Princess Road Trip

Last week I went up to visit my in laws. It was lovely to see everyone, they all loved seeing Princess Dotty and couldn't believe how big she's gotten. Just because we live far apart doesn't mean they should miss out on our princess growing up! Before I gave birth I always said I would visit even if my partner couldn't get time off work, it's only fair for PD to see all her family.

I arrived on Wednesday afternoon. A journey that was meant to take 2.45mins  took 4 hours! I had a screaming, teething Princess in the back of the car meaning I had to stop twice. Other than that the journey was good.  My MIL made me a roll as soon as I got there, I hadn't eaten since breakfast and it wad already 1.50pm.
Considering I don't see my in laws all that often I feel so comfortable  in their company, I feel like I can be myself around them and not have to try to impress them.

It was  a nice chilled evening and I was hoping Princess would show off how well she sleeps at night, she didn't! Fortunately no one was woken by her and I could settle her reasonably quick. This went for the next night too, I can only guess it was because she was teething and it kept waking her up.

Thursday we went to the Museum of Lincolnshire Life. There was great little play area for children in the centre and a café so you can get lunch.  It's only a small place but makes a great day out especially when they had a little crafts room. You could make clay pots, sweet necklaces, marzipan lollies and decorate biscuits. Once Princess is older this will definitely be a place I would go again!

It was only a short stay, Friday came and it was time to go home but before I did I went to Waitrose Café  with my MIL to meet her friend. Another new person for Princess to be introduced to, she's a very popular little girl and she's only 3months old. I had a really yummy gluten free cookie whilst I was there which I kept the packaging to. I want to see if I can get more, I haven't tasted a cookie that moist and tasty for a long while.

It was a lovely 3 days away and even though I wasn't nervous about going up alone, I was nervous about the drive as it was the first long one in my own with Princess on board but  I feel even more confident to go up again now.

Breastfeeding

During my pregnancy I always felt uncomfortable thinking about breastfeeding, I know its natural and that's what our boobs are there for but the thought of my baby being latched onto my nipple didn't sound nice. Despite my thoughts I have always said I would give it a go, breastmilk is best for my child. I had to think, if I am capable of breastfeeding what right do I have denying my daughter that milk... its made for her after all. Some may believe I do have a right to decide but all I can say is, my daughters start to life is more important than my thoughts.

Breastfeeding is hard! For the first 3 weeks your nipples burn, so much so that you dread the next feed. You want to cry just before the next feed because you know it's going to hurt, yet the pain is worth it because your little baby is getting the best. Yes in some ways breasfeeding is easier yet its not at the same time, you don't have to make up bottles but you can't share the feed so it's extremely tiring being up all day and all night. I understand why a lot of mothers decide to use formula, it is extremely difficult.

Only recently have I actually enjoyed feeding. It no longer hurts and I can confidently get my daughter to latch on. Yet the thought of feeding in public still makes me a little anxious. I feel like people are staring at me or muttering something to their friends. The more I feed in public the easier it has become, the people I thought were staring and talking about me are actually finding it lovely what I do, I just need to remember to look up and smile and they would smile back at me.
Feeding my little girl has become a special moment, a time we get to spend together. I'm so happy that I gave it a go and pushed through the hard weeks. I feel for all those that would love to but are unable to because it is such a beautiful thing.

My Second Best Buy!

Busy busy!

I haven't written for a week or two. Time seems to of just flown past and I've hardly had time to sit down and enjoy a little me time recently. I think with Princess teething it's made it very difficult, understandably she's become very clingy, wanting to be held and rocked all day.
Last week she had a good week, she was beginning to get settled again then the drooling and the rosie cheeks were back.

When I can get her to play it's brilliant, she really enjoys herself but for very short periods of time. I've noticed she hates laying down front or back. She wants to be in on what's going on. So sitting her up on my knee it is. The sling I have is perfect for when she tired I can tie her in and have both hands free to get on with things. But when it's a warm day or if she wants to look around, it's not so great!
I then remember a little seat my cousin had when her children were young. On to eBay I went and found myself a mamas and papas baby snug! I have to say it's the second best thing I have decided to purchase. Not only does she enjoy sitting in it and able to see everything going on, I can get so much done. What would normally take me all day or sometimes 3 days, has taken me half hour.
I managed to
-put some clothes on (yep, I just got out the shower and Princess needed me.. so other than underwear, clothes were out the question)
-put the TV on (surprisingly this took 10minutes, I'm looking after the dog at my parents, everything is so different to home)
- run water for washing up
-pulled the washing in
-put the washing out
-put a new load of washing on
-made a coffee

Ok it sounds like a really small list but for me, that's the most jobs I've managed to do in half hour for 11 weeks!

I know everyone says you can do the cleaning another day, but if you go by that saying then when does another day come... It doesn't. It just mounts up, to the point  you become irritable because you can't me a sandwich without putting your hand it spilt ketchup and having 6 days worth of washing up around you.

I can now clean up in the morning and have the rest of the day stress free playing and having cuddles. Perfect! (I never thought I would get so exciting over being able to do house work!!)

Princess Dotty- teething

Lots of cuddles!

This week you've been teething! At first I thought you were poorly but doing a little research and asking some advice I realised my first thoughts were incorrect.
I can turn away for 2 minutes and your whole outfit is wet from your dribble. You can't  stop sucking or having a chomp on anything. You've been irritable and very unsettled but with lots of singing a rocking both daddy and I have managed to put a smile on your face. 
If I could take the pain away I would, I'd grow your teeth for you so you didn't have the pain of them pushing through. Unfortunately  that's not possible so ill be here to give you cuddles and kisses.

Love you to the moon and back
Mummy
   xXx

Princess Dotty- Immunisations

Today you got your 8 week jabs. I must say I felt really mean, whilst I walked you in I was talking to you and you was smiling away back at me! You had no clue what was about to happen (which is a good thing really!) 

We went to see the doctor first and he was really happy with you, no problems so far. 

Then we went into see the nurses. Your first was a medicine, which was extremely funny to watch you taste. Your lips turned out and your whole body shivered as if you just had something really sour (although this was meant to be sweet). Next was your jabs, one in each thigh, fortunately there was 2 nurse which meant they could do them at same time. I watched and you flinched and a ear piercing cry 5 seconds later. 

You was such a brave girl, as soon as it was over I gave you a big cuddle. The only thing that comforted you though  was your dummy, that soon sent you off to sleep. 

Since your injections you have had a few cries (which I expected) and slept extremely well. You have a fever which I've given you some medicine for (that was sweet too, you decided to spit that all out! Maybe your like daddy and dislike sweet things) 

You're fast asleep in your cot now and I can't sleep, I laying awake just wanting to give you a cuddle and make the horrible fever go away. You did so well today! 

Now your first lot of immunisations are done it means you can go swimming *yay* I'm so excited! You seem to like bath time to let's hope you like the swimming pool just as much, if not more. 

I love you

To the moon and back

Mummy

   xXx

100 Days Of Happiness Challenge

Can I be happy for 100 days? 

Since Princess Dotty being born I've learnt that you can have very good days, which is most days. A lot of the time I feel great and everything has gone great throughout the day. Then there's bad days, sometimes you feel like curling up in a ball and not wanting to come out until things are better. It's very hard when you have those bad days to pull something good from it, so that's my challenge. 

For the next 100 days I'm going to post a picture on my Instagram @misschandlersworld 

Of things that make me happy that day.

So it starts today! Day 1, I went for a lovely evening walk. My mum suggested it as the sun was shining and it was still warm out. It was lovely to be out the house, stretching my legs, getting some fresh air and spending some time with my mum, partner and daughter... Oh and don't forget Kea the dog. 

Beautiful evening!