GRATITUDE

Having a little bubs in your life really puts a lot of things in perspective. We rush through life chasing goals and material things, constantly looking for something bigger and better, brighter and shinier. But a sweet, vulnerable, trusting baby shows the purity of how we all started, where having basic needs met and receiving attention and affection was enough to make us content. So...these are some simple blessings to be grateful for:

Small victories:
Whether it is getting a shower or making it through the day without tears, as a mommy you should celebrate these small triumphs. 

Your circle:
Your spouse, mom, BFF, neighbor or moms group who understands our frustrations, hug us when we have spitup on our clothes or bring us a chocolate after a trying day...thank you!

Favorite cuddles:
For that blankie or soft toy that soothes your bubs when nothing else will. 

Automation:
Keyless cars and automated doors are the worlds best invention when you are trying your best to manage a stroller, diaper bag and the groceries. 

Magic moments:
Those little moments where your little one looks at you and smiles. For giggles when you tickle his little feet. For their sweet, heavy breathing as they fall asleep on your chest. For that gorgeous scent of wash and lotion after bath time...these moments are magic...enjoy them!

ANVIL & I

I came across these gorgeous pendants during a midnight nursing session. I was looking for something with the initial "m" to celebrate the arrival of my son, Matthew. 

These heart pendants are available from Anvil & I through www.iheartthis.co.za. I ordered mine and a few days later a beautifully packaged necklace arrived. The silver chalks delicate and feminine and the initial is subtle yet perfect for anyone who is as sentimental as me... 

 The only problem now is convincing myself not to wear it for fear that Matthew, who is learning the strength of his hands and fingers, might pull on it too hard!

Visit their website for more gorgeous pieces: www.anvilandi.co.za

THEY JUST DONT FIT ANYMORE

One thing I have realized when it comes to baby clothes is: don't keep any outfit aside for a "special occasion "! 

Every day is a special occasion and your little one will grow so quickly that they may not even get a chance to wear that especially cute outfit even once! I found thIs out the hard way. The good news is at least the outfits are good enough to keep for the next one...wink, wink!

In an attempt to be productive during load-shedding we did a closet clear-out of all the little outfits that don't fit my little man anymore. I was astonished! I have also decided that all future baby showers I am giving larger sized items as everyone gives you the sweet little newborn and 0-3 month outfits but suddenly you get to 3 months and have to do a full shop for the basics again...not that shopping for my gorgeous guy is a bad thing... any excuse to spoil him!

THE GIFT THAT JUST KEEPS GIVING

A really good friend of mine is pregnant at the moment. I keep getting text messages like "now I know what you meant about the pelvic pain" or " You were right, it is freaky when your tummy touches your thighs when you sit!"

People don't talk about the not-so-pretty details of pregnancy...and there are a few. Obviously the good far outweighs the bad and the precious bundle that you get at the end makes it all worthwhile, but I thought I would list my top 5 side effects here:

1. Aching hips

Is hip pain keeping you up at night or preventing you from walking more than a few steps without pain? Yep, this is another common side effect of pregnancy that your girlfriends didn't warn you about. More common in the third trimester, hip pain is caused by relaxin, a hormone that prepares your body for delivery. Relaxin softens your joints and widens your hips in order to help Baby exit during delivery.

2. Bleeding and sore gums

Hormonal changes send extra blood flow to your gums, causing the, to swell and become painful. Keep brushing but brush gently and swop to a soft toothbrush.

3. A running nose

Tissue after tissue, you have a runny nose that just won't stop running! An increase in hormones can cause the inside of your nose to swell and the mucus there to thicken. The same hormone that helps relax and prepare your body for birth can also relax your sinuses, giving you a nose that constantly drips.  Nose bleeds can also occur so keep those tissues handy!

4.  You are glowing

Ahhh....not if your third trimester is during the hot seasons, then I'm afraid it is perspiration! And with a great big belly it means under your arms, between your legs, on your belly and your face and neck.  Your metabolism is in overdrive, and the extra blood pumping through you warms the skin...your body is simply cooling off..

5. Luscious locks

This one is for post pregnancy...the gift that keeps on giving. At around three months after giving birth my hair started falling ou. Now we are not talking big bald patches but we are also not talking one or two strands. We are talking the drain is blocked and the vacuum cleaner is clogged! Not much you can do here except sweep the floor regularly!

What were your most unexpected pregnancy side-effects?

Designer Wednesday : Valentine's Day Printables

It is the month of love and so, in celebration, and preparation,  I thought I would source some cute free Valentine's Day Printables.  Whether you whip up some cards for your kiddos to hand out or a card for your loved one you can make these adorable free Valentine's crafts yourself at home.

 

Cupids Arrow

Help cupid to hit his mark with these cute pencil Valentine's gifts from Muffin Grayson.

 

Click here to download

You're Just Plane CoolThese sweet Valentine planes won't soar too far, but you should have some fun with them!

Click here to download

Love Bug Valentine
Who knew creepy-crawlies could turn into something this cute!

Click here to download

You're No. 1 in My Book
These cute bookmarks make a great Valentine's gift.

Click here to download

You're some bunny special!
Have fun with these cute animal Valentine's cards, customizable in 20 different colours!

Click here to download

Mommy Monday : Antenatal Classes

I recently spent a Saturday at Sister Sonja Palframan's Antenatal course that she runs once a month from her home in Pietermaritzburg. If you are a first time mom, and PMB is within driving distance, this is an absolute must! Not only do you learn from Sonja and her guest speakers but you leave there with a sense of having a network of caring specialists that will help you through this exciting, exhilarating, and exhausting time ahead!

Antenatal classes can help you and your partner prepare for labour, birth and early parenthood. Sonja's class guides you through late pregnancy, labour and birth, and what life with a newborn will be like. She keeps her classes small and creates a relaxed, non-judgmental environment that encourages you to ask any question that is on your mind...

 Check with your medical aid as many of them cover an antenatal course for new mums.

Click here for Sonja's details

Designer Wednesday : Pregnancy Milestones

I cam across this gorgeous printable for all the moms-to-be on the Lovilee blog recently. The time goes so quickly and we forget the little things so this pregnancy milestone keepsake is just too lovely not to share....

All images & printables by Lieflingkind Design

Mommy Monday : What I'm Reading

I'm not sleeping terribly well at the moment. All good preparation for when baba arrives I guess! Reading a light, humorous book is just what the Dr ordered...and this is what I'm reading.

The Pi**ed-off Parents Club by Mink Elliot is a comical story of an overwhelmed first time mum, Roxy. She and her partner Jack have left London for a new life in the village of Riverside, with their ten-month-old daughter Joey. But their new house resembles a building site and Roxy is struggling to cope with parenthood. With no family or friends to turn to for help, Roxy sets up a club in order to meet like-minded parents, and so begins The Pissed-Off Parents Club.

Fashion Friday : Dune Purse

I have been needing a new purse for quite some time... My trusty, old, Woolworths purse finally started to fall apart after a good many years of service.

I found this Dune Kooper Zip Front Colour Block Purse in black and tan at Edgars.

It features a front ID display, zip pocket, central zipped coin compartment and multiple card slots. Purse size: 20cm x 12cm.

Fitness Thursday : Third Trimester

With only a few months left, your expanding belly may make it harder to move. That coupled with the familiar fatigue experienced in the first trimester, and even more frequent trips to the loo (as your baby presses down on your bladder) definitely puts a damper on your workout routine... but it doesn't mean you have to give up exercising. Do what you can and do what feels good. Take long walks, hit a yoga class, and go for a light swim to keep your muscles and mind strong.

I am into the final stretch with only a couple of weeks to go and whilst I have had to adapt my yoga practice I still feel challenged and energised after my workout routine. Be mindful of your body and pace yourself. Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water after your class. Relax and breathe...