Wednesday 30 December 2015

Eliot's First Ice Skate at Frosts Willington


 
We were recently invited to try out ice skating at one of the Frosts garden centres. Back in my teenage days I used to ice skate nearly every weekend with my friends so I was really keen to get back on the ice over the festive period!
We were originally booked in to ice skate on the 12th December. We arrived around our skate time, went to get our skates and I purchased a ticket for a skating aid  (the orange seal) which cost £4 for Eliot to sit on/hold on to out on the rink. I was surprised there were tickets left for the skating aids as the website forewarns you to arrive early to ensure you can get one for your skate session.
Once I had my ice skates on and Eliot had his toddler skates on over his trainers we headed for the ice. I could see as we approached the entrance to the rink that someone was getting on to the ice with the last skating aid. I asked a member of staff if there were any more as we had bought a ticket for one. I was told there wasn't which I knew would be the case and questioned why we were able to buy a ticket. The member of staff called a colleague over and they counted the amount of tickets that had been handed over which identified somebody had managed to sneak on the ice with a skating aid without buying a ticket. The staff were apologetic and called the manager over who was already talking to another family who appeared to have the same issue as us. By this point Eliot was quite restless and kept repeating 'I want to go on the seal'. When the manager got to us he apologised and took us in to the outdoor café, got us some drinks and cake while he went to see if we could be booked on to the next skate session. Unfortunately this wasn't possible as there was a birthday party and the next session we could get booked on to was two hours later. We didn't think hanging around for two hours with Eliot would be a good idea so the manager booked us in for a skating session the following weekend and refunded the £4 I'd paid for the skating aid. Even though I was disappointed that we didn't get to skate that day, I felt the manager did the upmost to keep us as customers satisfied and I was impressed with how the situation was dealt with.
 
Fast forward to the following weekend, I made sure we were there early, to ensure we did get a skating aid. This coincided with the previous skate session finishing, so it was a little busy with people handing their skates back to get their shoes on whilst we were doing the opposite. I'd purchased another ticket (£4) for a skating aid and sent my other half off to get it whilst I sorted out Eliot's toddler skates to go over his trainers. They were really easy to adjust the length and the adjustable straps just had to be tightened once Eliot's feet were in. Eliot wasn't too keen on having them on his feet but was still excited to be 'going on a seal'. We had to wait a few minutes before the session started (sessions last for 45 minutes) but once the rink was open for our session, Eliot and I were keen to get on the ice. We were one of the first people on, the session kicked off with Mariah Carey's 'All I Want For Christmas' playing through the speakers which made me feel really festive and set a lovely 'christmassy' atmosphere.
Even though I skated most weekends as a teen it was mostly for the social side, I was never a 'good skater' and my fear of falling over and hurting myself stopped me from letting go on the ice. Now I'm older and wiser that fear is certainly still there and worse than what it was back then, so I was quite relieved that I did have a skating aid boost my confidence! It took a few minutes for me to find my feet on the ice but I got there. It was wonderful hearing Eliot giggle with enjoyment as I pushed him around.
As we were one of the first people on the ice we got to skate around for a bit before it got quite busy. I'm glad we had some time with the rink being quite quiet as I felt my confidence decreasing the busier it got. It was quite comical watching people drag themselves round holding on to the sides, which is exactly what I would have been doing if I didn't have the skating aid to hold on to!

Eliot was adamant he wanted to push the seal himself at one point, being two he didn't really understand he would slip over easily on the ice, which is exactly what happened. He was fine and still attempted to push the aid himself but quickly decided he'd rather ride the seal, so I helped him clamber back on.
After around 20 minutes Eliot decided he wanted to get off the seal so I was left on the ice by myself, thankfully still with the skating aid. I did attempt to skate solo but was too worried I'd fall and not be able to get back up! So I skated with the aid weaving in and out of the other skaters.
To miss the rush of returning skates and collecting shoes I decided to leave the ice five minutes early which meant the process was very quick and easy.
We then headed to the heated ice café for a hot drink and treat which was a perfect way to end our skating session.
 
I really enjoyed skating at Frosts Willington and definitely recommend trying it out if you're not too far from a Frosts that offers ice skating before the ice rinks disappear at the beginning of January. I loved skating outdoors and think it makes a great family activity. It would ne a fab way to end the holidays before the kids go back to school!
 
Ice skating at frost is £14.99 for an adult & toddler ticket. £8.99 each for adults and £7.99 for Children.
 
* I received an adult & toddler skating ticket in exchange for a blog post. All views and opinions are my own.
 

Monday 14 December 2015

My Christmas Wishlist

This year I hadn't really given any thought to what I'd like for Christmas, mainly because I've been so busy at work. The only thing I have really been after is a new camera as Eliot damaged the shutter on my current one.
But as I've been shopping for others online or in the shops there have been a few things that have caught my eye and I have added a few more things to my Christmas List.
Top Left: I love ankle boots in the the winter, especially under trousers or jeans. These lovelies are from Jones The Bootmaker on sale at the moment for £69.00. I love the zip detail and the small heel. I can't cope with high heeled footwear these days but these still have a bit of a heel for a bit of extra height. I think they look great for a day to evening look too!
Top Right: Who doesn't have a favourite festive tipple, right? I'm not much of a drinker these days but it's nice to relax with a couple of drinks over the festive season. I'm a big fan of amaretto sours but I'm also happy with  an amaretto and diet coke. This special edition Disaronno is 'dressed' in Robert Cavali too for a bit of a twist.
Bottom Left: We are desperate to get new bathrooms in the new year and with that I think we need some new towels. This isometric design from John Lewis really caught my eye, I love the colours and think they would look great in the type of bathroom we are planning.
Bottom Centre: As I mentioned I'm in need of a new camera and my heart is set on the Canon G7X. I really want to get back in to vlogging and I know this is a favourite amongst vloggers. I've heard it's not too great with photographs but that hasn't put me off!
Bottom Right: I have loved Cath Kidston products for years, the first mug I had was bought as a gift I dropped it on the floor a year or two later which upset me! I currently have a 'flowery' mug that I drink my morning coffee out of at the moment but I wouldn't mind this red bus edition to my mug cupboard. I bought Eliot a bag in this print so he would probably think it was for him.
So there we have it, a range of bits and bobs I would love to find under the Christmas tree this year!
What's on your wishlist this Christmas?

I'm linking up with Blogging Mummy's Anything Goes linky.

Sunday 13 December 2015

My Sunday Photo 13/12/15 Visiting Santa

It's not a great photo but it certainly a memorable one. This year is the first year Eliot is really beginning to understand what Santa is all about. I was super excited to take him to a local garden centre to visit him this year. I actually have a new found love for garden centres after visiting this particular one, it was so Christmassy!
Before we went in to meet Santa the children made reindeer food for put out on Christmas idea, they then sang Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer with some of Santa's elves. Santa was great and told everyone a story before meeting with the children. Eliot was very excited and almost couldn't keep still to have his photo taken!

OneDad3Girls



Saturday 5 December 2015

Our Plans For Christmas 2015

Photo credit-FreeImages.com
 
On 19th December 2014 we moved from London to Bedfordshire, to say things didn't go to plan would be a huge understatement. You can read about our move here if you fancy it. Things have been up and down the entire year for many different reasons so we both feel it's really important that this Christmas is a good one.
 
Initially we thought it would be nice to spend it as just the three of us. Quiet, not stressing about cooking for more people etc but then we had a change of heart, after all Christmas is about spending time with your nearest and dearest. Eliot loves being around people, especially his grandparents so it makes sense that we spend it with them too! So we've invited my parents and the other halves mum to spend Christmas at ours. I must admit I'm not completely looking forward to all the cooking, the last time I cooked Christmas dinner was in 2010 and I found it quite stressful. Fingers crossed I don't ruin the turkey and I can get all the food out on time! That I aside I am looking forward to it, I'm feeling a lot more 'Christmassy' since our tree went up today (a lot later than I planned!)
 
We also have a few other bits planned over the festive period. I want to take Eliot to see Father Christmas at a local garden centre, all the weekend slots are booked so I just need to decide when's the best day/time to go.
 
Next weekend we're going ice skating, a first for Eliot so I'm not quite sure how it will pan out but I'm hoping I'll get him on the ice at least! I predict it will be an issue to get the skates on him as he has chunky feet and I'm pretty certain he'll put up a fight.
 
Another first for Eliot will be a theatre trip, we're going to see The Gruffalo on stage. Even though I've seen it twice before (teacher perks ;p) I'm excited but also a little apprehensive  as Eliot isn't exactly a toddler who sits still! I'm hoping we'll make it through the performance but if not we'll have to make a quiet escape!
 
Those are some definite things that we'll be doing, I do want to go to Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, we've visited the past couple of years so it will be nice to take Eliot back now he's that bit older.
I'm hoping we can fit some other family activities in too!
 
What are your plans for this Christmas? 

Sunday 29 November 2015

My Sunday Photo 29/11/15 My name is...

It's not a great photo, taken on my iPhone, blurry but it tickled me! Eliot found it hillarious putting on these clear lens glasses, he reminded me of a character from Harry Enfield & Chums (if you watched that back in the day) 

'My name is Michael Caine and I am a nosy neighbour!'

OneDad3Girls

Thursday 26 November 2015

Salcura Bioskin Products Review & Giveaway ***CLOSED***


I was asked by the lovely team at Salcura if I'd like to try out some of their award winning products from their Bioskin range to celebrate their relaunch. They are ideal for those of us that have dry skin problems such as eczema or psoriasis. As I do suffer with eczema on my hands I was keen to try them out. When my hands get bad I apply a prescribed steroid cream which I'm not keen on doing because it thins the skin.
One aspect that made the Bioskin products particularly appealing to me was that they contain naturally active ingredients. Free from the steroids, SLS, parabens, lanolin, phthalates, antibiotics and paraffin.
Salcura state these products are gentle on the skin and work with it to aid its own natural healing process.  The re-launched  products contain the same formulas, the same ingredients, now in one unified therapy system and with a brand new product, DermaSerum. Thse products are suitable for adults and children over 12 years old.
I've been giving these products a good try over the past couple of months, here a my thoughts.
 
When I excitedly opened up my box of goodies I quite liked the re-lauch packaging, simple and sleek making it easy to read what's on the box.
 The first product I tried was the face cleanser, I am a big fan of face wash and would choose it any day over other cleansers, therefore I was looking forward to my next face wash!
 Its key ingredient is sea buckthorn, rich in nourishing omegas. The packaging states it is sourced from a coastal plant.
Orange in colour, it's not the most pleasant looking face wash but it smells great. I find it to have a fresh and fruity scent which reminds me of oranges. It lathers up nicely and leaves my skin feeling squeaky clean. Although I don't have any dry skin issues on my face, I felt happy I wasn't using something full of parabens etc. I'm impressed with how long the bottle has lasted, it's still going strong now!

After my face had been cleansed I used the derma serum just like a moisturiser after washing my face both in the day and night. It rubbed in to my skin easily and left it feeling smooth and moisturised. As it's in a smaller bottle it didn't last as long and ran out in just over a month, which isn't bad considering I was using it twice a day.
I'm not sure if it was one or a combination both of the products I was using on my face but a few days after starting to use the products a few spots came out on my chin area. I personally didn't find that an issue as I know a change in skincare can cause spots and they disappeared pretty quickly.

I found the body cleanser had a similar scent to the face cleanser with a gingery hint. Like the face cleanser, it's key ingredient is sea buckthorn and it is enriched with omega oils, vitamins and minerals.
As I don't suffer with eczema on my body I can't comment on how it helped with dry/itchy skin but I can say my mind was at ease as I was using another product free from SLS, artificial fragrance, paraffin and lanolin. Again the bottle is a generous size and lasted for ages, it would have lasted for longer if my other half hadn't have been using it too!

The last two products I have been using are the Dermaspray and the Zeoderm. The Dermasparay is intended for regular daily use as a source of moisture. It's recommended as an alternative to the usual emollient creams.  It aids healthy skin growth 'by nourishing new  skin cells in their early development'.
The  Zeoderm is an alternative to steroid creams, something I avoid as much as possible. Its key ingredient is natural volcanic zeolite which is sourced from volcanic deposits. On the box it is advised to be used alongside the Dermaspray 'when skin is going through a particularly bad phase'.
I was really intriuged to see how well these products would work as my hands to suffer with eczema more than usual these days!
I really like the natural scent in both of these products, the Dermaspray has a recognisable tea tree smell, which I love as tea tree products have worked on my skin since I was a teenager. The Zeoderm reminds me of Turkish rose scent.
I began by using these two products at night before going to bed, I sprayed the Dermaspray on my hands and rubbed it in before applying the Zeoderm cream. Both are absorbed quickly and easily and felt really soothing on my skin.
For the first few days I noticed the eczema around my hands was clearing up. I must admit I have been a bit rubbish at using products consistently on my hands. When my hands began to feel better I forgot to keep using them. When my skin became irritated again I resumed using them but I didn't feel they were working as well. I explained this to the PR who'd sent me the products and she advised me to use them more frequently during the day. Again I must hold my hands up and admit I didn't really do it, mainly because when I'm at work I'm so busy I literally don't have the time to remember to apply it. I'm paying the price now as my hands have some extremely dry/sore patches at the moment!

Overall I really enjoyed sampling these lovely products and think they're worth trying out if you suffer with the skin issues mentioned above, or simply if you are looking to avoid products with all the 'nasties' in them.

I do have a giveaway to win all the Bioskin products I tried out (see photo below) for one lucky person to win!Enter via the Rafflecopter.

* I was sent these products in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday 22 November 2015

My Sunday Photo 22/11/15 Not Quite Scooting!

 
Yesterday Eliot and I took his scooter out, it was freezing cold but we still enjoyed getting out and about. He did make me laugh as he wasn't riding the scooter but straddling it walking with his legs either side.
If he did put both his feet on and I pulled him along he kept saying he didn't like it. After he'd had enough of straddling the scooter I had to carry it! It was nice mummy and son time.
OneDad3Girls




Saturday 21 November 2015

Toddler Clothes & Shoe Wishlist


I think I've said it before, but these days I much prefer shopping for clothes for Eliot than myself. Long gone the days I would get a little too excited about a trip to Topshop on Oxford street, these days it's all about the toddler clothing department!
Mr Eliot's wardrobe is probably (definitely) full enough for autumn/winter this year, naturally that doesn't stop me browsing online and in the shops, looking for bits to add to Eliot's wardrobe. To be fair he does need some new footwear for the winter, I just need to get him measured first!
 
So here are a few bits that have caught my eye and that I will hopefully adding to Eliot's collection!
 
  1. These super cute soft leather Chelsea boots are by Chipmunks from Brantano. I think they'd look great with lots of pieces from Eliot's wardrobe, just what he needs for winter.
  2. I just love these fire engine pyjamas from Gap, the white & blue stripes  with the red really caught my eye. As Eliot loves vehicles they'd be perfect for him!
  3. You may already know I have a thing for Zara Baby leggings and was super happy when they extended their sizing up to 3-4 years. I'm a fan a grey and I'd be able to talk about the numbers on them with Eliot, he's starting to pick up a lot of things and remember them now. Who wouldn't want a piece of clothing that is also a learning resource?!
  4. The jeans are from next, I adore the tartan turn ups at the bottom and think the elasticated waistbands are much more comfortable for tots. 
  5. My dad calls Eliot his 'champ' so I think this sweater will be a definite buy, I love the green and it's a colour that really seems to suit Eliot.
  6. I love the stripes of multi-colour on these Adidas trainers also from Brantano. The fact that they have a Velcro fastening is also a massive plus point, if you've experienced a toddler you'll understand why!
 
So there we have it, just a few of the bits I've got my eye on for Eliot. What toddler clothing and footwear is on your wishlist?

Thursday 19 November 2015

A Second Febrile Convulsion

In the paediatric assessment unit 

I started to write this back in June, I always planned to complete it. Now Eliot has suffered his third febrile convulsion it has encouraged me to get on with this one so I can start the next. By sharing our experiences I hope in some way they can be helpful to others, even if it's helpful to just one person, my job is done.

It's been over a month since Eliot suffered a second febrile convulsion.
He had been suffering from a cough for the previous two weeks, and I'd made a couple of out of hours appointments whilst staying at my parents as he'd become under the weather. The out of hours GP's diagnosed him with a sore throat. Within a couple of days he seemed to be as right as rain apart from the cough.
Our trip to Alton Towers was the following weekend. We had driven up to Rugeley to stay the night, so that we would have a shorter journey to the theme park. I was really looking forward to taking Eliot to CBeebies as a bank holiday treat.
When we arrived we checked in to a Travelodge and headed out for a walk. Later we went out for dinner before returning to the Travelodge. Eliot had been absolutely fine, his usual self. He went down to sleep no problems.
During the night he awoke crying, I assumed it might have been a bad dream and went over to put his dummy in. When I felt him he felt quite hot, (stupidly) I hadn't bought the thermometer with us so couldn't check his temperature. The room was quite warm and stuffy so at first I wasn't sure if that was the reason he seemed hot. For the rest of the night he slept next to me, although he was unsettled to begin with. The next morning he awoke still feeling warm, so I went over to the petrol station to buy some calpol (as I'd stupidly forgot to bring any of that too!)
Getting Eliot to take medicine is a nightmare but we managed to get some in. Within half an hour he seemed a bit perkier and ate some food.
We needed to make the decision whether or not to head to Alton Towers or home. In the end we decided to head to the park and if Eliot was unwell we would leave.
On route we stopped off to get some food. As I was driving out of the car park I turned to check on Eliot and was met by the sight of him convulsing. I literally stopped the car where it was, jumped out and ran round to get Eliot out his car seat. I was really conscious that there was a risk of  Elot swallowing his tongue so I wanted to get him on his side. The OH called an ambulance and that was when we realised we had no idea where we were. We had just pulled in to a retail park but didn't know where. Further down a man was crossing the road, the OH stopped him and he told the 999 operator where we were. I held Eliot on his side in my arms where he continued to convulse, making rasping noises and frothing at the mouth. A terrifying sight that I'd really hoped I wouldn't see ever again.
A single paramedic in a car arrived first, took all the information while checking Eliot's stats and giving him oxygen. It was then Eliot started to come round from the fit and began to cry.

The paramedic asked us what happened and Eliot's history with convulsions. Shortly after another ambulance arrived, after further talking Eliot was taken in the ambulance to Stafford hospital with the OH. I followed in my car and cried.
When we arrived at the hospital I needed to park the car so I wasn't with Eliot when he was taken through to A&E. I had to check in with the A&E reception and give them all our details before I was taken through to Eliot and the OH. 
After a wait, a doctor came and checked him over, he had a sore throat, she then asked her colleague to check his ear as well. 
We were then told that his left ear drum was perforated but it was an old perforation. This information came as a bit of a shock as Eliot had never suffered with any ear problems.
We were then sent to the paediatric assessment unit so Eliot could be assessed by the doctors there.
Eliot spent most of the afternoon asleep on my lap, his temperature and other stats taken regularly. He was also given some paracetamol and had some numbing spray sprayed on to his throat.
When he was seen by the first paediatric doctor he agreed there was a perforation in his ear drum. We then had another wait before we were seen by the senior doctor (who was rather interesting to say the  least!) he couldn't agree that Eliot did have an ear perforation. He wanted us to come back the following day and see the ear nose and throat team but we couldn't do that as we were in Stafford without anywhere to stay for another night. So we were told to take him to A&E at our local hospital so they could do a quick referral to the ENT team.
Whilst waiting Eliot's temperature started to creep back up, one of the nurses gave him some ibuprofen. Within half an hour he was running round the ward! It's amazing how quickly he felt much better, such a relief!
 
At around 7pm we were given discharge letter along with some throat spray. The OH & I were nervous about the journey home in case Eliot had another febrile convulsion and we would be in the car on a motorway. Fortunately he slept most of the way home.
The next day I took Eliot to A&E as advised. The doctor we saw said he could see a perforation and called up to the ENT to get us an appointment.
A couple of days later we saw the ENT doctor who had a look in Eliot's ears and confirmed he could see the perforation. He went to have a chat with the senior doctor. Next yet another doctor had a look in Eliot's ear but he wasn't convinced that he could see a perforation. So overall four doctors said they could see a perforation and two couldn't. It seemed strange especially as it was the senior doctors who couldn't see/confirm a perforation. I was told even if it was they wouldn't do anything unless it was causing Eliot problems. I was just told to protect it from soapy water with cotton wool and to go to our GP if I had concerns in the future. Thankfully his ears don't seem to be a problem and his hearing appears normal.
 
I really hoped that would be the last febrile convulsion I would see but as he had a third one last week it's more likely they will be a common occurrence.
 
 
Have your children suffered with febrile convulsions or a perforated ear drum?
I'm really interested to hear your experiences!

Sunday 8 November 2015

My Sunday Photo 8/11/15

 
 
It's not a great but this photo really sums up how I felt about full time teaching this week, 'cray cray'.
That's my car in the distance, this was one evening when I was leaving work. Apart from one other car and the school minibus, mine was the only car left in the car park.
 It had been an INSET day so the children hadn't been in but I still found myself working past the time I'd usually stay until. No matter how many hours of work I put in, there are always other tasks that need completing. It is just crazy! 

OneDad3Girls

Saturday 7 November 2015

Returning To Full Time Teaching

My Role Play Area
You may or may not have noticed that my blog has been rather quiet of late, I haven't written a post for almost two months. In September I returned to full time teaching in a reception class, which is a pretty new age to me. I've mainly taught in key stage one (year one & two) so it's taking a bit of getting used to. I actually started my teacher training on the 3-7 years route then swapped to 5-11 in my third year as I didn't think working in the early yeas was for me after all.
Eight weeks and a half term down I'm really enjoying it. Enjoying doing something that is 'just me'.
 
Even though I'm enjoying it, it has been really tough, trying to juggle being a mum, looking after the house whilst teaching has been pretty exhausting. There's the never ending loads washing to do, cleaning, cooking etc at home. At work (which also comes home at times) there's the planning, classroom upkeep, teaching, assessing etc to do.
 I'd love to be a 'pinterest mum', to me that would be perfectly organised with a pristine home and plenty of time to spare. Unfortunately I'm finding there are simply not enough hours in the day and getting the work/life balance right is a challenge. I'm sure all you other working parents can relate!
 
I actually can't believe we are in November! September flew past in a whirlwind of settling children in to my class, getting my head round collecting evidence for the reception baseline assessments and some difficult behaviour from Eliot at home.
Getting my head round how a reception class is set up, utilised and managed during the day has been a learning curve. Having a home corner/role play area in my classroom is also something I'm not used to. In September it started out as being a home which I didn't really do anything to. Over half term I changed it to a classroom which I really enjoyed doing. Some of the children in my class already enjoyed playing 'teachers' so it seemed like a great idea to encourage them to use their imaginations and develop their vocabulary.
 
As you can see in the photos I included the aspects most classrooms have, teachers desk, book corner, children's work table and an ICT area which you can't see but consists of my old commodore amiga 500 keyboard.
After my maternity leave ended in 2014 I went back to teaching part time, meaning I shared a class with another teacher. One of the things I've enjoyed the most since returning full time is that this class are my class. No picking up where someone else left off or leaving work you'd really like to continue with, everything is your sole responsibility (which is where the workload increases).
So I thought I'd share the pros and cons of teaching full time from my own personal experience for anyone else who may be considering it...
 
Pros
  • Behaviour expectations are established by you
  • You know what has been taught and how well the children have understood because you have delivered the lessons
  • Work does not have to be rushed to be completed
  • Rules & classroom routine are what you have set up
  • You take the class through their week of learning
  • You make more of the weekends & evenings with your family
 
Cons
  • workload is immense & YOU are completely responsible for keeping on top of it
  • Less time with your own children
  • You don't have someone to share the big jobs with (like reports at the end of the year),
  • You are at work five days of the week
 
So there you have it, a quick update on how I've found returning to teaching full time. It of course is the main reason my blog has been so quiet!
 
I'd really love to hear your experiences of returning to work full time whether in teaching or another job!
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Monday 14 September 2015

A story By Dummy..

You were around two weeks old when I first gave you a dummy, from the start you were pretty keen and your journey with dummies began....
They were a huge comfort and helped you get through your short stay in hospital when you were admitted for pyloric stenosis at six weeks old.
 
They of course were one of the things that helped you drift off to sleep and calm you down when you were tired or cranky...
Keeping you happy when out to lunch!

Keeping you calm after dinner at Bluestone
Yep, for almost two years, dummies were a very good friend of yours (and mummy & daddy!)

You made them look cool in your own kinda way!


They helped your patience when mummy made you do a blogging related craft activity!

And kept you company whilst walking on our first family holiday

Even the dummy was chosen over chocolate on  your first Easter!



 
 
 And again this year, your dummy helped comfort you when you spent the night in hospital after a febrile convulsion.
 
For almost two years, dummies were a big part of your life but one day mummy decided it was time for the dummies to go. I knew you would be ok without your dummy, the time was just right. I was aware there might have been difficult times and times I would be tempted to give you a dummy but you were a star!
Its been three months since you had a dummy, you really are a grown up boy!
 
xxx
 
If anyone one would like to hear how and why I got rid of Eliot's dummy be sure to check out my video :)


Monday 31 August 2015

Eliot's 2 Year Update

 

This update is way overdue Mr Eliot as you turned two, two months ago!Sooo much has changed since the last update...

General/Milestones
You started pre-school back in April which you seem to enjoy. Apparently when daddy drops you off sometimes you don't want to leave him but once he's gone play happily. We had your first parents evening back in July! Tracey, your key worker said you're doing really well, you love messy play and cars (we knew about the cars!) She said your language was great for your age and that you play nicely alongside others. You're not quite at the stage of playing with the other children yet but you do love playing with your cousin Ella.
You love playing with Ella!
Your language has come on leaps and bounds, you have so many words in your vocabulary and pick up new words all the time! We have to be very careful what we say as you repeat things!!! You can put simple sentences together, everyone comments on how good your language is.
We had your two year health check the other day and the health visitor was happy with where you're at. You are 93.3cm tall now and the health visitor said you would be about 6ft when you stop growing. A tall boy! She said your slightly heavy for your height but I think you are going to be a boy who has a rugby player build!
We spoke about potty training which I don't think you're quite ready for yet. You've had a go at sitting on the potty but not used it, you did put your toys in there though!
I spoke to the health visitor about you walking on your tip toes, with and without your shoes on. She has referred you to see a podiatrist so we are waiting for the appointment.
Overall you are still such a happy little chap, you can be demanding and difficult at times which can be difficult but you are clearly a determined little boy. Terrible twos are in action for sure!
We are very proud of you, especially with your development you can count to ten, you understand what two objects are and will count them. You talk so well and have started to say please and thank you without being reminded.
 Play wise you are still obsessed with vehicles and play with your cars, lorries, buses and trains all the time. You also get very excited about trains and buses when we are out too.
We took you to a trial session at Little Kickers football last weekend, you enjoyed it but pretty much wanted to do your own thing! I think we are going to enrol you though so you have a hobby!
A rather big thing is that we took your dummy away before you turned two, you quickly forgot about it and didn't ask for one after a day or two of not having one.
 
 

Eating
Apparently at pre-school you eat really well, often asking (demanding) for more. At home you can be slightly fussy at times although there are some foods like cucumber and strawberries that you will eat now when you wouldn't before.
Your favourite food has to be pasta, you always ask for pasta! You're also quite partial to a Happy Meal but obviously we limit those! If we drive past a McDonalds though, you do request to go in.
 
With Nana J
Sleep
If we're out for the day or you're at pre school, you won't have a nap but that does lead to you being tired and cranky. If we're just at home I put you down for a sleep and you usually nap for about two hours.
At night you have been waking up crying sometimes. I'm not entirely sure why. I think it may be down to back teeth coming through and definitely down to bad dreams. At Nana's you said there was horse in 'mummy's bed' so I think you had a nightmare. You still talk about the 'horsey' now!
Sometimes when you are unsettled during the night I've brought you into bed with us. You fidget and wriggle around a LOT!
 
Weight
At your two year check up with the health visitor you weighed 16.8kg.
 
Clothes
You have grown a lot and mostly wear clothes aged 2-3 years but also fit into 3-4 years! It's crazy how sizing differs in different shops!
 
Puddle Splashing
 
Likes/Dislikes
Likes...
  •  Puddles
  •  Vehicles
  • You love playing with your big cousin Ella
  •   The cats, although you have been testing the boundaries with Mimi and stroking her too roughly
  • Peppa Pig
Dislikes...
  • Hand dryers but they don't seem to bother you as much as they did
  •  Smoke alarms
  •  Horses. You cried your eyes out when a horse trotted over to us.
  • The Dyson
  • Wasps


Sunday 30 August 2015

My Sunday Photo 30/8/15 GIANT 2 Year Old

If you follow me on Instagram you may have already seen this pic but I love it so I had to share again!
Here's Mr Eliot with my friend Vicky's eldest boy, Mason. Mason is three and a half whereas Mr E is two. Vicky and I were laughing at how they are the same height, Eliot even has bigger feet, measuring in at an eight & a half while Mason is a seven!
We don't see Vicky and her boys very often as they're living abroad so it was lovely to spend time with them while they're back in the UK. Eliot really enjoyed playing with Mason and was even trying to share his food with him when  we were out for dinner.
This was taken just before we went home, I'm sure you can imagine it wasn't the easiest of tasks to snap them together!
OneDad3Girls
 

Tuesday 25 August 2015

Character.Com REVIEW

A while ago Eliot was sent some goodies from character.com which like the name suggests, sell products featuring characters. All that appear in TV, film, etc.. From Frozen to Batman to Peppa Pig, there's a whole array of characters and products to choose from. Not only for kids, they also have items for us grown ups aswell!
 
The first thing Eliot received in his Parcel was a George pig trainer bag, this one is no longer on the site but there are a few George Pig options to choose from!




 This came at just the right time as Eliot had just started pre-school and I wanted a suitable bag for all the paraphernalia that has to go with him. It fits his change of clothes, nappies and wipes, suncream and drink bottle no problems. The bag is strong and does the job I want it to. The only niggle I have with it is the Velcro tabs that connect the straps together, they can come undone quite easily but saying that it hasn't been an issue really.
 Eliot loves the fact it's a George Pig bag, when I first opened the package his face was beaming! 

Next we were sent some Thomas The Tank Engine pyjamas, anything with any form of transport is a winner with Eliot!





Unfortunately, as you can see Eliot did not manage to keep still when I was taking the photos! We were sent them in age 2-3 years. They fitted Eliot fine and still just fit him now, he's actually wearing them as I write this! If I was ordering another pair of pyjamas though, I would go for the next size up, so Eliot could get more wear out of them. He is tall and well built for his age but I do find some clothes aged 2-3 fit him with room to grow. 
After being worn plenty of  times, they have also been thorough many washes and some tumble drys. Despite this, they are still in good condition which I'm impressed with.
 
I definitely recommend checking character.com out, especially if you're after some birthday or (dare I say it?!) Christmas gifts. You can find them on Twitter or Facebook as well as the website.
 
*I was sent the products in return for a review. All opinions are my own.

















Saturday 22 August 2015

My Sunday Photo 23/8/15


                                              
                                              OneDad3Girls

Thursday 20 August 2015

Summer Sale HAUL

Over the past couple of weeks I've been doing some summer sale shopping. I picked up one thing for me and everything else was for Mr Eliot! I bought goodies from Gap, Mothercare, Clarks, Cath Kidston, Joules & M&S. These days I get WAY more excited about buying stuff for Eliot than I do for myself!
If you fancy having a nose at what I've been buying watch my latest you tube video. If you enjoy, don't forget to give a thumbs up and subscribe for more :)
 
Thank you so much for stopping by! I appreciate comments and read all of them!