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)

 





To Reproduce or Not to Reproduce...

Well, the news is out! Finally! We were so excited to announce to the world that we are expecting a little bundle in July!

 

 

I think I have three main reactions right now. Excitement. Nerves. and Relief.
Obviously the excitement and joy are overwhelming, Nerves are because I'm going to be having a 3rd child and Relief because Georgia keeps asking for a baby sister or brother.

 

 

I used to have these thoughts in my head of having 4 or 5 kids. But with having had 2 kids already that idea has changed. Ryan and I spent a little bit of time here and there chatting about the why’s and why not’s of us actually committing to having another baby.

Should we reproduce???

 

Why Reproduce???

The reasons to do it weren't as compelling as with my previous two kids. It's not like we needed to make another kid to keep the first one company - that box was checked. And we already had the two major genders covered. But aside from just generally wanting a bigger family, I had this nagging sense that someone was missing. I'd look at our dining table and think, if we don't have another kid, there's always going to be an empty place at our table that someone should be sitting in. (Some would say we should have just gotten a smaller table.) This was not a rational feeling, and I hate having irrational feelings. It seemed like a stupid thing to consider, anyway, what if we did have a third kid, and those feelings bubbled up again? It wasn't like I was prepared to keep scratching that itch indefinitely, so why not stop now?

 

Middle Child Syndrome

 

Then there was the issue of middle child syndrome. Initially, I didn't know what this term meant, but it didn't sound good. There's just something about the word "syndrome" that seems sinister; you can put it next to another word that's perfectly innocuous and it will instantly start sounding bad. Take "eyebrow," for example. Eyebrows are great, everyone has them, yet if you say "eyebrow syndrome " suddenly things look pretty grim.

 

Being me, I ended up Googling "middle child syndrome" and reading roughly 50 different definitions of it (some of which conflicted with others). Based on what I read I wasn't convinced that it was a real problem, it seemed to me that there were so many other ways in which we'd probably screw up the kids that a little thing like birth order would be hardly noticeable.

 

You'd think that a person who had already decided to have two kids (without angst, without doubts) would have no trouble deciding whether to have a third - but, um, no. For all the reasons I mentioned above, the decision was much harder the third time around, and Ryan and I continued to waffle. We'd decide that we definitely, absolutely wanted another child, and then we'd be up all night with two kids crying and being sick on us and think, there's no way we're signing up for this again. Only complete idiots would have three kids on purpose.

 

One reason for having three kids is so that you can stop talking about having three kids.

 

So with that we decided to have a 3rd child, We didn't want to spend our lives wondering....

 



 



Eight Legs?

Isn't it fascinating how something so small can create something so magnificent?

Spiderwebs 

They are so cool to explore, learn about, and discover.

 

 

 

This time of year the spider webs just glisten in the morning sun.. Amazing how sturdy they are to just blow in the wind and not get destroyed!!

 

 

Fun Facts

-not all spiders spin webs.

-the silk is liquid until it hits the air and hardens.

-the silk is actually made of 4 strings combined together, not one.

-webs come from 4 glands on the abdomen called spinnerets.

-larger spiders can actually catch animals such as birds or bats in their strong webs!

 

 

Weaving Webs: Paper plate with whole punches along the edge. Tie a string onto one hole. At the other end of the string attach a small piece of pipe cleaner, this will be used to weave the web and when finished attach a spider ring to the pipe cleaner. This is great for fine motor skills. For younger children make sure the string isn't too long or it becomes frustrating for them to weave.
My preschoolers had a lot of fun with this project and they were extremely excited to take it home to play with. Next time I'd like to have some flies to attach as well.

 

For older children you could teach them how to make a dream catcher.

 (This site has a good tutorial - http://www.nativetech.org/dreamcat/dreminst.html ) Comparing a real spider web to your homemade dream catcher would be interesting.

 

 

Movie night:

Charlotte’s Web, the classic children’s story about Wilbur the pig and his spider friend, Charlotte.

 

 

We are going to try to set aside  this Saturday evening with no guests, no computer, no TV and all sit down as a family to watch a movie together, which will be "Charlotte's Web".

 

Spiders Still freak me out....

 

 

 

 

Full Bellies, Happy kids

Lots of parents are nervous about bringing their kids into the kitchen – I was too!

I was also doing that crazy balance of trying to entertain kids while cooking dinner and it never seemed to go smoothly. One day I realized if I have to make dinner I might as well bring in the kiddos to help me out, it will give them something to do and give us all time together. Sure there might be a few more messes and things might take a bit longer, but I’m spending quality time with my kids while accomplishing tasks (and I don’t have to do things like wash veggies anymore!).

Tips for getting your kids in the kitchen:

1. Take a deep breath and think of this as a late afternoon activity together with your kid.

2. Let go and let your kid have some control – it’s ok if it doesn’t look perfect and uniform. (an easy way to get egg shell out of the bowl of eggs it to use a piece of the shell!)

3. Make sure you talk to them about safety – like knives and sharp things and the hot stove, importance of hand washing and not putting fingers in mouth with raw chicken on them, etc.

4. I toss whatever veggies we having in the sink and let the kids wash them – they love this.

5. The kids either stand or kneel on a chair with a back on it and if they are working at the sink I put the back to the side that is away from me, I can catch them from my side or the back. If they are working at the stovetop I put theback of the chair against the front of the stove. This way if they lean forward they can grab the chair back, NOT the hot stovetop.

6. When beginning a dish, like adding olive oil and onion to pan, don’t turn the burner on until after they have tossed in the ingredients. This takes care of the pops and sizzles that bounce out to burn tiny arms.

7. When using the mixer I never plug it in until I am ready to turn it on and I unplug it when I turn it off. You never know when little hands will get curious with switches.

8. Remember if you are adding liquid to a hot pan it will steam and steam can burn, so add a little liquid to cool off the pan, then let your kiddo add the rest.

9. A great way to add veggies or chunks of anything to hot liquid is to use a spoon – there’s less splashing and hands are further away from the splash zone.

10. My kids and I like kid utensils, like plastic knives and measuring cups/spoon from "The warehouse" and regular table knives work great too.

11. Kids are great at grating, peeling and slicing soft fruit and veggies (strawberries, cucumber) with supervision.

12. Let your kids get creative, go through recipe books and let them pick out what to cook or for a more experienced mini chef, let them create a recipe.

Tonight James choose a recipe for dessert: "Peach upside down cake"

For the topping:
25g melted butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tin drained peach slices

For the cake batter:
1/2 cup white sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla essance
1 1/2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk

 

 

 

Spread the topping mixture into a 20cm tin or dish, Arrange the drained fruit on top in the tin

Cream the butter, white sugar and egg together, then add the vanilla essance

 



Sift in flour, baking powder and salt

 

 

Add milk and mix well

 

 

 

Spread mixture evenly over fruit

 

 

Bake for 30-40mins @180c, Once cooked stand for 5 minutes then turn out on to a plate

 

 

Delish served with whipped cream and ice-cream!!