Introducing Baby Flynn

His head full of hair and such a sweet little face had us swooning from the beginning

 

 

Flynn Luke

Born 17th July 2013

Weight 9lb 8oz

56cm Long

 

In the world of Flynn his needs are as follows: Eat, poop, sleep, repeat. Sometimes he switches it up and adds an extra poop in there to spice things up a bit. He likes to be held and does not really like his sling or bouncer. He prefers sleeping a little upright or in the bed next to me. I tried to put him to sleep in his own bed last night, but FAILED. He woke up every 10 minutes. I caved and took him out in the living room with me while I read Baby Wise. I usually have to feed him to sleep and he sleeps in his bassinet next to our bed. I REALLY would like to get him on some kind of schedule because feeding on demand and co-sleeping is not for me. I read Baby Wise with James and Georgia and they were both on great schedules, going to bed by 7pm and sleeping for most of the night after they were 8 weeks old. Hopefully Flynn will follow big brother’s and sister's lead. But I am starting to see how different they really are, so who knows how this plan will pan out.

 

Happy  birthday, baby!

So here’s the down low and what to expect in those first few days/weeks.....

•You're so in love, you don't even notice that baby's face is all squished, swollen and bruised from his tight squeeze into the world (if you had a C-section, baby will look a bit less squished but may still be puffy). If you have noticed, don't worry. He'll be looking picture-perfect in no time!

•Ditto with that cone-shaped infant head. Just put on one of those cute little knit hats to hide it. It's all good!

•Because he's been curled up in your belly for the past nine months, your baby may still be huddled in the fetal position after he's born. Your heart will melt watching his little grunts and stretches as he works out the kinks. Keeping him swaddled a good deal of the time will help him feel safe and secure.

•Until baby's umbilical cord falls off, you'll have to give him a sponge bath rather than immersing him in a tub, it helps all the goodness seep back into their skin.

•Some babies are born with a mop of hair while others are total cue balls. Whatever junior has now, rest assured that come kindergarten, he'll be sporting some locks.

 

All babies grow and develop at different rates.

So please don't compare your kid with so-and-so's baby from across the road—you'll just drive yourself nuts.

If you have any concerns, bring them up with your doctor/pediatrician at your baby's next visit.

 

The Moment A Child Is Born

The moment my children were born,

I was changed forever.

I grow daily as a mother thanks to them.

 

Fun in a Bucket

One of the easiest, most sure ways to engage kids in simple outdoor play is to add a little water to the mix.

 

One classic idea is to let the kids “wash dishes” outside.

All you need is a couple of buckets, or big bowls, some dishes for washing (you’ll probably want to choose the unbreakable variety), and some water. Add a dot of dish soap to one container of water and reserve the other container for rinsing. 

What a simple way to enjoy a little time in the shade – washing, rinsing, splashing, talking, laughing, and playing.

 

 

Whether it comes from a sprinkler, a swimming pool, or the beach, there’s nothing quite like playing in water in the summertime.

 

These are cheap plastic tubs from The Warehouse filled with water. (usually have toys stored in them)

 

 

 

Splash through spring and into summer with fun water games and activities for the whole family to enjoy

 

A favourite at our house is Water Balloon War – kids love the competitive nature of a good, old-fashioned water balloon fight. A laundry basket makes a great container for freshly filled balloons; simply line the bottom with a towel to prevent any sharp edges from puncturing the balloons, causing them to detonate early.

 

 

Whats your Favourite water play activities you do at your house? We would love some more ideas, Leave a message in the comments box below

 

 

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Family

The last time we had our family picture taken was when Georgia was just the tiniest bump in my belly. And now here we are with a 5 year old and an almost 3 year old, so we figured we'd better get it documented before we have another child or something crazy...

 

All dressed up and ready for my brothers wedding

 

When was your last family photo? Do you try doing them every year or just find it only happens when you have a family get together where your all dressed up?

Let us know in the comments box below

 

The big 5

 

 

We had James 5th Birthday Party at our home.....with 26 kids and their parents!! I can laugh now because it is over and not only did we survive, but James had the "Bestest time ever".

 

 

Friday saw me all domesticated and baking and I even wore an apron (give me a sec whilst I shine my domestic halo). I was feeling very Martha like except for the part where I had a complete meltdown over the Oreo Pops that I had seen on Pinterest and tried to recreate. After I destroyed 3 packets of Oreos trying to get them on sticks, I finally admitted defeat and started with easy Rocky Road slice instead.

 I then went on to bake and create until I was completely spent and I had a fridge full of goodies for the party the next day...

 

So without further adieu, I present to you James Magical 5th Birthday Party.

 

 

James LOVES Thomas the tank engine and all his friends.

So this year being 5 years old, we went with "James the Red and Black number 5 train" as our theme.

It really was a Special party for one very happy little 5 year old. After the guest were thanked, farewelled and sent home with a lolly bag, we collapsed with exhaustion.

 

Oh I nearly forgot (yeah likely) the cake.

 

We asked James what he wanted for his birthday cake and no surprises he wanted something which would involve a train from his Thomas collection.

 

Train quarry cake

 



 

 

Happy 5th Birthday James

 

 

What are your Christmas traditions?

Can you believe that there are less than 100 days until Christmas? I've noticed that Pinterest is full of wonderful Christmas ideas, some stores here in New Zealand have already got their Christmas displays ready and lots of Christmas blogs are posting more and more frequently.... I guess I'd better get myself organised and find some Christmas inspiration.

6 Christmas Gift ideas to buy for under $30

Here a are 6 ideas of gifts under $30 all from New Zealand shores. Make your Christmas easy and buy online from local businesses this year! 

 

#1 - Ducks bath toy, Source

 



 

#2 - Spike Back Pack, Source
 

#3 -  Bananagrams, Source

 

 

#4 - Fix-It Tool Box, Source

 

 

 #5 - Ukulele, Source

 

 #6 - Magnetic Board, Source
 

 

Christmas in New Zealand is the complete opposite of traditional images of Christmas. Movies, books and Christmas cards nearly always show Christmas as cold and snowy, with people wrapped up in their warm clothes and gathered around a crackling fire. In New Zealand though, it’s warm and (if we’re lucky) sunny, with people in shorts, t-shirts and jandals.

James decorated most of our tree by himself Last year.
He designated himself in charge of the “tournaments,” his word for ornaments, and he took his job very seriously by giving orders to Georgia.

 

If my kids could, they'd leave the Christmas tree up all year round.

 

Christmas is a time of traditions, the things that you do year after year. There are lots of different traditions from all over the world, including:

• In Brazil, fireworks go off in the skies over the cities and huge Christmas ‘trees’ of electric lights can be seen against the night skies in major cities such as Brasilia, San Paolo, and Rio de Janeiro.
• In Greece, very few presents are given to each other. Instead, small gifts are given to hospitals and orphanages.
• In Switzerland, bell ringing has become a tradition, and each village competes with the next when calling people to midnight mass. After the service, families gather to share huge homemade doughnuts called ringli and hot chocolate.
• In Wales, taffy making is an important part of the Welsh Christmas. This involves making a special kind of chewy toffee from brown sugar and butter. It is boiled and then pulled so that it becomes lovely and glossy.

What are your Christmas traditions? We will be sharing our Christmas traditions with you over the next couple of weeks but we would love to know how you celebrate Christmas...
Leave us a comment in the box below 

 

YUM

Red Velvet CupCakes

 

Red velvet cake and red velvet cupcakes have become increasingly popular on the past year

 

 

Velvet Cupcakes – they’re such a classic cupcake and would be a perfect treat to bake over the coming weekend. Give them ago!

Ingredients

1 1/4 cups (125gs) sifted flour
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 Tbsp cocoa powder
1/4 cup (57g) butter, at room temperature
3/4 cups (150g) White Sugar
1 large egg
1/2 tsp pure vanilla essance
1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk
1 Tbsp liquid red food coloring
1/2 tsp white vinegar
1/2 tsp baking soda

Cream Cheese Frosting:8oz (227g) cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup (60g) Icing Sugar, sifted
2/3 cup slightly whipped cream

Method

Red Velvet Cupcakes: Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F) and line 12 muffin tins with paper cupcake liners. In a large bowl sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder.
In the bowl of your electric mixer, or with a hand mixer, beat the butter until soft (about 1-2 minutes). Add the sugar and beat until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). Add the egg and beat until incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the vanilla extract and beat until combined.
In a measuring cup whisk the buttermilk with the red food coloring. With the mixer on low speed, alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk to the butter mixture, in three additions, beginning and ending with the flour.
In a small cup combine the vinegar and baking soda. Allow the mixture to fizz and then quickly fold into the cake batter.
Working quickly, divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups and smooth the tops with an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 18-23 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cupcakes comes out clean.
Cool the cakes in their pans on a wire rack for 10 minutes and then remove from pan. Let cool completely before frosting. Either spread the frosting with a knife or offset spatula, or use a large 1M Wilton open star decorating tip to pipe the frosting.
Cream Cheese Frosting: In the bowl of your electric mixer, or with a hand mixer, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the vanilla and icing sugar and beat until smooth. Using the whisk attachment, gradually add the heavy cream and whip until the frosting is thick enough to pipe. Add more sugar or cream as needed to get the right consistency.
Makes 12 cupcakes.

Pet day

This exciting day takes place annually early in the fourth school term. It is a day to bring along the much loved pets and any creations that the students have made.

 

Its nearly that time of year again, PET DAY

Pet days are an enduring country school event.

 

Last year James and Georgia were in the preschool section. They each had a lamb.

 

 

Over the past few decades, a growing body of research has shown that the presence of pets and companion animals is beneficial to human health and well-being. Pets can have a profound impact on the psychological and intellectual development of children, which is why having a class pet or setting aside a designated day as "pet day" can be extremely beneficial to students and teachers alike.

 

Pets Stimulate Creativity

Children are naturally curious and imaginative, and having a pet around can stimulate that natural curiosity. Most children are interested in or inquisitive about animals, regardless of whether they have a pet at home or not. Many teachers who have had pet day at school have said that the presence of an animal seemed to stimulate their students' creativity in the arts, literature and music. Even students who did not have a natural aptitude for the arts would write stories, draw pictures and act out plays involving the animal.

 

In November I will blog about pet day.

Can't wait to show you photos and tell you how all it goes.

James is now at school so will be entering the judged sections.

He has a Lamb called Milly and is having a calf called Molly!!

(Watch this space)