Thomas! Another great show with great theme songs. Yes! There is more than one! Why? I don’t know but they are catchy.

There are characters that can cause trouble mainly the troublesome trucks. However, I do like them! I don’t know why, maybe because they are under-rated in my strange opinion. Another character that I think is under-rated is Toby. He is so careful that he kinds of reminds of my Husband (sorry)!

Thomas is a great show as there are so many characters so your mind doesn’t wonder too much.

I don’t think of risk assessments that much and the cost of damage being done.

There is one thing though, do the adults let the trains get their own way on the rails? Thomas somehow in one episode managed to get his snow plow off. Aren’t the adults allowed to say “no”! Gordon managed to persuade his driver to stay in his shed and not come out.

They do learn from their mistakes and that they must be very useful. But, surely by now, you would have thought that the trains would listen to the adults in the first place!

I do hope you have enjoyed bizarre but hilarious thoughts on those two programmes.

Do you have the same thoughts?

Do have any answers for my questions?

💖

Happy new year!

Ok, so 2021 hasn’t started well at all!

With the increase of covid cases which meant another lockdown for us in Scotland, as well as world politics causing more of an uproar than ever.

The world is becoming more scary. I feel for the people who are on their own. I feel for the kids not being able to understand what on earth is going on. I feel for the single parent trying to co-parent and teach their young ones at home. I feel for the grandparents not being able to see their children and grandchildren.

I feel sorry for everyone!

Fear shouldn’t hold us back. Fear can push us to reach the best of our best potential. Well, that is my new outlook on life now, it’s taken me a long time to figure this out.

So this year, I am going to start pushing myself more. I don’t have resolutions instead I have goals, I am going to share some of them with you.

One is to take up running. I must be out of my mind. However, there are quite a few benefits and to be honest it means I can listen to my own music playlist without interruptions. I am not saying I will run every day but I will try to run as much as I can. I won’t run to the moon. However, I will be able to run with my son. That’s what really counts.

Another goal is to take the leap of faith. Go with my gut more often and not doubt myself as much. I don’t have a lot of confidence and I am quite shy but, I need to get over myself and simply go for it!

Now, I know I have said “I” a lot. I want to help people more whether be through my job or blog. Or simply doing something for charity. This is another year we need to be there for each other. Help someone who needs someone to listen. During this time we all need a rant!

The year has just started , but, we can make it work. Let’s not forget what last year taught us.

Stay in and stay safe.

💖

Bet ya you will start singing the song now!

This year has been particularly hard for everyone so I think we have a right to celebrate. For this family all of our birthdays were either at the start of lockdown or during. So, we really didn’t really celebrate our big days.

However, Christmas can be tough for anyone. So, I thought I would share some of my Christmas tips on how to handle the run up to Christmas without having to worry too much!

• Set a budget. I do this with my husband since last year. We have also set up a rule for no vouchers. As we are not sure when we will use them. This means you don’t have to worry about spending not enough. Just remember and set it to something realistic for both parties.
• Check out the sales! Nothing wrong with getting a present from the sales.
• Shop local, you are more likely to have a very special gift in your local shops compared to larger shops.
• Make a gift. For a long time I have been making a selection of chocolates such as chocolate truffles and fudge! I have even ventured out to make chocolate shortbread with my little helper! You can always make Christmas decorations that I am sure your recipients will treasure.
• Fed up of wrapping? I wish I could offer my wrapping services, but, I want to say do a Smithy ( Gavin and Stacey) use tin foil! Just remember it’s the thought that counts.
• Watch a Christmas movie! We are picking a movie everyday and it’s quite fun. We watch movies with a nice hot chocolate!
• Make or allow your little ones to draw Christmas cards. These little things will be more likely to be kept by family members.
• Phone someone who you haven’t seen in a while. They will probably miss you as much as you are missing them. Or if you can, visit them!

Just remember what anyone would like, would be to see you and your family. That’s the best gift you can give!

Also, remember that there are people who are less fortunate. So, if you can donate to a local charity or give food to a food bank. This is the year to share the love. You can always check out what charities are needing online or on Facebook.

If you are feeling low at this time of year remember that are phone lines that you can use such as the Samaritans where you can call 116 123 for free.

Never feel like you are alone at Christmas. Remember, it’s always good to talk to someone, if you need to talk message me.

Stay safe.

💖

Everyone thought 2020 was going to be “their year”. For me, it was just another year. I wasn’t really into celebrating new year.

I remember lying asleep in bed when my husband and I awoke to the sound of fireworks. Both of us turned to each other and had a quick kiss and wished each other happy new year. Then snuggled back to sleep. For me , that was a great start to the new year.

Being with the man of my dreams and being in bed, warm and safe.

That’s all I ever wanted in life. To be safe. To feel secure with someone who I can trust, who knows what to do when shit hits the fan, who is always calm ( I am not talking about fireman Sam). I am talking about my husband. He somehow manages to calm me down.

In fact, in probably one of the most weirdest situations we have ever found ourselves in. He remained remarkably calm. I was nearly having a full blown panic attack on a mountain (or large hill, I do exaggerate)! Thinking how am I going to drive down. We are stuck! He wasn’t worried at all. I never really knew, how he managed to stay so calm.

I am trying to stay calm when I am in difficult situations. Yet, the more difficult situations are rising.

This is because I am now a mum to a toddler! Not a baby! A toddler! A little person who is developing their character and can show some attitude and at times give it to me!

Now, if you are reading this and you’re a new parent. A toddler is a whole new ball game! A toddler moves a lot more and get themselves in more situations.

These situations do not help my anxiety. Imagine, you can see someone getting into a tricky situation and trying to stop them in slow motion. Your heart starts pumping harder and harder . Until you hear your own heartbeat in your head. That’s what happens to me. As soon as my son starts to climb the step ladder so he can help wash dishes or pretend to bake. When he wants peep what is inside the toilet and learn about it’s plumbing. This is making me more anxious and scared. Especially when I felt we were limited on what we can and can’t do.

This year, really didn’t make it easy for any of us!

Where we are encouraged to stay in and stay safe. I am now finding this more difficult.

There have been situations out with my own control and I just want to be there for others. I want to hug my family. I miss their pats on my back or a kiss on the forehead. I want to wrap them in bubble wrap telling them “they will be ok”. I feel like I have concentrated on them more in my head. I phone them or message them everyday. I really miss them.

The worst thing, for me, is how on earth am

I going to explain this past year to my son?

Will there be any effects on my son in the future?

I do worry that this year will impact on his social relationships and communication. We chose to use family for childcare instead of nursery. As we believe, it’s important for him to learn about family relationships and their importance. I do hope we made the right decision. I guess, we won’t know what impact this will have until James is much older.

I will just have to wait with a baited breath.

💖

So, a few months ago I introduced James to the world of baking. You know what? He loves it!

As soon as I get the equipment out he knows what we will be doing and joins in! He will run to his stepladder and watch and help me.

He loves copying at what I do. James is able to understand some instructions and will do something for me, such as mixing the eggs or squashing the bananas. He simply loves getting involved. His face lights up, even though he is concentrating a lot. It is utterly adorable.

Baking with James also helps with his numbers as I count in the eggs and the other ingredients. I talk through every stage with them and let him contribute as much as he can. He will stir in ingredients for me. I am even teaching him how to sieve in flour.

I love baking. I have baked for quite some time but I haven’t baked as much for ages. Moving house, planning a wedding and having a son moved baking to the back of my mind. Now, that James is a bit older I picked up the spoon and started baking again. I find it helps me when I am stressed out or anxious. Watching all the ingredients come together to make something delicious, is so stress relieving.

Don’t worry! I am not encouraging you all to bake. I just wanted to share what we have been doing in the past month.

This year, after watching a lot of bake off, I have created a list of what I would love to bake and eat!

Believe it or not? I have never made shortbread until now! Of course I had to make it with a twist and a tasty twist too! I added in chocolate orange to make it more tasty and taste a little bit Christmassy too.

We have also made cookies (which apparently taste better than Millies cookies). It’s so much fun to make as my husband wants to get involved. However, I don’t think he is as good a baker as James!

We also made Oreo brownies which were a hit with the neighbours, friends and family. I forgot how much eggs were actually in the recipe! James and I got very messy when we baked the brownies. He loved this recipe even more as he got to break the Oreos, much to his delight!

Of course, we made banana bread! This was the first ever thing we baked. James loved mashing the bananas and I think this what got him hooked on baking.

Last week we attempted, and I mean attempted! To bake Victoria sponge cake. However, I do not know what happened but I somehow messed up and it wasn’t baked through and didn’t rise as much. The simplest of recipes and I messed up. So I think I need to try it again.

Of course, after I bake more cookies!

Do you like baking? What’s your favourite food to bake? Let me know!

Stay safe

💖

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So I am currently snuggled up on the sofa with my little man watching The Rescuers. In my opinion one of the best Disney movies!

However, I am not thinking about Disney movies. I am thinking if I ever want to add another addition to my amazing family.

When I was 16 I learned that it would be difficult for me to get pregnant due to a condition I have. So my hopes for a family vanished. I gave up hope and just focused on a career and living my life on the edge. Mainly by me trying out extreme sports and going to places that I couldn’t go to.

I even joked about with my parents that I would adopt a Mongolian child as they are so cute!

Then in 2015 I fell for my husband. I didn’t know how he would react when I told him that the chances of us having a family would be very small. To my surprise he accepted this and even went with me to speak to a specialist. After this appointment we both were deflated. We accepted that if we were wanting to have a family we would have to go through IVF. We thought about this and adoption.

It was a tough time for us. But, we carried on living our life. We decided when the time was right we would look into IVF more or adoption. We accepted that we might not have a mini person in our life.

We found a home for us to move into. On the day we moved in together Sean proposed (very Parks and Recreation) so we focused on getting some of the house done and planning the wedding.

Then the day before we went to a wedding fayre. We discovered that we were having a baby! I was in disbelief! Surely, I can’t be! I thought my chances were very slim.

Then a panic sunk in. How are my parents going to react? So we decided to tell them on the same day. As they knew about my condition to my astonishment they were excited and worried at the same time. I remember my dad shouting yes then having a whisky to celebrate!

My pregnancy was hard. I faced really bad morning sickness. My anxiety was through the roof and I was worried every single day.

Due to my condition I had to get scans regularly. To check everything was ok. For my first scan I was so nervous what if it showed that I wasn’t pregnant? What if the scan showed abnormalities? Was I ready for this?

So many thoughts were rushing through my head. Until I saw my little man. We didn’t want to find out the sex. So we could have a surprise. When I saw him my heart flipped I think I even shed a few tears of joy.

I could actually have a baby!

Of course photos were sent to the immediate family.

However, I still had to make a decision to have amniocentesis test where the results are accurate but the chances of a miscarriage is high due to the test being invasive. Or continue to have more growth scans.

I really didn’t want the chances to increase of me having a miscarriage so we decided to continue having growth scans. We had growth scans every 6 weeks.

I was still anxious and scared. The morning sickness didn’t help either! Then to top it off I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes!

So before every meal I had to test my blood. As a nurse I knew the procedure but I really didn’t realise how sore it was! We both changed our diet. We reduced our milk intake which was hard, really hard. I even managed to not put much weight on.

Luckily, I didn’t have any cravings but I was put off some food. One was steak. So I stopped eating steak. I had to change my diet completely for this pregnancy. I was missing milkshakes. I was missing having a nice sweet treat.

When I get anxious I eat. So I had to think of other ways to reduce my anxiety. Instead, I focused on the nursery and the theme of it (there has to be a theme)!

I didn’t want to buy too much, as I didn’t want to jinx it. I was so worried that I couldn’t carry full term.

So close to 9 months my little man arrived in this world. I was so relieved that he arrived safely. However, I was still anxious. Anxious about his condition. I was hoping that my condition wouldn’t pass onto him.

During the stay at the hospital he was seen by 4 doctors. Assessing him and ensuring everything was ok. Most of the doctors were great and were happy with his condition. However, there was one doctor who wanted me to stay another day. I was already in there for 2 nights with little sleep (thanks to snorers and an incredibly loud door lock)!

I said no. I was exhausted. I simply wanted to go home. Luckily, the last doctor who spoke to us said that we can go home and will phone us with the results. Think she actually felt sorry for me.

So we finally went home. A few days later we got the call from the doctor who advised that James is fine and he has no issues and doesn’t have my condition. I was so relieved and so happy. Spending all of my pregnancy worried about him and changing my diet was worth it.

However, could I do this all over again? I don’t know. My pregnancy was tough and I was a little bit younger but I don’t know if my body can go through it again. The chances would be higher of my next child having my condition. Also I don’t know if I can even have another baby.

I love my son unconditionally but we can’t guarantee that we will be as lucky. We are so lucky to have a mischievous and clever son.

In the meantime, I am just lucky enough to have my little family that I have dreamed of for a long time.

That’s why I can’t answer the question many mum’s get asked “will you have another baby?” As I really don’t know. I will be quite happy with a dog!

Stay safe everyone

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