Joanna Victoria: children
children
Showing posts with label children. Show all posts
Showing posts with label children. Show all posts

Baby Number 2? ( Not yet)


It's been over two years now since I saw the two lines on a pregnancy test  and from when Blake was first born I've always had the question on when we are going have another one. 
Not if we are going to have another one when! The question has been asked far too many times for my liking since Blake turned a year old back in December. 

For me having another child is definitely an If rather than when for many reasons. The main reason is because of what I went through to have Blake. 

Having PCOS means that try to conceive can be pretty tricky. My first step was to start loosing weight which is why in 2013 I chose to start doing slimming world. I then was referred to the hospital for tests, simple tests such as a scan to see if I did indeed have cysts on my ovaries but also intrusive tests which were rather uncomfortable. Then I was put on metiformin and fertility drugs  and had to have a blood test every month to see if I was ovulating, which I was so the drugs were working. I did fall pregnant pretty quick on them but that isn't the case for everyone and some people find that they can't have children so I hate that people have to question others about when they will have children or when they will have another. 

So guess what will happen if we choose to have another child? I'm going to have to go through that all over again. At this moment in time it's not something I am ready for. I know some people go through a lot worse to have a child but I feel people need to be far more considerate around asking such a personal question. 

In The Night Garden Live Discount Code

If you read my blog regularly you will know that Blake loves In the night garden and Iggle Piggle. 
Even though he is only going to be around 19 months when shows start I really want to take him to 
In the night garden live. 
I am super excited that the tickets go on sale tomorrow and that I have been given a discount code
so that you can get a discount for ordering your tickets. 
  





The shows takes place in its own Showdome with plenty of toilets, baby-changing facilities and buggy parking. Which is obviously just what us parents will need.
  With just 13 rows of seats, wherever you sit you'll get a great view. Using a purpose built venue allows us to create a space that's completely family-friendly.

The Showdome will be visiting;

Blackheath, London
26 May – 11 Jun 2016

Richmond Old Deer Park, London
18 Jun – 2 Jul 2016

Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham
9 Jul – 23 Jul 2016

The Trafford Centre, Manchester
30 Jul – 20 Aug 2016


See Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy and Makka Pakka brought to life before your eyes with beautiful costumes, magical puppets, enchanting music, and breathtaking projections that make it feel like you're actually in the Night Garden.

There are two different shows to choose from, one where Igglepiggle loses his blanket and one where Makka Pakka washes everyones face. Both of the shows will include all the main characters. The shows are just under an hour each and you can choose to meet a character after the show. 


You can book to meet Igglepiggle and/or Upsy Daisy (£15 for one character, £30 for both)  when you book your tickets as well as pre-book a goody bag. 
Goody bags are full of exclusive In the Night Garden toys and souvenirs that you can’t buy anywhere else. The 2016 Goody Bag has a total value over £60 and contains a light-up windmill, a set of four puzzles, a hand puppet, a Tombliboo soft toy, a souvenir story book set, a drinking bottle, ‘Magical Times’ DVD and a copy of In the Night Garden magazine. Pre-booked goody bags cost £29 and they can be bought at the show for £39. 

I just know that Blake would love to meet Iggle Piggle and I can just picture his face light up. I am very tempted by the goody bag for the price that it is as I know Blake will love each of the items included.



Tickets for the show are priced between £12.50 and £35 depending on the time and demand of the show. Every ticket includes a Souvenir Activity Brochure worth £7!

So if you want to take your little one/s to see In the night garden live you can get £5 off orders over £60 or 5% off orders under £60 by quoting 
EARLY78W

The code is valid up to 29th February 2016


Will you be going to see In the night garden live this year? 

Gift Guide: For Children (Non Toys)

Today I am sharing a collection of Non Toy gift Ideas.
I know that sometimes you don't want to get children toys as a gift, as other family members tend to buy them lots of toys. 
If like Blake and your children have a birthday so close to Christmas or even on Christmas day like one of my Nephews than this guide will be helpful. 


Crazy Soap Bath products*
Crazy soap sell a fun range of bath products for an exciting sensory experience. 
Body paints, foaming soaps, fizzy bath tints, bath goo and color changing bubble bath are
all fun ideas for making the most of bath time and having lots of fun. 
Blake loves the color changing bubble bath and is fascinated seeing the color of the one we were sent go from orange to green.
Blake has also loved playing with the other products and its lovely seeing him squeal with delight in the bath. 

Cheeky Chompers Neckerchew and comfortchew* 
Cheeky Chompers sell a range of fab products for babies. 
There are many designs and the one we were sent is called twinkle twinkle. 
The Neckerchews retails at £11.99 and the Comfortchew retails at £17.95.

Neckerchew is the world’s first chewable dribble bib for teething tots  that is stylish, reversible, absorbent and hygienic.
The twinkle twinkle neckerchew is  stylish  and reversible with light blue and navy stars,with a navy reverse. 
 suitable 2 months to 2 years. 

Comfortchew is an attachable teething comforter with baby’s four favorite essentials :comforter, teether, tags and the feel of their favorite teddy.


Slumbersac Simply Baby Sleeping Bag*
Slumbersac's simply range offers real quality as well as fantastic value for money! Made from soft 100% Jersey Cotton with a simple star print this cute design is a great alternative to blue or pink and suitable for boys and girls.

The sleeping bag is available in four sizes:
0-6 months
6-18 months 
12 months - 3 years
and 
3-6 years. 

The sleeping bag comes in three different tog ratings:
0.5, 1.0 and 2.5 perfect for the changing seasons.
You can personalize your sleeping bags by adding name embroidery in the color of your choice! Simply select the name embroidery option when you check out and add the name and the color you require.


Storie-child*

Storie Child is a brand that sell a range of gorgeous printed books. 
Storie child books are books that help you to capture memories of your little ones which you may have forgotten about. Such as photo's that you take on a day to day basis on your mobile for example.

I love this cute idea of keeping your memories in printed form rather than digital form. 
I think this would be a lovely gift to add to a memory box that your child can look
back on when they are older. 


Little Dandies*

Little Dandies is run by two sisters and all clothing is hand printed here in the UK.
I love how cute there designs are and what I also love is that you can have them personalised with your child's name as well. 

The dinosaur top that we received is of high quality and such a cute design. 
I know that Blake is going to gets lots of use wearing this. 


Posh Canvas*

Posh Canvas provide beautiful canvases for your home, whether it's a birthday, wedding or a new addition to the family, they have plenty of canvas designs for you to choose from.

I love this "twinkle, twinkle little star do you know how loved you are..." print as when 
I was pregnant with Blake it was one of nursery rhymes I would sing to him and he would kick like crazy. 
This is going up on the wall of his bedroom. 


The importance of social interaction for home schooled children.



I've previously posted about homeschooling. I personally think that it could be a fantastic way to be more involved in your child's life. And more importantly, see to it that their progress isn't being stifled at school. One of my biggest worries as a parent is that my child will get left behind by the current education system. My fears are only aggravated by the ongoing budget cuts.

As a mother, it's only natural to want what's best for your children. To know that they're being afforded the best opportunity to get a head start in life. Children, remember, develop at different rates. There is no right or wrong answer. Some just take a little more time to get their heads around things than others.

You'll be all too aware of this if you've experienced raising a child of your own. I bet you constantly reference development guides and worry how your little one is doing according to their guidelines. And, really, that's all they are. Guidelines. The learning process is different for every child because every child is different.

There isn't anything wrong with that. But, naturally, you'll worry about your children performing compared to their peers. Maybe you've decided that homeschooling is your best option. Not only to keep an eye on your child's learning habits but to see that they get the support they need. Academic learning is important, but your child also needs to learn social skills. And if they're not in school, they're not getting as much social interaction with other children. Here's how to solve that:

  • You're not alone when it comes to homeschooling. In fact, it is estimated that around 150,000 children in the UK are homeschooled. That's not an insignificant number. Try to find other like-minded families in your area. You can bet that they share the same fears as you - that their kids aren't getting enough socialisation.

  • Team up together and arrange field trips. You may think this is a waste of time, but believe me, it's not. After all, regular schools often take their classes on retreats, why should yours be any different? Try to make them educational if you can, but, above all, they need to be fun. Think about things like day trips and museum excursions. Places where they can learn and have fun at the same time. You may find that you can get package discounts by booking places in greater numbers.

  • Enroll your child in "after school" clubs. Whatever their hobbies are, try to embrace them. Finding children with similar interests give them something to bond over. Whether it's joining a sports team, or a music class. It gives them the opportunity to spend time with other children; learning and growing along with them. Your child doesn't need to sit in a classroom in silence all day. To get out and learn new things is equally as effective.


However you choose to get your child the social development he or she needs, it's important to choose something. It can be anything, so long as it provides them with a means to learning.


*Guestpost 

Dettol Baby Blanket Campaign


"Keep The Memories, Not The Bacteria"

Celebrity mum of two Rachel Stevens is the new ambassador for Dettol antibacterial laundry cleanser. 
She launched the Dettol baby blanket donation campaign by donating the first blanket to the cause. 

The campaign aims to promote the dangers of bacteria on blankets and highlight the shortage of baby blankets
available to disadvantaged families. 

Both Dettol and Rachel are encouraging mums to "Keep The Memories, Not The Bacteria"
by donating a blanket by freepost and sharing their special recollections and photographs of
their babies blanket via social media. 

Once the blankets have been collected they will be washed hygienically with Dettol antibacterial laundry cleanser
before being sent to families in need.

Dettol antibacterial laundry cleanser has also pledged that £1 from every blanket collected to be donated to 
children's medical charity Sparks.  


Every minute, of every day approx 50 babies are born into poverty and will experience
conditions lacking in basic essentials including hygienically clean blankets. 

Laboratory tests commissioned by Dettol on washed  blankets donated by volunteer mum's 
- show that baby blankets carry a variety of bacteria even after being washed at 40 degrees. 

Blanket donations will be collected until the end of December and memories can be shared
via @DettolBlanket #sharethememories

Dettol antibacterial laundry cleanser retails at £4.50 for 1.5 liters. 

Blankets can be sent via freepost to: 
Dettol Baby Blanket Donation
FREEPOST RTKJ-YSGS-SSHR
The Hay Loft
Balcombe Place Stables
Balcombe 
RH17 6AZ

Zoflora Disinfectant in Oriental Lily

When it comes to cleaning I am fan Zoflora disinfectant's.
The limited edition Oriental  Lily scent has a beautiful aroma of peach, frangipani and vanilla.
The 3 in 1 action disinfectant is a powerful concentrated liquid that not only kills 99.9% of
bacteria and virus's but also eliminates odors keeping your home smelling wonderful all day.

The bottle contains 120ml which retails at £1.33 and lasts ages as it can be diluted for most cleaning jobs. 
The disinfectant can be used in every room in your home from the bathroom to your little ones nursery. 



We are hoping to move at the end of August and if so we will be able to sort out a nursery area for our little
one for once they arrive in December. 

As well as the usual areas of a room Zoflora disinfectant can be used in the nursery to keep changing table's, potties and furniture clean. Zapping any bugs away and keeping Mums and Dads minds at rest. 

Tip: 
Use 2 caps of Zoflora into a clean and empty spray bottle and fill up with water.
This is ideal as you can have spray bottle for each room of your home which will last for quiet awhile.

Asda Disney Easter Treats

Two weeks today and it will be Easter Sunday I will be enjoying 
Easter Sunday this year with Stuart and the in laws which means spending time with my 
little Nephews. 

As usual we will be buying them both a small Easter egg but you don't have
to stop there this Easter as Asda have come out with a range of Disney themed toys 
and dvds for both boys and girls. 

I was sent some of the range of boys items from their selection of Easter Disney themed 
gift ideas. 
We have a Spider Man figure and a Star Wars rocket which are suitable for children 4 years plus. 
I will most likely be taking them over to my in laws to see if my 4 year old nephew
would like them.

I was then also sent Monsters University on DVD which is the prequel to the original Monsters Inc.
Where the Monsters are at University to become the best scarer's. 
So if you are a child or a an adult who is young at heart and love the first Monsters Inc film then 
you will love this one. 

I love with this film how Disney chose to show us what went on before the first film,
how the 2 main characters became friends and learned their trade at Monsters Inc. 

I loved the film and I know that my sister in law is also a fan as she got this as a gift for
Christmas so certainly not just for the little ones in your family.

Have you and your children watched this prequel or have you 
watched it on your own? 

Amazon Studios Children Critics



Children can be so funny but they are also great critics, if you love the show gogglebox which shows people’s reactions to things that they are watching on tv than you will love and be amused by this advert from Amazon with the launch of their brand new service, Amazon Studios. 
The video features children watching Pilots of Amazons kids show and giving their thoughts and feedback.  The children have plenty of thoughts and opinions and lots of cute laughter and funny comments. I think that it’s great that children got to me involved in this launch. 
Amazon Studios is a new way to watch tv shows and movies, which allows the viewer to choose what they would like to watch, but also have a say on what the shows that Amazon commissions by rating and reviewing them.   There is a wide range of different generes to choose from as well  which are: 
 prime time comedy,  
children and tweens, 
preschool 
Drama




Do You think that Amazon Studios is a good idea?



The Reindeer Girl Children's Book

Happy Christmas Eve everyone!

The people from The Little Tiger Press who publish children's books 
have sent me this lovely little book " The Reindeer Girl" 
By Holly Webb. 

I am hoping I will have time over Christmas to read this to my little 
nephews as having read the book myself I think it's such a lovely little story. 
I am actually going to keep this book for when me and Stuart have our own children. 



The book is a magical and wintry story of a little girl who makes a very special friendship 
just in time for Christmas. 
One Christmas, Lotta is visiting her great-grandmother in Norway.
 Soon, she finds herself drawn into a magical adventure
 – travelling by sledge, herding reindeer from the snowy mountains to the summer pastures. 
But when a mother reindeer is lost, Lotta must find her before her calf starves…