Tag: toddlers

Cafés and kids. 

This is for every parent who has ever taken toddlers out to a cafe/restaurant/event where they are required to sit for more than five minutes.

Let’s face it. They’re kids. They’re meant to be loud, inquisitive and adventurous. But sometimes it would be nice to head out and actually SIT, eat and catch up with your friends, family or partner.

Before kids, hubby and I would dine out often. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and if I could twist his arm dessert too.  

After kids, we still continued to do this. Sometimes is easier than others but we’ve never stopped or not taken the kids with us. We’ve also never (ok almost never) given them an ipad or phone at the table. It’s a rule in our family. When we eat we don’t use technology.  I know how much of a life saver giving a child a phone/tablet can be, so I’m not judging. However one thing I will never leave the house without is our Activity Bag. 

The name speaks for itself. It’s a bag filled with activities that we take to cafes. The activities in there are only for cafes, so they aren’t ones they play with all the time and get bored of at home. I also change them up when I find something I think will fit well!

Here are a few of the items that rarely leave our bag:

1. No Mess Water Art set.

Whoever came up with this is a genius. Fill the little pen with water. Let the kids “paint” over the white card. A picture will appear when wet. It then dries and can be reused a million times.

2.  Magnetic fishing game.

Again…genius. Comes with 2 rods, 12 foam fish that entertain for ages!

3. Sticker books.

Always a great thing to have. These in particular have stickers and activities which is great!

4. Threading animlas.

Animal cut outs with holes. Shoe laces also provided to practise those fine motor skills and thread the string around each animal!

5. Notebook and pencils.

Your standard go to activity.  Let them create whatever they like.

All the items above (minus the bag) have been purchased from Kmart. (Not a sponsored post (I wish) just amazing stuff!) Most of them aren’t online so here’s another reason to visit your local Kmart 🙌
The bag is personalised from Small Print design and can be found here.

If you haven’t got yourself an Activity Bag already, trust me you need it. It’s a cafe game changer & above all LIFE SAVER. 

(You can thank me later 😉)

Sending you love,

MBS

xx 

I may be little

It may seem like yesterday that I entered this world,

All small and dainty, my fingers all curled.

It wasn’t long ago that I’d snuggle into your chest,

You may have been tired but you felt so blessed.

You blinked your eyes and time has flown by,

You’re not sure how and you don’t know why.

I may be little but because of you I’m strong,

Enjoy it all because it won’t last long.

I open and close cupboards and empty the drawers,

I crawl and roll and end up cleaning the floors.

I may be little but because of you I’m kind,

I shared all my toys but to be honest I sort of did mind.

My mind is learning new things each day,

I watch and wonder and sometimes don’t obey.

I may be little but because of you I know love,

We kiss and cuddle, you’re someone I’m proud of.

Each day I amaze you with what I can do,

It may be taking some steps or a poo in the loo.

I may be little but because of you I am ME

I am independent, determined and fierce, there’s no other way you’d rather I be.

I will always be your baby even when I am older,

So don’t worry mum  I’ll always snuggle back into your shoulder.

Sending you love,

MBS

xx

One Word

If you could sum up Motherhood in one word, what would it be?

Take some time to think about it.

Factor in ALL your experiences and learning along the way. Now summarise in one word.

___________________________

Motherhood for me is:

“SURPRISING”
From the very first moment when 2 faint lines appeared on numerous tests I was surprised.

As my stomach grew and my body and mind morphed into ways I could never imagine I was surprised.

When the contractions hit and my waters leaked I was surprised. Surprised that the pain wasn’t as bad as I imagined (at first) and that my waters could leak (no gushing like Charlotte in SATC?) 17 hours later the surprise hit again when I couldn’t comprehend how I could possibly still be alive yet be in such excruciating pain.

Surprise! It’s a BOY.

17 months later, surprised I “forgot” the pain..

Surprise! It’s a GIRL.

Each and every day the surprise continues.

I’m surprised at the amount of love and pain I feel through you.

I’m surprised with how you make me feel like the luckiest yet loneliest person at the same time.

I’m surprised with how I can go from “poster mum” to “crazy psycho mum” within minutes.

I’m surprised with the patience I find during your tantrums and at times with the tears I cry instead.

I’m surprised by your abilities that continue to flourish and develop each day right before my eyes.

I’m surprised with how proud and honoured I feel when I hear myself coming out through you.

I’m surprised with how easy and then how difficult some days are to get through but how quickly time can pass.

I’m surprised with the amount of guilt I feel about whether I’m doing enough, have done enough or are making the right choices for you.

I’m surprised with the fear, yet joy I feel for all you will achieve in your future.

Everything you do, all we experience, the big and small things surprise me each and every day.

I never knew how much my life would change until I had you, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I’m surprised that after all the tantrums, screaming, tears and sleep deprivation, all I need is a smile, kiss or cuddle to perfectly end my day.

So, what was your one word?

How would you sum up Motherhood?

Sending you love,

MBS

xx