Time is a Hurricane

I can't help feeling like I have been swept up into a hurricane wind, I can see time just fluttering by...hours...days...weeks...it is all just going sooo quickly. I know I have touched on this before, but it just doesn't seem to be slowing down. Time really is relentless and something that we can never gain back.

Since having Leo, this has become so apparent to me. Seeing how much he changes from week to week, really puts time into perspective, and part of me feels like I am missing some momentous development, even though I know I am with him 24/7, so that is a ridiculous assumption on my part.

Is it just me that feels like this to a certain extent? Or is it natural for all new Mother's to feel like time is just being snatched away from them?

I write this while I have put the little monster down for his morning nap, I can hear him chattering away on his baby monitor...He is a different baby to the one I brought home from the hospital almost 7 months ago. I thought pregnancy flew by, but nothing prepared me for the first year of Leo's life...seeing it fly past me....and soon seeing me being sat behind my desk at the 9-5 job I have occupied for the last 3 years.

I really wish I was established and we could afford for me to not have to go back to work. I wish we owned a house and had the financial set up for us to live comfortably, but the fact of the matter is. I have to go back to work for us to survive. I have to work to help bring the food home and give Leo everything he needs.

I also want to be able to take Leo on holidays and days out. When he is 3 or 4 my plan is to take him to Finland where we will stay in a log cabin with a roaring fire where we will go on sleigh rides and see the Northern Lights. To do things like this...I need money...I need to work.

I have also never been comfortable taking money off Luke, even now with me on maternity leave I budget my own money so I don't need to ask him for handouts. This may be me being proud, but I love having my own Independence and knowing I can get myself or Leo something without having to get the funds from Luke.

I guess I have answered a number of my own reservations about returning to work. It is a necessity...but not something I look forward to doing. However for us to buy our own house, and for me to continue with my Independent approach to life....Work is where I am headed.

I just wish time would slow down. I wish Leo would stay smaller for longer. I don't wish any time away. I don't wish milestones would come along quicker than they do. I am quite contented enjoying them as they arrive and watching my little lion develop in front of my eyes.

We now have his second bottom tooth! It popped through yesterday! I am pretty sure he is trying to clap his little fists together, and he is loving the Gummy Bear Song, he demonstrates his liking for this particular video by kicking his little legs...grinning from ear to ear and squealing with excitement. My boy is growing up....

Judging from the baby monitor going quiet, it sounds like my little man has finally given in to the temptation of sleep...So I am going to take this time to enjoy a hot chocolate <3

Have a lovely day all

Laura x

I want my Mummy...

Since Leo turned 6 months old, he has been on mission GO.
He seems to be going through a 'Mummy' phase currently, which is just lovely for me, but I cannot help wondering about Luke and how it makes him feel. Obviously it is perfectly normal for a baby to want his Mummy, and it is very rewarding when Leo reaches his arms out for me to come and get him from whoever may be holding him.

Yesterday we paid a visit to Luke's Mum's, Leo's Nanny took him away for a cuddle and for the first couple of minutes he was fine, all smiles and no problems. Then he looked straight at me and his bottom lip started to drop, his arms stretched out and he wanted to come back to his Mummy. His Nanny quickly brought him back and placed him in my arms, as she had observed Leo was quickly becoming a Mummy's boy. As soon as I had my baby boy closed tightly in my Mummy huggle...Leo was silent and contented once again.

I am determined to enjoy all the attention Leo throws at me, as I know there will come a day where all he is going to want is his Daddy, and Mummy wont be good enough to do things that only the 'boys' can do together. I know Luke is looking forward to the day where Leo can join him on the Kit Bikes and when they can go on boys only camp nights. For me though...When this time comes, I am going to miss my little baby that just wanted his Mummy.
I was shocked when I realised Leo was reaching out, I did not think this development would come for a few more months. Luke is in awe when he walks in from work and Leo lunges forward to get into his arms. When bedtime comes around, this is our time and only Mummy will do. I hope this lasts for many years to come.

Leo's sitting is getting more steady and he is starting to roll more and more, when did my little baby stop being my little baby? When did he turn into a 6 month, 18lbs 6oz little monster? I seem to have blinked and the time has just swept past me so quickly.

It is now only 6 months until I return to my 9-5 job, and the thought fills me with dread. How can I even consider leaving Leo? Yes he will be 12 months by the time of my return, but I can't help feeling I am going to miss out on so much being a working mum. I love my role as stay at home Mummy, but that role is going to time out. Some how I am going to have to split my time between two roles, when really...I just want to be with my little lion.

I would love to know how you working Mum's managed to tear yourselves away from your maternity leave and your baby? I would love some advice.

When did your little munch kin's start reaching for you?
Laura xx

Me, Myself and I

I think all Mummy's will join me when I say, it is just lovely to spend some quality time with just Me, Myself and I. I used to be very well acquainted with these once very close friends of mine, we would spend hours just doing things for..well.....us!

I had no one dependant on me you see...well apart from Luke...but he can look after himself to a certain extent. I just have to make sure he is being entertained with his kit bikes, his MK1 VW Caddy...or the gym and he pretty much takes care of himself.

These days it is so hard to just spend any time on my own. Don't get me wrong, I love every moment with Leo but I try to time bedtime so I can have just one hour to myself while Luke is at the gym. This very rarely works out. I just have to blink and the time is gone, and I have spent the whole time getting Leo down and doing Mummy jobs.

Me, Myself and I have become strangers, by the time I have got Leo and every job on my list completed, Luke is home and any chance of time on my own has gone up in smoke.**POOF**
The other night I implemented bed time early, in the hope that Leo would be down for 7:30pm and there would be an opportunity to do...Nothing! Bliss!
Leo of course had a completely different agenda. Consisting of taking 40 minutes to drink 2oz's of an 8oz bottle. Deciding then he had a second wind and started to beam gummy smiles through his bottle and giggling like he knew I would succumb.

Of course I am a sucker, I love those moods where he is being playful and mischievous. I waved an evening with myself off there and then and proceeded to take him downstairs, I knew he would not go down until he was ready, and boy...he let me know he was not ready.

To be honest, I am glad he woke up and I shared that time with him. Leo as you know has been rolling from back to front since he was 20 weeks old. He has on occasion been known to roll tummy to back, but I have been waiting for him to perfect the 'Continuous Roll'.
That night he did just that, he rolled for a toy and then proceeded to roll again, and again. With these next two enthusiastic rolls he successfully took out two vases of flowers, full of water. I through, fits of giggles moved him away from the scene of the crime, so he decided there and then to roll into Granddad's shoes for a little munch...oh my son.

Leo had a lovely evening, and before I knew it, an hour had elapsed and it was coming up to 9pm. My 'Early bedtime' implementation had obviously failed and my next impossible mission was to get him to bed. AGAIN.
You may be thinking that I should have a more strict regime, and maybe I should have stuck to my original plan and not brought him back down stairs and essentially wound him back up all over again.

Mistake or not he did go down just after 9 with no fights and no giggles. He was happy, and I was happy to have spent a lovely evening with my gorgeous baby boy.

I think every Mummy needs an hour to herself in the evening, but sometimes that hour can be spent valuably with that little person in your life. Me, Myself and I will have to wait but I would not change that hour with my little man, nor do I believe I need a stricter regime. What we do works for all of us and while we are both happy, I will continue to put my best foot forward.

Leo has his dinner at around 5pm each evening, and when he is substantially messy enough, food smushed up his nose and in his hair, I make the call and take him for his bath. He thoroughly enjoys his baths, he will splash and whale kick until the cows come home. After he is all kicked out it is time to get into his babygrow, this takes us to about 6pm, and he can use this time to play and have quiet time with me before having his bedtime bottle and going to bed for 8pm.

He will wake up once in the night for around 15 minutes, in that time he will have a 5oz bottle and then he will sleep through until 9:30/10:00am if I let him. So I am not sleep deprived and we seem to have our own special understanding. This makes me wonder about other peoples bed time routines and how they accomplish such a mission each night.

So what are your bed time routines and how do to you implement them? Do you get that coveted hour in the evening to yourself, and how?

Last night I was lucky enough to get that one hour to myself. Some how Leo was down and asleep by 7:30, and I began to write this post. Before I knew it, that time was over and Luke was home....and this post was left in-complete. I write this now while Leo is asleep in his push chair and Luke is off fixing up both the car's tyre pressures (A job that is beyond me completely).

So I may not always get this time in the evening, but at some points in the day it is still just Me, Myself and I, but I would not change my little family for the world.

To top off my half hours peace, my ring also made an appearance this afternoon. In a Tesco bag no less. So I am now re-juvenated and also wearing my bling pride of place on my finger.

Enjoy your weekends everyone!

Laura x

Here's to 2012

Technically The Life and Times of The Working Mum turns one in January, although that could be argued as I posted once, and then I disappeared off the face of the earth...well... so to speak. I thought I would share some of my favourite posts of the year, as a way to finish off 2011 and kick start 2012.

It really has been a whirl wind year, but it has been truly eye opening and amazing. I would not change a thing, but part of me wonders if I am ready to let go of 2011, as so much has happened and I am now a completely new person. I am a Mummy.

I do look forward to 2012 and all of the excitement that comes with it, as so many firsts are still to happen.

My very first post the Life & Trials - Debut  talks all about the reservations I had in regards to my pregnancy, and the questions building up about financial matters. Looking back I needn't have worried as much as I did. If only I could have foreseen all the amazing things that were going to happen in 2011.

The next post I wish to re-visit with you is my walk through pregnancy and all that comes with it. I wish I had appreciated my new found curves while they were there, as I was one of those women who was constantly thinking how I resembled some sort of blubbering whale...but looking back I have very fond memories of my Leo bump.

After a pregnancy there is always a birth, here is my Birth Story, I have to put my hands up and admit that I did have a very straight forward labour. I like to think that is why Leo is such a good baby. I had a water birth and wouldn't change it. Leo is my little water baby.

Back in October I came across Milas Day Dreams, Leo and I teamed up and produced our own attempts of the fantastic originals! Coincidentally we named them Leo's Day Dreams.

Keeping in with the creative streak, for Halloween we even attempted to carve our own pumpkins! By we...I do mean I.

Back In November, all I could think about were Christmas Time Traditions and how I could make Leo's first Christmas one to remember. I loved all the feedback given by readers and I am happy to share that I will be implementing a few into future Christmas's.

I like to think that readers see Leo growing up through my posts, and I have shared many of Leo's firsts with you all, he first rolled over back in November and when he laughed his first hearty chuckle earlier this month.

So there we have it, a re-cap of some of my fondest memories of 2011, I hope you enjoy having a flick through.

I wish you all a Happy New Year, and I will be back in 2012 with many more adventures that Leo and I stumble upon.

Technically on the 20th January 2012, The Life and Times of The Working Mum turns one!

How will we mark the occasion?

Happy New Year all!

Love Laura & Leo xx

Leo and his Slugs & Snails

Not so long ago I told you all about my amazing new discovery, Boy's Tights! by Slugs & Snails. If like me, you have scoured the high street and maybe even the Internet, for tights for your little blue bundles...you will have come up short. Just like I did...

I love shopping for clothes for Leo, but I am often left dis-heartened when I realise again and again, just how little choice there is out there for Mummy's and there little boys. So when I came across Kat and her new business venture, I just had to get Leo some boy's tights of his very own!

As soon as I pressed confirm and ordered Leo's Slugs & Snails, I was excited. I found myself staking out the post man each morning until they arrived, and as soon as they did...I instantly placed Leo in them.

Not only did Leo look amazingly cute, he was also dressed perfectly for the winter months. The tights can be worn under jeans, which for me is brilliant...as this eliminates the need for socks, we always seem to lose socks when we are out and about. However, it seems ashame to cover up the charming designs. These tights should be worn loud and proud. They should be on show and not hidden under other clothes!

The sizes are very giving and we opted for the 6 to 12 months. The fact that Leo will get at-least 6 months wear out of them, put a real grin on my face.

Everywhere I go, we are getting compliments on Leo's tights, and everyone wants to know where we managed to obtain such tights...for BOYS! Of course I happily pass on the Slugs and Snails website address, and don't think it will be long before Leo is no longer the only baby boy in Worcestershire with the trademark tights.

I want Kat to know that she is doing an amazing job bringing boys tights to the market, and I wish her all the luck for the future. I look forward to continue dressing Leo in Slugs and Snails for many years to come.

Those of you who have not yet checked out Kat's website, head over there now and check out Slugs & Snails.

Leo's First Christmas

Dear Leo,

This Christmas was your very first, the tree was ready and your stocking was hung, awaiting the many presents that Santa was bringing in on his sleigh. My excitement must have rubbed off on you, as there was no way you were going to sleep. Despite my greatest efforts you were awake until gone 10pm on Christmas Eve.

I tried explaining how Santa just would not come until you rested your head and closed those brilliant blue eyes of yours, but still....you just would not sleep. I have to admit, you were lovely company and the giggles you provided were a real treat on every ones expectant ears.

When you finally went down, Daddy and I ensured that Santa would have a glass of milk and a well deserved mince pie. After everything was in place we all made our way to bed.

Even I couldn't sleep on Christmas Eve. It was like being a child again and the excitement was alive in all of us...and I swear that in the early hours of the morning....just after you had awoken for a bottle...I heard the sleigh land with a thump on the roof and a clutter of hooves dancing along the roof slats, a few moments later I heard a thud down stairs! I can only imagine that Santa had just clambered down the chimney and was now delivering your many presents!

I settled you back down and again retired to bed, only to be awoken early on Christmas day, 7am in fact and it wasn't long before the rest of the family made their way downstairs to the masses and masses of presents that had appeared under the tree!

Santa had indeed been in the night and it looked as though his work shop had exploded in the front room! There had never been more presents than their had been this year. We all sat and helped you open your stocking.....before you proceeded to fall asleep on Daddy's new gaming bean bag for what felt like forever...

Leo you had woken up so early that you were still too sleepy to even consider staying awake, when you did finally wake up...your Aunt and Uncle had done a Taz Manian Devil type of hurricane around the Christmas tree, and the living room was now covered in wrapping paper. I looked over at the tree and realised that the majority of what was left...was all yours. Santa must have seen what a well behaved baby boy I have, and rewarded accordingly.

We helped you open all your presents....you were a pro at getting into your gifts. Although it has to be said...you would have just been happy with the wrapping paper. Although I expect next year when you are running around...this will all change.

Leo, you were supposed to have your first taste of Turkey and Christmas dinner, but just as dinner was served up, you let me know that you were ready for yet another...nap! So I took you up to bed and tucked you in, there was no fight put up from you and you fell asleep...instantly. Missing the entire lunch festivities.

Christmas dinner was Turkey with all the trimmings...and we all tucked in, while you were busy dreaming little dreams in the land of nod.

With the day drawing to an end, you still had many presents under the tree and when we had finally opened all of them. I had to wonder where we were going to house them!?

• A Winnie the Pooh Walker...
• A Fisher-Price Amazing Animals Choo-Choo Train...
• A big Mickey Mouse...
• A plush Winnie the Pooh..
• A ball pitt..
• A giggling ball..
• A Fisher-Price Kick n Play Piano...

Just to name a few! There were more than we could ever play with in a day alone, well more than you could. I have to be honest and tell you...I played with all of your presents before you ever did. Of course I tried to involve you to the best of my ability...but the child in me called me on.

We popped over to your Grand Pops in the evening, so he too could see you opening your presents and marveling at the wrapping paper. Soon after getting you back home and settled for bed, down you went and off to sleep you went...

Your first Christmas was a lovely day, having you around brought so much excitement into the whole of Christmas. You were just turning 6 months old, but you knew something was going on.

My Christmas present from you was amazing...In the week running up to Christmas day, you were becoming so strong. Your back was getting straighter and whenever we sat you up...you sat for longer and longer! You are still a little shaky...but you are almost there! My little baby can sit up!

I remember last year (Christmas 2010) sitting and thinking what my life would be like next year....Last Christmas I was around 12 weeks pregnant with you and now you are 6 months old. Time has flown by. Not for one minute did I know just how amazing this year would be. I feel like we have both grown so much and I am so proud!

Merry Christmas bubba!

Much Love, Mummy xxx

P.S....

How were all of your Christmas's? Did you all get everything you dreamed of? Were your little rays of sunshine spoilt? I would love to hear all about it!

I was spoilt rotten, Luke presented me with the most amazing camera...so I guess it is just more of an excuse to take even more photos!

Merry Christmas all!!

P.P.S....I just wanted to share some more of my favourite photos from this Christmas.....

Leo and the Letter from Santa

Late last week while Leo and I were going about our day to day business, the most unexpected and most wonderful thing occurred. A bright and exciting letter fell through the letter box and landed perfectly on the rug below.

I soon realised that this rather exciting envelope wasn't for me....it was for my little Leo. The entire envelope gave me so many clues to who the letter was from. Santa had written Leo a letter and sent it in the post just for him!

I quickly opened up the letter and began to read the letter to Leo, there was excitement in my voice while I studied each word with amazement....and the letter read.....

Dear Leo,

It's your first ever Christmas, the most special yet,

I'm Santa, Father Christmas, I'm so glad we've met,

Bringing you tidings of joy and good cheer,

And a sprinkling of magic at this time of year.

Handing out gifts to girls and to boys,

Who are hoping for presents like books and nice toys,

I'll be riding my sleigh accross the world in one night,

With Rudolph's red nose as my guiding light.

I'll squeeze down the chimney, fill stockings with care,

Trying so hard to keep soot from my hair,

And when I've laid out all the gifts just for you,

I'll relax with a mince pie (maybe even a few)

So your first ever Christmas with toys of your own,

I'll be back next year to see how you've grown,

With more special presents from my sleigh up above,

From your family and friends, and from me with love.

Merry Christmas Leo,

Love from,

Santa

It was such a lovely letter, and gesture from a very busy man at a very busy time of year. Leo is quite obviously a bit young this year...but next...if he is on Santa's 'Nice' List...he may get another....and I am sure he will love receiving his very own post, from the man in the red suit.

I am keeping this letter safe, so when he is a bit older he can read all about what Santa said in a letter talking all about his very first Christmas.

Merry Christmas to you all, and I hope you are all enjoying the magic that comes with this time of year!

Baby boy is growing up!

Leo is a very determined baby, he knows to a certain degree what he wants, and what he most certainly doesn't want.

The latest thing in the long running line of things that he does not want.....is his hatred for the pram, at 18 weeks old he is telling me in his own special way, that he is far to old to be lay down and pushed around like a baby.

Leo tells me that the pram dis-pleases him by screaming all the way to our destination....or just on a stroll around town. He tells me by arching his head and rivalling his shoulders, trying to pull himself up. Upon picking him up....silence...he can see all around and is once again the usual bubby baby I know and love.

This has gone on for a number of weeks but today, I decided enough was enough and it was high time for me to accept that my baby is growing up, and he wants to see the world and no longer stare at the sky.

It only seems five minutes ago that he couldn't move much at all. Now he is so determined to do things, and it is only a matter of time before he is doing all the things he longs to.

So I ask you, where has my tiny newborn baby gone!?

We are the proud owners of the Mothercare Spin, it is such a fab travel systen and continues to do us proud. So now the pram component has made the transition from the travel bed into......the stroller.

Please Leo just slow down, stay small and don't rush. Mummy is not ready to let her baby grow up just yet. Just try to.... never grow up.....it could all stay this simple!