Baby Number Two - First trimester

Except of changes in our daily lives connected with starting new job, my little man growing up so quick and being a pre-schooler now, there are also new things coming up.

I am officially 21 weeks pregnant with baby number two!

When I found out I was pregnant I started thinking, how it will be this time?, will it feel the same?, will my symptoms be the same ? etc.

Now when I have passed first trimester I can share my experience and compare it with my first pregnancy

• Nausea and vomiting- with both pregnancies I started feeling nauseous at approx. 5-6th week of pregnancy. When I was pregnant first time I felt nauseaus but I was not vomitting. This time round was something different - I could not stop feeling sick and I was vomitting even few times a day :(
• Food cravings - when I was pregnant with my first one I was into sour things or fruit. This time I didn't have any particular preferences. Especially because I was feeling sick a lot, I was not sure what I really what or if I want to eat anything at all.
• Sharper sense of smell - with both pregnancy my nose was super sensitive on any smell, even the ones that usually I would not even notice, like smell of tomatoes when I open a fridge :)
• Feeling tired - I guess because now I am already a mum and I have more on my head then when I was pregnant first time, sometimes I was feeling super tired, even if I didn't do any outings etc.. I was feeling tired and sleepy within few seconds.
• Swollen and painful breasts - well the body is doing what is supposed to be doing.
• Emotional ups and downs - I feel like this time I didn't have much of these. At first pregnancy I cried very easily for no particular reason.
• Acne - with my first pregnancy I did not have any problems with my skin. This time I started having few spots on my forehead, however this has passed quick.

Luckilly with both of my pregnancies all above symptoms were gone after 12-13 weeks. Thank God that all of these have passed, as I know that some girls suffer with these symptoms for much longer or even whole pregnancy.

Coming back? Update

It has been more than a year since I have posted last time!

I was trying to remember what have actually happened that suddenly my enthusiasm for writing just disappeared and sadly the only thing that came up to my mind is that  ... I just got overwhelmed by my every day life!

Back in May 2016 I have started a new part time job and sharing my life between my family and work.

At the beginning family members were helping us in taking care after my son, while I was working and I am so grateful for that!

When my son turned three years old we have decided that he can go to nursery now . Since September 2017 he goes three full time days a week, when I am at work. It wasn't easy at the beginning on my side, but I guess  because he found himself so well in this new environment, this made me to adjust to the new situation much quicker. He really enjoys his nursery and friends and loves to go there Actually, if he could he would go there every day!

Now, when our life is more settled and scheduled I hope to return to blogging, because I really enjoy writing and sharing my thoughts, experiences etc.

Fingers crossed!

Kasia

Simple dinner idea - Pasta with mushrooms and pesto

I like to plan our family meals ... but there are days where I just have not much time and no clue what to cook for a dinner!
I always try to have basic ingredients in my kitchen, from which I can cook simple and quick meal.

One of my favourite quick meals is Pasta with mushrooms and pesto.
It is super easy to make and delicious!

The ingredients you need are:

• pasta of your choice
• onions
• garlic
• pesto (green or red - this time I used red one with sundried tomatoes)
• mushrooms
• peppers (green, yellow or red - it is up to you)
• salt, pepper, paprika, herb de Provence, fresh basil
• parmesan cheese

 

 

I start with frying chopped onion. When it softened little bit I add mushrooms and garlic.

Then I add the spices: salt, pepper, paprika and herbs de Provence.

I let the spices infuse into mushrooms and then add the peppers.

I leave mushrooms and peppers to cook for few minutes until all vegetables are soft.
In meantime I boil the water and prepare pasta.

When vegetables are soft, I add pesto and fresh cut basil.

When pasta is cooked I mix it with the mushroom and pesto sauce, add parmesan cheese on top and voila .... here is the final look :)

 

 



I've also made some side dish - salad with mozzarella, tomatoes, basil and olive oil.

My family loves this dish! Including my little man who loves pasta!

If you've never tried this recipe give it a try and you will see it is worth it! Yummy!!!

Take care!
See you soon!

Mommy everyday basic make up

Lets be honest - becoming first time mom is not an easy experience and I don't mean giving birth only! Our whole life changes within a minute! Nothing is as it used to be.
After coming back home from hospital I was all up and down with my emotions. I was struggling with finding time to eat, sleep, brush my teeth ... not mentioning make up!

I am not a make-up freak but I like to put a bit of foundation, mascara or a lip balm just to feel a bit prettier :) In general I do like myself without the make up (except of seeing my pictures without it!!!) but it just gives me some type of extra happiness and confidence :)

For the first few weeks of being a mommy, make up was the last thing I could think about! However I was trying to put at least a bit of mascara when going out. By the time, I've managed to find some spare time in the morning to glam up my face :) Now I have my little make up routine :)

I tend to do my make up just after I have breakfast. It usually takes me from 5 to 15 minutes, depending how much effort I want put in it :) and what I am planning to do on that day.

When I do make up usually I like to drink my morning coffee and watch some YouTube videos or TV. I treat this as a little ME Time :)

This is what I use:

Face

• Bourjois 123 Perfect Colour Correcting Cream - it has very light texture and makes my skin look more smooth. It gives natural looking finish.
• Collection Illuminating Touch Brightening Concealer - I use it mainly under my eyes to cover dark circles. It gives pretty good coverage. It has a bit thick texture for my taste however blends quite well. I've noticed it gets into creases so I always wait until it sets for few seconds and then blend it a bit better again.
• L'Oréal True Match foundation (Golden Beige) - I use this foundations on the days I need a bit more coverage than with CC cream from Bourjois. True Match from L'Oreal and Rimmel Wake Me Up are my recent favourite foundations.

• Sleek Face Contour Kit (Light 884) - contains pressed contour powder and highlighter. Easy to use and blend.
• Make up Revolution Baked Blusher (All I think about is you) - shimmer blush

Eyes

• Make up Revolution Iconic 2 Palette - it contains all natural colours good for every day make up as well as the evening one
•   L'oreal Volume Million Lashes Mascara - my second favourite after Max Factor Masterpiece Max
•   L'Oréal Super Liner Perfect Slim - I liked this eyeliner for very slim tip which enables drawing precise and slim lines - quite important for someone like me who is not the best in doing straight and precise lines.

Lips

• Bourjois Colour Boost lip crayon (07 Proudly naked) - for every day I like lip products that are soft, stay long and they are not sticky. I tried many different ones and there was always something not right. Until I found this one! It is easy in application and lasts long. When applied it feels like I have some lip butter and it blends so well with my lip colour and it gives them a better natural look.

Buying clothes for toddler

I remember when I was just about to become a mother and I started exploring the world of babies clothing. I enjoyed buying clothes for my little man same as I do enjoy buying clothes for myself :) At the beginning we future mothers tend to buy a lot and later find ourselves with plenty unworn baby's clothes.
However I've learned by experience and I've started following some of my buying rules :)

1. Do not spend too much! Buy on sales!

Babies and toddlers grow quite fast, therefore I don't see the point of buying extremely expensive clothing that will last just for 2-3 months maximum. Of course if I want to buy some nice clothes for an occasion (birthday, party etc.) I would spend some more money but for every day I just do not see the point!
High street shops can offer really nice clothes for reasonable price and of course we always can find some nice pieces on sale. You can also find nice clothes in your local supermarkets if they have clothing section (Asda, Tesco etc.). My favourite  affordable shops with babies clothes are H&M, Matalan, Peacocks, Mother Care & Primark of course.

Primark clothes - total price approx. 25 pounds!

Primark swimming costume - 7 pounds (3 piece - shorts, long top and a hat)

On sales I always try to buy more pricy items such as jackets or shoes. I buy them in bigger sizes so my little man can wear them in future as well.
Below you can see some of my January sales purchases. They are all in bigger size than my little man is as I thought about next autumn or winter.

Next jacket bought on 50% sale (original price 24 pounds, bought for 12!)

Mother Care jacket - 15 pound (original price - 30!)

Mother Care coat - 12 pounds!

When going for sales I always like to visit Baby GAP, Next or Zara.

I would not feel offended if anybody would give clothes used by their older children, however I do not have any in my family or friends, but I give my son's used clothes to family and friends who have smaller children.



2. Buy online.

Going shopping with a toddler can be tricky and tiring. When he becomes fussy and does not want to sit in his pushchair it is hard to concentrate and do proper shopping, therefore from time to time I visit online shops and place my orders.
Sometimes clothes available online are hard to find in actual shops.
I've also noticed that few times the clothes I bought online on sales later they were sold full price.
I like to buy online clothes from H&M and Mother Care.

Recent spring shopping from H&M online.

3. Buy bigger sizes / Buy for other seasons.

My little man just turned 18 months but even prior to that he started wearing clothes 18-24 months. You can always roll up the sleeves etc.
However when buying bigger sizes I always remember about the season they are for - no point of buying summer clothes in bigger size if when they will fit there will be winter time :) Mothers brain has to always work hard :)

4. Buy comfortable clothes.

We all like our little ones dressed up in jeans, shirts etc. but before I buy this pieces I always like to check if they are soft to baby's skin. Moreover I like to dress up my little man in comfy clothes when he is messing around, running and climbing.

5. Compare the sizes in different shops.

Not all sizes are the same in every shop brand. I noticed that in some shops I have to buy clothes size bigger than my little man is, so they can actually fit him, while in other shops I can buy his size and they will last me for longer time as well. From my experience H&M clothes tend to last for quite long and they are on the bigger side. Same as Mother Care. Clothes from Primark or Peacocks I always buy size bigger.


I hope you like my toddler shopping tips! :) Let  me know if you have any other advice and if you know any other online shops worth checking!

Take care!

Kc

What to do with a toddler?

We all want everything what is the best for our children and we all want to entertain our little ones in the best way we can.
Sometimes however we may feel we don't do enough and we feel our child is just bored.
Giving your child tablet, phone or leaving him/her in front of TV is the easiest solution but we all know that too much time spend looking at the screen does not do any good for our child.
I would lie if I would say that my little man does not watch TV or use tablet at all, however I try to reduce this time and I try to arrange more creative and fun things to do. Our activities depend from weather, health, mood etc.

Tings we do at home

• Coloring - my little man is to small to do any serious coloring but I give him crayons and paper and let him explore. I have to watch him though as sometimes he likes to taste crayons :)
• Play-Doh - same as with coloring I have to make sure he is not eating it :)
• Blocks - for most of the time I build and he destroys :) he stared being more interested in building as well
• Reading - this is hard task with baby so active as my little man, however I try and have hope one day he will be more interested. Usually he just likes to flip the pages:)
• Playing with flash cards
• Playing in a pop up castle - I bought one online and when it came I was a bit surprised it was quite big but on positive note when we have guests or family with children they all love it . You can also hide there quite a lot of toys and whatever my child decides to put in there!
• Playing with his toys (he loves cars)

• Pretend plays (he loves when we pretend we are animals - cats, dogs, lions etc.)
• Dancing and listening to music (practicing nursery rhymes)
• Get him involved with household tasks (pretending cleaning, hovering, doing laundry etc.)

Little man helped me to take out all washed clothes out of the washing machine :)

Still helping? or exercising?

• Get him involved in cooking (giving him safe cooking equipment to play)

Things we do outdoors

• Going for walk to the park (I let him walk and explore, feed the ducks etc.); we recently bought him tricycle so I am waiting for spring to come so we can take it with us to a park.

• Going to playground (I've found few different playgrounds in my neighbourhood so I try to take my little man to different one each time)

• Attending different play groups in children centers. I would advise you to go to few different ones in your neighbourhood and find the ones you and your little one likes the best. We started going there when little man was just 6 month old. It is good opportunity for your child to interact with other children and for us moms to speak to other mothers and share our experience.
• Swimming pool. Once a week we try to take him to the swimming pool and he loves it!
• Going to animal farms. We live in London but I found two city farms near our home and we went to one twice. I am definitely planning to go back there again soon. It is nice experience for toddlers to see different farm animals, especially when they grow up in a town and did not see cows, horses or sheep before.

• Soft Play. If your toddler is an active type this is very good place for him/her to use his/her energy and have fun. Recently I discovered free soft play in our area, they have a lot of toys and big space in a sport hall.

Being a mother is a full time job and I have plenty of things to do at home (cooking, cleaning, washing etc.) but I try to organise something for my little man at least few times a week. There is time for watching cartoons and there is time for active play. When I see myself being a bit lazy/tired to play I try to do it at least for 15 minutes and when I see how much he enjoys it I know it is worth it! Seeing smile on his little face is just so precious!

Let me know if there are any other things you suggest to do with a toddler and do you have any advice to encourage baby to read as we are struggling with this one :)

Take care!

Kc

Daily routine

I was thinking for a while what my first post could be and I could not really decide where to start. Then I thought why not to share with you how our daily routine looks like at the moment. Is there any better way of describing how stay at home mummy's life looks like than describing her average day.

Creating any routine was not easy for me, trust me! First months of my baby's life were not so easy for me as I found that time as stressful and overwhelming experience. That's a subject for another post! However slowly me and my little man worked things through and that's how we are living our daily life now (he is 18 months old at the moment).

7:30 / 8:00

Little man wakes up. Sometimes he gets up straight away and goes searching for new adventures and sometimes we just spend some time in a bed. (PS. mummy tries to get some sneaky extra minutes of sleep)

It is so hard to leave the bed!!! :) He is still sleeping here.

8:30

Breakfast and coffee time! We eat together. Little man usually has a glass of milk and some cereals with milk as well. Sometimes he has croissant or toast. If he is not in a mood for cereals I cut him some fresh fruit.

Usually I have muesli with natural yogurt and some toast but sometimes I have naughty doughnut and croissant as on the picture above :)

9:00

Getting ready for the day. Children learn best by copying others so we brush our teeth together and wash our faces. I would lie if I would call it proper brushing - he is still too little but I appreciate the effort! :)
Recently I am trying potty training so we stay for a while and try to befriend with potty.
We are dressing up and I do my basic make up (except of no make up days).

Sometimes I do my make up and still enjoy my coffee.

10:00 - 12:00

Morning activity. It varies depending from the weather, health conditions, mood etc.... Sometimes we stay at home and play with toys, sing songs, pretend we are animals in a jungle or any other silly games. Sometimes we go for a walk to park or to playgroup or soft play. It is important that this time should be active and full of fun, which makes him sleep much better during his nap.

12:00/12:30

Lunch. Little man likes pasta, couscous, rice with vegetables (carrots, peas, etc.) or with chicken. He also loves corn on the cob - never says no to that! :) Sometimes proper lunch is after he is back from his nap, depending if he had full breakfast or not.

This is what happens when you leave your child alone with food on table :)

12:30/13:00

Nap time! Happy time for me :)
My little man was never a good sleeper, so I cannot count for too long break. Sometimes is just 30 minutes, sometimes 1.5 hour. Sometimes he gets up after 45 minutes but still wants some more sleep so I help him to go back to sleep.
What I do during this blessed time :)? I browse Internet, watch TV, have a cup of tea or coffee, read books and usually start preparing dinner. I like to prepare dinner in advance, even if me or little man will eat it later as I don't know in what kind of mood my baby boy will get up and how much work will he let me do!

14:00/14:30

Nap is finished. I let my little man do whatever is he in mood for. Play, watch some TV. I am trying to reduce his time on tablet, so I hide it from him and give him to use it occasionally.
Sometimes we go for a walk or shopping.
At around 16:30 I give him some snack - usually fruit.

18:00/18:30

Dinner time! I try to give Little Man whatever I prepare for me and my hubby. I let him take as much time as he wants and just let him mess with the food.

19:30

Bath time and preparing for sleep. I will be honest and say I do not give Little Man bath every day. He has a bath twice a week (usually Tuesdays and Fridays). Other days I just wash his face, hands etc. However it depends how messy he was on the day. Again we brush our teeth same as in the morning. We put cream on his face and apply body lotion. Change him in his PJ and we snuggle in the bed for a while. I am trying to read books with him but it is not an easy task as he is very active baby and does not like to stay still in one place for long.

21:00

Time to sleep. The goal is to put my little man to sleep at this time, however sometime it takes longer than estimated :)

I usually go to bed at around 23:00.

This is how our average day looks like. If you are a mother please share if you want your daily routines as I am always curious how other mothers are copying and planning their days. If you are a new mum and feel lost with daily routine please do not worry and stress to much as you will sort this out soon and learn with experience. Every child and every family is different so every daily routine varies as well. We can check how others do it but have to find what works for us best.

Take care and see you soon!

Kc