I can remember lying with you in that hospital bed on that very first night. I watched you sleep and took in every little detail of the little life I had just welcomed into the world.
It was just you and me as visiting hours had now been and gone, it was well into the night and I still couldn't take my eyes off you.
I still remember how my mind was racing, racing with thoughts to what the future would bring.
Wondering what you would grow up to be?
How you would change over the first couple of years and what those very first words would be to come out of your gummy mouth.
Would you like all of the food that you tried or become a little fussy monster?
Would you be a Mummy's boy or one of the boy's with Daddy?
Two years have passed and I have seen you grow and change right before my eyes. Every day brings a new adventure that we take on together.
You make me laugh like no one else can and we truly our a special team.
Your a Mummy's boy through and through, and I think I always knew you would be from the very start.
Even now I still sit and watch you dream. I let my mind run away with all of those future moments that we will experience together, those milestones you will surpass.
I wonder what the next two years will bring?
What your next new word will be?
It is hard to believe that in two years time you will be four years old.
But even then I will sneak in to watch you dream your dreams, and I will keep wondering what the future will bring.
Beyond Group 1, What Next? Mark Bennett, Car Seat Safety Expert from BRITAX explains that as children move to a Group 2/3 stage car seat, safety whilst travelling should remain a key priority.
With many children starting school this week or next, parents up and down the country are bracing themselves for the years of school runs ahead. Whilst a new uniform, new shoes and school bag may seem like your child’s number one priority, you need to ensure that little ones get to school safely and on time.
It may feel that only yesterday you were buying your first car seat for your newborn and then just when you were getting to grips with Group 1, the next stage car seat will sneak up on you, around about the time they will be finishing pre-school. Whilst your little one may appear to be a strong big boy or girl as they reach the age of four, keeping them safe whilst travelling is still top priority.
Mark Bennett explains, ‘As your child moves into a new phase of their life with school, it is a good time to do a ‘health check’ on your travel safety. Many parents are still unaware that it is required by law for children to travel in a car seat until they are 135cm tall or 12 years old – whichever comes first - so the final Group 2-3 stage car seats will see your child from the age of four all the way until they are 12 years of age.
At the age of four or 15 kg, children are old enough to move to an adult seat belt but this doesn’t mean they don’t need protection. Many parents believe children will be safe on a booster cushion, a small platform that lifts them up on the seat, however these are not safe as they do not have the all important side impact protection of deep side wings and a protective headrest.’
In fact, car seat safety technology for children aged 4 years plus has advanced so much that a new era of car seat travel for stage 2-3 has been born with BRITAX setting new safety standards in the industry. The arrival of the new KIDFIX XP SICT features the latest technology for keeping your child safer than ever. The new seat features an innovative XP-PAD, a cushioned seat belt pad, which works in the event of a collision by taking the energy of crash forces away from the child’s chest area and supports their neck as the chin hits the compressed cushion, should the child’s head jolts forward. This reduces high neck loads by up to 30% in comparison to a normal 3-point seat belt.
Side impact protection is a key priority for BRITAX as side impact collisions are one of the most frequent and dangerous types of collisions on the roads*. BRITAX has developed energy management cushions known as Side Impact Cushion Technology (SICT) which offers superior side impact protection. The new flexible SICT cushion is on both sides of the KIDFIX XP SICT, but only needs to be activated on the side closest to the door, ensuring space and comfort on the side of the seat for additional passengers. These ground breaking cushions work to absorb the forces of a side collision before they reach your child, making these seats the safest Group 2-3 seat currently offered by BRITAX.
Mark Bennett has compiled some FAQ’s to help parents understand the final Group 2-3 car seat stage.
Q. What is a booster cushion? If they are sold why are they not safe?
A. At BRITAX, we’re always striving to ensure that we offer the maximum protection for your children as they develop. With recent research showing that side collisions are one of the most frequent and fatal types of crashes on the roads*, BRITAX decided to stop selling booster cushions. Booster cushions are better than no car seat, however they offer no side impact protection. BRITAX recommend a BRITAX ‘highback’ booster, which offers deep protective side wings and head support. These work to absorb crash forces in the event of a collision whilst protecting the child’s head.
The reason they are still sold is because EU safety standards don’t currently test for side collisions, but here at BRITAX, we do to ensure children are protected from every angle of impact.
Q. How do I know when my little one is ready to move to Group 2-3?
A. You should move your little one from a Group 1 to a Group 2-3 seat when they reach the weight limit of 18kg, or if their eye-line is higher than the seat’s highest point – whichever comes first. This is usually at the age of four years. Alternatively, you can extend the time your child can enjoy the safety of a five point harness to 25kg by using the new BRITAX XTENSAFIX.
Q. Can I buy an XP-PAD to add to my old Group 2-3 seat?
A. No. The XP-PAD is integrated into the KIDFIX XP SICT.
Q. What actually is the current law when it comes to car seat safety for 4 + year olds?
It is required by law for children to travel in a car seat until they are 135cm tall or approximately 12 years old whichever comes first.
Q. How do you fit a Group 2-3 car seat?
A Group 2-3 car seat can be fitted by ISOFIT, where the child safety seat is attached to the vehicle body with connectors in the same way as ISOFIX. It is classified as ISOFIT rather than ISOFIX as the child is secured by means of the adult 3-point seatbelt. ISOFIX is a term used in Group 0+/1 where the child is secured by means of a five point harness, and the car seat is fitted to the ISOFIX connections points.
Q. How do I know which is the best Group 2-3 seat for my family?
Every family is unique and has different considerations and practicalities to consider when choosing a seat. To help simplify the process, BRITAX has created a unique online tool that assists a parent to identify the right seat for their child and their car. For each seat, Fit FinderTM will also inform the users what seat positions are approved in the vehicle and the appropriate fitting method. You can view the latest Fit FinderTM here http://www.britax.co.uk/car-seats/fit-finder
* Casimir “Child Car Passenger Fatalities – European Figures and In-Depth Study”; Alan Kirk; Loughborough University, UK; Conference: Protection of children in cars, Munich, 2011
Disclaimer:I am sharing this as a Britax Mumbassadar and because I think it answers a lot of questions that I have asked. I have not been paid or compensated for this post.
2013 is whizzing by at an incredible speed, I just don't know where the time is going. We are already into September which means that we now entering the Autumn months. As our Summer begins to cool down and simmer away to rainy cooler days, we turn our attention to the upcoming annual events that come around once a year.
In just over a month we will be stocking our cupboards with sweets and treats for those who choose to take part in Trick or Treating this All Hallows Eve. Although Leo won't be joining the older kid's to go out and about, he will be dressing up at home and taking part in a spot of pumpkin carving!
This will be my little guy's third Halloween, and even though he was only 4 months old when the first one rolled around we still got up to quite a lot... Leo was dressed up as a little pumpkin and while he napped I even took to carving my very first pumpkin. Although in hind sight I think maybe 3 was a little bit extreme for a first attempt!
Last year Leo was 16 months old, a walking talking little monster in his own right. This defiantly made it easier for him to take part and enjoy the activities more. I had found the perfect outfit for him earlier on in the year and snapped it up in readiness. A black all in one with a skeleton print all over, it was really effective and he certainly looked the part.
I am still taking inspiration as to what Leo will be wearing this Halloween, and have been having a look at this infographic predicting the top costumes for 2013. I am secretly hoping that I may get invited along to a Halloween party so I can don the Fever Neon Skeleton. As for what Leo will be wearing... I am sure it will be something really scary!
If you already have plans for Halloween and are in the market for a new outfit then why not enter this competition to win a costume of your choice up to the value of £30.00!?
Disclaimer:This post is brought to you by Fancy Dress Ball
Were up before the moon lay's down his sleepy head, and before the birds start their morning tune.
Were off to catch an airplane and fly way up high.
Were going to look down on the world from dizzy heights and in a few short hours we will be far from here.
We sped along the deserted motorway with hardly anyone else around.
No one but the man in the moon shining his light, guiding our way.
We dropped off Mumma's car and waved her 'bye bye' and hopped on a bus.
Your very first bus journey
You excitedly exclaimed to everyone around you, your joy of riding on the bus.
'Mumma! Bus...Wheels!' you happily chirped.
Complete strangers were captivated as you were so excited, they shot you smiles and couldn't take their eyes off of the little boy, who's dreams had come true through the simplicity of a bus journey.
The bus was all you spoke about all day, and you told absolutely anyone who would listen all about your exciting adventure.
The airplane was far less exciting than the bus.. The plane left a lot to be desired in your eyes and I am sure you would have happily taken a bus journey to Cyprus over the boring plane.
When you arrived at the villa you were absolutely exhausted, completely not in the mood for playing.
Until you saw the swimming pool of course. If there is one new word you learnt over the week it is 'pool'.
We got you your very first rubber ring and your big cousin showed you how to use it.
To start with you were not entertaining the idea, but after a few minutes you were using it like a pro.
Spinning circles around in the warm water and showing us all just how big and grown up you had become.
You ate out with us each and every night, having your very own big boy dinner's.
You even had your very first virgin cocktail, because you were determined to have some 'bubble juice', we didn't stand in your way. You were on holiday after all.
In fact you were a cheeky little rascal all week, stealing Mumma's can's of pop, but you made up for it by sitting and clinking our drinks together exclaiming 'cheers' like we were clinking champagne glasses.
You did make Mumma laugh when it became apparent that you were actually taken the mickey. A bug had landed on my hand you see, and I let out a little girly squeal and flicked my hand out in order to get rid of the creepy crawly. Only to have you, yes YOU Leo shoot me that winning smile of yours. You giggled and flung your hand forward squealing. Even now over a week later you are still taking the mickey out of your Mumma!
One thing I really noticed about you during this week is just how incredibly sociable you are. Wherever we went you made friends. You ran around chasing them and then they turned around to chase you. I had children coming up to me and asking if they could play with you. In one restaurant we visited, there were two kids playing on scooters. They were the restaurant owners children, and before I knew it they had brought you a scooter to the table so that you could go and play with them. You were having so much fun, I truly hope this confidence stays with you for always and that you always make friends so effortlessly.
We took you back to the beach, your second beach abroad. Not that you will remember your first holiday little guy, you were only 5 months old. But even then we took you and showed you the sea lapping against the sandy shores. Your first proper beach encounter happened right here in the sunny UK, but now you are truly at an age to enjoy all of the fun that can be had down by the sea.
I tried to show you how to make sand castles but you were just set on knocking them down, I think in the coming years we will be able to build some incredible sand castles with moats leading to the surf. But for now I have to admit that I played all on my own... I have always been a big kid when it comes to the sand.
You absolutely loved the waves, and the sea quickly became known as 'bubbles'.
You didn't care as the sea splashed around you, and you don't seem to share Mumma's sea phobia. I am a big scaredy cat as you will soon find out. Seaweed and being out of my depth truly scares the bejeebies out of me!
I soon found a natural water feed that had been hollowed out of the sand by locals. I decided this would be a better way to keep my sanity and give you the freedom you so craved to run and splash around.
The water clearing was so warm and the perfect depth for you to jump and splash until your heart desired. Although I still had to chase you when you decided to run back to the 'bubbles' on occasion.
You brought blankie along for the entire adventure, everywhere you went so did blankie.
I couldn't even prise it from your clutches when you fell asleep with it over you in the car. You spent the week looking very warm, with sweaty matted hair. The heat was just so humid and sticky, that I confined us to the air-conned bedroom on occasion just so we could cool down.
I think it is safe to say that your latest adventure has been an exciting one. With all of the new things you have experienced and memories you have made, now you are getting older you are getting so much more from every new adventure we pursue.
Here is to future holidays, future pool trips and of course trips to the sea to see all of those bubbles.
I have to wonder when I will be next awakening you to join me on an adventure?
The first time Leo flew he was only 5 months old, a mere baby in arms he slept most of the way there and most of the way back. I had been worried about taking baby milk and water through security and panicked that the pushchair would get lost or damaged in transit.
I needn't have worried, the whole process of flying with a baby was a relatively easy and stress free experience.
So how did I feel about the prospect of flying with a 2 year old?
To be honest... I couldn't think of anything worse than a toddler who had ants in his pants for 4/12 hours.
I had decided ahead of the trip to leave the pushchair at home, but in hind sight this would have been a very welcome addition to just have around the airport to keep Leo where he was supposed to be at certain points.
Outward Flight
I took a number of steps in preparation to taking Leo on such a long flight. It involved a Trunki and lot's of his favourite toys, the idea was that he could ride the Trunki around the airport and then have all of his toys for entertainment on board the plane.
I even let Leo help me pack up the Trunki with things that I knew he would play with, things that would keep him happy. His LeapFrog LeapTop, His Thomas Train, lots of little cars as cars are the ultimate toy's right now, and finally... I invested in a portable DVD Player for him to watch a few of his favourite DVDs which of course included... Disney's Cars.
Arriving at the airport for a very early flight Leo was thrilled to be riding his Trunki around, I lost count of how many people I apolagised too as Leo rode over their toes like a lawnmower cutting the grass. But still it kept him entertained while we were lining up to check in, and kept me firmly on my toes in case he decided to gain some speed...
With check in now behind us the next stage ahead of us was tackling security, a point I really did wish that I had brought the pushchair along. Leo was just interested in everything going on around him and this certainly reflected in how busy and into everything he was. Lining up and waiting for things is just very apparently not in a two year old's mind set.
In my head I had already in-visioned how I thought the flight would go, being so early in the morning I had quite honestly thought that he would succumb to his heavy eyes and sleep. Leo seemed to have other ideas... Leo decided he detested being strapped in on the airplane, and kicked up such a fuss that as soon as the seat belt sign came off, he was free to climb all over me. Luckily everyone around us was incredibly understanding, and I guess they have all been in our shoes at one point or another.
In all fairness to Leo aside from the initial screaming at take off (because of the seat belt) he was actually incredibly well behaved.
Leo spent the entire flight climbing all over the seats (and me...) playing with Thomas and watching Cars. Leo was thrilled that his cars had been included in his goodie case, so Thomas and the cars kept on being crashed into one another just so he could say 'Mumma...Crash'.
If you are planning on flying with a toddler then the more activities you can take along with you the better. We made the most of Leo having his own hand luggage allocation (as for a two year old you have to purchase a full price ticket) and this made so much difference in keeping him busy. I don't think I would want to attempt a longer flight with Leo just yet...4/12 hours was really quite sufficient,
My visions of Leo taking a nice long nap on board the plane were far from realistic, despite how tired he felt, there was no sign of him falling asleep... Well not until we were nearing touch down we had to try and strap him back into his seat... Yes that is when my little sleepy head decided to finally close his eyes.
Nice timing as always little man...
Inbound Flight
A week comes and goes pretty quickly, and all holidays have to come to an end eventually. The return flight departed Paphos at 21:00 and after reflecting on the outbound flight I didn't hold out much hope for a sleeping toddler. I was mentally preparing myself for a very long journey back home.
We got to the airport with plenty of time to spare so that we could get some dinner prior to departing, Leo jetted around on his Trunki having the absolute time of his life. Passers by pointed and smiled at my little guy as he passed them by, as usual Leo reveled in being the centre of attention, performing for his admiring audience.
Boarding the flight I knew the time was fast approaching where Leo would have to get strapped into his seat, I even apolagised to people before Leo began to scream in temper about the seat belt keeping him firmly in his seat. I thought maybe if he stayed strapped in then he may just drift off to sleep like last time... but it turns out all my little man wanted on this occasion was a cuddle with his Mumma.
Leo is not one to cuddle up and go to sleep, so I relished this moment. Leo proceeded to cat nap for the entire flight home. It was by no means a deep sleep but it kept him quiet for the most part, but when he did wake up he was more than happy to sit and watch Cars in the comfort of his seat.
Leo didn't mind taking off or landing (bar the whole seat belt shenanigan) and really was exceptionally well behaved. It was lovely being complimented on how well behaved he was, and reassured even when he did decide to have a little cry. I definitely think Leo's Trunki full of goodies was the secret to our successful flights, and I will be packing it full of treats for each and every future flight we jet off on.
Flying with a toddler was certainly more of a challenge than flying with a baby in arms, but it was not as daunting as I had anticipated. The whole experience for Leo has been so exciting and I am sure he would have no objections to doing it all again.
I was sat in the restaurant watching all the kids run around. Their excited and enjoying themselves, chasing each other around and play fighting. Leo is chasing his cousin around and then running away as he turns on his heels to chase him. They disappear under the table, and I count my lucky stars that they are no longer at risk of tripping the waitress over as they dart around.
Leo spent much of his holiday over excited, when the occasion called for it and he got a little too over excited he was told, and he was sat down. He always had us keeping a watchful eye on him, we knew he was safe and we knew exactly what he was up to at all times. But he is at an age where he is wanting to push his boundaries that little bit more, he wants to play with other children and is going that little bit further a field as he gains more confidence in being further away from his parents.
I know that Leo is cheeky and mischievous, he deliberately pushes buttons to see what reaction he will get. He also has a very good idea about things that he definitely shouldn't be doing, he looks for approval in everything his does these days, and sometimes a simple look is suffice enough to let him now what isn't acceptable.
What makes me laugh is that some parent's completely forget that their older children were once exactly like my two year old. They forget that once upon a time it was their little boy running around, they forget everything now that their little boy is that bit older. They forget these things by commenting on Leo, saying in conversation that 'He was never like Leo, he didn't do any of these things' basically insinuating that he sat perfectly still and certainly didn't get as excited as Leo does... you are really saying that Leo is a bit of a live wire, that he is naughty.
I look around the table trying to read the rest of their faces. I have a far different recollection of events that took place when this same little boy was younger. The same well behaved little boy scribbling on arms of the chair in felt tip pen, running around and play fighting, taking things a little too far and giving his Uncle a bloody nose... And getting away with it in each instance. In just this week alone he has been part of the reason that Leo has even got down from the table in the first place, lead him away to play just after his dinner has arrived. I can see that others are thinking along the same lines as me but I let the comment wash over me, it really wasn't worth rocking the boat.
I think as time goes by it is easy to forget these things, I know that Leo is excitable but the difference is I am there in every instance. I see everything that happens, I tell him no. Maybe she really doesn't remember? Maybe it made her feel better to insinuate that Leo is at the centre of mischief?
Regardless... I think it is important to remember. I know I will. I know that Leo has ants in his pants, I know that I have lost count of how many people I have apolagised too as Leo accidentally runs over their feet as he whizzes past in a blur. I know that Leo keeps me firmly on my toes and that he will decide to play as soon as dinner arrives in a restaurant...
But I remember.
It's important to remember, especially before passing judgement.
Since we moved in back in November 2012 we have slowly done things to certain rooms of the house, but it has taken time and means that we have never ever got to Leo's bedroom. When we were living with my parents Leo had a lovely room decorated especially for him, blue walls for my blue eyed boy and it truly felt like Leo's room.
It was a such a nice room to just sit in, but his room here has never really felt truly his. I detest the yellow/lime green colouring, but just can't justify painting it all while we are renting. I felt like his room was destined to stay bland and by far my least favourite room in the house.
We were recently sent The Very Hungry Caterpillar Room Decor Kit to try and breathe some life and personalisation into my little man's room. We have always loved The Hungry Caterpillar and often read the book, little Leo even has the DVD so I knew that he would love this addition to his bedroom.
There are 49 stickers in total within this set, and they are a really great size in fact I was surprised at just how large some of them were. The stickers tell the story of The Very Hungry Caterpillar as he eats his way through each of the food his discovers throughout the week, making his transition into a beautiful Butterfly.
The stickers fill the bland walls perfectly and have stuck really well to the wall. I was a bit worried that they may peel off as Leo's wall is actually wall papered in that very annoying bobbly paper. I have had to push some of the stickers back down firmly from time to time where they have come back up, but if they stick to Leo's wall like they do, then on a flat bedroom wall there will be no problems at all.
The actual quality of these sticks is second to none, I have used wall stickers in the past that have torn as soon as I have tried to take them from the sheet but I haven't experienced this with these stickers once.
When I was applying the stickers I had to remove some of them to get them lined up properly, but they still stuck back down perfectly, so you do have some leeway with re-arranging them if you need to pull them back up for any reason.
As you can see they have really made this room more than just a room that Leo sleeps in, they have given it that mark to say that 'This room is Leo's!' and he has been loving pointing out the big fat Caterpillar to me as we go in for nap time and off to bed at night.
I think this set of stickers is great, either for the finishing touches to a room you have decorated or for families like me who are renting and cannot justify decorating the entire room for one reason or another.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Sticker Set retails at £28.00, which is an absolute bargain for the size and quality of these stickers. I love how they have brightened up the dullest room in the house and given Leo something visual to look at.
Disclaimer:I was sent The Very Hungry Caterpillar Wall Stickers for the purpose of this review. I have expressed my own personal experience with this set and everything expressed above is true to life.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
