A is for... | 5 things I've learnt raising a child with Autism

It's almost a year since George was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. It's been a roller coaster of emotions, with George starting full time school in September being the most emotional of all, but I can certainly say I've learnt a lot from it.

Freddie Turns One

So this time last year (as I'm writing this) I was 4 days from my due date, chilling on the sofa watching Call the Midwife with no doubt a cuppa tea and countless snacks in hand. I'd had a busy day manically cleaning the house (aka nesting) and was blissfully unaware of the fact we were only hours away from meeting our brand new bundle.

Freddie's 6 Month Update

So it seems the last time I featured my Sons on my blog was back in February when I made Freddie's birth announcment and wrote my labour and delivery story. How awful of me! I hate to sound like such a cliché, but honestly, time has flown ridiculously fast and he's now 6 months old and has changed SO much from that little bundle we brought home in February! I wanted to do a little post just to update you all on his progress and show you all what an adorable little boy he's turning into! #soppypostalert

3 months

Character - Where do I start? Well I'll start by saying what a healthy, happy little baby he is. He's seriously such a joy to have and look after (which is a God send considering I currently also have a potty training George to contend with). He smiles pretty much all the time at anyone who gives him an ounce of attention. He just absolutely loves social interaction and is at his happiest when he's sat in a room full of people with all eyes on him. He loves children the most though; his eyes light up when George goes near him and I can tell all he wants to do is get down and dirty with George and his toys. George being a toddler on a mission doesn't really bother with him, but it's so cute to watch how much Freddie already adores his big brother! I'd say he's been smiling since about 6 weeks and had his first proper giggle (which I missed), at 3.5 months. He's so funny now, he's really found his voice and does this adorable high pitched squeal when we're out in public. Much to the amusement of everyone around.

3 months

Physical - It's safe to say he is dying to get on the move. He can sit unsupported for a minute or so, but if he's supported he'll happily sit and play with whatever he can get his hands on. It's so cute to watch him reach out for his little toys and gum them to within an inch of their lives. He's been rolling over for a couple of months and there's absolutely no stopping him now. He won't lay on his back for more than 10 seconds before he's over onto his front nosing around. He will get sick after a while and gets quite frustrated that he hasn't worked out how to roll back yet. He doesnt get onto all fours in the crawling position yet, but he'll use objects to push/pull himself into the direction he wants to be, so I reckon it won't be long until he figures out how to get on the move.

4 months

Sleeping - I really don't wanna be one of those 'rubbing it in your face' type of Mums who go on about how their baby has slept through the night since birth, but I just wanna be honest with his update. He's always been a good sleeper through the night and probably started sleeping through at about 8 weeks (absolute heaven not having to get up to do night feeds at 3am). He usually sleeps all night from around 7-7.30 but I do have to get up once or twice to him just to put his dummy back in. In terms of naps, he's such a light sleeper so every day is different depending on what we're doing. If we're at home all day, he'll have a morning nap at 10ish for around an hour or so in his cot, and then again at around 2pm for an hour or so. If we're out and about during the day he will only have the odd 10 minute nap, so by teatime he's usually past himself and has a cheeky little nap before his bath which does throw his routine out a bit but hey, if he wants to sleep I'm not gonna stop him! lol

6 months

Eating - So since he was a few days old, he's been bottle fed (on Aptamil) as we had some troubles with breastfeeding and tongue tie etc which I won't go into. He currently has 4 x 8oz bottles a day and now that he's 6 months he's able to eat solid foods. This is probably the biggest step in his development so far. Before he turned 6 months, I'd tried him on some baby rice and porridge etc which he loved, but I really wanted to try baby led weaning this time around. (BLW is when you skip pureed foods and simply give baby whatever you're eating but in finger food form - minus salt and sugar etc). This week I've given him toast, banana, carrots, brocolli and sweet potato - all of which he absolutely loved. I'm a bit of a nervous wreck still though, as I'm so scared he'll choke, but I've got lots of friends who've gone down this weaning route and have reassured me that gagging is all part of the learning process and is completely different to choking. I'm sure I'll relax as time goes on and I'm so excited to start his solid food journey.

So that's it. I'd love to hear your baby stories, especially if you also went down the BLW route and have any helpful advice or tips. 

Here's to the next 6 months...

George Aged 2 years 8 months
Freddie aged 3 months

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My Labour & Delivery Story: Introducing Freddie Joseph Thompson

It's a BOY!!!

If you're a regular reader of my blog, you'll know we've been patiently awaiting the arrival of our second baby. Well I can now happily announce that our yellow bump turned blue and he's absolutely P E R F E C T! 

Freddie Joseph Thompson arrived on Wednesday 25th February 2015 at 5:06am after an amazingly quick labour and delivery. He weighed a very healthy 8lbs 6oz. Just like his big brother, he was a very kind 3 days early. I would hate to go overdue and I really feel for ladies who do. Those last few weeks are such a drag! Words cannot describe the love I have for this little boy. You think you can't love anything or anyone as much as you do your first born, but the as soon as I laid eyes on Freddie that same love just hit me. I can't believe he's here and how lucky I am to have 2 beautiful sons.

Labour & Delivery Story

Due Date: 28th February 2015

Arrived: 25th February 2015

Don't worry, I won't go into graphic detail!

On the Tuesday (24th) I went about my normal day to day activities; I went to the shops with George, came home and cleaned my house from top to bottom with the help of my Mam (thanks Ma). Clearly I was nesting, I should have known then that he was gonna make an appearance very soon. We had a pretty normal evening; had tea, baths, put George to bed etc. and I settled down with an episode of Call The Midwife (lol) whilst Martin watched the football. It wasn't until I was ready for bed that the pains started. Typical, I know. The exact same thing happened with George. Your body waits until you're completely settled and ready for a good night's sleep and then BAM.

So it was around 11pm when I started getting strong braxton hicks contractions. I'd been having them pretty regular towards the end of my pregnancy, but these ones started getting that little bit more uncomfortable. I didn't wanna get my hopes up that they were anything significant so we went upto bed. By about 11.30pm the pains started getting stronger and more regular. I did start to think this was the real thing, so I took some paracetamol in the hope that I could get a couple of hours sleep. By Midnight they were getting stronger and seemed to be regular and I realised I wasn't getting any sleep so we both got up and went downstairs.  Martin made me a cup of tea and I had a good bounce on the birthing ball as it seemed to help with the pain. At this point the pains were getting seriously intense and regular. I downloaded a contraction timer and began timing each contraction. It was crazy how fast things got moving, as around 1.30am the contractions were coming every 2-3 minutes and lasting around 40/50 seconds. This, compared to my last labour was just ridiculously fast. It felt like my body didn't have time to get used to the contractions as they just hit me like a tonne of bricks. I tried to tell myself that I could cope a little bit longer as I didn't wanna go into hospital too soon only to be sent home again like I did last time so Martin ran me a bath at about 2am and I sat in there for 20 minutes. It seemed to help a little bit but I still felt as though I was losing control a little bit. When I got out of the bath we rang the hospital and told them how far apart the contractions were and they told us to come in right away. Martin got on the phone to his Mam (bless her), who had said she would be on call incase we needed her during the night as we had George and Martin's older 2 children in bed. She arrived at around 2.40am and we set off for the hospital straight away.

When we arrived at the hospital (around 2.50am) I was really struggling with the pain. Luckily we passed a couple of nurses on the way in who offered me a wheelchair and helped us up to the delivery suite. When I got up there I was greeted by my midwife (who was amazing by the way), and she took us into our room. After a couple of horrific contractions which resulted in me being on my knees by the bedside, I managed to climb up onto the bed so she could examine me. To our huge surprise, she informed me I was already 8/9cm dilated. I could not believe it! I was shocked but absolutely amazed and slightly proud that I'd managed to get that far at home. I was given gas and air and she told me that my waters would probably break within the next hour or so - but they didn't. She asked if I'd like her to break my waters and I immediately said yes as I just wanted to get things going and moving as quick as possible. Gas and air is the strangest feeling ever, I definitely find it helps through the contractions, but it does leave you feeling slightly drunk/woozy so I don't like to overdo it. Once my waters had broken, things began to really get serious. The pains got so much worse but I was coping (just about) with the gas and air. Martin was so good with me, giving me water through a straw and holding my hand through each contraction. I did think I was losing it at one point, but Martin and my midwife were so good and reassured me that I was doing brilliantly. By around 4.30am I felt the urge to push. I'm not gonna lie, it was complete agony, but with their help I got through it. It's amazing what the body can do. It takes over and you've got no choice but to go with it. For the last couple of contractions my midwife took the gas and air from me and told me to put my all in. At 5:06am, after a few screams/grunts, Freddie entered the world. I know it's a cliché and people always say it, but the pain instantly disappeared. It's the most amazing feeling of relief when the body plops out (lol). Martin got the wonderful job of telling me we had a beautiful baby boy, as well as cutting the cord. He looked slightly grey/purple when he first came out but apparently that's normal and he soon gained colour. He had a good set of lungs on him and had a good scream on my chest whilst the midwife dealt with my placenta and paperwork etc. After a long cuddle and some skin to skin, he was weighed and wrapped up for a cuddle with Daddy.

I definitely think this labour was more painful than last time, but I dunno if it's because last time was 26hours so my body had time to adjust to the pains, or that I've just forgot how bad it was, ha. All I can say is that it all is forgiven. Freddie - you were completely worth it.

I can't even tell you all how smitten I am. I can't believe how much I love this little person. Like I said, I never thought it was possible to love anyone as much as I love George, but it is 100% possible. It's instant. I'm so happy with my family right now. George has taken to his new little brother like he was always here. - he doesn't really make a fuss of him but does find it funny when he cries. I don't think it's affected him that much apart from being slightly clingier towards me, which I think is only natural when he's used to having me all to himself.

I'm sure you'll be seeing a lot more of my 2 boys if you follow me on Instagram, and I'm hoping to include a lot more parenting/lifestyle posts on here. I hope you enjoyed this very wordy post, and hope my quick labour story has given hope to all you second time Mums who had a long first labour.

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George's New Toddler Bedroom

So if you're a regular reader of my blog, you'll know that I'm currently 37 weeks pregnant with my 2nd baby. George (our first), is now almost 2 and a half, and in preparation for the new baby coming, we've been through the process of moving him out of the nursery and into his new 'big boy' bedroom, as well as making the transition from cotbed into a full sized single bed with a bed guard. I swear I've been more anxious about this than actually having another baby. He used to be such a good sleeper, and he'd be happy to go for both afternoon naps and bedtime without an ounce of fuss or bother. Then Christmas hit and BAM. I dunno if it was the fact that Christmas was hectic and his routine changed a little, or it was just a coincidence, but since then he has just been an absolute nightmare. HATES bedtime and instantly climbs straight out and stands at the gate screaming. This meant that naptimes has completely gone out of the window and he's extra tired/crabby once bedtime comes. We've been managing to get him to settle pretty quickly if we sit on the floor by his bed until he fell asleep (5-10 minutes), but I was really worried about how the change into a new bedroom AND new bed was going to affect him.

Anyway, the bedroom is now all finished and we made the move on Wednesday night. It went so much better than expected and he slept all night without a peep. I wanted to show you all some of the new bits we got and how we decided to decorate it. (Obviously we have a bedguard on the bed now, but when I took the photos it was still on his toddler bed in the other bedroom).

After searching and searching for some white furniture that will be big enough for when he grows and gets more stuff, we finally decided on the Ikea Brimnes 2 Door Wardrobe with the Brimnes Chest of 4 Drawers to match. I absolutely love them, they're solid, they look really nice and the drawers are absolutely HUGE.

We wanted to go for darker curtains so that it will be easier for him to settle in the summer when the nights are lighter, plus I like the contrast with the dark curtains against the walls and the white furniture. We went for these cute little Space Curtains from Asda. I wanted to choose a different bedding set to the curtains as I didn't want it to be too dark, plus I don't like matching with curtains as it means you're stuck to just the one set. I went for this Bright Monster Set from Bluezoo at Debenhams which were also half price in the sale - bonus! This Lillabo Rug (again, Ikea) is perfect for his little cars and trucks and I think it fits just right between his bed and furniture.

After stalking Pinterest for toddler bedroom ideas, I had my heart set on using these Ikea Bekvam Spice Racks as bookshelves for some of George's little books. I'm so glad I did. I'm really happy with them and it means he can easily choose a bedtime story himself every night.

My parents got him this adorable space tent (from Aldi) for Christmas which he absolutely loves playing in, so I thought it had to go up in the corner of his bedroom as a permanent fixture.

I thought I'd put some of his extra special bits and pieces from his Birth and Christening on the top of his drawers (where he can't reach) as I think they look lovely and I didn't want them stuck in bags and boxes.

So that's it, I'm really pleased with it and so glad it's finally done. Now onto sorting out the nursery ready for the baby! Eeek!

 
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Packing my Hospital Bag | Checklist

With just 4 weeks left until baby number 2 is due, I thought it was about time I packed my hospital bag. Next week I'll be 37 weeks, which means baby is considered 'Full Term' and I could go into labour at any time. Dark & difficult times lie ahead (Harry Potter reference for those who don't know, lol). Having done this before, I can almost remember the main things I really needed/used when at the hospital, and with a little help from Pinterest to rejog the old memory, I've managed to compile a checklist of the things that really do come in handy when going into hospital.

For Mum to Wear

• An old nightie to give birth in. Last time I bought a new one and it got covered in blood and all sorts of other pleasant bodily fluids, and I ended up just binning it as soon as I got a shower.
• Pyjamas for after you're all clean. Preferably dark ones to hide any mishaps. A button down pyjama top will also help if you're planning on breastfeeding.
• Slippers - just because everyone loves a nice comfy pair of slippers to walk around in.
• Dressing gown - maybe not a necessity for some people but I couldn't do without mine.
• 1 or 2 nursing bras (again, only essential if you're planning on breastfeeding, and even then you might just be comfortable in just pyjamas. I probably will be lol).
• Disposable maternity briefs - I found these really handy last time, as they're mahoosive enough to hold those ridiculous maternity pads, and you don't have to worry about stashing loads of dirty knickers in your bag when you need a change. These ones from Asda are cheap.
• Some big comfy knickers - for if/when you run out of disposable ones, or if you want something a bit comfier.

Essentials

• LIP BALM LIP BALM LIP BALM!! I know I sound like a crazed lip balm freak. I am to an extent, as I can't go to bed without it at home, but during labour your lips can get seriously dry, which is why lip balm is an absolute essential for your hospital bag.
• Nipple Cream. This, again, depends on whether you plan on breast/bottle feeding, and it also depends on how long you stay in the hospital. If you're in and out within 24 hours, then it can probably wait at home, but you never know so I'd rather be safe than sorry.
• A hair bobble. Seriously, nobody wants their hair in their face when they're in labour.
• A handy travel mirror. Thank me later.
• Maternity Pads. Yep, those beasts. Normal pads just won't do it at first. You'll bleed the biggest period of your life for a good few weeks. (I did anyway).
• Toothbrush/toothpaste - obviously.
• Small makeup bag with the basics in. You might wanna make yourself look awake/alive for your visitors.
• Toiletries. This is where I save a bit of space. I bought the Badedas 3 in 1 Revitalising Shower Gel, Shampoo & Conditioner, which should do the job in the shower until I get home. I have a big bottle of the Original Badedas Bath Gelee for when I get home, too. Badedas is absolutely amazing on the lady area, especially if you have stitches. It really helped soothe my stitches when I had George.
• Tissues - for the weepy moments, and everything else in between.
• Face Wipes & Moisturiser
• Hair Brush
• A couple of towels, I don't know if all hospitals are the same, but mine advises to bring your own towels.

Essentials for Baby

• Nappies & Wipes. Clearly the biggest essentials going.
• 4 or 5 vests
• 4 or 5 babygrows/sleepsuits
• A swaddle blanket. I didn't take a proper swaddling blanket last time, but I wish I had as newborns love to feel safe and secure in a swaddle.
• Snowsuit for going home in.
• A warm cosy blanket.
• Hat/mittens for if the hospital room is cold.
• Nappy cream suitable for the delicate newborn skin. I've gone for this one.
• Muslin Cloths - just so handy with newborns.

Extras for Mum/Dad

• Bottled Water. I know you can get cups of water in the hospital but bottles are always handy to have on hand.
• Mobile phone & charger.
• Spare change / money. For things like the tv, vending machines, tea/coffee etc.
• Energising snacks (cereal bars are handy for both Mum and Dad).
• Camera
• Tablet, magazines. To keep yourself sane if you stay in hospital a while.
• Maternity file (notes).

So there we have it. I hope this list helps new mums in the future. No doubt I'll have forgotten something SUPER important. If anyone has any other hints or tips please feel free to let me know. I've got most of the essentials now so I'm pretty much ready if the baby decides to make an early appearance. 

Good luck to all those getting ready for labour, it's the scariest, most exciting time in the world and I can't wait to do it all over again.

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A Little Newborn Haul

Just over 4 weeks to go guyyys! With this being my 2nd baby and not finding out the sex for either of them, I didn't really need to buy anything new this time around, as all of the newborn things I had for George are neutral and immaculate (they grow too fast). Having said that, it's pretty much impossible to not buy at least a few new things. I (well to be fair my Mam paid for most of these - thanks Maaa) picked up a few things that I thought that I did 'need' aswell as a few other adorable bits that I couldn't leave behind.

First up is Swaddling Wraps as I really wanted some of these this time around. I didn't use them last time and I really wish I had looking back. I've read so much about how effective they are in keeping baby settled for longer as they don't wake themselves up with their startle reflex. George was quite an unsettled newborn so I'm hoping these help this time around. I got the GroSwaddle Jungle Friends Wrap in the sale section in Boots for a mere £6.25. Then we were browsing Mamas and Papas and came across their Swaddle Wrap & Swaddle Shell both with 10% off so we grabbed them.

Ok so the next thing technically isn't for a newborn as I picked up the 6-18 month size, but I included it anyway as I got it at the same time as everything else. Baby sleeping bags are so handy and George slept in them every night until he was about 1. They are so much safer than duvets, and this one was reduced from £36 down to just £10.50 - bargain! I got the bigger size as I have a few smaller ones already and the baby will be hopefully sleeping swaddled for the first few months anyway. Whilst we were in Mama's and Papa's we also came across the most adorable, geeky looking chime toy and we couldn't leave him behind (Ma insisted, lol). He was £12 but with a massive 70% off so he came home with us.

The next thing was just too cute to leave behind. George at Asda do a few newborn starter sets, and I thought this would be perfect to take in the hospital bag as the first little outfit. It comes with a sleepsuit, a t-shirt, leggings, a vest, a bib, scratch mits and a hat. Loving the neutral colours and the little button pattern too!

To complete my little haul, I picked up some new cotbed sheets for when baby moves into the cot, aswell as the most adorable cosy fleece blanket from TK Maxx. It will be perfect for the pram and carseat when we're out and about.

So there you go, sorry if my going on about newborn/pregnancy stuff bores you. I just like to include lifestyle posts in my blog aswell, and as having a baby is pretty much the biggest lifestyle event, I couldn't leave it out, could I?

Much love,

  
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34 Week Pregnancy Update

Hi beauties. I'm back again to check in with a long overdue pregnancy update! My last update was at 25 weeks, and I'm now at 34+5 and feeling like an absolute whale! I can't believe how quickly this pregnancy has gone, and I'm starting to really panic fret about the fact that this baby could potentially come within the next few weeks and I've still got so much to sort out.

How I've Been Feeling

Warning: moaner alert! Well last time I was saying how wonderful I'd been feeling (the wonders of the 2nd trimester), but now I'm really starting to feel big and pregnant. I've been getting a lot of Braxton Hicks contractions, which I remember getting a lot last time. They don't really hurt, but my whole bump goes rock solid and it feels really uncomfortable for about 30 seconds or so. Also, I ache everywhere, I can't for the life of me get comfortable in any position and my mind is in constant overdrive about everything I need/want to do before the baby comes. Wanna see my hefty list? Well we've gotta... 

• Sort George's new bedroom out. (it's just been painted etc - thanks Hubby).
• Get his new wardrobes & drawers built (another task for Martin) & organise his clothes into there. 
• Move George into his new room and into his big boy's bed (God help us, thats a major task in itself).
• Get all of his newborn baby clothes out, sort through the unisex (white and neutral) baby grows, wash them and organise them.
• Sort out the nursery ready for the new bambino.
• Buy maternity/hospital stuff.
• Pack hospital bag

Not much at all! ARGHHH

Cravings/food aversions? 

None really.

Bump

I swear I must have doubled in size at the weekend. I could even feel myself stretching on Sunday, ouchie! I've got a few more stretchmarks this week that Hubby kindly pointed out! Not happy, but what can you do? I'll just have to work on reducing their appearance once my body is back to normal. This baby is growing at the speed of light and my body is trying hard to keep up. I feel like Bella Swan!!

Baby

I had my 34 week appointment yesterday and she said I was measuring perfectly for 34 weeks which is great news. She said it was a nice healthy heartbeat, and the baby's head is in the down position but still free, which means it hasn't descended down into the pelvis yet. Phew! 

According to Baby Centre, my baby now weighs more then 2.2kg and is approximately 45cm from top to toe! Awwww. I still find it baffling how a human can carry a fully grown baby. Mother Nature at her absolute finest!

Next Appointment

In 2 weeks time when I'll be 36+5

Much love. We'll be back for a final update before baby is born (hopefully) x

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