Syringes & sirens (2)

Peering through the kitchen window, the image of the boiling pan hit me. 

Shit. Crap. Holy smoke. So much smoke. 

Very black smoke. 

Syringes & sirens (1) - A recap

Not too long ago, I wrote about a horrible choking incident that resulted in Sofia going to hospital in an ambulance. It took me back to another time we had the emergency services. The time the fire brigade came to the house...

Matilda Mae, SIDS, & the bravery of a mother raising awareness

Feature ideas for parenting mags often come to me in a flash, and indeed, it is not unusual for me to have loads stacked up each month. 

As the time to submit for Autumn issues has come closer however, I've just not been sure of what I wanted to write about...

For some reason this afternoon, it sprung to mind to write about Edspire and Matilda Mae. To raise awareness for The Lullaby Trust and SIDS. 

Destination: The Luton Hoo Hotel - A travel review

Born of aristocracy, the Luton Hoo Hotel is a destination that has five stars. Rather brilliantly, it is also toddler friendly. 

17/52 The GraceFaith year long art project

Choosing a favourite piece of art, each week of the year

What have you done today to make you feel proud?

Have you seen this powerful film with the very talented (and handsome) child actor that raises awareness on and for #UndiagnosedChildrensDay? Watch it and please help spread the word if you can.... #itsamystery
http://www.justbringthechocolate.com/medical-2/undiagnosed-medical-2/undiagnosed-childrens-day-2014-official-video/

A MELANCHOLY MOMENT

Sofia Faith (my feisty 2YO) binned her dummy, transferring from a cot to a bed the same day. Now, two weeks later, she has started Montessori... 

Easter, family & origami

So Easter was chocolate-filled, friend-filled and family-filled, and the school holidays were a great break. Mainly great as I spent much of it with my long lost sister Kate who has been visiting from Ecuador. It is two years since her last visit and catching up with her, her other half and my nephew, has been refreshingly good. Indeed, we have spent more quality time together in the last three weeks, than we have in the last ten years. We needed too. Distance and children have brought us closer, and I like the way it feels.

Musings of a 5YO

Esme: You're my favourite Mummy

Currently my 1Grace1Faith (Easter 2014)

16/52 The GraceFaith year long art project

Choosing a favourite piece of art, each week of the year

Blow into water based paint with a straw until you have lots of bubbles, then press card lightly on top of the bubbles and leave to dry. Add essential cotton wool tail for Easter bunny. You might want to give him an eye too?!

FRAMED - A remarkable aquarium (London Zoo)

London Zoo - A thought-provoking review

I knew the girls were always going to have a good time at the Zoo, that was a no brainer. But me? I don't particularly like zoos, they've never felt the same after visiting Africa. However, I decided to check out London Zoo with my girls - and am delighted to say, that on the whole it really was a great day out. It's just a shame it's not all that cost effective... 

Off to @zsllondonzoo today...

...haven't been for years. Hope it doesn't disappoint. Not wild about caged animals, which is why I love #Africa so. To say the children are excited is an understatement. I just hope my 2yo Sofia Faith can stand the pace.

Musings of a 5YO

Question is... how do the Mummies in Stow feel about this?

LIFE AS IT IS...

...sometimes having a grumpy husband

Silent Sunday (13)

15/52 The GraceFaith year long art project

Choosing a favourite piece of art, each week of the year

This week: architecture by Sofia

LIFE AS IT IS... Giving up a comforter proves harder for Mummy!

I've made a cuppa and am writing this post while my 5 & 2yo daughters are separated. In their bedrooms they now play alone, as quite clearly today, they cannot play together. Esme winds Fia up. Fia bites back. Literally.

I have my suspicions as to why... Sofia Faith dropped her dummy at night this week, and has gone into a bed. Two massive hurdles. Some would say too much in one go - and they are probably right. It happened that way:

Parenting is...

…alternating between moments of sheer frustration and immense pride.

Spring/Summer 2014 collection - A CrocsLights review

If you thought Crocs were cumbersome and ugly, its time to think again. 
There's not an ounce of clobber about these, they are practical, and pretty.

Musings of a 5YO

Esme watched Sofia make a hash of her part of the pie we were all making together. Raising her eyes to the sky she sighed: "Heavens below." 

14/52 The GraceFaith year long art project

Choosing a favourite piece of art, each week of the year

Esme: Lemony Snicket style

A blind eye...

The girls are running towards the other side of the field; the climbing frame, swing set and zip slide. The sun's out and I'm enjoying the dawdle. Their confidence soars with each step they take further away from me.

Of course they are safe. Or so I think. For when I catch up, I realise that both of them are examining their hands.

As soon as I see it, I smell it, and immediately it's apparent that some poor soul has not only trodden in dog foul, but has trodden it up the ladder of the climbing frame too, leaving a great wodge of it on the third step.

Keeping kids safe in the sun (2) - A review

Keeping kids safe in the sun is vital. Protecting them from sun damage and the pain that sunburn brings, not to mention the risk of melanoma in later life, is our responsibility as parents.

It is not always easy to apply sun cream all over little tots that do not want to sit still. Or reapply for that matter. And that's just one reason why a sunsuit, or rashkini® is a brilliant buy.

Currently my 1Grace1Faith

Esme Grace (chatty 5yo) and Sofia Faith (naughty 2yo) wear Rockley Cove

Keeping kids safe in the sun (1)

As mums we are pushed in all directions. And told one thing and then another. From the moment we conceive, there seems to be conflicting advice about how we ought to be doing things for the best of our offspring.