Us

Leopold and I from his birth until 13 months (I need some new photos of us!). He truly is my everything. It's amazing how something so small can change your life forever <3

I am really disorganised

So I think we can establish that this blog won't be updated daily. That's okay though, I'll just do it when I have the time. Between mummy-stuff, wedding planning, appointments, errands and catch ups with friends I barely seem to have time for anything right now. The house is a mess, my business is hardly flourishing because I never make time to promote myself, but at least Leo is fed and happy.

He is sleeping so much better now. I'm hoping that he'll drop his dreamfeed soon, but given that he has some issues gaining weight (mostly genetic) I'm happy he is still getting that extra feed once a day. It is just such a change to not have to tend to a screaming toddler 6 times a night! Makes a huge difference to my overall mood. I wish he still enjoyed bedsharing, that would definitely make my life easier!
I like that he has put himself into his own routine. I never had to stress or force him, he just did it naturally by himself (I think most babies do given the chance). At the moment he wakes at around 7.30am, has some cuddles and nurses for awhile, then breakfast, nappy change and I get him dressed. Our mornings are usually pretty relaxed. He follows me around the house while we do housework, we snuggle up with a movie...Then he has a morning snack, cuddles and goes down for his nap at around 11.30am.
His sleep is usually around 1 and a half hours, so he gets up, has lunch and another nappy change. Usually the afternoon is when we go into town and run errands or catch up with friends. If the weather isn't nice or we have no plans I still like to take him outside for at least 20 minutes to play with the dogs and get some sunlight. I try to limit television in the after too so we read stories, listen to music and dance, play with blocks, do puzzles or drawing or just play with his different toys (and quite often saucepans and spoons too). Then it's afternoon snack, maybe a bottle or another boob feed as well. As the afternoon wears down I find some tv or quiet reading stops Leo from becoming too over stimulated. When G gets home things are easier because they can play while I make dinner.
Dinner is usually at around 7pm, some nights Leo has a bath, but he is always in bed before 8pm with a bottle and a story. Once he goes to sleep I finish any housework I have to do, go on Facebook, watch a movie with G and eventually get myself ready for bed.

My life feels so busy already I can imagine that Leo's fairly set routine will come in handy when we throw another baby or any study I want to do into the mix!

Madeleine xoxo

Missing Leo

My baby boy is at his nanny's (mother in law) and I miss him. I feel like I have nothing to do when he isn't here, although there is plenty I can and SHOULD be doing.
Today is such a beautiful day, Spring starts officially tomorrow, but it feels like it has come a little early this year :) Perfect day for a nice cup of chai and hanging washing on the line. And that is exactly what I intent to do.
Madeleine xoxo

Just Leopold, growing, learning, playing, nursing and being generally amazing. I still find it hard to beleive he is over 14 months old now. He fills my days with joy and I would not change having him for a second (even when he wakes up at all hours of the night!)
Madeleine xoxo

Busy, but happy!

Life has been very hectic of late. Hence my reason for not blogging more. Between SAHM stuff, wedding planning, my business, social obligations, I'm barely getting any time just to myself!
I'm loving it though. Everything is so amazing right now.

Leopold is walking and running everywhere and growing up to be so loving and smart. He seems to have a few social issues (introvert perhaps?) and doesn't cope well with leaving the house for long or any changes to his routine. He plays beautifully be himself though and loves being read to and helping me clean the house (very adorable).
I'm enjoying watching him grow up, although I do miss when he was just a delicious, squishy newborn instead of a tantruming toddler!

The wedding planning is coming along well. With less than 7 months to go I'm becoming quite nervous, but the excitement definitely outweighs any fears I have. I can't wait until the big day.

That's all from me for now. Hoping to get the time to do a proper blog entry later tonight <3

Madeleine xoxo



New Beginnings

So here we are, again. New blog, new beginning.
I'm going to start with the basics, the simple facts about me.

I'm 21, engaged to my partner of 4 years, G, and I have a 1 year old son, Leopold.
I'm a SAHM, but also run an online Tarot divination business. I'm currently planning my wedding (set for early Autumn next year), house hunting, and thinking about baby #2. Also I'm considering going back to work part time in childcare to help support my family (and my serious shopping addiction). I have a tendancy to ramble.
I'm passionate about all things birth and parenting related. People often say I'm a 'crunchy' or natural mum. I don't particularly like labels. The only thing I know for sure is that although I may not be a perfect parent, I am a good one. I am still breastfeeding Leo, although he is self weaning and prefers food and cow's milk over booby milk now, feeding purely for comfort. We co-slept/bedshared exclusively until he was 6 months, and then he decided he wanted his own space and now sleeps mostly in his cot. I baby wear, absolutely love my ergo, but my pram definitely comes in handy. I just do what feels right for both myself and Leo and ignore any and all judgement that comes my way.
I hate CIO and other controlled crying methods. It has never sat well with me and never worked for Leo (in times of desperation I have attempted it) and still cuddle him to sleep. That is what works best for our family and I have no regrets about my decision to practive attachment parenting methods with him. He is a very happy and relaxed baby, when he isn't teething!

Anyway, I hope this blog will offer insight into my life, the life of a young and busy mum and intend to focus it around my daily routine as well as my beliefs, passions, thoughts and feelings. I may even include a few tips for fellow parents. I hope others will follow my journey of learning to handle a toddler and stave off insanity!

Madii
xoxo