I'm on Steve's I-pad today, still haven't replaced my laptop yet. This thing is awful to type on. I'm a touch typer and using two fingers feels rather alien to me. I eonder whether I can touch type on e keyboard. Hmm a little bit. I miss my lap top. Joel on the other hand, he loves the iPad. He knows how to swipe to open it up, then turns the pages to get to his page of apps. I've downloaded him lots of children's free apps. At the moment he loves the Fisherprice ones. They're also on Steve's iPhone. He loves talking ginger the cat and he has some singing ones and story ones too.
He is a technically clever baby and can do things on the ipad that Steve wishes he could but doesn't know how!
He does also enjoy his other toys still though and will play very nicely on his own with his mega bloks, he likes sitting on his v-tech trike, and books are a big favourite at the moment. When we take him to bed he'll point to his book shelf and say "burr" which we think must mean b ook, and so we read him a bed tie story. Sometimes he'll try to drag. It out, more with Adaddy than Mummy, and daddy has been known to read all the books! Mummy is more strict and will read no more then two before putting Joel in his cot!
With Christmas coming up he'll be getting a whole lot of new toys so we're going to need to make some space I guess.That'll be difficult. We've got him a 2nd hand Brio train track, In the Night Garden books, Two Wow cars,and I was looking at the Aquadoodle sets as I've read good reviews of them and heard good things about them. We've asked family for new books to fuel his new love of them, and a toy vacuum cleaner as he loves our real one and the toy ones at toddler group!
I'm about half way rough my Christmas shopping. Trying to be leaner this year but it's hard when there's so many more to buy for! I can't wait though. I'm getting excited already!
Showing posts with label Shopping. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Shopping. Show all posts
Friday, 26 October 2012
Saturday, 19 February 2011
Mini Spree
I had a few vouchers from John Lewis left from our wedding and have been saving them for a bit with the intention of getting a few baby bits. I needed changing mats, one for the nursery and one for the changing unit which will go downstairs so today off Amy and I went to the Nottingham store.
I got two lovely changing mats with a towel liner, some very soft cuddle towel robes, some posh bib things with milk catching things (these are all sort of things I'd have second thoughts about if I were paying with 'real' money of course!) and they had some beautiful little outfits but we decided not to buy those as we don't know how big baby is going to be and there's no point buying newborn if he's got to go straight into 0-3 month size!!
So with the remainder I bought a groovy little Cath Kidston Blackberry case for my phone as my old one has gone walkabout somewhere.
And that was it. My 'mini-spree'.
I got two lovely changing mats with a towel liner, some very soft cuddle towel robes, some posh bib things with milk catching things (these are all sort of things I'd have second thoughts about if I were paying with 'real' money of course!) and they had some beautiful little outfits but we decided not to buy those as we don't know how big baby is going to be and there's no point buying newborn if he's got to go straight into 0-3 month size!!
So with the remainder I bought a groovy little Cath Kidston Blackberry case for my phone as my old one has gone walkabout somewhere.
And that was it. My 'mini-spree'.
Saturday, 27 November 2010
Bit of Shopping
It's been a relatively lovely day today.
Steve and I (and the sonographer nurse of course) are the only people in the world to know for sure what we're having, and it's really nice to know our secret.
We've been discussing names and narrowing the ones we like down. I think we're almost there. I won't say just yet. All I will say is I'm not allowed my Noah for a boy, although Steve does like my suggestions for a girl, both of them!!
I made my reveal cakes for work and my parents - I'll be posting about that tomorrow, didn't quite work to my original plan! Tasty though regardless, but harder work than I'd anticipated.
We nipped out shopping at 4pm. The thought of battling crowds in town on the coldest day of the year yet was not appealing, so we left it till later which worked well. There was no traffic and the shops we wanted were quiet. Steve got some new jumpers and a proper coat which he's been needing for at least the three years I've known him, probably longer too!!
Then we stopped by B&Q and picked up a paint tester pot - 'paradise'. I've always said I'd do the nursery in a neutral colour such as pale turquoise as that would go with pinks, purples, blues and other colours too to be a bright and restful room. And from the patches I've put on all the walls, I like it!
And then we nipped over to Dunelm and bought the Sleepy Owl bumper, newborn sleeping bag and a fleecy blanket! Just a little purchase to compare the colour to (which I think works well) and suitable for a boy or a girl.
The spare room is getting more empty by the day. I'm being very harsh and binning lots, sending lots to charity and I'm going to work on the wardrobe this afternoon. It's hard, as it has lots of clothes in that I can't wear at the moment and I don't know if I'll ever fit in them again and I'm rather loath to get rid completely but I'm sure with a bit of adjustment I'll be able to source new homes for some items. There's lots of space under our bed and I could put a box under there. Once that's empty we'll take it down and get rid of the wing chair, then it's just the desk and the single bed. Then we can clean the carpet and paint the walls and put new baby stuff in!
And I will be posting my Sunday notification with the gender announcement later on tomorrow! I've realised I missed my Friday week 20 picture as I went for the scan and forgot so I'll have to have a go at taking one today instead. I think I've grown. I have a right ledge under my tummy now!!
And as the cakes were done and ready my parents came over at 9.30pm on their way back from Wales to have them adn we called Steve's family to tell them. We felt we were ready to do so. Mum got what it meant straight away, Dad needed a little explaining first!! They're very pleased though. I guess they would be either way though!! It's still a healthy baby isn't it!!
Steve and I (and the sonographer nurse of course) are the only people in the world to know for sure what we're having, and it's really nice to know our secret.
We've been discussing names and narrowing the ones we like down. I think we're almost there. I won't say just yet. All I will say is I'm not allowed my Noah for a boy, although Steve does like my suggestions for a girl, both of them!!
I made my reveal cakes for work and my parents - I'll be posting about that tomorrow, didn't quite work to my original plan! Tasty though regardless, but harder work than I'd anticipated.
We nipped out shopping at 4pm. The thought of battling crowds in town on the coldest day of the year yet was not appealing, so we left it till later which worked well. There was no traffic and the shops we wanted were quiet. Steve got some new jumpers and a proper coat which he's been needing for at least the three years I've known him, probably longer too!!
Then we stopped by B&Q and picked up a paint tester pot - 'paradise'. I've always said I'd do the nursery in a neutral colour such as pale turquoise as that would go with pinks, purples, blues and other colours too to be a bright and restful room. And from the patches I've put on all the walls, I like it!
And then we nipped over to Dunelm and bought the Sleepy Owl bumper, newborn sleeping bag and a fleecy blanket! Just a little purchase to compare the colour to (which I think works well) and suitable for a boy or a girl.
The spare room is getting more empty by the day. I'm being very harsh and binning lots, sending lots to charity and I'm going to work on the wardrobe this afternoon. It's hard, as it has lots of clothes in that I can't wear at the moment and I don't know if I'll ever fit in them again and I'm rather loath to get rid completely but I'm sure with a bit of adjustment I'll be able to source new homes for some items. There's lots of space under our bed and I could put a box under there. Once that's empty we'll take it down and get rid of the wing chair, then it's just the desk and the single bed. Then we can clean the carpet and paint the walls and put new baby stuff in!
And I will be posting my Sunday notification with the gender announcement later on tomorrow! I've realised I missed my Friday week 20 picture as I went for the scan and forgot so I'll have to have a go at taking one today instead. I think I've grown. I have a right ledge under my tummy now!!
And as the cakes were done and ready my parents came over at 9.30pm on their way back from Wales to have them adn we called Steve's family to tell them. We felt we were ready to do so. Mum got what it meant straight away, Dad needed a little explaining first!! They're very pleased though. I guess they would be either way though!! It's still a healthy baby isn't it!!
Friday, 26 November 2010
Scan Day!
I was rudely awoken this morning at 5am by an odd beeping noise, that for some unfathomable reason didn't wake Steve until I woke him too! We deduced it was coming from a smoke alarm I wasn't aware that I even had! Right at the top of the stairs which is a silly place for it to be as it's practically unreachable. Steve stood on a chair in his boxers trying to poke at it, and it stopped beeping so we went back to bed for it to start again 30 minutes later.
Why do these things always go off in the wee small hours?!
So up I got, I can't bear noise and Steve just pretends he can't hear it, rolls over and 'pretends' to be asleep. He really is a Mr-ignore-it-and-it'll-go-away. Just like the leaky pipe under the sink, and the perished rubber on the washing machine. It's a good job I can ask my Dad for assistance on these things. But I couldn't call Dad at nearly 6am in the morning so I found Steve's sword (yes, he has a sword that's been used for nothing until this point) and I whacked it until the beep went a little more robotic sounding and it stopped for a bit more until we were up at least.
Anyhow, back to it. I was up and showered and dressed and back to work this morning. I still felt a bit woolly in the head and was sneezing and coughing but felt well enough to go in. At least for the 3 1/2 hours I was due in today.
11.30am we went to the hospital, we walked up as it's so much quicker than waiting to park and pay, and go there bang on time at 11.50 which meant we didn't have to wait very long, and in we went.
It was lovely to see the baby again, (I'm going to remain gender neutral here for the time being, although I do know, but Steve and I wanted to keep it a secret just for a couple of days to get used to it, and try names out and such!) and we saw the little hands and feet, and a face which was cute, the heart was going well, and all seemed in good working order with no reasons to worry! Not like the horrid dream I had the other night where it was a conjoined twin with a small fetus attached to it's head.
So after that we headed up to Stoke for the Mamas and Papas factory shop and got ourselves a buggy! It was a Rubix, and the last one in, half price in the sale, so it was £197 reduced from nearly £400. Mum and Dad said as it was so cheap, they'd buy us the car seat as well which comes with a base and is what Steve thought would be more practical for the car, so that's all good too!
It's the liquorice colour rather than bubblegum as they didn't have the bubblegum in the shop but it is more gender neutral I think and it's three in one. We measured it and it fits and is comfortable to push and I know it's not the silvercross I'd set my heart on, but that one didn't do face both ways whereas this one does and I think that's an important element so Steve is happy its sorted, and I'm pleased as I think it's traditional enough but with a modern twist too.
And now I'm thinking that I'll go to B&Q and Dunelm and buy the paint and some fabrics ready to do the nursery after Christmas (at the Mama and Papas shop, they had half price furniture which even Steve said we could buy!)
So all is well, and it's been a lovelyday.
Ooh, and to finish it all off, Steve bought me the pram charm for my bracelet which was lovely of him.
Why do these things always go off in the wee small hours?!
So up I got, I can't bear noise and Steve just pretends he can't hear it, rolls over and 'pretends' to be asleep. He really is a Mr-ignore-it-and-it'll-go-away. Just like the leaky pipe under the sink, and the perished rubber on the washing machine. It's a good job I can ask my Dad for assistance on these things. But I couldn't call Dad at nearly 6am in the morning so I found Steve's sword (yes, he has a sword that's been used for nothing until this point) and I whacked it until the beep went a little more robotic sounding and it stopped for a bit more until we were up at least.
Anyhow, back to it. I was up and showered and dressed and back to work this morning. I still felt a bit woolly in the head and was sneezing and coughing but felt well enough to go in. At least for the 3 1/2 hours I was due in today.
11.30am we went to the hospital, we walked up as it's so much quicker than waiting to park and pay, and go there bang on time at 11.50 which meant we didn't have to wait very long, and in we went.
It was lovely to see the baby again, (I'm going to remain gender neutral here for the time being, although I do know, but Steve and I wanted to keep it a secret just for a couple of days to get used to it, and try names out and such!) and we saw the little hands and feet, and a face which was cute, the heart was going well, and all seemed in good working order with no reasons to worry! Not like the horrid dream I had the other night where it was a conjoined twin with a small fetus attached to it's head.
So after that we headed up to Stoke for the Mamas and Papas factory shop and got ourselves a buggy! It was a Rubix, and the last one in, half price in the sale, so it was £197 reduced from nearly £400. Mum and Dad said as it was so cheap, they'd buy us the car seat as well which comes with a base and is what Steve thought would be more practical for the car, so that's all good too!
And now I'm thinking that I'll go to B&Q and Dunelm and buy the paint and some fabrics ready to do the nursery after Christmas (at the Mama and Papas shop, they had half price furniture which even Steve said we could buy!)
So all is well, and it's been a lovelyday.
Ooh, and to finish it all off, Steve bought me the pram charm for my bracelet which was lovely of him.
Wednesday, 24 November 2010
Rotten Cold
So here I am. Sat on the sofa and feeling rotten. The cold has been nasty today so I'm at home, sat on the sofa researching maternity pads and breast pads whilst sneezing and snuffling into already soggy tissues as I can't be bothered to go and get more.
As far as I can tell, Boots own brands seem ok, and I get points for them so I may start collecting those.
I've been tidying the spare room and sorting stuff out and got rid of lots of things for the charity shops, clothes and books etc.. It's most cleansing. I've dusted and tried to make things look a bit more empty to paint and build a nursery but I've completely tired myself out and now feel worse.
Rats.
I just want some decisions on fabrics and furniture and such. I want to walk into a sunny room, with sunbeams filtering through the curtains and feel excited at seeing a beautiful room with baby things put away neatly.
I want to know if we're having a boy or girl to get a coming home outfit which will hang in pride of place next to my hospital bag which I'll start ticking off a list against, starting with maternity pads! And a lip salve!! And giant pants.
As far as I can tell, Boots own brands seem ok, and I get points for them so I may start collecting those.
I've been tidying the spare room and sorting stuff out and got rid of lots of things for the charity shops, clothes and books etc.. It's most cleansing. I've dusted and tried to make things look a bit more empty to paint and build a nursery but I've completely tired myself out and now feel worse.
Rats.
I just want some decisions on fabrics and furniture and such. I want to walk into a sunny room, with sunbeams filtering through the curtains and feel excited at seeing a beautiful room with baby things put away neatly.
I want to know if we're having a boy or girl to get a coming home outfit which will hang in pride of place next to my hospital bag which I'll start ticking off a list against, starting with maternity pads! And a lip salve!! And giant pants.
Wednesday, 17 November 2010
Thinking about…..
Cloth nappies
The more I read and research these, the more I like them. I know my sister used them (Totsbots she had) but I’m quite keen to have a go too. I’ve currently got three packs of newborn disposables through vouchers and offers as I can’t imagine using cloth for the first couple of weeks at least, but it would be good to get a set to work with afterwards.
I figure that with baby being born in April, it’s the right time of year to be able to hang dry the nappies, and from what I’ve looked at I’ll likely need 20 cloth nappies, and 5 waterproof covers, a lidded bin and then we’re away. You need liners and booster pads for night time but once it’s all purchased (at around £200 total) you save about £300 from what you’d spend on disposables for 2-3 years. And the savings add up if you use them for a second baby as well as you have no initial outlay.
I’ve contacted the local council to ask whether they do any grants towards cloth nappies, some councils do, but I’ve not had a response as yet!! I’ve not found anything on their website about it, but I could always enquire with the midwife at our next visit. Always happy to look out for a bargain or an offer!
Names
I’m still thinking of the same names, struggling for the boys, although I do think Steve may come around to it. He’ll do anything for a pack of jelly beans!! It’s middle names that sound right with the surname!!
Maternity Leave
I think in my head I'm agreed that the 4th March would be a good day to finish. I'm saving three weeks leave so will be able to go at week 35 and have a relax, and maternity would kick in at week 38. Having made this decision, I'm finding it hard to want to be here now though already!! I get a full entitlement of leave during maternity (ours runs from August to August) so in taking all mine before maternity, come August I'll get another 32 days, and be able to use a couple of weeks after maternity to use up some holiday as I won't be able to fit in 32 days before the end of the duration of the holiday period. So that's nice.
Nursery Provision
Having accepted that this is likely to be required at least part time as I will need to do something worky after maternity I was alarmed to find out that most folk who work here have put their foetus' down for a reserved place from about 3 months! In the womb!! So I'm going for a visit tomorrow lunchtime with Kelly, who's little boy goes there already. I'm in a predicament as I don't know what will happen by January 2012 as jobs are being changed in August, and I may not get another, and there may be nothing part time, but I've been advised to just put down for every day for now and amend it nearer the time.
And that's about it for the time being. There's a lot on the back burner - nursery at home, furniture, buggy, but that will wait till after the scan now. :)
The more I read and research these, the more I like them. I know my sister used them (Totsbots she had) but I’m quite keen to have a go too. I’ve currently got three packs of newborn disposables through vouchers and offers as I can’t imagine using cloth for the first couple of weeks at least, but it would be good to get a set to work with afterwards.
I figure that with baby being born in April, it’s the right time of year to be able to hang dry the nappies, and from what I’ve looked at I’ll likely need 20 cloth nappies, and 5 waterproof covers, a lidded bin and then we’re away. You need liners and booster pads for night time but once it’s all purchased (at around £200 total) you save about £300 from what you’d spend on disposables for 2-3 years. And the savings add up if you use them for a second baby as well as you have no initial outlay.
I’ve contacted the local council to ask whether they do any grants towards cloth nappies, some councils do, but I’ve not had a response as yet!! I’ve not found anything on their website about it, but I could always enquire with the midwife at our next visit. Always happy to look out for a bargain or an offer!
Names
I’m still thinking of the same names, struggling for the boys, although I do think Steve may come around to it. He’ll do anything for a pack of jelly beans!! It’s middle names that sound right with the surname!!
Maternity Leave
I think in my head I'm agreed that the 4th March would be a good day to finish. I'm saving three weeks leave so will be able to go at week 35 and have a relax, and maternity would kick in at week 38. Having made this decision, I'm finding it hard to want to be here now though already!! I get a full entitlement of leave during maternity (ours runs from August to August) so in taking all mine before maternity, come August I'll get another 32 days, and be able to use a couple of weeks after maternity to use up some holiday as I won't be able to fit in 32 days before the end of the duration of the holiday period. So that's nice.
Nursery Provision
Having accepted that this is likely to be required at least part time as I will need to do something worky after maternity I was alarmed to find out that most folk who work here have put their foetus' down for a reserved place from about 3 months! In the womb!! So I'm going for a visit tomorrow lunchtime with Kelly, who's little boy goes there already. I'm in a predicament as I don't know what will happen by January 2012 as jobs are being changed in August, and I may not get another, and there may be nothing part time, but I've been advised to just put down for every day for now and amend it nearer the time.
And that's about it for the time being. There's a lot on the back burner - nursery at home, furniture, buggy, but that will wait till after the scan now. :)
Wednesday, 10 November 2010
What Have I Bought?
I'm not sure that I'm buying things in a rational manner for this baby.
The first thing I bought was a baby carrying thing from someone at work, rather an impulse buy, as it was £60, used twice and he was selling it for £20 so I though - bargain.
Then I waited for quite a while, having realised I ought to not be crazy and just buy random things.
But I'm giving into impulses again at the moment.
Last week I saw a review for a nursing pillow that was so good, it made me buy one straight away. A nursing pillow! it's cute, and multifunctional, but I'm sure there's more important things my money would be better saved for.
I've bought one little babygro set - just because it was adorably cute (neutral colours) and two packs of newborn nappies to get the free Sainsbury's huggies set, and the Boots changing bags.
And I think that's it so far. Ooh, and Mum bought us the play gym thingy.
And on a bonus note - Mum has suggested that we get the Silvercross pram and a different sort of car seat (she really likes the same one too) as baby would only be in a carseat for up to 9 months anyway, and babies aren't meant to be sat up in them for more than two hours so wouldn't be pushed around on the pram in a car seat anyways. Hmmm. Food for thought.
Just need to get nursery stuff next. Steve says we can buy it all after Christmas. So long to wait.........
The first thing I bought was a baby carrying thing from someone at work, rather an impulse buy, as it was £60, used twice and he was selling it for £20 so I though - bargain.
Then I waited for quite a while, having realised I ought to not be crazy and just buy random things.
But I'm giving into impulses again at the moment.
Last week I saw a review for a nursing pillow that was so good, it made me buy one straight away. A nursing pillow! it's cute, and multifunctional, but I'm sure there's more important things my money would be better saved for.
I've bought one little babygro set - just because it was adorably cute (neutral colours) and two packs of newborn nappies to get the free Sainsbury's huggies set, and the Boots changing bags.
And I think that's it so far. Ooh, and Mum bought us the play gym thingy.
And on a bonus note - Mum has suggested that we get the Silvercross pram and a different sort of car seat (she really likes the same one too) as baby would only be in a carseat for up to 9 months anyway, and babies aren't meant to be sat up in them for more than two hours so wouldn't be pushed around on the pram in a car seat anyways. Hmmm. Food for thought.
Just need to get nursery stuff next. Steve says we can buy it all after Christmas. So long to wait.........
Tuesday, 9 November 2010
Can we have a new car?.....
I'm so very disappointed. I got Steve to come up to Babies R Us this evening to show him the pram system I've set my heart on, and the sales lady took the car seat out to our car, and couldn't get it to fit. The seatbelt wouldn't go around the seat adequately.
Steve doesn't accept that we need to get a bigger car. His idea is that I change my mind and find a new pram system instead. How rubbish is that :( I've had my heart set on Silvercross for ages. Well, at least since I saw the beautiful dream buggy a couple of weeks ago. (I'm half joking here! But it pains me.)
I'm a traditionalist at heart, and I love the idea of pushing baby around in a lovely pram, with four wheels, and a solid pram top which baby can lie down in, and with the world class Silvercross suspension system.
Steve was getting bored, so randomly picked about set out which was the opposite to what I want. It was all black, and like a little blob of a pram on a modern three wheel base a bit like a shopping trolley. It may be trendy and what all other modern mum's are having, but I'm old fashioned and my pram will have to be pleasing to the eye as well.
What to do now? So disappointed. And I have no idea what I want instead. I'm not very good at shopping, so once I've made a decision, that's it. 'Can't fit' doesn't really occur in my train of thought.
Hmm. Back to the drawing board.
Steve doesn't accept that we need to get a bigger car. His idea is that I change my mind and find a new pram system instead. How rubbish is that :( I've had my heart set on Silvercross for ages. Well, at least since I saw the beautiful dream buggy a couple of weeks ago. (I'm half joking here! But it pains me.)
I'm a traditionalist at heart, and I love the idea of pushing baby around in a lovely pram, with four wheels, and a solid pram top which baby can lie down in, and with the world class Silvercross suspension system.
Steve was getting bored, so randomly picked about set out which was the opposite to what I want. It was all black, and like a little blob of a pram on a modern three wheel base a bit like a shopping trolley. It may be trendy and what all other modern mum's are having, but I'm old fashioned and my pram will have to be pleasing to the eye as well.
What to do now? So disappointed. And I have no idea what I want instead. I'm not very good at shopping, so once I've made a decision, that's it. 'Can't fit' doesn't really occur in my train of thought.
Hmm. Back to the drawing board.
Saturday, 6 November 2010
Buggy Browsing
I'm not a shopper sort of girl. I tend to get most things online and the thought of trailing around shop after shop really does not inspire me whatsoever. I bought most of my wedding things online, even my dress (without trying on first!! Ssshhh!!)
But I had to admit buying the right buggy is something worth doing properly, and so my Mum and I headed off to Babies 'R' Us this afternoon. Steve opted out after hearing the trip involved a few places ending at Trentham Gardens (a huge garden centre) which was probably for the best, so off we went.
It's ages since I've been in a Toys 'R' Us, and my word, they're full of everything. Shelves stacked high of the most random toys you could imagine. A parents nightmare I should think! If I had to spend too long in that section I'd have had a headache.
We found our way to the buggies, and there it was. The lovely Silvercross. It was light, manouverable, lovely colours, but in seeing it in person, there was a negative!!! It doesn't collapse down readily, and you have to remove the pram section before putting it in a car, which means you need more room for the uncollapsable pram part too. It's the solid handle, that means it's more bulky when collapsed whereas the two separate handles are slimmer = [see link to previous post]
However, they did have an offer on another Silvercross which at first look seemed girly with a pink stripe on grey - 'pink' exclaimed the attendant? 'No, that's red, very gender neautral'!!! Hmm. Ok.
But on closer inspection, yes, it was more a deep plum which I wouldn't mind putting a boy in to be honest. It's the 3D pram in Henley.
This buggy seemed to have it all. The same pram which converts to a buggy, and a car seat, cosy toes, and I forget all the rest. It was also half price at £299 and if I went for this one, there was a free car seat as well worth £114. Too good to be true??
The original Silvercross I liked was also on offer, but not quite as generously as that one, even though I cheekily enquired whether they could throw in a car seat to seal the deal?! (answer - no!)
We then headed to a local baby shop in Newcastle-Under-Lyme (just around the corner from where my Grandad lived actually!) and we were expecting a hike in prices being a private shop, but they were very competative, and far more helpful really. We came here as Mum had found they stocked the Hauck which was the other buggy set we'd looked at online.
And you do get what you pay for. The Hauck was a cheaper model, the handles weren't as comfortable as the Silvercross and it just didn't look as cosy.
I think Mum and I were both sold on the Ventura Henley model which they didn't have in that shop (although they could order it in for us) and in the window, they had the same offer on the model - a free car seat with the buggy, whether that comes with a 50% discount I don't know. And the Babies 'R Us offer could end any day!! Pressure!!
I think it's going to definitely be the Silvercross. It's so exciting to think in about 22 weeks time there will be a baby to put in it!!
But I had to admit buying the right buggy is something worth doing properly, and so my Mum and I headed off to Babies 'R' Us this afternoon. Steve opted out after hearing the trip involved a few places ending at Trentham Gardens (a huge garden centre) which was probably for the best, so off we went.
It's ages since I've been in a Toys 'R' Us, and my word, they're full of everything. Shelves stacked high of the most random toys you could imagine. A parents nightmare I should think! If I had to spend too long in that section I'd have had a headache.
We found our way to the buggies, and there it was. The lovely Silvercross. It was light, manouverable, lovely colours, but in seeing it in person, there was a negative!!! It doesn't collapse down readily, and you have to remove the pram section before putting it in a car, which means you need more room for the uncollapsable pram part too. It's the solid handle, that means it's more bulky when collapsed whereas the two separate handles are slimmer = [see link to previous post]
However, they did have an offer on another Silvercross which at first look seemed girly with a pink stripe on grey - 'pink' exclaimed the attendant? 'No, that's red, very gender neautral'!!! Hmm. Ok.
But on closer inspection, yes, it was more a deep plum which I wouldn't mind putting a boy in to be honest. It's the 3D pram in Henley.
The original Silvercross I liked was also on offer, but not quite as generously as that one, even though I cheekily enquired whether they could throw in a car seat to seal the deal?! (answer - no!)
We then headed to a local baby shop in Newcastle-Under-Lyme (just around the corner from where my Grandad lived actually!) and we were expecting a hike in prices being a private shop, but they were very competative, and far more helpful really. We came here as Mum had found they stocked the Hauck which was the other buggy set we'd looked at online.
And you do get what you pay for. The Hauck was a cheaper model, the handles weren't as comfortable as the Silvercross and it just didn't look as cosy.
I think Mum and I were both sold on the Ventura Henley model which they didn't have in that shop (although they could order it in for us) and in the window, they had the same offer on the model - a free car seat with the buggy, whether that comes with a 50% discount I don't know. And the Babies 'R Us offer could end any day!! Pressure!!
I think it's going to definitely be the Silvercross. It's so exciting to think in about 22 weeks time there will be a baby to put in it!!
Thursday, 4 November 2010
Dream Buggy
Having gone browsing with my Mum on Monday and having a quick look in Mothercare, we were looking at the buggies and saw this beautiful one. Of course it would be a Silvercross, the Rolls Royce of classic design. And therefore a lot more expensive than the funky Hauck that Mum sourced via the internet.
Isn’t it pretty?! I love the classic style, the charcoal colour! And it’s twice the price for less accessories as the car seat isn’t even included :(
But with sales and mum’s excellent ability to locate bargains on the internet we may have found it for a bit cheaper and under £300, and both Mum and Dad think it’s a really attractive buggy and the reviews are good, but the only con we can see is that it’s not ideal for a small boot. Well, our boot is not that small (not sure where the dog would go on journeys) but we may be going to try it out at the weekend!!! And we could maybe just buy the extra car seat for £120!!!
I also relented and purchased a maternity coat. The fact that the buttons literally popped off my black jacket was enough to realise that I can’t just wear a normal coat anymore. And it’s cold. And I’ll be wearing it through to April so off to New Look we went where I’d seen about three to choose from.
I tried on a Dolly coat first, but with gathers above the chest (not a good look on me even before pregnancy) it really made me look terrible and gave me a 90 year old woman shape.
So there was one other style in two colours, a double breasted military swing sort of coat, and the grey one was ok by me, so that was that!
There was another range that I liked which was certainly more suitable for a girl called ‘Daisy and Me’ which has little fawns and is pink and blue so whether we opt for a pinker room if we find out baby is a girl I don’t know. I guess Sleepy Owl would suit either and if there were a second baby to use the nursery it would make better sense to keep it gender neutral.
And no, I’m not thinking second babies as yet because that would be crazy!!!
Lots to think about at the moment, but the first thing to do really is empty the spare room which will take forever as it’s full of my books. And I can’t get rid of them, as a lot of them are childrens’ books I loved and want to pass on to my children. My Enid Blyton collection, and beautiful hardback story books I actually bought years ago for my children – Beatrix Potter, Peter Pan and the Wombles!! Mind you, that sort of thing will go on a baby bookshelf. I’ll have to do a very harsh clear out and find new homes for the ones that I really can’t get rid of. Then the wardrobe will have to go (it’s an old one from my Grandma’s) but it’s handy for all my clothes that don’t currently fit. Then the spare bed and Steve’s second computer desk!! (He’s a bit cross thinking that he will have to move computers around but I’ve never even seen him use it once since he set it up).
Hmm, anyway, that’s a task for an empty weekend! Maybe this next Saturday I could start?! I think I maybe nesting!!!
Tuesday, 2 November 2010
17 Week Bump Pic
And here is the first baby toy thing bought for me by Mum as Mothercare had it in a sale! It's a playmat gym thing!! I've not got as far as thinking about toys and such yet, I'm still thinking nursery and white babygros :)
Saturday, 23 October 2010
Bump Bands
I've read a bit about these and saw then in a 3-pack from New Look for £10 and on finding out they're meant to help prolong the time you can wear your regular clothes, went and bought some today.
With the maternity jeans donated by friends, I've found all but one pair too big, and with going away tomorrow for a week, didn't want to buy lots of pairs of jeans I'm not really going to need. So I thought I'd try these bump bands and see if I can fit in my old jeans.
Out came the suitcase, and I was a bit nervous, as I went to the vets with Izzy last night to have her neuturing stitches out, and stood on their scales!! And admittedly I was wearing my shoes, a heavy waterproof jacket and had my bag on my shoulder (lots of excuses here) and I have put weight on, not quite a stone, probably about 1/2 stone, so today I was wondering whether my jeans would even fit me.
But on they went, and although they wouldn't do up due to the bump, they fit everywhere else!!! Hurray!! So I can take my old jeans and these bump bands and see how long I can do without purchasing more jeans!
I am most chuffed today :)
Plus, had a little wander around Mothercare with Steve looking at newborn baby outfits. They are most lovely, but quite wintery, so probably not the best time to purchase. I'm itching to start stocking up though, but don't really know where to begin!
With the maternity jeans donated by friends, I've found all but one pair too big, and with going away tomorrow for a week, didn't want to buy lots of pairs of jeans I'm not really going to need. So I thought I'd try these bump bands and see if I can fit in my old jeans.
Out came the suitcase, and I was a bit nervous, as I went to the vets with Izzy last night to have her neuturing stitches out, and stood on their scales!! And admittedly I was wearing my shoes, a heavy waterproof jacket and had my bag on my shoulder (lots of excuses here) and I have put weight on, not quite a stone, probably about 1/2 stone, so today I was wondering whether my jeans would even fit me.
But on they went, and although they wouldn't do up due to the bump, they fit everywhere else!!! Hurray!! So I can take my old jeans and these bump bands and see how long I can do without purchasing more jeans!
I am most chuffed today :)
Plus, had a little wander around Mothercare with Steve looking at newborn baby outfits. They are most lovely, but quite wintery, so probably not the best time to purchase. I'm itching to start stocking up though, but don't really know where to begin!
Thursday, 21 October 2010
What a Shopping List!
Here's A List Of Things A New Baby Needs - Taken directly from the internet!!
When you know you're pregnant, it's hard to think of a list of things a new baby needs. You will start really well, and then there will always be something you forget. So to get you started, have a look at this...
What to buy for a new baby
Baby Clothes
Baby vests and sleep suits. I would be tempted to buy at least half a dozen of each, unless you want to be continually washing - I may start looking around to stock up so it's not all in one go.
A few basic baby clothes.
Cardigans or light jackets for extra warmth.
Scratch mitts and socks.
Hats for trips outside.
If it's winter then maybe you will need one of those all in one snow suits.
Nappies, either terry or disposables, if you're using terry then don't forget those plastic top pants.
Bibs and burp cloths. These will save your clothes and his clothes, from the need to be changed every couple of hours!
Baby care items - Things a new baby needs for bath times!
Lets have a quick look at what you need for a baby toiletry wise.
No tears bubble bath
No tears shampoo, I just love the Johnsons range of baby care products, that's how a baby should smell :-)
Sudocrem or nappy cream, for those sore little botties!
Baby wipes.
Cotton wool.
Baby lotion or some form of baby moisturiser. After your baby is first born he may get very dry skin.
Baby nail clippers.
Soothers, dummies, pacifiers.
Gripe water although this can't be used until after one month of age.
Infacol, just in case your baby has colic (you don't want to be racing down to Tesco's at midnight like my poor hubby had to!)
Nappy sacks, preferably fragranced ;-)
Baby power, use sparingly you don't want your baby inhaling powder. Some professionals recommend not to use powder.
Changing mat, one of those wipe clean plastic ones.
What You Need For a New Baby - The Big Stuff!
Let's see what furniture you'll need for your new baby. Some of these are optional so don't think you have to go out and buy it all.
Moses basket, crib, swinging crib - there's the 'Cranston cradle' we may be borrowing?!
Cot or cot bed - Sarah is giving us a cot
A mobile or toy to hang over the cot, maybe musical to help baby drift off to sleep.
Sheets and blankets, please check the size that you will need and buy accordingly.
A baby monitor if you intend to put baby in another room, you'll be able to hear if he needs you.
Soft Towels or a baby robe.
Baby bath.
High chair.
Pram, pushchair, stroller - Mum and Dad are buying us this as a present
Bouncy chair (helps to soothe and relax a niggly baby, vibrating ones are even better!) - coming from Sarah I think.
Car seat - comes in buggy set.
Things a New Baby Needs for Feeding Time
These things depend on whether you are breastfeeding or not, but most of them are still handy to have around incase you can't breastfeed at any time.
Bottles, there are a vast variety available, have a good look around and ask the store people advice on which are the best.
Spare teats.
Bottle warmer, much safer than the microwave which can leave 'hotspots' in the milk.
Breast pump, if you intend to breastfeed this will come in handy if baby stays with the grandparents for the night.
Sterilizer, either steam or cold water. If you choose cold water sterilizing then you'll need sterilizing fluid.
Bottle brush, buy a few because in my experience they don't last for long.
Formula milk, either powder or ready made.
And for when baby gets a little older you will need:
Feeding bowls, plastic ones of course, he may spend more time throwing them than eating from them!
Weaning spoons, plastic again.
Drinking cups with spouts, or beakers.
What About Mum?
Ok, that takes care of the things a new baby needs, but what do you need to buy for yourself.
Maternity clothes - got a few, some new, some from Ebay. Expensive business getting pregnant!
Nursing bra's - just invested in a couple of maternity bras for now.
Tens machine if you intend to use one for the birth. These can be purchased or rented. Just get it in plenty of time incase baby arrives early!
Disposable briefs for the birth. - ewwww, no, I'll just throw my regular pants away thanks.
Sanitary towels for after the birth, plenty of them and super absorbent are best.
Breast pads (they do tend to leak at the worst possible times!)
Oh and just one last tip for the things a new baby needs... Lots of love, plenty of hugs and a little TLC :-)
When you know you're pregnant, it's hard to think of a list of things a new baby needs. You will start really well, and then there will always be something you forget. So to get you started, have a look at this...
What to buy for a new baby
Baby Clothes
Baby vests and sleep suits. I would be tempted to buy at least half a dozen of each, unless you want to be continually washing - I may start looking around to stock up so it's not all in one go.
A few basic baby clothes.
Cardigans or light jackets for extra warmth.
Scratch mitts and socks.
Hats for trips outside.
If it's winter then maybe you will need one of those all in one snow suits.
Nappies, either terry or disposables, if you're using terry then don't forget those plastic top pants.
Bibs and burp cloths. These will save your clothes and his clothes, from the need to be changed every couple of hours!
Baby care items - Things a new baby needs for bath times!
Lets have a quick look at what you need for a baby toiletry wise.
No tears bubble bath
No tears shampoo, I just love the Johnsons range of baby care products, that's how a baby should smell :-)
Sudocrem or nappy cream, for those sore little botties!
Baby wipes.
Cotton wool.
Baby lotion or some form of baby moisturiser. After your baby is first born he may get very dry skin.
Baby nail clippers.
Soothers, dummies, pacifiers.
Gripe water although this can't be used until after one month of age.
Infacol, just in case your baby has colic (you don't want to be racing down to Tesco's at midnight like my poor hubby had to!)
Nappy sacks, preferably fragranced ;-)
Baby power, use sparingly you don't want your baby inhaling powder. Some professionals recommend not to use powder.
Changing mat, one of those wipe clean plastic ones.
What You Need For a New Baby - The Big Stuff!
Let's see what furniture you'll need for your new baby. Some of these are optional so don't think you have to go out and buy it all.
Moses basket, crib, swinging crib - there's the 'Cranston cradle' we may be borrowing?!
Cot or cot bed - Sarah is giving us a cot
A mobile or toy to hang over the cot, maybe musical to help baby drift off to sleep.
Sheets and blankets, please check the size that you will need and buy accordingly.
A baby monitor if you intend to put baby in another room, you'll be able to hear if he needs you.
Soft Towels or a baby robe.
Baby bath.
High chair.
Pram, pushchair, stroller - Mum and Dad are buying us this as a present
Bouncy chair (helps to soothe and relax a niggly baby, vibrating ones are even better!) - coming from Sarah I think.
Car seat - comes in buggy set.
Things a New Baby Needs for Feeding Time
These things depend on whether you are breastfeeding or not, but most of them are still handy to have around incase you can't breastfeed at any time.
Bottles, there are a vast variety available, have a good look around and ask the store people advice on which are the best.
Spare teats.
Bottle warmer, much safer than the microwave which can leave 'hotspots' in the milk.
Breast pump, if you intend to breastfeed this will come in handy if baby stays with the grandparents for the night.
Sterilizer, either steam or cold water. If you choose cold water sterilizing then you'll need sterilizing fluid.
Bottle brush, buy a few because in my experience they don't last for long.
Formula milk, either powder or ready made.
And for when baby gets a little older you will need:
Feeding bowls, plastic ones of course, he may spend more time throwing them than eating from them!
Weaning spoons, plastic again.
Drinking cups with spouts, or beakers.
What About Mum?
Ok, that takes care of the things a new baby needs, but what do you need to buy for yourself.
Maternity clothes - got a few, some new, some from Ebay. Expensive business getting pregnant!
Nursing bra's - just invested in a couple of maternity bras for now.
Tens machine if you intend to use one for the birth. These can be purchased or rented. Just get it in plenty of time incase baby arrives early!
Disposable briefs for the birth. - ewwww, no, I'll just throw my regular pants away thanks.
Sanitary towels for after the birth, plenty of them and super absorbent are best.
Breast pads (they do tend to leak at the worst possible times!)
Oh and just one last tip for the things a new baby needs... Lots of love, plenty of hugs and a little TLC :-)
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