Pretty.Little.Things - Water Babies

Last week was a quiet week on Pretty.Little.Things but a big thank you to those of you who did take part and congratulations to the lovely Louise at A Strong Coffee whose photo was chosen as the winner. The photos of her boys were absolutely adorable so she gets to display the winners badge on her blog if she so desires.

Now back to this week where the theme is 'Water Babies'.

I don't know about your little ones but Riley absolutely loves water.
He wriggles around, splashes and kicks to his heart's content. Although we are yet to take him swimming, we were recently sent a limited edition 'Splash About Happy Nappy' to review and i couldn't resist putting it on him for this weeks pretty.little.things.

What do you think? I predict to have an Olympic swimmer on my hands!

I can't wait to see some more pictures from you all and if you're new to Pretty.Little.Things and haven't participated before then why not join in and show us your water babies? It's open to anyone and everyone so if you have a photo or post that fits in with the theme then link it up below.

All that leaves me to do is let you know next weeks theme which is:
beautiful bags
Come on ladies, we all know if it's not shoes then it's definitely bags!
 So, whether it's mummy's designer handbag, daddy's man bag or baby's cute changing bag, get those cameras out and have fun snapping.

Next week, it's Lisa's turn to host Pretty.Little.Things so we'll see you over at Hollybobbs.

Feel free to grab the badge too.........



Vikki xxx

See It! Snap It! Love It! - Morning

This photography linky is hosted by the lovely Lucy over at Dear Beautiful Boy . A weekly challenge to look for pretty things (within a set theme) and capture them for the world to see. The theme this week is 'Morning'.

I love early mornings, they bring with them the freshness of a new day and you awake to everything being so quiet and so still. On days like today you find the sun is just starting to rise in the clear blue sky, the birds are singing in the trees and my little monkey babbling away to himself in the nursery.

If i'm honest, i enjoy the early mornings even more now i'm a mummy. Sure, there's no longer such a thing as a lie in but there's no better sight or feeling than walking into your baby's room and being greeted by the brightest eyes and the biggest smile.

If you feeling like having a go and joining in with the challenge yourself, then click the badge below and link up your post over at Dear Beautiful Boy.

Happy Snapping Everyone!!!

Vikki xxx

Dear Riley - 8 Months Old

Dear Riley,

Weight: 15lb 3oz

Clothes Size: 3-6 Months

Nappy Size: Pampers Baby Dry Size 4

Happy 8 months little man! You are turning in to the cheekiest, happiest and most loving little person i know. The big wide world has suddenly become very exciting and every day is a new adventure full of fun, laughter and discoveries. You are such an alert little boy and you are always taking in everything around you, i sometimes wonder what you think of it all and how mysterious everything must seem to you.

You're still not sitting up, but this is something we're working on and i know you'll get it in your own time so we're not pushing you. You can roll over from front to back as well as back to front quite freely and easily now, although you seem to do it mostly when in your cot which can cause all manner of problems as mummy finds you with arms and legs sticking out everywhere. You are also scooting all over the place these days, mostly on your back which is pretty impressive actually. You seem to push off with your feet, with your back arched and off the ground, like a little fish. It seems to be working for you anyway and i only have to leave the room for a moment and come back to find you somewhere completely different.

You had your first go in a walker this month which you absolutely love, although you're feet don't quite reach the ground so i doubt you'll be walking off anywhere anytime soon but for now you enjoy playing with the knobs and levers and listening to the noises they can make.

You definitely have a special relationship with your big cousin Tia, you two are inseparable when you're together and you never stop smiling and babbling when she's around. She's always giving you cuddles, helping to feed you and helping to change your nappy. She rocks you in your pram when you're crying, gives you your dummy when you've lost it and is always bringing you toys and teddies to play with. I think you two will have many adventures together growing up and i can't wait to see your friendship develop as you both get older.

You are babbling up a storm these days and along with the usual cooing, gagas and googoos, you said you're first word this month 'dada'. If i'm honest i had a brief moment where i felt slightly disappointed that it wasn't 'mama' but to see your daddy's face light up the first time he heard you say it was amazing. It's a massive milestone and we couldn't be more proud of you.

In addition to the babbling, you are drooling and dribbling for England and mummy is pretty sure those teethy pegs are now starting to cut through.I'd be lying if i said you hadn't been a teething monster and at times really tested my patience but i know it's a process we have to go through so mummy tries to grin and bear it as much as possible even with the never ending run of sleepless nights.You're teaching me all the time to be patient, trusting and even more loving in the face of frustration and just when i think i can't take it any longer, you look at me with those big blue eyes, flutter those lashes and my heart just melts.

You have my love eternally and unconditionally.

As ever Riley, keep happy, keep safe and keep healthy.

Love From Mummy xxx

Pretty.Little.Things - Coming Home Outfit

Thank you to everyone who participated in Pretty.Little.Things last week. There were some brilliant entries and it was a close call but Lisa and i both agreed that Misty from It's Misty...Seriously deserved to win for the gorgeous photos of  her little princess sporting some fabulous brights and some gorgeous curly locks. So, Misty Bird you get to proudly display your winners badge if you so desire.



Now back to this week where the theme is 'Coming Home Outfit'. With Riley's unexpected early arrival i had no outfit planned at all and trying to find something that would fit a then 4lb baby in between hospital visits was an absolute nightmare. In the end i opted for the below animal print snowsuit from Mothercare, which despite being for tiny baby, absolutely swamped him. You can't tell from the picture but his arms are barely in the sleeves and his legs only come down to just above the red button.


Even so, i still think he looks absolutely adorable and the snowsuit is now tucked safely away in his memory box.

What was your little one's coming home outfit? Be sure to share your post with us and link up with Lisa over at Hollybobbs.

So all that leaves me to do is let you know next weeks theme which is:
water babies
Grab those armbands, blow up those inflatables and get those cozzie's or trunks out mummies as we want to see your little ones making a splash in their swimwear. We're told the weather is going to be hot next week, so whether you're heading to the local pool, playing in the paddling pool at home or splashing around in the bath, get those camera's snapping!

Next week, it's my turn to host Pretty.Little.Things so we'll see you here at Love From Mummy.

Feel free to grab the badge too.........


Vikki xxx

My Blue Eyed Boy

Teething Monster

Grumpy? Yes! Irritable? Yes! Drooling? Yes! Dribbling? Yes! Chewing Everything? Yes! Restless? Yes!

In fact, i think it's safe to say with 100% certainty that my son who is usually a happy go lucky, chilled out, laid back and loving kind of baby has been temporarily replaced by a 'teething monster' resembling all of the above. 

Smiles are out of the question, i'm getting evils and out stared by an 8 month old! He's holding his ground better than i can and that's saying something.

Now i know that the first appearance of a tiny white tooth is a milestone in itself and a moment to be treasured, but seriously......... am i the only mummy to find the whole process somewhat cruel? or who finds spending the midnight hours comforting a irritable, teething baby upsetting and frustrating? 

You spend 9 months growing them, nurturing them and doing everything within your power to keep them safe from harm and then at a time when they could really use your help the most, there's actually nothing you can do for them. No magic cream to take the pain away and no magic wand to make it all better. In a way i feel completely helpless and almost like i'm failing in my duties as a mother. 

 Fortunately i HAVE found some items that seem to ease and soothe his discomfort, even if it's momentarily, but I just hope this teething stage passes quickly and my happy boy returns soon as the sleepless nights are taking their toll on the pair of us.

Teething Monster, you are hereby given your eviction notice.

Apologies. Rant over.

Vikki xxx

See It! Snap It! Love It! - Growing

This photography linky is hosted by the lovely Lucy over at Dear Beautiful Boy . A weekly challenge to look for pretty things (within a set theme) and capture them for the world to see. The theme this week is 'Growing'.

Riley - 2 Weeks Old                           Riley - 34 Weeks Old

Two hands, so different in size and yet both belonging to one very special little boy. My Son.
I think the photographs speak for themselves, but it's incredible to see how much my baby boy has grown since his early arrival 8 months ago.

Nothing could have prepared me for that first moment i walked in to NICU and saw my tiny 2lb 13oz micro baby all curled up in his incubator, wired up to monitors and fighting for his life. To look at him now, you would never believe it was the same baby. He is a perfectly healthy, happy 15lb 3oz chunky monkey and yet his strength, determination and fight still shine through and continue to make me incredibly proud of him every single day.

I've no doubt that we will have further hurdles and obstacles to overcome in the future, but for now i count my blessings every day that he's growing, he's healthy, he's safe and he's well.

If you feeling like having a go and joining in with the challenge yourself, then click the badge below and link up your post over at Dear Beautiful Boy.

Happy Snapping Everyone!!!

Vikki xxx

Pretty.Little.Things - Brilliant Brights

Last week was a quiet week on Pretty.Little.Things but a big thank you to those of you who did take part and congratulations to the lovely Louise at A Strong Coffee whose photo was chosen as the winner. Her collage of photos showed not 1, not 2, but 3 gorgeous boys and 3 special ways to have fun at bathtime. So Louise gets a swanky winners badge to display on her blog if she so desires.

Now back to this week where the theme is 'Brilliant Brights'.

Although i adore dressing Riley in your typical 'newborn' pastel shades, i think Summer is definitely the season for experimenting with fashion and there's nothing like a splash of colour to brighten up the dullest of wardrobes.

Sometimes it's nice to steer away from your stereotypical blues for boys and pinks for girls and opt for bold amd brightly coloured clothes that are full of character and joy.

I'm biased of course but i think my monkey looks gorgeous in this little number!

I can't wait to see some more pictures from you all and if you're new to Pretty.Little.Things and haven't participated before then why not join in and show us your little ones in some bright, colourful outfits? It's open to anyone and everyone so if you have a photo or post that fits in with the theme then link it up below.

All that leaves me to do is let you know next weeks theme which is:
coming home outfit
Well that coming home outfit is the most special and important one of all right? We only get one shot at dressing our babies for their first venture out into the big wide world.............And we all know us mummies (not so much the daddies) put a lot of thought in to making sure its the perfect one.

So head to the back of those wardrobes or pull that box down from the loft and dig out your little one's coming home outfit to share with us.

Next week, it's Lisa's turn to host Pretty.Little.Things so we'll see you over at Hollybobbs.

Feel free to grab the badge too.........



Vikki xxx

Chicco DJ Baby Walker Review

Riley's approaching that tender age where he's desperately trying to be more active and mobile but failing miserably the majority of the time. As such, i'm always looking for ways to make the process easier for him, so when an opportunity arose recently with Kids One Stop Shop to review a baby walker from the Chicco range, i jumped at the chance.  For those of you unfamiliar with Kids One Stop Shop, it was founded in 2010 by working mum Wendy Lavender as a one stop shop for all kiddie related activities. Today it serves as a resource centre for parents with everything from parental advice, competitions, activities and events to product reviews and an online marketplace where you can buy and sell items. 

I was sent a Chicco Dj Baby Walker in Magia which can be viewed in more detail on their website here. 

The Chicco Dj Baby Walker has been designed to make learning to walk a fun, but safe experience for you and your baby. It comes equipped with an electronic toy tray that has an array of activities to keep baby entertained including lights, sounds, piano keys, buttons and levers, all of which help to stimulate senses and develop hand/eye coordination.  Riley went straight for the toys the minute i sat him in the walker and especially loves the piano keys as they light up and play sounds when you press them. Whats more, the toy section can be removed to reveal a useful play or food tray and then using the straps provided you can attach the toy to a pram bumper bar.

The walker itself is very sturdy and i felt perfectly happy leaving him in it unattended whilst i popped into the next room. In addition to this, not only does it feature a padded seat and rigid backrest to ensure maximum comfort and support for baby, but  it has 3 different height adjustments which enables it to adapt to your baby's needs as they grow. 

It's a fantastic product and Riley has had hours of fun it so far with many more to come i'm sure. I couldn't be happier as it keeps him thoroughly entertained and he's already showing signs of better coordination, his head and neck control has improved greatly and he seems much more alert to his surroundings. I would definitely recommend it to all parents looking to purchase a walker for their little one.

Pros: Easy to use, easy to clean, comfortable, durable, good value for money, frame folds down to compact size for storage, entertaining, fantastic for aiding development, safe.

Cons: Poor instruction manual/assembly instructions

The Chicco DJ Baby Walker in Magia is available to buy from Kids One Stop Shop here for £53.49 and in my opinion is well worth the money.

You can visit Kids One Stop Shop at www.kidsonestopshop.co.uk 

You can follow Kids One Stop Shop on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mumscoffeeclub 

You can like Kids One Stop Shop on Facebook: www.facebook.com/kidsonestopshop 

Disclosure: I was sent a Chicco DJ Baby Walker in Magia for the purpose of this review but all views and opinions expressed are honest and entirely my own.

See It! Snap It! Love It! - Nature

This photography linky is hosted by the lovely Lucy over at Dear Beautiful Boy . A weekly challenge to look for pretty things (within a set theme) and capture them for the world to see. The theme this week is 'Nature'.

The House Meadow, Kent

The above is a photograph of The House Meadow and i thought it depicted nature at its best. Located on a working farm just down the road from me, this area of natural beauty has undergone a major transformation in the past year to create the perfect backdrop for wedding ceremonies and receptions and now boasts a floral meadow, landscaped grounds and a gazebo on the lake. I think you'll agree with me that it looks beautiful, natural and very picturesque.  


If you feeling like having a go and joining in with the challenge yourself, then click the badge below and link up your post over at Dear Beautiful Boy.

Happy Snapping Everyone!!!

Vikki xxx

Pretty.Little.Things - Favourite Bathtime Toy

Thank you to everyone who participated in Pretty.Little.Things last week. There were some brilliant entries and it was a close call but Lisa and i both agreed that CJ from A Mummy's View deserved to win for a gorgeous photo of  her daughter sporting some rather fabulous ugg boots. So, CJ you get to proudly display your winners badge if you so desire which is available over on Lisa's post.



Now back to this week where the theme is 'Favourite Bathtime Toy'. Fortunately for me, Riley is a water baby (has been from the start) and absolutely loves bathtime. He's not quite at the 'sitting by himself' stage yet so although he has a bath full of toys he doesn't actually play with any of them, but he does have a good kick about splashing the water and bubbles everywhere and his selection of toys are on standby for when he does decide he's ready for them.  

What are your little ones' favourite bathtime toys? Be sure to share your post with us and link up with Lisa over at Hollybobbs.

So all that leaves me to do is let you know next weeks theme which is:
brilliant brights
Summer is definitely the season for colour and making a statement, so get your cameras at the ready and snap your little ones in some bright colourful outfits. Or maybe mummy's got a bright outfit of her own that she'd like to showcase? The choice is yours.

Next week, it's my turn to host Pretty.Little.Things so we'll see you here at Love From Mummy.

Feel free to grab the badge too.........


Vikki xxx

See It! Snap It! Love It! - Candid

This photography linky is hosted by the lovely Lucy over at Dear Beautiful Boy . A weekly challenge to look for pretty things (within a set theme) and capture them for the world to see. The theme this week is 'Candid'.

I absolutely adore this photograph of my niece Tia and knew it would be perfect for this week's theme. I think candid snaps of little ones make the best photographs......... those natural unposed moments transformed into memories and captured on film for all eternity. 

If you feeling like having a go and joining in with the challenge yourself, then click the badge below and link up your post over at Dear Beautiful Boy.

Happy Snapping Everyone!!!

Vikki xxx

Gro Egg Digital Room Thermometer Review And Giveaway

I was recently approached by the lovely people at Baby Monitors Online to see if i would be interested in reviewing one of their products and hosting a giveaway on the blog. For those of you unfamiliar with Baby Monitors Online, they are a relatively new company based in the UK that specialise in baby monitors as well as other child safety products. They have a vast product range and you can be sure to find a monitor which suits you and your baby's needs, plus they are always happy to discuss your requirements and offer you advice on the latest technology.

I was sent a Gro Egg Digital Room Thermometer, a clever innovation from the people who brought you the Grobag Sleeping Bag and all i can say is that this product is 'pure genius'. The correct room temperature is vital for creating a safe sleeping environment for your baby and medical experts recommend that the room your baby sleeps in should be maintained at 16–20°C to help reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) and cot death.

The Gro Egg is a colour changing digital room thermometer that lets you know at a glance whether the temperature of a room is too low, too high or just right by adjusting it's colour accordingly, perfect for those bleary eyed night time checks that all new parents experience in the first few weeks. This product also has the added bonus of acting as a gentle night light, creating a soothing atmosphere for your baby to sleep in.

A yellow glow from the Gro Egg suggests that the room temperature is comfortable and within the recommended guidelines (16–20°C). If the room temperature falls outside of this range, then you can take the necessary action to cool or heat the room and adjust adjust baby's clothing or bedding as appropriate. A blue glow suggests that the room temperature is too cold, an orange glow suggests that the room is getting a bit warm and a red glow suggests that the room temperature is too hot. 

Features:

-Easy to understand colour system to indicate room temperature

-Digital thermometer with permanent 'back-lit' LCD readout

-Gentle night light

-Instructions and safe sleep guide enclosed

-UK mains only power adaptor supplied 

-Size; 10.6cm tall

The Gro Egg is available to buy from Baby Monitors Online here for £17.99 and in my opinion is well worth the money. It should be an essential purchase for all parents as it's a welcoming addition to any nursery and offers peace of mind at a glance.

For more detailed product information visit www.gro-store.co.uk/gro-egg.html 

You can follow Baby Monitors Online on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ukbabymonitors  

You can like Baby Monitors Online on Facebook: www.facebook.com/babymonitorsonline

Disclosure: I was sent a Gro Egg Digital Room Thermometer for the purpose of this review but all views and opinions expressed are honest and entirely my own.

COMPETITION

Baby Monitors Online are offering ONE lucky reader the chance to win a Gro Egg Digital Room Thermometer. To be in with a chance of winning all you need to do is enter via the rafflecopter below.

N.B.  The more entries you submit, the better your chance of winning.

Competition closes on 16th July 2012. Open to residents of the UK and Ireland only.

Good Luck!

Vikki xxx

a Rafflecopter giveaway