School Holidays are here!!!!

So, my little one's school closes today, a little later than all the other schools, but I am so looking forward to spending some quality time with her. I know that most parents stress when they hear 'SCHOOL HOLIDAYS', but if you have plenty of activities to keep the little ones busy, you won't even realize that the kiddies are all at home.

My little girl's birthday is also just around the corner, so this is going to be a fabulous week. Looking forward to an exciting week ahead :)

WOW!! I got selected as a finalist for the Kids Emporium's Blogging Mom Competition...yay!

Its a great honour & privilege to be selected as one of the five finalists for the Kids Emporium's Blogging Mom Competition. I would have never been selected if it was not for all my loyal fans & supporters. A MASSIVE thank you goes out to each and everyone of you :)

Please show your support by opening  the link below and Liking my Post (1 point) and Sharing (2 points). The post with the most points will WIN R5000 worth of exposure and a KE Hamper, which I would so love to win. Winners will be announced on 13.10.14, just two days before my birthday :) Please LIKE and SHARE if you think that my blog deserves to win. Thanks

Kids Emporium Blogging Mom Finalist: Mum-aholic

https://www.facebook.com/KidsEmp/photos/a.775504465821989.1073741910.124065107632598/775504839155285/?type=1

It's the second week of October already...

So can you believe that it's the second week of October already...with the birthday plans well in action, this has been one of my busiest weekends ever. I am so excited that I finally managed to find some of the birthday gifts which my little one is going to love. From the Orbeez Soothing Spa & Quercetti Fanta Color Mosaic to the Headstart Kids 4.5ft Trampoline and Enclosure, I have finally managed to get them all. I had been saving up for a while & can't wait to see those little eyes light up as soon as she sees all her birthday gifts. With that said, it reminds me how much more planning there still is to do, so off I go & will be back soon :) Happy Monday!

Always make time to enjoy your little ones & remember that you are a great mom!

This is how it all began...

I have always been in love with babies for as long as I can remember. I married my soul mate & best friend in 2007. We both were crazy about kids & just could not wait to plan our little bundle of joy. With my hubby being the eldest son & grandson & me being the eldest daughter & granddaughter in the family, everyone was totally excited when they heard the good news because there wasn't a baby in our family for almost 23 years. When the reality of me soon going to be a mom finally hit me, I was totally stressed. So many questions ran through my mind...will my hubby & I be the best parents we could be, would we know what to do when baby cried, what do we do if baby has a temperature in the middle of the night & OMW how do you change a diaper??? How were we going to learn so much in 9 months & the questions continued to grow. It was then when we realized that we needed to try & absorb as much as we could before baby arrived & we did exactly that. My hubby & I signed up for every pregnancy class, workshop & seminar we could find. From attending antenatal classes to cpr classes we did it all. It most certainly made us so much more confident & before we knew it, we were ready for this baby to arrive.

Having 2 sisters, it had always been my dream to have a daughter & the excitement of finally being a mom began to set in. I planned as much as possible to have everything perfect when baby arrived, but I learnt that sometimes not all plans go as expected. I planned on having natural birth but unfortunately baby was breach so, I was informed that I would have to go for a ceaser if baby did not turn. A few weeks before my due date whilst having my ultra sound done, my gynae noticed that baby had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck twice & I had to be rushed off for an emergency ceaser. Panick began to set in once again, but the only thing that was important to me was baby's well-being.

On 12 October 2010, we welcomed the most gorgeous little baby girl & it was then when I realized what love really is. Never in my life did I experience such a feeling. All I wanted to do was hold & admire this beautiful, little baby. I could not believe that I had done it...I was finally a mom...& the proudest mom in the world!!!

A few necessities that every expecting mom needs

1: Prenatal Supplements: I recommend Chela-Preg, momomega
I was lucky to meet Denise Princen, Regional Sales Manager at Arctic Healthcare when I first found out I was pregnant. She recommended Chela-Preg & momomega & those were the best choices I ever made. I would most certainly recommend the above prenatal supplements which will ensure that you and your baby are getting the vital nutrients needed during pregnancy. Some pregnant women find the extra-large prenatal vitamins hard to stomach (especially during the first trimester, when you might be nauseous) A healthy diet rich in folic acid might be more important than a daily supplement. The iron in prenatal vitamins can also cause constipation & the over-the-counter Nature Made Prenatal Vitamins will help.


2: Maternity Bras: I recommend Carriwell's Seamless Maternity Bras
I would most certainly recommend the Carriwell Bra range with my personal favourite being the Carriwell Seamless Maternity Bra. Its absolutely comfortable & is also available in w ide range of colours and sizes. The best thing you can do for your growing breasts — even when they feel sore and painful — is to wear a supportive bra. It's important to support your extra-heavy breasts during this time because it's the best way to prevent sagging after pregnancy. I would recommend buying a supportive maternity bra for the beginning of your pregnancy (fit over fashion), a comfortable maternity sleeping bra to wear at night and then a few nursing bras (if you plan to breastfeed) for your last trimester, when you're most likely to go up another cup size.



3: Body Comfort Pillow: I recommend the Snuggle Time Body Comfort Pillow
This might be the most popular can’t-live-without pregnancy product for moms-to-be, considering sleeping is almost always uncomfortable. Using a large pillow to support and cradle your growing body is especially helpful during the last trimester.

4: Safe Beauty Products
You’re already watching what you put inside of your body, but do you know what you’re putting on your body? Some beauty products, like face creams and body lotions, can contain questionable (even dangerous) ingredients for a developing fetus. Find out which ingredients you should avoid and check labels when shopping.



5: Safe Cleaning Products
Be careful when “nesting” (ie. getting that nursery ready for baby’s arrival) that you aren't inhaling toxic chemicals or otherwise posing a safety risk.



6: Childbirth Books: I would recommend the range of Baby Sense Book 
Though you can find most of the information you want online, there’s nothing like a good book to curl up with at, especially when that book helps to relieve some anxiety. Reading up on what’s to come is the best way to feel prepared when the big day arrives. If baby, pregnancy and childbirth guides are giving you panic attacks, try easing yourself in with blogs like mine J or memoirs to understand that pregnancy isn't a cookie-cutter, by-the-book formula that can be predicted.



7: Comfy Pants
If you don’t have a pair already, find a comfy, stretchable pair of pants to rely on during those transformative months from the end of your first trimester to the beginning of your third. Your regular sweatpants might get tight and you won’t want to keep buying bigger sizes.



8: Belly Lotion & Oils: I would recommend Johnson's Happy Event & Bio-Oil
Growing, stretching skin needs lubrication to prevent the unbearable itchiness that often comes along with pregnancy. And besides that, some well-meaning stretch mark prevention never hurts — even if you’re genetically doomed. Two of the best oils for growing bellies that I would recommend is Johnson's Happy Event & Bio-oil. I used it throughout my pregnancy & I must admit that I can barely even notice a stretch mark. I must mention that I started using it in my first trimester right up until baby was one year old & that seems to have helped as well.



9: A Way to Document Your Pregnancy: I would recommend the Pregnancy Journal & Planner by Marcie Jones Sandy Jones
You might not think this is a must-have — especially not in comparison to prenatal vitamins, body pillows and maternity bras — but at the end of these fleeting, life-altering months, you’ll be glad to have some kind of documentation. Believe us when we say that these three trimesters will be some of the most memorable months of your life and you’ll want to look back on them. Finding the right keepsake is up to you, but here are 6 unique pregnancy keepsake ideas for inspiration.



10: Good Pregnancy Jeans: I would recommend any jeans from 'Maternity Lane'
Every pregnant woman should have one or two pairs of good, comfy, stylish maternity jeans for a laid-back look. Yet many pregnant women have trouble finding pregnancy jeans that fit right (without looking baggy and dumpy), which is why some splurge on designer maternity jeans to flatter their changing figure. (The signature of most maternity jeans is a stretchable band in the front, which cradles and supports your growing belly.)



11: Seasonal Maternity Wear: I would recommend 'Maternity Lane'If you’re pregnant during the colder months, odds are your pre-pregnancy coats won’t button throughout the third trimester. So I would recommend a larger sized jerseys that will stretch as you grow. On the other hand, if you’re pregnant during the summer, invest in maternity bathing suits to feel confident about baring your new body.


12: Morning Sickness Remedies: : I would recommend smelling cloves. It helped me Pregnant women experience morning sickness at different intensities — for some it’s not an issue at all, for others it’s completely debilitating — but most pregnant women will need some kind of nausea relief during the first trimester. From ginger to Sea-Bands, there are many options your doctor can prescribe to help you feel much better



13: A Little Something Special: I would recommend 'Maternity Lane'
There will be moments during your pregnancy when you won’t feel that magic glow everyone speaks of. That’s totally normal. We've found that having something special on hand like sexy maternity lingerie or chic maternity dresses helps to boost our self-esteem when needed. Plus, every woman, pregnant or not, deserves to feel pretty.



14: Belly Support Bands: I would recommend Cherished Belly
Towards the end of your pregnancy, your baby is going to “drop” down farther into the birth canal, getting him or herself into position for labour. This will make it easier to breathe — as your baby won’t be pressed up against your ribs quite as much — but it can also cause some serious vaginal pressure when you walk, as well as aches and pains from your mid-back down to your ankles. If you’re having a hard time, I would recommend The Prenatal Cradle Pregnancy Support, which can be purchased online. It is designed to help carry the weight, easing you muscle aches and relieving some of the pressure.


15: Music for your Baby Bump: I would recommend Bellybuds
Although babies can pretty much always hear music and conversations through the womb after 22 weeks, a lot of pregnant women like to play their favourite tunes or calming, therapeutic music to their baby — and Bellybuds provide a safe way to do that. In fact, there’s evidence that babies might have some music memory retention after 34 weeks, so those songs he or she heard in the womb might be calming and comforting after your baby is born. Extra cool feature: You can record your voice and play it for baby at any time (perfect for the partner always traveling). Bellybuds are widely available online as well.

So…You’re PREGNANT!!!! Now what?

Firstly Congratulations! The pregnancy test says it's true: You are pregnant!!!!

Early pregnancy is when the fun begins, despite what some may have told you. This is where you get to start celebrating your pregnancy and telling the world your big news, whether you tell them right away or wait awhile. The problem is many women aren't sure what the next step is after their pregnancy is confirmed. Here is a handy list of things to do when the test is positive!

Do make an appointment with your midwife or doctor. Call for a prenatal appointment as soon as your pregnancy is confirmed or you suspect you are pregnant. The big surprise is that you may feel a sense of "hurry up and wait." Many practitioners don't schedule the first appointment until after you have missed a period, while others have you come in right away. Even if you don't have an early appointment, do feel free to call with questions about things like medications you're currently taking, symptoms that are worrisome, chronic health conditions, etc. Also do not be afraid to get an earlier appointment if you've had a history that might suggest you need to be seen sooner. Examples of reasons you might need to be seen sooner include: history or previous pregnancy loss, complications in this pregnancy like pain or bleeding, or chronic conditions that you had before pregnancy like diabetes or hypothyroidism.

Do celebrate! While you shouldn't have alcoholic beverages during pregnancy, that doesn't mean you should stop having fun. A great glass of sparkling cider is a great way to liven up the night and to toast your new bundle of joy. Some women plan a romantic dinner to surprise their partners with the news of the pregnancy, others have bigger parties. How and when you celebrate may depend on many factors. Either way remember that having fun is perfectly acceptable part of pregnancy. By having fun, you're releasing stress and relaxing, which is good for you and the baby.

Do share your news! Telling your family and friends about the new addition, is fun and exciting. Some families wait until after 12 weeks, the first ultrasound or a special date to begin telling everyone, while others begin telling everyone right away. There isn't a right or a wrong answer to when the appropriate time to tell is for you.

Do learn about pregnancy. Look through things like the pregnancy calendar and follow your pregnancy week by week. See if you can sign up for an early pregnancy class at a local hospital or birth center. This will give you a bit of knowledge to start making the appropriate decisions for you and for baby. Books are also a great source of knowledge about pregnancy, birth and postpartum.

Do take care of yourself. Getting a good night’s sleep, eating well, taking a prenatal vitamin and exercising in an appropriate way are all healthy ways to encourage a great pregnancy, easier labour and healthy baby. Listening to your body's signals, whether it is morning sickness or exhaustion, will help you cope more easily with symptoms of pregnancy.

Do find a support system. Whether you're talking to your family, old friends or new, the support you get is a must have for pregnant women. So much will change in your life and you'll have so many questions, you will need to surround yourself with people to help you answer the questions and gain the knowledge you need. Sometimes that will be your midwife or doctor and other times that will be your friends and family. Consider finding others who are due when you are due to share the ups and downs of pregnancy. These friendships can last a lifetime and are often really helpful.

Most of all, enjoy your pregnancy! After all, it's only nine months, while the end of pregnancy seems really far away, it does arrive more quickly than most moms anticipate that it will. Planning ahead and preparing a bit every month will help you prevent that panicked feeling towards the end of pregnancy when some moms "wake up" and realize that there are only a few short weeks before the baby arrives.

Happy Pregnancy!!!

Doc McStuffins Party Theme...The Doc is In!

So, my little girl is crazy about being a Doctor & when I asked her what party she would like, without hesitation she confirmed that it would definitely be a Doc McStuffins Party. That made my job so much easier, because there are so many gorgeous themes & I most certainly would have had difficulty deciding on one. Doc McStuffins research here I come...

I found the most adorable Doc McStuffins Party theme online & I knew immediately that it was the theme I wanted.


















Let’s play doctor-doctor! This cutesy theme takes the favourite kiddies game to a whole new level, thanks to Disney’s kind, sweet and oh-so gentle Doc McStuffins. Invite Hallie, Lambie, Chilly, Stuffy and the whole gang, because this is one party not to be missed!

I think that this theme will ideally suit girls between the ages of 3 and 7 & with my little one turning 4, this theme will suite her perfectly :)

I love the girly combination of various shades of white, pink, as well as pastel shades of purple. I am intending to decorate the party space in the theme colours, focusing on girly elements like glittery accessories, frills, balloons, pompoms, Chinese lanterns and bunting. I can't wait to see what other pretty matching accessories I can find.

I have decided that I am going to be making cardboard party packs that resemble little Doc McStuffins medicine bags and I am going to fill it with special goodies.

Some other tasty treat ideas that I have seen online are: 
1. Serve white chocolate dipped chocolate sticks that resemble thermometers.
2. Whip up a batch of “apple-a-day” toffee apples.
3. Syringes filled with condensed milk always go down well with the little ones
4. Candyfloss labeled as “bear stuffing”

I have a few other ideas in mind but I need to do a little more research on that. I have also found some very exciting games that will suite the theme of this party perfectly. 

Some of the fun game ideas which I found online are:
1. Have a number of deconstructed toys and trinkets which the li’l ones can fix up, build, combine and take home as a party favour.
2. Spoil the girls with mini doctor’s kits, complete with personalized prescription pad and stethoscope.
3. Create an adapted version of the traditional party games like “pin the band aid on the boo-boo”.

I must admit that the “pin the band aid on the boo-boo” has to be my favourite :)

And so...the party planning continues...

Ideas from:
http://blog.hwtm.com/2014/02/darling-doc-mcstuffins-2nd-birthday/
http://www.momtrepreneur.co.za/doc-mcstuffins-party-theme/

October has finally arrived

Wow, so October has finally arrived. Can't believe that its 2 October already. I simply love October because for my family & I, its the month of celebrations. My little girl, my mom, my sister-in-law...and wait for it....& I celebrate our birthdays in October...and its only a few days apart :)

My little girl will be celebrating her 4th birthday on 12 October, my mom's on 11th October, my sister-in-laws on 8 October & mine on 15 October :) Lots to do & lots to plan & all I can say is that I am so excited.

My little girl who is in school (000), celebrates her first 'School Party' this year. She is so excited & will be celebrating her party this Friday, 2 October because she will be on holiday on her birthday. I can't believe that my little angel is going to be 4 soon.

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8 Things No One Tells You About Being a Mom

http://www.parenting.com/article/things-no-one-tells-you-about-being-mom

I came across this article by By Paula Spencer, which I found to be a very good read. I enjoyed it tremendously & I know that a lot of parents will most certainly enjoy it too...especially first-time-parents ;) *ENJOY*