Surviving being a mum of 2; a guide for newly pregnant mums expecting number 2

A year ago, I became a mum of 2 when my precious second born son was born and we've learned a lot during the last year. Here's a few pointers in summary.

1. You might currently think of yourself as a yummy mummy, occasionally get your hair and nails done. Scrap that, chop those nails, invest in an array of hair pins and bobbles and dry shampoo (yeah, 3 day old unwashed hair is acceptable now!)

2. You've recently gone back into trendy and 'unmumsy' clothes, now during your second pregnancy, wear your maternity clothes; but keep them-with the volume of cake and biscuits you'll eat (to save your sanity!) you'll not likely get back into your normal clothes for a long time.

3. Other people's bodily fluids on your clothes, don't worry, a quick once over with a baby wipe is sufficient. Anyway, nobody will know whether it's shit stains or chocolate and neither will you, until you lick it...

4. You think you're tired now, wait until you've got 2! A toddler running, jumping, thinking he can fly and a tiny baby who needs assistance with their every need. You'll find yourself using phrases that you never thought would escape your mouth, "don't hit your brother with broccoli and stop rubbing your bum on him..." 

5. Tantrums from a toddler are inevitable and it's best to try to spot them and intervene before they become out of hand. A great tool for this is chocolate, or crisps or any other junk that'll stop them speaking for 5 minutes whilst you're feeding/burping/changing baby number 2.

6. You'll see your husband/partner in a completely different way. Delegate to them some of the jobs you'd like them to do, whether it be toddler's bedtime, getting up early and letting you have another hour in bed etc. however, remember to praise your husband/partner, he's just an overgrown boy who needs a pat on the back when he's been 'very helpful' too! Reward him with a beer or some chocolate every now and again to keep him sweet and sing his praises to your family. 

And finally...

7. You'll never know love like this; when you see your two children interacting, showing joy and love for each other, your heart will melt every time and you'll forget that he's dug up your plant and told his sibling that it's salad/wiped his own faeces on your carpet/drawn on the door and blamed his baby brother or sister/wrecked your living room with a trail of toys... HAPPY PARENTING MUM OF 2! 

Forever Bright Toothgel Review

I've been using the Aloe Vera Toothgel for around 2 weeks now (morning and evening) and overall, I'm impressed with it. It's quite surprising at first glance; it has a fresh, green colour, as opposed to the White or striped toothpaste that I usually use. However, this just shows how natural the product is. 

After every brush, my teeth are left feeling clean and have a lovely sheen to them. I often opt for a toothpaste with whitening properties and this makes no bold claims, although it's certainly made a difference.

I suffer from sensitive gums, that are prone to bleeding, however when using the tooth gel, it feels gentler on my teeth. 

My only complaint is that it doesn't contain fluoride, therefore my youngest is unable to use it (he was born with a cleft lip and his teeth have limited enamel, so he must use a toothpaste with added fluoride). 

Priced at £5.98, some may argue that it's a little expensive for a toothpaste, but a little goes a long way and this will last for a long while. I'm keen to try out other products in the range. I love the fact that they're from nature, with no nasties in them. 

To purchase Forever Living products, contact Lianne; either on Facebook or via her website: 

https://www.facebook.com/naturesbountybeeandaloe?ref=bookmarks

www.beesandaloeforever.co.uk

Cake Smash Photo Shoot

This week, we enjoyed one of Isaac's birthday gifts; a cake smash photo shoot.

After viewing some other cake smash shoots, I wasn't sure how Isaac would react. However, he happily put his feet into the cake and after I gave him a taster, he was keen to eat more. I cut him a slice and he went to town with it! He was filthy and had fun! The photographer got some amazing shots of the boys. Here's a sneaky preview:

We highly recommend Joe Connor at Foto Couture, based in South Shields.

I'm a party planning obsessive!

I love planning a party; whether it be an afternoon tea, a kids birthday party, a milestone birthday surprise party or a wedding, I get a little obsessive and involved. 

I usually choose a theme and follow that for colour, favours, decorations for the room, food etc. For Noah's previous birthdays, we've had an animal themed party with Zoo Academy, a Disney themed party with a bouncy castle and character visit (thanks to my sister and sister in law!) and a soft play, digger themed party.

As Isaac's 1st birthday approached, there was one theme that came to mind-The Very Hungry Caterpillar as our theme. Mainly because Isaac loves food! So our decorations and food were on this theme. 

I've recently discovered Pinterest too. Dangerous territory for a party obsessive! Next up, planning Isaac's baptism...

What's your favourite party theme?