Saturday, May 14, 2016

SwaddleDesigns | Single Muslin Swaddles Review & Giveaway ♥

I have to admit, when I was pregnant with Tyler Lee I wasn't aware of swaddling at all, I had never heard the term before and it wasn't something I did with him when he was a baby either. Nowadays, swaddling is all the rage and I'm forever seeing adorable pictures of little newborns on Instagram, all swaddled up snugly in their beautifully designed muslin blankets. Swaddling is something I will be doing with our new baby (who should be here by now but I'm overdue!) and thankfully I've been able to try out some stunning single muslin swaddle blankets from SwaddleDesigns, an American brand who are known for their great quality, long lasting value and their adorable designs too.

SwaddleDesigns are known for their premium quality fabric, fabulous colours and prints and their innovative 123 Swaddle pictorial instructional label sewn to the edge of their swaddling blankets, which makes learning how to swaddle correctly so easy for new parents or complete novices like myself! SwaddleDesigns also offer information on their website about how to swaddle a baby correctly, including this useful learn how to swaddle guide.

The muslin swaddles are made from high quality cotton and get softer with every wash - I love when baby and toddler products do this. I love that SwaddleDesigns offer single muslins, this makes it easy to pick and mix your favourite prints and create your own collection of swaddles.

I was also super impressed with the packaging of the single muslin swaddles - the grey and silver packaging looks gorgeous and I think they'd make a lovely gift for a baby shower or for a new parent.

I was able to choose two single muslin swaddles from the beautiful SwaddleDesigns range and the prints I chose were the Blue Forest and Sterling Starshine - both priced at $15 each.
 
I was immediately drawn to the brightness of the Blue Forest print and I loved the design with the trees, stars, Scotty dogs and bunnies. This print is also available in pink or mint green but I thought the blue was really pretty.

The Sterling Starsign is a classic looking print with grey stars and as someone who loves the colour grey and star print anything I knew this would be a favourite of mine. I love the fact that this design is gender neutral too, perfect if baby is a boy or a girl.

The lovely people at SwaddleDesigns have very kindly offered one of my lucky readers the chance to win a single muslin swaddles in a design of their choice - this is a prize worth $15. This giveaway is open to all my readers and shall end on May 28th. To be in with a chance of winning simply fill out the Rafflecopter below. Best of luck to all who enter.


 a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Friday, May 13, 2016

Waiting... ♥

It's the day after my due date with baby number two... I am now officially waiting, overdue and waiting. I'm sitting here catching up with some blog work whilst Tyler Lee is at preschool and it's suddenly hit me that these quiet mornings of mine, where I get to catch up on things and have a bit of 'me time' will soon be a thing of the past... for the next two to three years at least. I feel as though I've been waiting for this baby for the longest time. I found out that I was pregnant on September 4th 2015 and it is now May 11th 2016... it seems incredible that I've known about this little baby for so long now, yet it still hasn't fully dawned on me that I'm going to have another child in my arms in a few days - I don't think the reality will really hit me until he or she is actually here.

I'm anxiously awaiting the onset of labour, every cramp or ache makes me feel as though it could be the beginning of something but nothing is progressing... I'd lie if I said I wasn't getting a bit fed up, I just want to meet my baby now and start the next chapter of our lives. Right now I feel like I'm a little bit in limbo and that I can't move forward with anything until baby is here with me. My parents keep ringing me asking me if "anything is happening?", sadly I have to keep saying no. I'm convinced that I'm going to be waiting it out until my hospital appointment next Wednesday where they'll induce me, baby is still kicking away so high up it seems impossible that he or she will move down on their own.

I feel as though I should be enjoying these last few quiet days, before the chaos and loveliness that a newborn baby brings descends on our lives... but I'm willing for this pregnancy to end now. I've said it before and I'll say it again - pregnancy does not agree with me, it's as if my body isn't made for it and I don't even know if I ever want to experience it again. I always wanted three children but the thought of another pregnancy is a big turn off - Jacek says he'll be reminding me of all my complaining in a few years when I say that I'd love another little babe!

I feel as though I should be doing more, that I should be a lot more prepared than I am. Mine and the baby's hospital bags are almost packed - I keep telling myself that if we need anything else the shopping center is just across the road from the hospital and I can send Jacek over for anything we've forgotten... very relaxed approach to our baby's arrival I know! I'm still terrified of labour - 31 hours of pain with my baby in the wrong position last time hasn't left me feeling prepared this time around, hopefully things will be quicker and smoother this time. I want to be in hospital for a minimal amount of time too but I keep worrying about needing a blood transfusion again due to a suspected blood disorder I may have - the unexplained bruises I keep getting aren't filling me with positivity that I'll escape from needing another transfusion, but I'll live in hope.

I just want to know what my baby looks like now, I'm constantly wondering if they'll look like Tyler Lee. I've had dreams about a baby with very long, blonde eyelashes and light complexion, I wonder if I'm right? A boys name is picked, chosen by Tyler Lee and we can't bring ourselves to change it now, it seems perfect to us, if baby is a girl she won't have a name ready, I have some beautiful names floating around my mind but we'll find the perfect one soon enough I'm sure.

We all want to meet you baby, everything is ready and waiting for you now. Please grace us with your presence soon, we can't wait to begin the next adventure in our lives with you in our arms. As a family we'll be so complete...  ♥


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Thursday, May 12, 2016

39 Week Pregnancy Update | Baby #2 ♥

Today is my due date! I can't believe that I've made it to forty weeks and there's still no sign of baby's arrival. I really was under the naive impression that this baby would come early - I have no idea why I thought that either, it really was all wishful thinking on my part! Hopefully this will be my last pregnancy update and I can soon introduce our precious new babe to you all.

My 39th week of pregnancy has gone by in a flash once again. I keep getting cramps that disappear after a few hours. It's really frustrating as I keep thinking that something is going to happen but nothing ever progresses - this baby really wants to keep us waiting!

During the week I've also felt extremely nauseous and have been close to throwing up, I have no idea why but I'm putting it down to everything just coming to an end and my hormones being in overdrive. I've also been feeling quite irritated this week and lots have things have begun to annoy me, although I'm trying to keep calm and serene - I don't want to be one of those angry pregnant women! I'm just so ready for this journey to be over now and to start the next chapter of my life with another little one in tow.

Having said that, it still hasn't really hit me that I'm going to have a new baby soon and I don't think it'll all become a reality until he or she is actually placed in my arms. I've been trying lots of different things to bring on labour naturally but nothing is working, although I can't say I'm not enjoying all the warm, bubbly baths! We're all just so excited to meet the new baby now and I can't wait to introduce Tyler Lee to his baby sibling. I just hope baby doesn't keep us waiting too much longer, forty weeks already seems like a lifetime...

This week...

Baby is the size of a - pumpkin, according to my Ovia pregnancy app.

I'm looking forward to - meeting our baby and seeing what he or she looks like, please don't let the wait be much longer!

My favourite moment was - having some quality time with my boy out in the garden on a very rare sunny, Irish day.

I've been feeling - irritated, crampy and just ready for pregnancy to end.

I've been buying for baby - nothing has been bought this week. I haven't even ventured outside very much for fear of my waters breaking or passing out in public!

I'm missing - not being pregnant, it seems so long since my body was just my own and ache free!

I'm craving - nothing but ice-cream, notably Magnum's almond variety is really helping to soothe my silent reflux.

I'm loving - how cuddly and attentive Tyler Lee is being towards me, I swear he knows that something big is going to happen in our lives very soon.

I've been meaning to - get as much as I possibly can organised before baby's arrival, although I don't think I'll be one of those women who has meals frozen down in batches before baby arrives - I wish I was one of those women though!

I can't wait for - the moment we get to meet our baby for the first time, it'll be so worth waiting for.

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Friday, May 06, 2016

The Baby Box Co. | The Everything But The Stork Box | Review ♥

As you all probably know by now I'm about a week away from giving birth to my second child, so at the moment I'm focused on everything to do with babies and all the wonderful things you can shower them with once they arrive. One very special and exciting product I was recently sent to review was The Baby Box Co. The Everything But the Stork Box and whilst you may be thinking that this is simply a box full of baby products, an alternative hamper as such, you are most certainly wrong. This box is far more special than that and actually has a fantastic purpose, apart from all the wonderful things it contains too.

You may be aware that in Finland every expectant mother receives a baby box filled with everything a newborn baby needs in the first precious stages in it's life (how amazing are the Finnish government for having this initiative by the way?!) - clothes, blankets and other essentials, as well as a mattress which allows the box to become the baby's first ever sleeping place. Now you may be thinking - "why would I leave my baby sleep in a box?" but it is widely believed that this practice has helped Finland achieve one of the lowest infant mortality rates in the world and I actually think it's such a charming idea too.

The Baby Box Co. have adopted the idea of the Finnish baby box and have made it accessible to all, with multiple box options available within their range, depending on how much you want to spend. All of The Baby Box Co.'s boxes have been placed through safety checks and everything used to make the boxes are  non-toxic and environmentally safe. Each box has a padded mattress to keep baby comfortable whilst sleeping and a fitted sheet too - which experts say is vital to help reduce the risk of SIDS.

As I said above, we were sent The Everything But the Stork Box (I just love the name!), which is $199.99. The box itself is adorned in bright blue/green and fox pattern and it really does look lovely. The box is quite large, the perfect size for a little baby to sleep in comfortably without hitting the sides of the box. I was so excited for the box to arrive and see what was inside because I really do love things like this which cater for everything a baby needs, it's a real treat to have everything come in one box.

The box itself contained lots of different things, from terry bibs to wash clothes to onesies, as well as the mattress, fitted sheet and a waterproof cover. Our box differed slightly from what was stated on the website, included in our box was -

A khaki coloured wrap/sling - this came without any instructions so sadly I don't think I'd feel very comfortable using this with my newborn.
A board book - this was quite clever as it's all about boxes, very apt!
A drawstring bag full of coupons and samples - always handy to be able to save a few pennies when there's a new baby in the house.
Three organic washcloths - it was great to see organic items included in the box.
A full-size organic shampoo and wash for baby - it's always handy to have these stocked up in the bathroom.
An umbrella and stand for attaching to a pram/buggy - great to see this included for a summer baby to shade them from the sun when out and about.
Thermometer - this was a let down product because the thermometer doesn't work properly.
Two short-sleeved vests - a baby can never have enough vests!
An organic wooden teether - I think these are lovely for teething babies and I'll be attaching some fabric to this too.

Two HALO sleepsacks - I love using sleeping bags like this with the little ones and it's great that these are in a light summer tog too.
A sleepsuit - I really liked the baby blue and white stripe on this one.
A giraffe comforter/lovey - this is such a sweet comforter and very soft too, perfect for baby to snuggle up to.
Two terry cloth bibs - these are waterproof so great for protecting little ones chests against dribbles.
A newborn hat with matching mittens - this hat is so tiny, as are the mittens. I can't wait to put them on baby.
A cloth diaper trial pack - it's always lovely to see eco-friendly products included for babies and we'll be giving this nappy a try once baby arrives.
A pair of mittens - another pair of mittens was included in our box, these always come in handy though, especially if baby has long nails.
A membership card for the baby box university - this is an online antenatal and parenting programme.

As you can see, the box included lots of essential things which are perfect for baby's first weeks of life. I really do love the concept of the baby box an would love to see the Irish government adopt it for expecting mothers too. However, until then, it's great that a company such as The Baby Box Co. are offering baby boxes to all. A box like this would make such a great gift for expectant parents.

You can read more about The Everything But the Stork Box and browse the other boxes available on The Baby Box Co. website.

*We were sent this box for the purposes of this review, as always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are 100% my own.


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Thursday, May 05, 2016

38 Week Pregnancy Update | Baby #2 ♥

Here I am, 39 weeks pregnant and still no sign of baby being on his or her way... Oh how I laugh at my previous thoughts of "maybe this baby will come early" - I was most definitely wrong! My 38th week of pregnancy has gone by quite quickly as Jacek was working six days and Tyler Lee is on mid-term from preschool - seriously, how many school holidays do children need in a year? He's only just back after three weeks off at Easter!

I'm now at the stage where I'm very uncomfortable, cranky and just wanting this pregnancy over and done with. I'm so ready to meet our baby but it feels as though he or she is far too comfortable in there too come out. I had another hospital appointment yesterday and baby is still head down and in the right position - I had been getting back pain similar to what I experienced when I was in labour with Tyler Lee and he was in the O.P. position so I was afraid that this could be the case again but thankfully not. I also asked how big baby was measuring as we have a distinct lack of newborn clothes, I've bought everything in 0-3 months to be on the safe-side but baby is measuring spot on for 39 weeks so maybe he or she will be smaller than their big brother who was a whopping 9lbs 5oz!

I also had a sweep yesterday, which wasn't painful at all, but it hasn't started anything and I really don't think it will either - although lets hope I'm wrong! The doctor told me to get walking, but after a 3k walk to a bluebell woods on Monday I am officially broken and it is so sore and uncomfortable to walk now. I just want to feel like myself again and not just as a baby carrier. My bump is huge and moving in and out of bed, up and down the stairs, etc. is quite hard now!

The nursery is more or less finished now, apart from a garland which I must hang above the cot and I'm still waiting for the mobile, but everything is in it's place and it's so sweet looking. The baby swing and Moses basket have been put together and are now just waiting for their owner to arrive - please come soon baby!

This week...

Baby is the size of a - spaghetti squash, according to my Ovia pregnancy app.

I'm looking forward to - meeting our baby, hopefully any day now!

My favourite moment was - spending time in the bluebell woods with my boys.

I've been feeling - very uncomfortable and sore, hopefully this will all end soon.

I've been buying for baby - after the hospital appointment yesterday Jacek and I went and bought some sleep suits, vests, hats an little outfits for baby. I couldn't resist the little ducky sleep suits and hats in Next, they were too adorable!

I'm missing - a pain-free life and being able to walk properly - it's a full-blown waddle at this stage.

I'm craving - nothing but I seem to be getting hungrier every day now.

I'm loving - knowing that we're going to meet our baby soon, the hospital bags are packed and we're ready.

I've been meaning to - get all pending reviews done before baby arrives. I'm trying my best to be as organised as possible so I don't have much blogging work to do once baby is here.

I can't wait for - the moment we get to hold our baby for the first time. I can't wait for the newborn snuggles.

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Wednesday, May 04, 2016

aden | The New, Affordable Range By aden+anais & Giveaway ♥

Designs from left to right: Safari Friends, Light Hearted and Small Fry.

Global baby brand aden + anais, the creators of the award winning muslin swaddle announce the launch of aden by aden + anais, a new brand that unites the magic of muslin baby products with affordable pricing.
 
Raegan Moya-Jones co-founder of aden + anais says - “We believe that soft, breathable muslin is the only fabric you should use on your babies. We also believe that every parent and caregiver should have access to this “wonder fabric” and its benefits—which is why we introduced the aden by aden + anais collections. By creating similar products to our aden + anais range with just minor adjustments, we are able to make the calming assurance of muslin accessible to everyone everywhere.” 

Made from muslin and woven with 100% cotton, the aden product collection features a unique fabrication that is extra-soft, breathable, and durable. It is gentle on babies’ skin, stays soft wash after wash, and stands the test of time. The collection features burpy bibs, muslin squares and swaddle blankets so far, each made with the care and great quality which is distinct of the aden+anais range.

aden by aden + anais is now available in Babies “R” Us stores and products retail between £7.49 and £29.99. There are three designs available within the collection - Safari Friends, Light Hearted and Small Fry.

The lovely people at aden have very kindly offered the chance for one of my lucky blog readers to win a set of SwaddlePlus swaddle blankets, worth £29.90, in a design of their choice. This giveaway is open to residents of the Republic of Ireland and the UK only. To enter simply enter via the Rafflecopter below and best of luck to everyone who enters.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 
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Tuesday, May 03, 2016

Travel Destination Dreams | Thailand ♥

Ko Phi Phi Don, Thailand. Photography credit: Jonny Clow

As a family we love to travel. Jacek saw a fair share of the world before we became a couple, (something I may be a little bit jealous of!) but one part of the world neither of us have been fortunate to explore yet is Asia. One destination we'd both love to visit and experience the delights of is Thailand. We had actually spoken about going on holiday to Thailand last year but life just got in the way, however, it's still a place we dream about visiting and the fact that so many friends of ours have visited already and have shared their stunning pictures with us has made us want to visit even more.

When I was a teenager I had a poster of the breathtaking Phi Phi Islands on my wall and I was adamant that I would always experience the view in that poster for myself, to me it looked like the most beautiful place on Earth with it's white sands and clear blue waters.

I can't say that seeing the film The Beach (with the gorgeous Leonardo diCaprio) didn't make me long to visit Thailand either. The scenery in that film is absolutely stunning and shows just how beautiful Thailand really is. As you can see, it's the relaxing beach holiday aspect of Thailand that appeals to me most - how could it not when I've never experienced a beach or waters like that before?

Although Jacek loves the idea of a beach holiday too (he is from South Africa after all and longs for the sun), he always has to visit somewhere cultural when we travel and learn some of the history of the place we're visiting, hence why Thailand is a place he'd really love to visit. I can see him wanting to explore the Phanom Rung, Ayuthaya and Bangkok to see the culture and history firsthand for himself.

Thailand is a destination that really does offer us both the relaxing and cultural elements that we both want to experience when we travel, hence why it's a dream destination for us and one we really do hope to see for ourselves soon.

Have you ever been to Thailand? Is there any specific place in the country that you'd recommend?

Photography credit for images 1-4: Travelbag


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