Growing

It's been a while. There is a ton of stuff going on in my life right now. I've been really busy but feel I don't have much to show for all the busyness LOL. All in good time. God knows best.

It's been a while since I talked about my wonderful children so I thought I'd dedicate this post to them. They are growing so quickly and they are such a joy and a blessing; my three little companions.

My girls are coming on leaps and bounds at school. They love it. My 5 year old has started reading and writing, it's the basics at the moment but it is so mesmerising to witness my child doing all these things. I thought we'd have to do much more than we have to get her to the point she is at, but she is flying way ahead with little help from us at all much to my embarrassment. Her teachers are really pleased with her and her Dad and I are so proud.

Our three and a half year old is following swiftly in her big sister's footsteps and she can write her name and most of the letters of the alphabet. Like her big sis she is an amazing artist (they definitely get this from their Dad) and they both love to sing and dance and giggle all day long.

My little man has come on leaps and bounds too. I can not believe he is two in two and a half months times. It is IN.SANE. He is talking so much and I can hold a pretty meaningful conversation with him. He helps me to hang out the washing and do the hoovering, such a lovely little helper. He adores singing and dancing and it is such a pleasure to watch him in full swing. To top it all off he started telling me he wanted to do a 'wee wee' at the weekend, so I promptly sat him on the toilet and he went. Twice. On two separate occasions. Who said potty training boys was hard? LOL.... I know there's still a way to go yet, but I'll keep following his lead.

Oh children they are such a precious gift from God. Yes it gets hard and yes there are sacrifices that have to be made but I wouldn't trade being a mum for anything. I love my children with all that I am. Thank you Lord for blessing me with these little lives. I am teaching them about You and they love You, I pray they will continue to grow to know and love You more, in the precious name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Until next time lovely readers stay blessed. Xx

Helpful little children

My kids are so sweet. That may sound really biased, but truly they are. There have been a number of occasions lately where they've been bending over backwards to help me around the home. Even my 19 month old son gets involved; hoovering, hanging out the clothes, tidying up the toys, folding away the laundry. Admittedly my eldest isn't so eager (need to work on her lol), but It's amazing to see all three of them in action. I've had to draw the line at washing up the dishes and cooking though lol. My girls are only 5 and 3 and a half, so there's a way to go before they can get stuck into any of that.

Looking back to my own childhood I remember being 10 when my mum first handed me the sponge and fairy liquid to do the washing up. I can't remember if I asked to do it or if she forced it on me *snort* but from 10 onwards I would help out often with the chores, and from 13 I was washing my own school uniform.

Although I did get fed up with it at times, I'm glad my mum started me off relatively young. It equipped me well for university life and subsequent adulthood, after all there's no getting away from it and you have to start sometime right?

Do your children help you with the chores? How old were you when you started doing them?

Friday Reflections - Week 4

This image has very little to do with this post, but my sister took it (she is in Barbados enjoying these views as I type) and I love it, and it is very uplifting don't you think?

Exciting news alert!! Yesterday I bought my wedding dress!! Hallelujah! Praise God! I could gush about my ridiculously fabulous, bargain basement find, but I'll save that for another post....today is reflection day and I want to do as the title suggests so here we go....

On Monday afternoon I had the most wonderful experience with my children. It was so simple yet it made me so thankful for the three little lives the good Lord has blessed me with.

We were on our way home from school and my eldest was telling me about her day in a really odd voice. I asked her why she was talking that way and then I noticed her very wobbly, bottom front tooth pointing out awkwardly. I started saying (in the funny voice she had been using) 'Hello there, my name is toothy and I'm going to be falling out soon...' well that just tickled her beyond belief and she started giggling hysterically. It doesn't take much to set her off and when she starts she doesn't stop and it is very infectious. So there she is laughing away, which sets me off, then mid mimmick I get the most hilarious bout of hiccups (that'll teach me) which of course sets my little boy off. He starts copying me so every time I hiccup, he giggles manically and copies my hiccup and then daughter number two starts laughing and my eldest is pleading with me to continue doing my silly 'pretending to be her wobbly tooth' voice, and I'm trying to do that whilst driving, still hiccuping and lil man still copying me and lil sis giggling. It was complete chaos, but I can honestly say my heart was so swollen with love at that moment I thought I would burst. I was so completely happy and the reason couldn't be more simpler. Love and laughter. Thank God for moments like these.

Thriving

source

My eldest daughter starting school and my younger daughter about to start pre-school has really given me the kick start that I needed.

When all three children were at home with me 24/7, mornings were lazy, (well as lazy as a morning can be with three demanding children in tow). If we weren't going to the library for story time or food shopping or to the park, the days would just unfold into a muddled blur of what would often feel like domestic nothingness.

Now with school starting, each day has a purpose as I wave my daughter (soon to be daughters) off for her daily dose of education. Every morning I'm up by 6.30/7am. 7.30 the latest (if I'm feeling pooped). Despite the early starts, which as a mum I'm more than used to, it feels so good to know that I have a set routine for each day. It's funny because when my children were babies the idea of a routine would give me the heebie jeebies. I was never one of those Mum's who strived to get their baby fed and asleep at certain times, not that there is anything wrong with those methods. I just didn't like the idea of being locked into a cycle of set times and procedures that I would struggle to enforce, especially since all three of my babies were pretty poor sleepers until they were at least a year old.

The realisation I am making is that where before I abhorred rigidity and structure, I am now finding that as my children grow older I am thriving on these very things. I couldn't feel anymore excited and motivated right now. I can't explain it but I definitely believe it's a combination of my faith in the Almighty and the feeling that as when one chapter closes another opens. Of course I still have my daily struggles, but I am pressing on and focusing on all that is lovely.

My children are becoming more independent and in turn more of my own independence is being given back to me. Oh how wonderful life is!

Little man

This little boy was born nearly 12 and a half months ago.

He is doing something different every day now. Copying my every move, dancing, singing, almost running. Yes running.

His personality is growing bigger everyday.

He is so quietly confident.

So little, yet so mighty. Such a boy.

Children can be hardwork, but they are also the best thing. Ever.

Another year, another birthday

Source

It's my 33rd birthday on Sunday. I do not know where the time is going. 


This time last year we were living in Leeds, I was 34 weeks pregnant and one day away from beginning maternity leave.


Now we are back in London, My little man is nearly 11 months. He is walking, babbling and so completely adorable. The other half and I are getting married next year. My eldest starts school in September, my second daughter will hopefully start pre-school too, so that will give me more time to do more of what I want to do.


I must confess at 33 I thought I'd be more ahead of the game in terms of owning a house instead of a flat, earning stacks of money and generally being more comfortably off, but I can no way grumble about where I am at AT ALL.


God has blessed me with three, beautiful, healthy children, when I thought I would have none. I have a wonderful fiancé, who although has plenty of annoying habits, is the love of my life. And by this time next year I'm certain to be or just about to be a 'Mrs'. I was made redundant at the beginning of the year and although worrying at times, this has been a blessing in disguise because I am able to be with my children whilst juggling things I love, such as my blog, meeting up with friends and family, starting some kind of keep fit class (must find one and enrol immediately) etc, etc, etc.


On my birthday last year the fiance and I went to Carluccio's in the Trafford Centre for lunch. The food was amazing, so I think we'll book a table in a London branch this weekend. Plus I'll be having a meal out with the family too.


When I sit down and think about it the world really is my oyster, I can do whatever I choose if I put my mind to it. Sometimes this can feel impossible, but as long as I put my faith in the most high whilst remaining focused and organised great things can and will be achieved.

Too Proud

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I hate to admit this but I'm quite a proud person. 

So proud in fact, that I'd rather struggle with something on my own than ask for help. It's not a good trait to have and since having children I have often found myself having to swallow my pride and simply ask for a helping hand. 

It's my son's dedication/ christening (I'm not quite sure what the difference is. I will find out and report back) this Sunday and my middle daughter turns three a few days later so we've decided to throw a joint christening/birthday party. 

We'll have quite a few people coming so I've requested family and friends to bring a hot or cold dish. It may sound pretty basic but this was a really difficult decision for me to make as I often feel, rightly or wrongly, that if you choose to do something you should have the means to do it properly. I'm a grown woman and a mother, whose life decisions, no one elses has got me where I am now, and having to rely on others for help makes me feel vulnerable, needy and weak. It's a sad state of affairs isn't it?

I need to come to terms with the fact and realise that my life with three small children is chaotic right now and I can't do it all. l simply don't have the time or the means to sort everything out in good time, So I have to ask for help and it seems everyone is more than happen to oblige. I know this is my issue and people are more than happy to assist where they can. 

There are moments when I think if I can't provide then I shouldn't be doing it,  but that's the wrong attitude to have and why make my children suffer for my own insecurities? No. It is much better to go ahead with the plans, ask for help and take heed of the biblical adage that pride comes before a fall. 

As ever writing all my thoughts and feelings down seems to have helped me to understand myself a lot more, and reading back through my ramblings, it seems insane that I feel this way. Bizarre almost. After all if any friend or family member told me they felt this way about asking for help, I would feel sad that they felt this way. If I allow myself a moment to think hard enough it becomes crystal clear that it is the very act of helping one another that makes the World go round.

Are you too proud? Or do you have moments when you are too proud? What do you do to overcome it?

A dilemma



Image from ehow.co.uk

I have a personal dilemma. People with a nervous disposition may want to skip this post now. It's a situation that most people undoubtedly face, so I'd like to share my story because this issue is something I need to get to grips with and pretty quickly, so here goes...

I'm in a quandary about which contraception to use.

There I've said it. (Doesn't feel too strange after all. Lol. ) Anyway after three kids in three and a half years, (two of those completely unplanned) I'm not sure my body or my sanity could survive another child. Don't get me wrong my children are my whole world, but what do you do when you know you're done having children, but you still want to enjoy the other stuff? Obviously we need to take precautions and we are, but I'm searching for something long term that we both can feel comfortable with. Most available options leave me wanting to run for the hills.

It feels absurd to me, because there was a time not long ago, I never even thought I could or would have one child, let alone three and contraception was the furthest thing from our minds. Now here we are blessed with three beautiful children and trying to prevent any more?? I have a very complicated pregnancy history. I have suffered several miscarriages, one at 20 weeks, after which I discovered I had a medical condition (I will go into more detail in a future post). So I guess you could say there is a lot of emotion tied up in this whole process.

Whilst pregnant with our third child. I half joked with the other half that he should get the snip. He refused, saying at 29 he was too young. I guess he has a point, but I don't think he'd do it even if he was 60.

I would not get my tubes tied. I lost an ovary to a cyst nearly 10 years ago so I think I've been through quite enough in that department. Pre kids I was on the pill for about 10 years, I tried to go back on it after each of my children, but every time I'd have horrible mood swings and feel really low. The injection scares me, I'm not scared of needles, but I don't like the idea of being injected with hormones. I've seriously considered the coil but the nurses gave me the eebie jeebies with all the talk of discomfort, and coils potentially getting lost inside you or falling outside of you, plus I don't want all those man made hormones in my body either. I know you can get the copper coil, but the thought of a foreign body sitting inside/close to my womb bothers me.

In each of my pregnancies I suffered from hyperthyroidism so I have a new found appreciation for the human body and how finely tuned it is. Just one little imbalance can send your body haywire, and I think that is what puts me off of most of the family planning options out there, I would love to find a more natural method. Currently we use *ahem* condoms and although they're ok, I'm so scared of them splitting that my paranoia often gets in the way. It's all very crap and rather stressful.

I would like to try the rhythm method. This is when you have intercourse on the days you are least likely to conceive. You have to be super strict and organised to use this method. For most women this wouldn't be an issue, I don't think I could say the same for most men. So realistically that would be a 'no, no' too, but saying that, I'm good at keeping the other half at arms length when needs be. Much to his frustration. He does handle it well though, poor thing, so maybe the rhythm method could work for us?? Maybe??

So that is my dilemma; what contraception should I use? Certainly there is always abstinence, but then I'd no longer have to worry about family planning, because I think I'd be on my own before long. A man (and of course a woman) has needs - haha. So if you dare to share what methods do you use and how does it effect you? Your thoughts and experiences on the matter would be really helpful.

Thanks in advance.

At the school gates

Image from ramsbottom-metalwork.com

My eldest daughter doesn't even start school until September and already I'm feeling anxiety about all the unsavoury characters we'll encounter. And I'm not talking about fellow pupils, but fellow parents of the aggressive and gobby variety...

I picked up my nephew from school today and my heart sank to hear the inane drivel spouting from what can only be described as ignorant mouths.

'If they hit you, hit em back, I don't care what the teacher says, just send 'em to me and I'll sort 'em out.' Barked a big, burly dad.

I cringed at the endless aggressive chatter, as his sidekicks chipped in with their words of agreement, encouraging the heated conversation. He was being so loud and indiscreet, every little ear could hear is every single angry word.

'...that's what my dad told me to do when I was a kid and it never did me no harm...' he gabbled on.

Now I'm all for children sticking up for themselves, but surely there is a way this can be achieved without instigating full blown fisticuffs in the playground.

I know the world can be a harsh place, but if we encourage our children to participate in aggressive behaviour towards eachother, then aren't we simply perpetuating the very environment we want to protect them from?

If I'm honest I just wish everybody was nice and we all got along, but that's a pretty naive stance to take.

Growing up I had my fair share of  of playground bullies. I was raised in a predominantly white area in Essex. My siblings and I made up a very small number of black children in our school, I was the only black girl in my year group throughout my entire school life. This difference undoubtedly saw us become the target for some negative behaviour.

At four I was slapped in the face for telling a girl I had a goldfish.  What's that all about?When I told my mum she was livid and warned me to never let anybody put their hands on me again. I wasn't encouraged to hit anyone back, but there was a change in me that is hard to explain, so from that day onwards no one ever did ....well apart from the time when I was nine and a girl who was a black belt in karate punched me in the mouth for no apparent reason or the horrid boy down the road who punched me in the stomach and ran off, leaving me crying and winded.

These were all terrible incidents at the time, but they haven't scarred me for life and my parents taught me to stick up for myself and they'd inform the school of these episodes too.

Although I am none the worse for my experiences I don't want my children to go through anything like this. I know times are different and racism isn't as overt as when I was at school, but I will be firmly teaching my children the art of confidence, by walking tall, holding their little heads high and using an assertive voice whenever talking with anyone. I will also tell them that if anyone ever touches them they must ALWAYS tell mummy or daddy as well as another adult if we are not around at the time, so the aggressor will never get away with their unacceptable actions. I'm sure there will be many more lessons learnt along the way too, but this is as good a start as any.

How do you teach your children to stick up for themselves?

Seven years

Seven years ago today I met my beautiful man. I don't want to get too schmaltzy here, but along with the birth of our children he is the best thing that has ever happened to me. Yes we have our ups and downs but nothing in life is perfect. He's pretty close though.

I will have to write a post about how we met at some point, but in the meantime I will leave you with a photo of us on our first ever holiday together, to the Dominican Republic, when we were in the first flourishes of our relationship.

Here are a selection of others too.

Daddy and our eldest at Centre Parcs

Our little family on holiday in Jamaica. I was pregnant with baby number two

Daddy and eldest posing in lovely Eastbourne. One of our favourite places in the UK

Daddy and our three lovely children in Batley Park West Yorkshire

Too my gorgeous boo. I love you.

By this time next year WE WILL be planning for the real thing.

Happy anniversary xxx

Sshhh

Image from connortomas.com 

I have a confession. I'm not proud about it but I am the type of mum who Sshhh's her children quite a lot. 

It's not that I don't like them to play and make noise, it's just that there is only so much screaming, shouting, singing and banging I can handle before I start to feel like I am losing my mind. I often try to nip noise making in the bud because all too often it goes from happy and playful to crying and squabbling. It can be highly frustrating. 

I am finding that when we go out people seem to fall into two camps. Those that look on with disdain if your children are being loud, tantruming and generally running amok and those who embrace it as just kids being kids. I had an experience of the latter yesterday.

I was out with the children and my soon to be mum in law. We visited a lovely little church tea room and sat down for tea and cupcakes. When we arrived it was empty but slowly it began to fill with lovely old aged pensioners, no doubt meeting up to enjoy a quiet cuppa and a natter. It was at this moment my baby decides to practice his babbling skills. "Baba dada dada mama", he garbled at the top of his voice. Quickly my daughters joined in, adding a extra layer of volume to the ever increasing din.

"Ssshhh, sssh, sssh" I hissed, worried what the room of people mostly in their 80's must have been thinking. Then out of nowhere an elderly lady stopped me in my tracks and set about telling me; "Leave them, their singing". "They've got voices, let them sing" she turned to the children "Go on use your voices." 

I felt ashamed, because what the lovely old lady said was true. They really weren't doing any harm and kids will be kids.I think there is a fine line between letting your children express themselves and letting them run wild, but sometimes I think I am forever trying to keep my children in line because I don't want anyone else to do it for me. I don't want anyone to think badly of my children or their dad and I so I try to raise them to be mindful of others and be well behaved in public. Maybe I've been taking it a bit too far and need to relax a little, after all they don't stay small for long and if a couple of 80 year olds can put up with a bit of a din then I'm sure I can. 

Have you learnt anything about yourself lately through someone else's actions?

My offspring in words

Image from carolecgood.com 

I was sitting down thinking to myself, what five words would I use to describe the personality traits of my children? After a long hard ponder I came up with the selection of words below.

Of course my children mean much more to me than words could ever express, and they are forever growing and changing, but alas I thought it'd be a fun little exercise nonetheless...

My eldest

Cautious. Inquisitive. Nurturing. Giggly. Loving.

My middly
Fearless. Cheeky. Helpful. Curious. Caring.

My youngest

Dribbly. Cuddly. Clingy. Smiley. Cuuuute.

What five words would best describe you and/or your children? I would love to know.


And happy February 29! Leap year Yay!!

A shaky start

Image from www.cahiley.com 

February is rapidly coming to an end and so I thought I’d give a little update on my 2012 goals. I think it’s therapeutic to review my accomplishments so far and see where needs more work. If the truth be known it's all been a bit shaky, but all is not yet lost.

1) Eating healthily & more exercise - This has been an epic fail. If anything I'm eating more junk and doing less exercise. Very disheartening. I hate to give excuses but I'm so tired all of the time, I'm just eating whatever is quick and to hand. I must try harder to make healthier food choices. I need to get to grips with this. It is currently a joke!

2) Get son christened - Booking the date in the next few days.

3) Swimming lessons for my children - This is proving to be more difficult than expected. My local leisure centre is booked up for the next six months. I could book lessons for my baby boy and middle daughter, as there is availability for their age groups but I can't leave my eldest out. Plus I need to coordinate diaries with my sister and mother in law because each child needs to be accompanied by an adult. I'm disappointed that the process hasn't been as straightforward as I'd hoped but those lessons will get booked by hook or by crook. Alternatively we may ditch the lessons and just take them for a fun splash about each week instead, at least then they'll get used to the pool, they love water anyway - simples.

4) Organise finances - Now I'm a person who loves to save and although the better half isn't a big spender, we have different approaches when it comes to money. I'm working hard to get us both on the same page so we can start putting a decent lump sum away each month. Hoping to get this properly established sharpish.

5) Establish a way to make money from home -  That is still very much a work in progress. I’m taking each day at a time.

6) Do more fun/silly things with my children - I must admit I'm struggling with this one. I can be goofy with my kids from time to time, but daily is tough. I'm a bit of a control freak I'm ashamed to admit, and I find that once I get my kids hyped up with silly play it's tough to get them back on an even keel. It usually ends with constant threats of having to sit on the naughty step because of their failure to calm down. *sigh*

7) Spend more time with family and friends – This is improving but still a work in progress. I've got some play dates booked and want to visit my grandmother next week. The kids would love to see their beloved Nanna. Me too.

8) A family holiday to Barbados - I need to get my son’s passport sorted. I fear this may be a bit of a pipe dream, but I am determined to try and go on some sort of vacation abroad before my eldest starts school and holidays are forever dictated by term times.

9) Work out how to credit photos properly on blogger -  The lovely Maria at Cheeky Pink Tulip helped me with this. I was using the old blogger interface hence the issues. All sorted now. Thanks Maria!!

10) Build my blog and meet more inspirational people through the world of blogging - Slowly but surely I’m getting there I'm meeting lots of great people and I’m loving it.

So that’s my update, still lots to improve on but lots of time still. How are you getting on with your goals for 2012?

Wonderful world, wonderful people

Image from petsfoto.com

Just when you think the human race has gone to pot, along comes someone who makes your day.

After a few days of hibernation due to a stressful week, the children and I ventured out. It's always an effort to get out and about with three children and no car, but with resolve in my heart, and a positive attitude I bit the bullet and we left the house.

I took them on a long walk showing them the route I used to take to school. My middle daughter is two and a half and I make her walk much to her dismay. I do feel guilty because she is only little, but it's so much easier pushing the baby in the Maclaren rather than using our bulky double buggy. You can't get it on trains, buses or through doors. Plus getting the monstrosity into a car boot is a nightmare not to mention the lack of storage space at the bottom, so there's nowhere to put your shopping. No disrespect to the buggy because the design is fab and I wish I could use the thing, but it's just too much grief. Better designed for the countryside I think.

Anyway we took the long walk at snails pace and even then my middle child was moaning that she was tired. I gritted my teeth, this was painful, it was bitterly cold and we were only halfway into the journey. Finally we reached the warmth of the local chip shop and sat down for tasty fish and chip lunch. Next onto the soft play area, then into Morrisons to get some bits.

As we left the supermarket I braced myself for the walk back home, at this point both girls were whining lots. I put on a brave face and gave words of encouragement. Ahead of me I saw a lady loading her car, her smiley face looking warm and open. I smiled back outwardly, my face probably failing to hide my inner angst, or maybe she could tell through 'mummy intuition'. As I got closer I saw she had three boys not too much older than my three children. She sympathised with me as she could see my girls were struggling. She asked where I was going, when I told her she balked. She knew I still had a way to go.

Then to my amazement she told me to wait whilst she asked her neighbour to look after her boys so she could drop us home. I was lost for words, here was this wonderful stranger offering to take us out of the cold, out of our misery and give us a lift home. It was so unexpected and I was so extremely grateful. There are wonderful people in this world who seem to pop up out of nowhere to make our day brighter.

Not only was she my lifesaver, but I've made a new friend and already we're planning to meet up with our children for a play date. What a beautiful world we live in!

Thank you Nicola. May God richly bless you and your family x

30 things about me - (part one)

Image from allfacebook.com

I'm reaching a bit of a plateau in my blogging journey. It's still very early days, but I wonder if it will transition into everything I want it to be.

In my search for inspiration I've come across a number of blogs where writers share 30 random things about themselves. I thought I'd join in and see what I could come up with. It's helped me to remember things I thought I'd long forgotten. A very cathartic process I must say. Here we go:

1. Believer and lover of God.

2. My children give my life purpose and meaning. They are my life.

3. Mummy, daughter, sister and wife to be.

4. A year into my natural hair journey and not turning back (no more chemical straightening for me).

5. I love to sleep but don't get much these days.

6. Walking along beautiful sandy beaches is where I have some of my happiest moments.

7. I met my husband to be in subway (yep the sandwich shop)nearly 7 years ago in March.

8. Have one surviving grandparent who I cherish very much.

9. I loved to ice skate as a child. Now I am rubbish.

10. I have two sisters and a brother we bicker but love eachother lots.

Watch out for parts two and three...

What things could you tell me about you?

The good life

Image from citywatching.com

I'm in a reflective mood, and despite the chaotic day, life is good and I am truly blessed. Here are my 10 reasons why;

Seeing my children so happy and healthy. Their infectious laughing makes my day.

Looking up on a clear day and seeing the endless blue sky, its limitless expanse  is breathtaking.

Watching the sun set.

Hearing my children's first words and seeing their first steps.

Being able to encourage and inspire my children, my family and others.

Being able to learn something new every day.

Being embraced by the man I love.

Feeling loved.

Giving love.

Having faith in the most high that all things are possible through Him. Amen.

What makes life good for you? Please feel free to share. I'd love to hear from you. x

I don't 'heart' housework

Touché - Image from pulpshop.co.uk

I'm in the midst of a massive decluttering exercise and let me tell you it is painful. Very, very, extremely painful. We have sooo much stuff. I can't bear it. I don't even know where to start. I'm in a spin, but this absolutely HAS to be done.

I think I'll start with the children's clothes, shoes and toys. That should be a quick win. Everything they have outgrown will be sent to our local church and charities. Then I'll sort through my stuff and the better half's.

Then there is the paperwork. Please don't get me started on dreaded paperwork. I've accumulated so may bills, bank statements and boring papery toot over the months, it's built up like a dusty mountain in the corner of my bedroom or been shoved in a drawer somewhere. Every time I have a clear out I vow to get more organised, shred my documents every three months and file everything away neatly. Of course this never happens, shredding is way too boring and I've got three kids to tend to, never mind the daily grind of housework.

Why is it that housework is never ending? Just when you think you're on top of it - the laundry is done, carpet hoovered, dishwasher loaded, floors mopped, work surfaces gleaming and every toy in its rightful place. Poof! - everything is in chaos again.

Keeping up with housework is an unachievable and depressing task. Time to maybe employ a cleaner.

But I'd probably spend so much time making the house presentable for them to come and clean, they'd really be no point.

Oh life.....

Two teeth

I'm loving this wooden heart teether.
Image from thehipstermom.com 

My little boy finally has two little bits of white teeth poking through his gums. I can't believe it.

Despite being the mother of not one, not two, but three children, it never ceases to amaze me how quickly time flies.

Each one of my children seems to have passed the 'baby, baby' stage in the blink of an eye. I know they are still very young (four, two and a half and seven months) and we have plenty more years of child rearing ahead of us, but sometimes I want time to slow down, it feels like everything is happening way too quickly.Yes, day to day can be a struggle sometimes, but in the grand scheme of things these moments feel far too short.

My son has started crawling too. He drags himself across the floor kamikaze style. Little knees working, bottom in the air. He is so cute.

My middle daughter has already grasped the concept of boredom at the ripe old age of two and a half.... and my eldest daughter starts school this year.

We have certainly got our hands full for now, but soon they will be completely independent of us, and will no longer need our numerous cuddles and kisses throughout each day. Time NEVER stays still.

Time to deliver some more cuddles and kisses I think....

Lucky 13

Image from Baltimore-Club.com

So it's Friday 13. Unlucky for some, but not me.

I was born on the 13th and I love the number. Come to think of it I love the number three too. I have a real thing about it.

Whenever I buy things, say loose lemons, I'll get three. Tinned tomatoes? I'll pick up three cans.

I'm not quite sure why this is, it's just something I do without even thinking. Maybe it's a subconscious form of OCD??

To round things off I now have three beautiful 
children. How very, very, very perfect.

Embracing where you're at

Image from mysearchadvisor.com

I've been thinking, how can I learn to cope with this never ending lack of sleep I am experiencing?

I have reached the conclusion I have to just embrace it, and the more I think about it the more it makes sense. If we surrender ourselves to our situation, no matter how dire, we will always make it out to the other side. Eveything in this life is temporary, so we must learn to take the rough with the smooth and ride out the storms.

So this morning, armed with my newfound resolve I decided to push through my extreme fatigue, (compounded by yet another night of very poor quality sleep), and attempt to get things done.

After waking up and making breakfast for the children, I went into machine mode and blitzed the house from top to bottom, hoovering, dusting, laundry, dish washing, you name it, I did it. And, may I add, this was all achieved before 12pm. Very impressive for me, especially since baby was crying his head off the whole time. I had to keep stopping to try and calm him down, only for him to flip out as soon as I left his side. He is definitely at the separation anxiety stage that babies go through. Oh joy.

I am finding that if I get up and 'do', rather than sit down and 'don't', I feel a lot better.  Despite the awful sense of weariness, if I accomplish something that I can see, like a clean house, I feel better for it and strangely energized.

Before my blitz I scoured the Internet looking for tips on how to survive on little sleep and came across these golden nuggets of information on ehow.com.

Maybe you or someone you know is experiencing lack of sleep. These tips, although seemingly obvious, could provide some much needed comfort. They have for me.

How to survive on little sleep

During the day

1. Snack on protein, such as tuna fish, to give you an energy boost.
2. Exercise. It may be the last thing you feel like doing, but taking a brisk walk around the block may help you if you're feeling sluggish.
3. Catch a catnap during the day, but no longer than 10 to 15 minutes. Any longer than that and you'll feel worse off, and you may have trouble falling asleep at bedtime.
4. "Nap when your baby naps" only if you are getting up every few hours for feedings. Once the child is sleeping through the night, you should too.

At Night

1. Give yourself time to wind down in the evening. The temptation is to use those evening hours to do everything you couldn't get done during the day, which revs you up again.
2. Drink a little chamomile tea and honey, which are natural sedatives, and eat a small snack of low-fat carbs, such as toast with jelly, before you go to bed.
3. Sleep the same amount every night, even if it's only six hours. Regular sleeping habits are just as important as the length of time that we sleep.
4. Keep your room cool and dark so that you can fall asleep quickly.
5. Sleep in an hour later on the weekends if you're able, but no longer than that or it will really mess with your internal clock.
6. Try for a half-hour to fall asleep. If you haven't fallen asleep by then, get out of bed and do something else. When you feel drowsy, try to sleep again.

Tips & warnings

1. Avoid nicotine and caffeine
2. Avoid exercising too close to bedtime. You should try to exercise during the day (morning is best) and no later than three hours before you go to bed.
3. Avoid pharmaceutical sleeping aids, which can turn into a bigger problem for you.
4. Avoid big meals before bedtime, which may actually wake you up.