So, we have had a lovely day out at the London Aquarium, me, Harrison and several of my lovely NCT  and extended NCT friends, although being relatively new mums, we didn’t quite factor in that it was the tail end of the Easter school break, so we were faced with crowds of people and children, battling their way in to get a first look at the sharks… Arriving at the Aquarium I was a little disheveled having battled my way into London on the not so buggy friendly London train system….  Wind factor was high and although Harrison cruised into the Aquarium looking very snug in his sheepskin foot-muff, I looked like I’d had a run in with the Tasmanian Devil… Once we got inside (having queued in the ‘priority’ line…. which was still a fairly long wait, but nothing like the pay as you go line, which was making its way back toward the London Eye…), there was a kind of urgency to get to the front of the first window to see the ever so interesting jelly fish that were in the tank… Determined not to rush or be pushed and knocked for the sake of seeing a  jelly fish, I held back and calmly waited my turn… I could soon see however that this was going to get me nowhere, so I edged my way forward trying not to ram anyone with my buggy wheels… The people in front finally stopped taking ridiculous photos of this tiny jellyfish and left a gap just the right size for me and H (Harrison) to move into. And… then the remark came….  and I honestly had to stop myself cringing, first at the tone but then at the sad fact of the matter, that I was inadvertently being told off, for moving into the space that the lady next to me, had clearly earmarked in her mind, as hers!

“Isn’t that just so very naughty little Charlie, when somebody takes your place  to see the jellyfish, we will have to wait here until the lady moves out-of-our-way”……

I know it’s a trivial thing, but it really made me cringe! In fact, as I’m reading this back I am laughing out loud… but really, what the hell is that all about.. ?Is it another one of those mumism’s or something..? Well, friends out there, please stop me from doing that if I do! Seriously, if a comedian really thought about it, they could go to town… !

Anyway, aside from the long queue and the overcrowded tank viewing, as much as it was fun because it was different, I wouldn’t really rate the Aquarium for under 3′s… H fell asleep half way round as it was so dark and he really wasn’t interested in fighting for window space amongst the over excited 7 year olds and their over enthusiastic parents, who were keen for them to pose for a million photo’s before moving on to the next tank…  There were too many people crammed into too small a space for my liking, and having the buggy along with you, although was essential once the bordem factor hit, it was nuisance at the same time as you really felt that it was in the way. Harrison did enjoy the first few windows, but sharks or gold-fish.. it made no difference to him. The price was OK, under £20 for one adult and babies go free…. I am a bit of a sucker for anything with a photo of Harrison, so I couldn’t resist buying the staged photograph of me and him in a shark cage, I did manage to resist spending a small fortune in the strategically positioned ‘junk shop’ … containing all sorts of plastic fantastic sea orientated paraphernalia, which you were directed to walk through in order to exit.

All in all, a great day out with the girls, but as far as the London Aquarium goes, I’d say, save it until they are 3 years old… However if you are into sea creatures, its something different and I dare say the adults will enjoy it.

Xx

Yeah, you guys out in the peanut gallery know EXACTLY what I’m talking about.

We’ve started talking about traveling. Xander is such a champ, he made a 3 hour car ride with no issue, it was amazing. We’ve even discussed flying in September potentially. When was the first time you flew with your little one? How’d it go? How long was the flight? Do you have to buy another ticket?

Little Xander is so much fun. I’m learning from him every day. I think he knows the difference between night and day…because thankfully Stu and I are still getting good chunks of sleep throughout the night. During the day Xander is definitely more alert and vocal, that’s for sure!

So I’ve up’d the humidity in the house and am noticing that both Xander and I have dry skin. I’m drinking a ton of water trying to keep up with the breast feeds…but clearly it’s not enough. I’m applying Aveeno baby lotion to his skin, but can I apply it to his head/face? I’ve been hesitant to, but want to clear up his dry patches.

AND…his red butt. Is that diaper rash? On his front there’s a bit of a rashy patch, which I’m thinking is diaper rash. I think his butt is just damp. We tried using the next size up in diapers to let it air out a bit down there…I’ve even considered letting him sit around with no diaper…but this little guy pees everywhere and has explosive gas so I don’t know if it’d be a good idea. Any suggestions?

Guess who’s two weeks? THIS GUY…well now he’s almost three weeks, but this picture is just funny.

As a family, we often visit York for the rich Viking and Tudor heritage, shopping and it’s a fantastic place to take your camera. I will always love the rickety ‘Shambles’ and their old cobbled streets (which enjoy tripping me up with every stride…) York has a ginormous Minster that’s beautifully decorated with stone carvings and big, oak wooden doors.

I hope you enjoy my images and happy Easter! x

I love this tie arrangement in Marks and Spencer’s – very clever!

Some gorgeous bracelets on a market stall.

Timbre is everywhere in York as they have preserved their beautiful Tudor architectural heritage.

“Cats! Wot you sayin!?”

The windswept purple man has been in York for as long as I can remember!

Unfortunately, most of York Minster was surrounded by building works and a crane so I selected one very large corner of the Minster for a quick photo.

We stopped off at ‘Hole In The Wall’ pub for some lunch.

Adorable Tudor shops litter the high street.

Yes, this is an all year round Christmas shop…

York’s H&M changing rooms are stunning and some of the back mirrors can even be turned left to right for a better view! This is the outfit I decided to wear to cold, cold York.

I want ^^^^^

Tonnes of leather shoes piled high on a stall, I find it weird that there is only one of each pair…

If you’re thinking of going to York, definitely do! The streets are charming and traditionally English and the area has a rich Viking heritage. There are many shops, markets and little places to eat including chocolate shops, English Pubs and cafes. The many Museums are insightful and the Minister is definitely tourist highlight spot and it’s 100% photogenic – so take your camera!

Thanks for reading x

Like I said, it will still be cold but this doesn’t mean we can’t wear floral dresses and cute little blouses! I’ve found some great examples of spring clothing looks that allow extra layers of warmth – generally a jacket or cardigan of some sort and leggings or tights.

For more inspiration, check out my Springterest Board!

Light blouses allow (many) vests underneath and jackets over the top.

I love this outfit so much! It’s floral and bright yet uses a combination of stockings and tights, as well as a cardigan and ankle-length boots to keep in the warmth.

My most useful idea to keep warm and still look spring-like, is to wear a maxi dress which easily hides layers of tights, leggings and a long pair of boots underneath. This outfit is amazing and incorporates a light jumper over a Maxi.

Pairing a playsuit with some tights and a jacket will provide extra warmth while reducing the about of gaps in the clothing where the cold can creep in!

Our heads and feet are where we lose most of our heat, wearing a hat keeps your body heat in and looks good at the same time…

For more inspiration, check out my Springterest Board and Polyvore Post!

Easter is officially my favorite holiday! Here I am celebrating Easter Sunday with mama and papa:

So I turned two months old today. It’s a little strange because I was supposed to have been born like 4 days ago. I keep hearing people say stuff about my corrected age and that’s confusing because what?, my age is WRONG??

Have I told you lately that I love my papa?

-Alli

I was just about to enter the great Red Fort in India when I took this image. I stopped dead in my tracks, looked up and thought “wow, I must take a picture.” I’m 5″ 2 and still only just about got in the majority of the giant gateway to the fort. The rusty-red face of the fort is beautifully unique and the surface is carved with typical Indian architectural patterns and archways. If you are lucky enough to go to India, I definitely recommend The Red Fort as worth a visit.

]]> http://mscandacemarie.wordpress.com/2013/03/31/happy-easter/ Sun, 31 Mar 2013 23:27:40 +0000 mscandacemarie http://mscandacemarie.wordpress.com/2013/03/31/happy-easter/ Obviously Landen’s a little small for an Easter egg hunt…or candy.  When we did our shopping the other day I just had to get a Dove milk chocolate bunny.  Kind of for Landen…and kind of for ourselves.  Ok…it was totally for us.  I’ve been so good about eating healthier (since I can no longer blame it on the food cravings), but I felt like I deserved to enjoy some chocolaty goodness!!  I did share with Nate, though.

We went to my parents for an Easter dinner.  Yummm!!!  Every time my mom is in the kitchen I have to ask if she’s expecting more people.  NOPE!!  My parents always cook for an army.

Landen always enjoys his visits with Grandma and Grandpa.

We also visited Nate’s mom yesterday.  Every Saturday she has Trent’s three kids (Nate’s brother), Kaiden, Aubrey, and Liam.   We took Landen over to finally snap a quick picture of the grandchildren.  It was more like a quick 50 pictures.  None of which everyone is looking in the same direction.  Also, all of which Aubrey did a different pose in.

Nate finally had a little break from work for Good Friday and the weekend.  He’s been working sooo hard and it’s been nice having him home.  ((Actually, he just looked at me as I’m typing this and said, “I wish I could stay home every day.  I wish we had like ten million dollars.”  HA))  Anyways…here’s my two favorite boys!!

Hope everyone had a very Happy Easter!!

“I love everything Beauty, Fashion, Design, Photography, Lifestyle, Food and even Geography related!”

My name is Susan, I’m a second year Graphic Design student (from East Yorkshire UK) that’s looking to get more of a ‘spark’ out of life by connecting with people from around the globe. I love everything Beauty, Fashion, Design, Photography, Lifestyle, Food and even Geography related! I also love to write – even if no will read…

This blog is my very own little corner of the Internet, a way to connect to, and hopefully inspire, people from around the world to share thoughts, opinions and design alike. I’ve always wanted to start a lifestyle blog and, envying some amazing blogs out there, I’ve finally plucked up the courage to start one.

Now, this blog may not last long, but I hope it does. Unfortunately, my last Grandparent recently passed and she left two things to me; a small Scouting Steiff Teddy bear (which she saved up for many months to buy), and a small inheritance. As an amazing watercolour artist (and a fan of my photography and designs,) she’d be pleased to know that I spent my inheritance on a proper, SLR camera  (a Canon 600D and three lenses to be precise), which has inspired me to bring a new blog into the world, where I can feature my own imagery, designs and more.

Thank you for visiting and you’re welcome to follow and join me on my, hopefully long and healthy, journey through life!

Support systems are essential in this process, I don’t think that I could do it without my closest friends, family and of course, my loving boyfriend.  They are more than willing to make this process easier on me, as I tend to get stressed easily.  I’m trying not to get too ahead of myself since we still have a long way to go and I’m just taking each day as it comes and I am happy and thankful for everything that I have been blessed with. 

Happy Easter!

24 weeks 6 Days

Total weight gain: +11lbs. So last week I had someone tell me that I looked puffy, and this week I’ve had people comment on how small I am or how I barely look pregnant from any angle except the side. I’d just like to hear about how HEALTHY I look.
Maternity clothes? This shirt is a cute maternity find from Good Will, but I think it’s only maternity I’ve rocked this week.
Stretch marks? NONE! But I’m starting to get an itchy belly so now I’m paranoid.
Sleep: When I get to sleep, it’s amazing. My poor hubs had the norovirus this week, so I camped out in our living room for two nights. I slept a combined 5 hours both nights. But I’ve been catching up the last couple of days AND avoided the bug!
Best moment this week: Traveling with my hubs to our Alma Mater, eating at one of our favorite restaurants, and buying our little girl a cute dress with our mascot and school symbol on it.
Miss Anything?: Eating bread without paying dearly for it.
Movement: Oh heavens yes. It’s probably my favorite part of being pregnant.
Food cravings:  I feel like Steve Urkel from Family Matters because I’ve desperately craved cheese this week. The last couple of days I’ve wanted steak, so I indulged in a steak in cheese sammy for lunch today! YUM.
Anything making you queasy or sick:Most breads give me the worst heartburn, still.
Gender: GIRL
Labor Signs: Still having Braxton-Hicks almost everyday.
Belly Button in or out? In, but it’s stretching.
Rings on or off? On!
Happy or Moody: Feeling pretty chill this week.

Reading: Started Husband Coached Childbirth with my husband this week as well as Hypnobirthing.

This has been a good week. I’m glad that my husband made a full recovery from that nasty virus and that I didn’t catch it. We attended a birthing forum this week that was very helpful and informative which would be the first official birth class thing we’ve attended. My OB practice offers a birthing crash course, which is an intensive all day class that covers most things that you need to know. I signed us up for that, but we have about a month and a half before we have to take it.

I hope that you have a wonderful Easter!

]]> http://weatecake.com/2013/03/30/she-makes-my-heart-feel-like-it-could-explode/ Sat, 30 Mar 2013 14:50:32 +0000 We Ate Cake http://weatecake.com/2013/03/30/she-makes-my-heart-feel-like-it-could-explode/

It has been FOREVER since I’ve blogged. I’m sorry that I fell off the face of the blogging world! I’ve been so consumed by being a mother. It’s been the best job of my life by far. I’m having a morning where my heart aches for no reason at all. It’s a lovely morning. The sun is shinning through the windows on my just vacuumed carpet, the baby let me put her in her swing so that I can enjoy a cup of coffee w/o fear of spilling it on her while I love on her… I just feel like there are these days that lead up to each of her monthly birthdays that feel like punch to the heart at times. Do any of you get that? I could cry and probably will lots of times over the next 2 weeks before Baby A. turns 6 months old on the 16th. She is so beautiful. So sweet. And, I’m just soooo proud to be her mother. Maybe it’s that yet again tomorrow, she’ll celebrate another first with it being her first Easter. Anyways, something has me feeling extra emotional. But, it’s a good kind of emotional. The kind where your heart is full of so much love that it could burst at any moment, kind of hurt. ♥

Alli is not that afraid of needles!

Alli asked me to post this for her since she is a little sleepy today.  She had her first appointment with her pediatrician this morning.  She weighs SIX POUNDS NOW and is right on track with all the preemie growth charts!  She loves her pediatrician, David Mansour, but is not too fond of the Nurse Practitioner that stuck her with that HUGE needle. Let’s not tell her that it was Dr. Mansour who ordered the shots… She gasped and looked surprised when the needle first went in and then did that cry where her face turned red and she held her breath for a couple seconds. 10 seconds later she was happy to be swaddled in my arms. Two minutes later, she screamed more when we were changing her diaper. Go figure. Here she is fast asleep in the carseat ready to go home. Don’t know what it is – that carseat is like a sedative!

-Jared

Ya duermes en tu cuna pero yo aun te quiero un tiempito mas cerca a mi en tu moises jiji

Aqui con 2 meses

I had my 6 week appointment last week, and I am staying off work for another 4 weeks.  I had originally planned to take 12 weeks off to spend with him.  I thought I was ready to go back at 6 weeks.  I was way wrong!!  I did switch from first shift to second shift.  Which is only 3:30-8 in the afternoon.  We did this so that we could avoid daycare because it scares the heck out of me!!  I want to take as much time with him now as I can…because this is time that I can’t get back.  Even though my work is literally across the street, I don’t want to leave him!!

Lately we have been working on the whole Day VS Night thing.  Landen usually has one 5-6 hour stretch of sleep.  The 5 hour stretch doesn’t start until about 3AM.  And from about 11PM until then…he’s wide awake and ready to play.  We started working on this.  We’ve only managed to get it one time, and we both felt great in the morning!!  Annnnd then back to Landen’s time.  We aren’t giving up though!! And we are definitely accepting any and all advice on this one!!

We spent our family day taking a trip to Babies R Us to do a little shopping.  And being smothered in Mommy Kisses!  I got a new mirror so I can see him while I’m driving and also a few shades for the window.  Something we didn’t think of before…or maybe we just didn’t think we would need them?

We also shopped for some new clothes…that we didn’t buy.  His bottom half is in this phase where newborn pants are a little tight, but 0-3 months are way too big for him.  I have no idea how this could possibly work out…but it did.  Here’s Landen in his 0-3 pants.  He did have them rolled down but that never lasts very long with him.

I HAD to share this picture.  I am so glad Nate caught him making this face with my camera!!  I won’t say what this face means…but I’m so sure that you can probably figure it out for yourselves   And he makes this face every single time!!!  I can’t help but laugh!!

Here’s a favorite as of late, “Pumped up Kicks” by Foster the People

Excuse the bad sound quality, web cam mic doesn’t pic up very well!

Sofie was too cute in this video not to share.

(I’m an amateur at guitar, don’t judge!)

23 Weeks 5 Days

Total weight gain: +10lbs. I haven’t gained anything this week. A lady that my mom works with that I haven’t seen in a while said she thought I was looking a little “puffy” right after my mom told her that I was pregnant. PUFFY. Really, lady. I’m nearly 6 months pregnant, what’s your excuse? Why do people think it’s OK to comment on your size when you’re pregnant? I feel pretty awesome about myself most of the time until someone absent-mindedly says something like that.
Maternity clothes? Not this week, thank you oh mighty belly bands.
Stretch marks? NONE!
Sleep: It’s okie dokie. Rosa, my beloved body pillow offers amazing support.
Best moment this week: Two date nights with my husband.
Miss Anything?: The streak of warm weather that my region had last week.
Movement: Lots and lots. I felt her have the hiccups for the first time this week. Usually she just kicks and does so pretty hard, her daddy actually got to see her kicking my belly this week, but one night this week it wasn’t as hard and it was very rhythmic.
Food cravings:  I actually haven’t really had a huge craving for anything. I wanted hot wings on Monday, and some sour skittles some other day, but neither of those were really consistent.
Anything making you queasy or sick: I still can’t eat most breads, I discovered that even certain pastas make my tummy turn.
Gender: GIRL
Labor Signs: BRING ON THE BRAXTON HICKS! I was at my in-laws earlier in the week sitting at their table when all of the sudden I felt this tightness in my right side. I turned to my husband and told him I needed to walk around. My stomach became as hard as a rock, and it was uncomfortable for about 10 minutes. It didn’t really hurt though. I’ve had at least one almost every night since.
Belly Button in or out? In, but I feel like it’s getting bigger.
Rings on or off? On!
Happy or Moody: I’m over all happy, but my hormones are like a river at this point. Sometimes they’re rapid and furious while other times they are steady and calm.

Reading: Finished Spiritual Midwifery, read some in the Baby Book, and reserved a couple of books at the library for pick up this weekend! I’ve also been reading through the Psalms throughout the last month over breakfast. It’s a great way to start the day.

I can’t believe that I’ll be 6 months pregnant on Sunday!! WHERE HAS THE TIME GONE? Also, My baby now weighs over a pound! WHAT?! I hope she’s a little chubster.

Thank you for reading! How did/do you deal with rude comments from people throughout pregnancy?

Tuesday:

Wednesday:

Thursday:

Friday:

Saturday:

Sunday:

Also, Big Hudson News!! (At least, to his parents). Tonight, as I’m in the bath (getting my one hour of daily alone time) I hear Jamy call from the living room that Hudson is laughing. Like actually laughing. Not just the little “Coughing” sound he sometimes makes when he smiles really big. So I run out of the tub spilling water everywhere… to a completely serious, non-laughing baby. Of course. After waiting around for about five minutes I throw in the towel and jump back in the tub. Only to be summoned to the changing table five minutes later for more laughs. This time I brought my camera and, praise the Lord, actually got to see the show! It’s still a small timid laugh. But I’m gonna go ahead and say it counts! And is definitely going in the baby book.

You can catch it in the first few seconds of this video.
My husband has such a manly baby talk voice, does he not?

Soothing News About Pacifiers
March 19, 2013
by Stephanie Wood
Binky fans, rejoice! Increasing evidence is showing that breastfeeding and paci sucking can co-exist.

The latest proof, just published yesterday in the journal Pediatrics: A study of more than 2,200 newborns out of the Department of Pediatrics at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) in Portland found that after a hospital stopped routinely handing out pacifiers, exclusive breastfeeding rates actually decreased. Conversely, exclusive and supplemental formula feeding rates increased.

Prior to the binky ban, during which pacifiers were placed in literal lockdown and nurses had to enter a code to retrieve one, 80 percent of babies born at the hospital were exclusively breastfed. After the ban, that number dropped to 70 percent. The irony here is that the hospital took this step to receive a “Baby-Friendly” designation.

The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (babyfriendlyusa.org) was created to encourage and recognize hospitals that offer optimal support and care for breastfeeding mothers and their newborns. To receive the designation, hospitals must meet 10 criteria, one of which is “give no pacifiers or artificial nipples to breastfeeding infants.”

It’s long been debated whether pacifier use interferes with the establishment of breastfeeding, particularly in the early weeks. Lactation enthusiasts tend to support this thinking, insisting that pacifier use (along with supplemental baby bottles) can cause “nipple confusion” and interfere with the development of proper latch-on and suckling technique. Not only would plenty of parents and researchers disagree, but pacifier use has also been shown to have some important benefits in recent years.

“This subject poses an additional dilemma for parents and pediatric providers as pacifier use is associated with a decreased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using a pacifier for sleep after breastfeeding is established,” notes study author Laura Kair, M.D., pediatric resident at OHSU’s Doernbecher Children’s Hospital where the research was conducted.

“Our goal with publicizing this data is to stimulate conversation and scientific inquiry about whether there is sufficient evidence to support the universal recommendation of not offering pacifiers to breastfeeding infants in the first few days to weeks of life.”

Did your breastfed baby use a pacifier as well?

Mamas, What are your thoughts on using binkies while breast feeding?

• Hudson is weighing about 15 lbs and wearing 6-12 months clothing as he finishes out his third month
  
• His colic had reached a point of near insanity. So even though our Pediatrician said it was most likely not necessary I tried a total elimination diet. Didn’t make much of a difference, other than I got sick of turkey real fast.
• We did have a new friend on Instagram suggest we try the Bio Gaia Probiotic drops, as she said it worked wonders for her baby. Apparently, according to all of the amazon reviews it is a miracle worker. Which it better be for $30+! We are on our second day of giving it to Hudson. And I don’t know if it’s a coincidence or the placebo affect, but I swear there was a lot less crying tonight.
• On  a crappy note: I’m afraid I may have finally caught that stupid stomach flu that’s been going around. Today has not been a fun day for me. Now it’s just a matter of Cloroxing everything in the house to keep Hud from getting it.
• Not much news in the developmental front, for Hudson. Although, somehow my mother has the magic trick to get Hudson to do his tummy time without screaming bloody murder. Not sure how she does it. But I’m grateful! Maybe he’ll learn to turn over eventually after all!