The Weekend - A Special Time

Our Lovely readers

I'm not going to lie I do like the weekend, I do look forward too it. Don't get me wrong I love the weeks with my girls but, there is just something about the weekend when Toms home and we are all together.

I suppose some of  it is relief, it gets tiring during the week, running around after two littlens all day, that's to be expected. I know when Toms home I can share the load....sometimes. There is nothing more aggravating than when I ask  him to do something like change a nappy or make a bottle and he says 'cant you do it'.... I'm sorry what?? I have been doing this all week, I have changed more pooey nappies than I have had hot dinners, I could of bathed in the amount sick that has been produced, I've nearly broke my ankle about 50 times on about 50 different types of toys, I've made so much food I could have fed the army and about 6 world wars have broke out between me and a 4 year old..(this is all in one week) and you want me to change yet another dirty nappy and make another bottle. By this time I have practically turned green like the hulk. So I tell him no I can't 'do it' this is your time daddy boy, your time to be mummy. I would like to tell you this works. But it don't. With all my annoyance I end up caving.. I really need to work on that haha. But no he is really good, he only says that about once a weekend. Other than that I am really lucky and on the weekends I do get a rest. He cooks, amuses the children and does a few nappies and bottles. This weekend I have been really fortunate in him cleaning too!

I also overly enjoy the weekends for family time...this is the main reason for my excitement. We love to do things as a family on the weekends, nothing expensive just quality time. This would be anything from activities at home, to going to the park, to play centres, to picnics or even going to see grandparents. I think family time is very important it keeps you connected and as a unit. I enjoy seeing the girls spend time with daddy, the smile on their faces melts my heart and to be honest nothing will beat that feeling.

To some the weekend is just the weekend. But to me, to us its so much more. Its memories, its my girls childhood, its the only two days a week both parents  are together with them. Its the only two nights, me and Tom can stay up a bit later and spend some quality time together.

All in all my personal definition  of the weekend is - The time of the week for relaxation, family madness, and happy days with a special sprinkling of bonding and memory creating.

I know some of you may find this post boring or irrelevant, but I felt I needed to share what the weekend means to me, so often we go 'thank god its the weekend' but why? Why do we think that? what does the weekend mean to you?


LotsOfLove
Beth...xxx

October Adventures

Most bloggers would of got this post up before or on the first day of October but I didn't even realise it was October til a few minutes ago. When you don't have a strict day to day routine and restricted to doing normal stuff, it does make it very easy to forget what time, date and even month it is.



Myself & Ava.. My fave picture taken in September :)

First of all how the hell is it October yet? I do love this time of year as I am a proper winter girl. I love all the warm clothes, cosy darks nights in and all the activities around Autumn makes me feel a lot happier than the summer does. Usually for this time of year the weather would actually be cold but weirdly it is a lot warmer than it used to me. So my coat, Chelsea boots and jumpers are on hold for now. I have a few things to be excited for this month and it is also Bethany's birthday on 26th October so we have some things planned.

For Beth's birthday pressie I booked for me, Beth, Tommy and the girls to go to Harry Potter Tour on 25th October so a day before her birthday. Beth loves Harry Potter and I wanted to get her something that we all could do and also Ava is really looking forward to it so I am glad I booked it as not only will Beth have a good birthday but Ava will have fun aswel. I plan on going to Essex and be with Beth for her birthday So I think I am going on the 23rd Oct which is a Friday and on the Saturday West Ham V Chelsea play aka Beth V Me hahah, Sunday Harry Potter Day and On the Monday is Beth's birthday. Beth made a lot of effort and really made me special on my birthday this year so I want to be able to at least my her day special as she does deserve it. That is really it for activities wise but that is just about enough I can handle at the moment with my illnesses.

Health wise I have a few apps this month starting with Doctors next week and hopefully gastro specialist ASAP as I'm having a bad time with my Colitis which more and more each day is effecting more of my life. I have started some therapy in the past few days so touch wood that helps me. I had a bad experience with panic attacks the other week which has set of my fear of travelling/trains again so I need to remind myself that I have got over that fear once and I can do it again. Last week while I was in Essex I went two days without my Antidepressants as I didn't bring spare... and it wasn't time I got home that I realised how low I became during those two days. I couldn't sleep much because of my pain but I felt like there was a black cloud over me stopping me to think positive and happy.. soon as I got home I took my daily dose of medication and I felt a lot better which made me realise how much the Antidepressants are actually working.

I have written out my to do list which might not be as exciting as others but having daily things that are written out on a list in front of me to see does help abit. I have always been a list writer but since being ill I have found that it helps by writing what you have to do that week without overdoing it. This month I have to get a few more pressies for certain people and also the girls birthday pressies. I have got quite a lot for the girls but as it is both of their birthdays in December aswel as Christmas it means I just buy pressies then I will split in half so half for Birthday and half for Christmas. I'm pretty sure most peoples to do list are way more exciting than mine hahahah. On Monday on my to do list was.. Wash my make up brushes, back up iPhone (its sent to be repaired), wash hair and have shower... Okay that might seem silly but I'm having a bad flare up with my Colitis and pain with my back and joints and having bad fatigue so those simple tasks did take me all day.

What are you all up to in October? Hopefully I can get a lot more blog posts up this month :)

Love Katie xx

Katies Health : Pushing Your Limits

Auntie & Niece Selfie

On 14th September I went to Essex to stay with Bethany for a week but that week turned into two weeks which I had the most amazing time but I pushed my limits in terms of my health. I didn't plan to go for two weeks so I only took enough tablets for a week with an extra few days of spare meds but I thought I would be okay without a few meds for few days but how wrong was I. Looking back I should of went to a walk in centre/hospital in Essex to get my medication but I didn't really think and was in a little bubble. When you have a chronic illness you try so hard for it not to rule your life but it does without you even realising and it is so out of your control.

I came home on 25th September and the train journey home was a nightmare and totally made me panic which I didn't have any medication for my panic attacks so I was literally alone trying to calm down with the help of texting Beth. I have no idea what I was sending to Beth or if it made any sense to be honest but she was doing her best in calming me down via imessage. Once I got some food and drink and got onto the train to Windsor I felt abit calm but the panic didn't really go. I was in pain with back, stomach cramps and as I am in a bad flare up at the moment I was constantly worrying how I was going to go to the toilet with all my bags and suitcase I had. I felt so alone, empty and scared. Alone that I didn't have any medication with me and that when it kicked in that my illnesses are controlling my life and I cannot do much about it at the moment.

With the constant toilet trips with diarrhoea, mucus and blood it makes me so exhausted, the lack of sleep due to back pains and then depression making everyday stuff feel worse than it probably is. My day to day routine is I get up early take my medication have breakfast and get ready like every other person but difference is after than I am exhausted I have no energy left and I don't really feel awake. The first week in Essex I was totally okay, I was eating the foods I am meant to be and I was sleeping good. Yes I was on toilet lots and in ALOT of pain but I was coping good with it but the second week totally knocked me for six. Beth and Tommy asked if I would like to stay for another week and I instantly said yes as I love being with my brother, Bethany and nieces. I hardly slept much in the second week, I was going from Ava's bed to the sofa to Beth parents bed (her parents were away on holiday, I was relying a lot on hot water bottles, gel for my back and what I had left of my medication but nothing was touching the pain. Two days with no medication apart from cocodamol which were the lowest dose literally broken me. When I got back home on Friday afternoon I went and took tramadol ASAP, laid in bed and took my usual meds and I felt abit better.

Basically these past two weeks was a massive learning curve. To never EVER go without my medications and ALWAYS take the box of meds instead of in the pill box. I think people just think Colitis symptoms are just belly related but its the fatigue and pain that make this illness so hard to do normal day to day stuff. Let alone the side effects from the medication I take which constantly leaves me feeling sick and lightheaded ect.

Apart from all that above, I did literally have the best time with Bethany and my Nieces. We all spent lovely quality time together. We baked cakes at 7am, took and picked up Ava from school, watched Celebrity Big Brother together, became obsessed with Desperate Housewives box set on sky, Costa/Tesco trips and much more fun. We all get on so much and constantly are laughing. The next time we get to spend together is in an months time when it is Bethany's Birthday and we are off to Harry Potter Tour woooo.

Has anyone with a Chronic Illness or Colitis got any tips on how to cope when you're away from home? Let me know :)

Love Katie x

What Motivates/Inspires Me?

Myself.

I have always struggled with not being very motivated and it takes a lot for something/someone to inspire me. In the last two years I have been making some changes and making myself get better at this. Having two Chronic Illnesses has made me feel very low, depressed and bad anxiety which makes me not motivated or want to do anything ect. Having pain constantly and the side effects from my medication means I'm either feeling out of it, sleepy, sick or headache and that just makes me feel crap if I am totally honest. Naturally when your life isn't going well, people are less motivated so I know I am not the only person but I've learnt to make the most of life so here are four people who motivate me.. 

1. Beth/Mother
Beth is my sister in law, best friend and basically my therapist and my Mother is my best friend as well so they both are the people I need to be around when I'm depressed. Seeing them both not having good luck/illnesses ect but seeing them both carry on and never moaning generally inspires me. My Mother brought me and my Brother up alone and Bethany brought up Ava for two years of her life and done a amazing job as Ava is the most polite amazing little girl, so if they can carry on, keep smiling. never moaning and still both look out for me and make sure I am okay each day then pretty much anyone can be happy. They both make the most of everyday and that alone makes me think I can carry on as they both do if that makes sense. 

2. My Brother
Our Father left when we was very small so basically I have never had an Father figure in my life. My Father was around and we saw him maybe twice a year but I've never had that daughter/dad bond with him. Tommy (my Brother) is 13 months younger than me but because we are close of age I have always looked up to Tommy. He has always been the man of our household and he helps me and My mother so much. I know if I'm ever sad ect that I have got Tommy who gives me tough love but that works. Seeing him working since he was 16 years old, paying his way, having two kids, a wife to be, supporting and providing for his family and being the perfect Daddy makes me sooooo proud and happy and that alone motivates me a lot. I want to make Tommy proud and I would love for him to be an Uncle if I ever had kids. 

3. My Nieces 
These two girls have literally no idea how much they have both changed my life. Ava Lily and Bella Mai make me so proud and being around them is my happy place. Spending the weekend with them in Essex is like a dream if that makes sense because I don't see them much so I make the most of the time when I see them. Ava Lily is my little best friend and she is so grown up but still gives me the most best cuddles ever. Bella Mai is so tiny and beautiful and she melts my heart each time I see her doing something new. I know Ava looks up to me and Bella will so that makes me want to make something out of my life so they are looking up to someone who they inspire/want to be. Although Ava wants to be a Plumber like her daddy haha. Whenever I get low and into a depressed state, I think of these two and that instantly gives me a kick up the but. 

I have some tips which help me. They might be small little things but they mean so much. 

1. Photos/Photo album
For my birthday Bethany done me an photo album with pictures full of my Nieces, Tommy and Beth which is the most thoughtful gift I have ever received. I keep the photo album on display and when I feel crap, no motivation and low I simply get the album and look through it and this totally makes a difference. I also have a few photos in a frame in my bedroom which helps. 

2. Get Writing/Lists 
I have always been an list writer. I have to do "to do" list pretty much for each week ahead/when I go away ect. Writing a list really helps as to have a piece of paper in front of you to remind you of what you need to do does make you do them but don't put too much pressure on yourself! If you haven't completed any takes that day or week then seriously don't worry. when I do a task I need to do and I tick them of my list it does make me motivated. 

3. Blogging 
Although I need a lot of motivation to be able to sit down and write a post but when I finally start writing a post, it does make me want to write more and gives me a lot inspiration. So although it takes time to kick your ass into gear to actually sit down and type but once I'm on Blogger I feel extremely motivated. 

4. Little Steps/Start Small
Don't put too much pressure on yourself when you're really struggling to get motivated. I used to totally do this and I found it to just make things thousands times worse. Since being ill, I have taken a different approach to life. If I don't complete a task/chore/a blog post ect then I simply just say to myself that there is always tomorrow or another day that it can be completed. Life is too short to beat yourself up over small things that really don't matter. Being motivated is obviously a amazing feeling but let be honest just being alive and breathing is what really matters. 

So there are my four people and four tips that help me. I'm not saying I am always motivated because trust me I still get days and even weeks that I struggle a lot with being inspired ect but these people and tips have made a massive difference to my life. Just remember to not put too much pressure on yourself or other people, to be less stressed as possible, be happy and never forget to look after yourself. Being ill has changed me totally but for the better. If any of you have any other tips that help you then please feel free to tweet, Instagram or leave a comment on the blog :) 

Love Katie 
xx 

Preparing For Family Wedding

Once again we are so sorry we haven't posted a blog in weeks. We knew May was going to be a busy month but I don't think we really knew how busy it would be. Now everything is all over and done with and we can finally have a less busy month in June. Last weekend was Beth's Sister Wedding on 23th May but it was all go go on 27th May. I traveled down to Essex on the Thursday (23rd) and Beth, Bella & Ava was there at the Station to get me then we got taxi back to Beth's and soon as I unpacked it was manic. Myself, Beth, Beth's Sister and Mother had a spray tan that evening, then the girls went to bed, Tommy came home, we had dinner and then went to Beth's bedroom to watch TV then we had an early night as Friday was another jammed packed.  

Myself and Bethany enjoying a Costa

So on Friday Tommy was working so it was just myself, Beth and the girls and we went to Lakeside for the day. It was the first time that us girls had a full day to do what we want on a weekday and it was an amazing day. First of all we meet up with Beth's Mother and Sister as her sister needed last min wedding items so Beth went and helped them in Debenhams so myself, Bella and Ava walked around and done some shopping. Once Beth sister was all sorted myself, Beth and the girls went off to do our own shopping then we went and had lunch then to the Disney store as I promised Ava then obviously we went to Primark as who can't do a Primark shop. Poor Ava wasn't well and kept having to go to the loo and Beth guessed she has a Water infection which it did turn out to be but as Ava doesn't has nappies or pulls up we kept having to run to the toilet bless her so in the end I ran to superdrug to get some pull ups so she didn't have to keep running to the toilets. Then we went to Eden to have our nails done, Bella was fast asleep in her pram and Ava was still in pain and we had a "accident" in the salon but once she was fine I gave Ava my phone to watch Surprise eggs on YouTube and she sat next to me. I had an Shellac which didn't take long so once I was ready to took Bella to change her nappy and Ava for a wee (even though she had on a pull up lol) and Beth had full set of Acrylics so she was abit longer. Once we was all done we went to Costa then went to wait for a taxi to get home. We didn't get home til 5ish so it was a long day. Once again it was all go go soon as the girls went to bed. That evening myself, Beth, her mum and sister had a pre wedding pamper drink night. I done Beth's, Her sister and mother toenails and Beth sister nails and Beth washed my hair and put in sleep in rollers. We actually went to bed at a reasonably time as we knew the next day was going to bed busy as. 

Ava Lily ready to go shopping with her new handbag

Mummy & Daughter Selfie in Lakeside

Friday night//pre wedding girls night

23th May The Wedding..Jesus this was one hell of an hectic day. Bethany done 2 Bridesmaids, 2 flower girls and the Bride hair including herself and I done The bride, two Bridesmaid and my make up, so we was in the kitchen. It was like Beth and I little salon going on we had it all organised then as the morning went on the house was getting busy and more full up with family members which I have no idea how I didn't have a panic attack but being around Beth calms me down. We literally had 10 mins for myself, the Bridesmaids, The Bride and Parents of the Bride to all get dressed in one bedroom it was so hectic. The day was a lovely day and the party after was good. I didn't really drink much as my back wasn't feeling too good but in all we all had an amazing time. The day after was hectic as well to be honest but a good hectic if that makes sense. I came home on the Monday pretty early so that Tommy, Beth and the girls can have a family day out alone as they didn't really see each other much over the weekend. 

Bella & Mummy getting ready for the wedding

Aunty & Niece Selfie

So now things are less busy we can both hopefully start blogging often. My laptop is still broken but luckily have access to My mother's Computer but it is in the office downstairs and most of the time my back kills when I sit here so its not often I come on the computer. But when I do I try and write a few posts so I am prepared.

Here's a picture of Myself, Beth, Tommy and the girls.

I shall see if Beth will do a post about Wedding hair ect seeing as she is a hairdresser and it was her first wedding to do hair. I thought she done amazing and handled the stress well. Hopefully try and get some more wedding post up like our outfits ect. Hope you all are well and have an amazing June.

Love Katie x 

Life Lately/Birthday/Health

       

Life has been bloody crazy lately, it was my birthday on 30th April then that weekend I went to Essex and that was a perfect weekend. I had mixed emotions on my birthday to the point where I decided to not go for a meal like I've always done and seeing as I didn't have my brother, sister in law and nieces around I thought there is no need to celebrate, in fact my Colitis was bad that day so wasn't a good day anyways. 

Previous to my birthday, Beth has been telling me she got me a birthday surprise and me being not one to have surprises or anyone make much effort on my birthday I honestly didn't have a clue. I don't like attention and I'd much prefer letting someone else take main stage. I love nothing better than buying gifts for people and making them happy but when people do that for me I have no idea how to react because it leaves me speechless as I'm not used to it. So when I arrived to Essex it was mid afternoon and rather hectic with Ava, Bella & including their two cousins so Beth decided to give my pressies, card and surprise once girls gone to bed and tommy was home. 

This amazing homemade cake was my surprise. Beth knows I didn't get a cake for my birthday and I haven't for ages and I can't remember the last time I blew out candles so I was literally so shocked and happy. I wished she took a picture of my face because I didn't know what to say. No one has ever made effort like this for me and Beth even made my perfect cake. I also got two very lovely personalisd cards which I love, A lovely photo album which was full of pictures of my Nieces and a Soap & Gloary Birthsy Set. I was so shocked, overwhelmed and happy, all my gifts had so much thought behind them. The Photo Album with pictures of my Nieces and some of Beth and Tommy literally made me so emotional as we don't like close and I miss them all very much so this gift was the best ever because I now have a photo album to look at when I'm feeling sad and also Beth left empty bits so I can fill up so I can have pictures of the girls as the grow up through out the year. I blew my candles out and wished for a pain free sleep hahah.. That's how you know you have chronic illnesses. 

My health has been abit all over the place. So my back been the same and I'm on new medication called Gabapentin  and so far they seem to be working. Along with Co-Codamol, Tramadol and Gel applied through the day to my back. My Colitis hasn't been good to be honest, I saw a totally different consultant who decided to discharge me totally. I was so pissed off because I've always seen the same person but this one didn't have a bloody clue. I went to my GP and he rang the department up at the hospital and has wrote a letter. My GP was very angry aswel and couldn't understand why that person discharge me when I'm still at early stages and on period trial with Asacol. The Asacol seems to work but I've been so bloated and had other symptoms which I won't go into as TMI but it's not good at the mo. 

Moving on to other health stuff, so my depression! My antibiotics have been up to 150MG and they seem to be working and when I'm good I'm very good but  but when I'm down I'm extremely low. I hope it starts to settle down soon. Other random stuff... I've got an ultra sound in few weeks as there was an Ovarian Cyst found on my right ovary which was picked up on an MRI scan I had nearly a year ago and I only just got told!! I've suffered with ovary/womb/women issues for years and yeas so touch wood the cyst has cleared up by itself. 

How beautiful is Bella Mai who I can't believe is 5 months old in few days. I didn't realise until I had Nieces how quickly they grow up and time flies. I'm back to Essex next Thursday as it is Beths sister wedding next Saturday. We are having a spray tan on Thursday, getting our nails done at Lakeside on Friday and all dressed up for the wedding on Saturday. Obviously Beth is bridesmaid and she is wearing an beautiful dress, il see if she can do a blog post on it because it's really a lovely dress for weddings/events ect. As for myself I brought a dress from a Brand called AX Paris, they are in new look, very and Asos and are very sort of bodycom Going out dresses. I found a Navy midi dress which I fallen in love with and it took me 6 months to find out. I'm not overly confident, I don't like short dresses, I hate my arms, I hate my belly and don't like much colours on me so this was a challenge but this one ticked all the boxes. I shall do a blog post as its made someone very shy not confident low self eastern to feeling amazing, confident and happy just by this one dress. Plus it was a good price so I shall do a post next week. 

I still haven't got my laptop fixed so it is hard to do blog posts. I use the blogger app on my phone but I loose interest and it annoys me when it crashes sometimes and don't save the post arghhh! I can use the computer downstairs in the office but it's not the most fastest of comps so I only use that once a week or so. That's all been happening, I say all but I feel boldly exhusated and drained this week. I've had at least one medical appointment a week, it's so many family birthdays in May so I've been having to go into town to get cards, gifts and send them ect. I've been on the spring cleaning around the house and clearing out stuff. I've de clutter and helped mum sort her office and bedroom as she isn't the most organised of people so I helped her as my OCD/organised/tidy person kicked in haha!!! 

Hope you all are having a good May even though I feel like it has flown past. It was my dads 50th birthday yesterday and my brother birthday on Sunday so it's birthdays. The weather seems to be getting nicer but I'm a winter girl. Give me rain, blanket, cuppa tea, on the sofa over the sun any day! 

Love Katie x 

What Being An Auntie Means To Me

To me being an Auntie is the most wonderful, amazing and rewarding thing that ever happened in my life. Ava Lily and Bella Mai literally make me smile and happy no matter what and I'm so lucky to have them both in my life.

My Brother and I are only 12 months apart so we are very close and always have had a close bond and I wished our future children would have the bond with each other like we have. I always thought I would be the first to have a baby to be honest as I was older and been in relationships but due to my fertility and miscarriage problems that mean I wasn't the first. When Tommy & Bethany announce they was pregnant with Bella well I say announce but what really happened was myself and my Mother guessed then they confirmed it was true haha!! I was so over the moon and instantly making lists of what to buy my Niece/Nephew (didn't know what sex Bella was back then) and I was so convince they was having a Boy haha!!! 

Ava Lily is my best friend. She is the most beautiful, caring, intelligent, funny and understanding 3 year old and I love nothing more than having Niece & Auntie days out. Our trips to the park, shops and walks are some of my best memories. I have learnt a lot since being a Auntie and its defiantly makes you realise how much of a hard job it is and I put my hands up to any parents out there. Although Ava is a very good child and of course she has her moments like every child, I can honestly say I think Beth deserve a medal. When they lived here, I always offered to make her breakfast, wash her, change her ( although she does it herself as she is so independent), take her out, do her lunch and dinner, bath her and put her to bed and I love doing all of that. I know some Aunties are not hands on and I just don't get how. I guess it helps that myself and Bethany are very close but even if we wasn't I would still be hands on. 

Bella Mai has only been in my life for 4 months but it is like she has been here forever. That moment I walked into the hospital ward and saw her I just felt this feeling of happiness. Bella is so content, happy, beautiful and alert baby I have ever known. I admit I was scared to hold, feed, wind and change her as she is smaller for her age and looks so fragile. Once Beth helped and reassured me, I got more confident and now I love doing anything for Bella. I wish I lived closer as I would be there helping with the girls while telling Bethany to go and rest. 

To me being a Auntie is more than just the typical Auntie role. It has given me the confidence, it has shown me what happiness really is and what being proud really means. When I see Ava say new words, when she shows me what she makes at school and when she tells me " Auntie Katie I love you" it just feels me up with proudness. I guess most aunties don't live with their Nieces but I did for a few months and that did help a lot I think. While Bethany was pregnant and was rushed into hospital, I was beside Ava's bed on the floor holding her hand because she was worried about mummy and didn't want to fall asleep alone. I will and do anything for my Nieces. 

I want to thank my Brother and Bethany for giving me two best gifts in my life and making me a proud Auntie. It has made me grow up, more confident and has put life into perspective. I hope one day I can make Tommy into a Uncle and Beth into a Auntie to my child/children. I would love nothing more than to have my own baby. I see how much hard work it is but how rewarding it is. When Bella Mai smiles at me, when Ava Lily cuddles and says I love you, when Bella holds my finger and when Ava runs and gives me the biggest cuddle when I see her.. That is what keeps me going. Those girls have no idea how much they keep me normal haha!! My life isn't the best at the mo with health problems but having Bethany and My Nieces in my life makes things so much easier to deal with. 

I love you Bella Mai & Ava Lily, I promise to always care, love and always make you both laugh and smile. And I will continue to have a low bank balance as I can't help myself buying you both Cath Kidston stuff, Converses, books, Lush Bath Bombs for Ava (the robot one) and cute clothes haha!!! I've made Ava obsessed with Cath Kidston kids bags and Lush Baby Bot so you can tell she is defiantly my Niece :) 

Love Katie xx 

Bella 2 month update

Sorry I ain't done this sooner! Had a busy couple weeks! 

Bella started her second month with her first injections as any mother would know it's horrible seing your baby have them! But she was so good only had a little cry but not much she was also a bit sleepy after but she was a big brave girl! 

Bella is well into her 2 months! She is coming in leaps and bounds and getting bigger! Though not that big, she's only 9lb 6oz due to her sickness problem .. That still ain't fully resolved. After being told she had reflux and being put on ranitidine she was still bringing up milk and not putting weight on properly. They still think it's reflux so waiting for her out patients app. So I've taken it into my own  hands in the meantime. My health visitor suspected a lactose intolerance so Uve bought her lactose free milk by aptamil. And she may be bit sick dribble sick but it's not as much as before and she is also more comfortable and settled. She used to be un comfy on her feeds and screaming after as if she had belly ache but she hasn't done that since being in this milk :) .. 

On a lighter note she is such a happy little sole she is smily and giggly it melts my heart everytime I see her smile... 

We are having some wonderful family times already, it feels like we have never been without bella it's so heart warming when she gurgles back at us and she absolutely loves Ava I can tell they are going to have eachothers backs as they get older we have enjoyed some lovely family times in bellas second month including a trip to pontins! 

Hope you enjoyed the read :))

LotsOfLove

Betha...xxx

Just a little message...

I have just read in full Katie's negative comment post. Sorry for the late read my dear! Busy few days. 

This post touched me. Katie you are my sister in law and my best friend and to know the pain you are feeling every day is upsetting as you don't deserve it. I know how you have those bad days In which you struggle to get up and it makes me shiver when people have the cheek to call you lazy. I know you can't help it and I know how down it makes you feel when people right your condition off. Just because it ain't heard of a lot does not mean it doesn't exist and is not painful. Some people are very stuck on their ways and will not open their eyes to difference. 

I read the part where your upset because it is only early stages. I know the thought is terrifying, but you have so many possitives. At the moment it's not as it's worse so you can appreciate being able to be active And spending time with the girls. 

For now and in the future I want you to know that I will always be here for you morning noon and night, supporting you. In any way I can. And no matter how down you get I will always do my best to keep a smile on your face. Why? You ask. Because other than your brother no one has never just accepted me, and been a true honest friend, been there for a chat at all hours and has generally had a laugh with me. No other friend of mine has truely cared.  I hope you know that not only are you my sister in law but you are my true best friend too. 

I could have easily said all this by text yes . But I wanted to make this public number one for those other suffers that could relate to Katie's post I want you to know that not all of us this negatively of your condition there is always someone close to you that understand even if you don't know who yet. And number two because Katie is so thoughtful and generally a nice person that I believe it should be known. Katie has enough negativity thrown her way that she deserves some possitivity. 

Don't forget Katie like you said me your mum and Tom are always here....

LotsOfLove

Beth...xxxx

Mummy 1 Month Update

As you all know I had a baby girl 1 month ago and here is my update :) 

I have been feeling so well after having Bella. I was in a bit of pain in the first week after with my uterus going back ect, and my boobs were a bit tender with a bit of breast feeding and my milk coming through. Mentally as you know I had the baby blues but all including the physical things have gone and I am feeling my normal self:) the only thing that of course has not gone are my stretch marks...

I have not yet used any cream for them because to be honest I don't have much time to think about it. I should make time for myself so I will do and let you know what products work for my stretch marks.

I've found settling into family life with a bigger family very enjoyable. On weekdays while Toms at work I have made a habit of getting up and after giving bella her first morning bottle getting me and the girls dressed then giving Ava her breakfast and Bella a bottle. This is after sterilising her bottles and getting her milk ready for the day. Of a weekend Tommy obviously helps and we do it as a team. I love seeing my little family all together I'm so proud. 

I've found getting used to having two children very easy and enjoyable. Dont get me wrong it is very tiring at times but I wouldn't change it for the world. Everything I do as a mother is totally worth it. I look at my girls every day and I feel the love for them pouring out. They are my world and always will be. 

All in all everything right now in my life is looking up. My family has extended and Bella has made life go from great too amazing. 

I couldn't be happier :) 

LotsOfLove

Beth...xxx 

Welcome Bella Mai Price...

Hi everyone:) I hope all had a great Christmas and a very happy new year! 

As You all may know, some of you may not, Bella was born on Friday 19th December at 4:15am weighing 7lb 2oz. 

We are all so in love with our new little arrivial and have enjoyed these first 2 weeks of getting to know her! She is a beautiful little baby girl who has brought us so much joy and happiness.

 

I had a fairly straight forward labour and delivery. Bella had gone over due by a week and I had gone up the hospital on the 18th and got my induction date for Saturday 20th December. Throughout the day of the 18th I started getting pains though I thought nothing of it and passed them off as braxton hicks contractions. They was not getting stronger not closer together. I went to bed that night as normal. I eventually a woke in some great pain at about half 11 though still not thinking much of it, yes it was painful but I didn't thinking that painful to be that far progressed in labour, I thought I would only be about 2cm dialated, so I stayed at home and had a hot bath ect. Eventually Tommy convinced me to go to hospital and away we were, arriving there at 2 am I was examined and told I was 4cm and in established labour, I was then handed the gas & air. This is when Tommy thought it be a good idea to take this selfie... 

 

From this point I progressed really quickly and within 2 hours and 15 mins of arriving into hospital I was fully dialated and pushing our beautiful girl into the world, adding to our wonderful little family.

Ava is also enjoying her new baby sister, though we had some trouble at the start ( I will be writing about in a separate blog post) she is hopefully through the worst of the adapting stage and is now enjoying her new sister to the fullest. She helps me feed and change and settle Bella she loves it!  It's beautiful to see them two together and beautiful to see how much Ava loves her and wants to protect her new baby sister. 

Bella is now 16 Days old so just over 2 weeks, we have enjoyed a lovely Christmas and new year with her. We have also enjoyed getting to know our be little addition and settling her into her own little routine we look forward to watching her grow and just simply enjoying our lovely little new born 

I hope you have all enjoyed meeting Bella Mai....

Lots Of Love 

Beth...xxx

Blogmas Day Three

Day 3 of December..

last night I had terrible insomnia and I was having small naps for like 20/30 mins at a time and at 6.30 am I finally decided to just get up for the day. Weirdly had a massive burst on energy and started cleaning my room to declutting my wardrobes/draws, wiping the floor/furniture, sorted storage out, hoovering downstairs and then we had a spare fake Christmas tree which is black and I decided to put it up although we have only a handful of ball balls but never the least I put in up near the dinning area. It looks abit bare but am going to the shop tomorrow or next week to get some lights and more decorations. We decided to chuck away both of our fake crap trees when Xmas is over and start buying Real Christmas trees!! For this black tree we are going for a white/cream and red theme. 

Please excuse the lack of effort on decoration but it will look amazing next week for sure.

To make good use of lighting and background today, I done a mini photo shoot with the Dogs seeing as I found two red bows to put on their collars haha. With the help of treats I managed to take a few beautiful pictures of our baby boys... Be prepared for cuteness lol  

I know I would say this because they are my dogs but aint they the most beautiful dogs ever!! Buster is a Black Lab crossed collie whose birthday is tomorrow and is turning 12 years old and then there is Bobby who is a Tanned and White Jack Russel Terrier who is 5 years old. I love getting them into the Christmas spirit and stupidly they will always sit there letting me put on Xmas hat's and bows ect lol. 

Not much else has happened today apart from the burst of energy this morning which meant by lunch time I totally crashed and slept for 2 hours and haven't really felt awake since. My Brother popped in after work and before he went to travel back to Essex which was lovely seeing him. Tonight Im going to sit in bed, watch Chelsea who are playing spurs tonight also watch Im a Celeb because I LOVE that show and drink lots of coffee to keep me going lol. Tomorrow Me & My mother plan to walk to Costa which has not long ago opened not far from us and then have a walk to the local shops so nothing exciting but glad to get out for some fresh air. So I hope I sleep at least 4 hours sleep tonight otherwise I will be walking like an Zombie!!! Hope your December month is going well so far :)

Love Katie 

xx 

Preparing To Be 21...: Reflecting on life

This week has been my final week of being 20!! As my 21st birthday is coming up on Sunday!! (26th October). Its safe to say like a little child I am so excited for my birthday!! :). 

Thinking back to my childhood days I always remember laughing and smiling. Its safe to say I had a happy childhood. I was surrounded by a loving family especially loving grandparents, 3 of which sadly aren't here today. I am the youngest of three as I have an older brother and sister, I am the baby of the family, in some ways this can be a good thing, in some ways not... ha ha. Having older siblings and seeing how grown up they got treated when I was little made me want to act older than my age because I was  'jealous' of them being grown up. Typical younger sibling jealousy. Fast forwarding to my life now, I am still a genuine happy person, just with a bit more stress added on! My life is near on perfect only thing that could improve is our own place. I am a person who laughs alot but like most I have the odd day where stress gets me a bit down. Being a mummy helps me deal with the harder stressful days. I believe children make it hard for you to be sad and moody, just one look at Ava's little face and Bella's scan pic puts a gleaming smile on my face. Some may criticize for me being a young mum, but to be honest I wouldn't have it any other way, Im glad Im having children young as there are so many advantages, I have health on my side, touch wood. I also have enough time as possible with my children. I have a happy relationship with my partner we parent together Im so proud to have his children, I would say he's proud of me too after putting a ring on my finger!! 

I've had my fair share of ups and downs over the past 21 years like anyone can. Low points being very very low, some things that I have had to go through have not been very pleasant. As bad as these times have been in a strange way they have made me the strong person I have become today. To have to go through hard times while facing the everyday teenage struggles of school makes life harder  but you get through it. I was told by a teacher that I was going to fail at my GCSE's, I will never forget this day, as upsetting as it was to hear it, it gave me the push I needed to succeed and prove these people wrong. Needless to say I past my GCSE's. I hate education to be honest, but the pride I felt when I opened that GCSE envelope was amazing, it gave me the push I needed to go to college, I started a legal secretarial course. It was enjoyable. Sadly I didn't finish. I just didn't feel right doing it. I am grateful for not finishing tho because when Ava was nine months old I started a hairdressing course which I loved! I finished it and became a fully qualified hairdresser including mens cuts. I am happy with hairdressing and have found my feet in what I want to do career wise. As I mentioned I had Ava. I became a mum. The day I had her and held her in my arms was the most loveliest indescribable feeling ever. It was the proudest day and moment of my life so far that I will never forget.

Its safe to say I have had a wonderful 20th year. I have had so many ups and there all thanks to the great people I have in my life to share all my times with. So thank you to those who put in an effort to make me happy and help me out, its not gone unnoticed. I look forward to another wonderful year to come. 

For Sunday Happy 21st Birthday to me. 

Lots of Love 

Beth... xxx

Auntie & Niece Day Out

Today, Bethany had hospital in Essex so I took Ava to school, picked her up and had some quality time together. I love days when it is just Me & Ava as we just laugh all the time. 

Her new H&M Top and the finish look after she done her own hair

After Beth & Tommy left, I got Ava dressed and ready for school. She now gets dressed on her own but today she insisted on me doing her hair and wanted to do it herself. This ended up in her going to school with messy hair as she was so stubborn and every time I done her hair she would take it out. Off we walked to school to get there for 9, She sat in her buggy holding her school bags and was really excited for school. Soon as she see's her school she give me her dummy and got out of the buggy. Soon as she saw her key worker at school she ran to her and got ready to do painting. So I popped to Tesco and then walked back home to have a cuppa and some food before setting off again to get Ava. I left home to get Ava abit too early. So I spent 10 mins or so sitting in the reception area and could see Ava laying on the floor listening to a story. Another teacher came up to me and gave me Ava's "Spider Cupcake" she made. The teacher said out of them all, Ava's was the only one that copied the picture they was working from and really enjoyed it. 

Ava's Spider Cupcake She Made

Soon as the doors open for the adults to collect the child, Ava saw me and ran straight up to me. She got her coat on and off we went. On the way home we got a cone of chips each and a kinder barbie egg( she is obsessed with this eggs ). I let her walk half way home as she has a habit of walking sideways & with a cone of chips in her hands I knew it was going to end up in her falling or something so she sat in the buggy like a good girl. Half way home out of the buddy she went and walked all the way home. As we approached our driveway she ran and tripped over and hurt her knee. But she was more concerned about the lolly she dropped lol. We got in and sat down playing barbies which ended up in her giving some barbies to our dogs and chasing them around the lounge. 

Ava pushing her buggy

Her Peppa Pig Coat From George Asda

Buster refusing to give back the barbie Ava give him

,

Ava has been having problems napping and sleeping at night lately so I knew she wouldn't go for a nap but she was yawning away. I went upstairs in my bedroom to see if she would sit next to me. She had two dummies (its her kinda of comfort thing she has when she sleeps) and her juice and a blanket, she stayed still for about 5 seconds before getting her into nannies bedroom. Now she is downstairs with Nanny trying to take over the hoovering lol. Beth isn't back yet so I planned to sort her birthday pressies out but I realised I can't ( can't say what or how as she will read this haha), So I give upstairs a quick tidy and now am laying in bed as my back is playing up. 




Me & Ava was going to go to the park but now she has a poor poor knee which was bleeding, Ava said she can't go out and needs to stay in to get better. So we may sit and watch a film but her attention spam is zero at the moment lol. 



Auntie & Niece's days are my favorite :) 


Love Katie xx