Wow the wedding bubble has totally burst it’s so true what they say the day flys and you want to do it all over!

Can’t imagine the day without my 2 being there, they stole the show and while Bo is unlikely to remember I think Bea will and we’re have so many amazing pictures to look back on!

There was a couple of tantrums not going to lie, and a bump minutes before we walked down the aisle but thankfully the kids on the whole were so good they really cheered a lot of the family up being there bringing extra happiness to the day.

I can’t wait for the video I know we’re going to non stop watch it!

All the lead up and having B in particular just added to the magic!

Honestly the only time there was an issue was bedtime and who was going to sit with B!

I totally urge anyone planning a wedding to include the option to bring kids.

For me having the kids made it so much easier expense wise as they was the main bridesmaid / page boy so cut back on costs and offending people!!

Plus it’s so hard for most of us to find babysitters especially family weddings when likelyhood your usual ones are invited too! Plus I’d be worrying most the day about them if I left them so not get to enjoy the wedding as much!!

So we’re definitely on the party come down and I’m attempting to restrain myself not to go so extra for Bo’s party!!

I love the excitement of a big party especially after all the covid year and seeing Bs face made it all worth it!

I Thought I would share what worked well for us at its a minefield incase your planning a party. We used some great Essex based companies that I wanted to share too.

For me with having a variety of ages we needed bits to entertain all, the bouncy castle from @mega_inflatables was great we went for a small one with a slide which I think worked well as the slide encourages them to disperse more and think have more turns rather than the traditional style I’ve found can just get packed!

We also had a mini soft play for the babies although a lot of the others played with it too!

We had a couple of different entertainers, the princess emporium was the highlight and Bs wish that Anna and Elsa would come to her party, they did colouring, played some games, sang songs and even did a coronation for B which she loved they can come to your house as well as halls so a really good option for girls aged 3-6+

Another hit was we had an entertainer doing balloons, he done dogs, flowers, even a bow and arrow which were so impressive. We had this as they come in to the party and it worked so well but I would consider having that followed by him doing the games etc if B wasn’t such a princess fan!

Decor wise I invested in quite a few bits for her first birthday that I reused again to save on hiring a decor company so don’t have any recommendations for them. It’s worth considering it worked well for us especially the doughnut wall, backdrop and chair covers. Although obviously it’s storing it all.

I did kids food in bags which in my opinion is definitely a winner over a buffet no contamination each gets a portion and I like that they can take it home if they don’t finish it so definitely a lot less food waste!!i found previously with buffet food we literally had so much left! Plus doing the bags helped keep it more on budget.

Another budget tip is to hunt around boot sales and charity shops we got some lovely bears which to hire in would have cost loads.

Party bags I went for books and letter crayons as well as cupcakes.

We attended a party recently that used mascots that also combined with a disco which I think would be fab for slightly older ages although B throughly enjoyed.

Watch this space as I’ll be sharing more for Bo’s wild one birthday he’s celebrating alongside his brother turning 9!

Christmas gifts can be such a chore to come up with ideas that kids will love and not get bored of after 5 mins playing with them.

I’ve put together some of our fave toys as well as new ideas to try and help make it easier.

I’ve done sections to hopefully cover all where you may get stuck, 0-2 years, toddlers/ preschool age, some eco options and family options. Hope you enjoy ❤️

Books are just the gift that keeps on giving right? As much as we love audio stories or ones on a tablet there’s something special about the real thing.

I always think books make such a lovely gift and book collections especially as they bring hours of enjoyment.

Book advent calendars

Are such a brill idea, I love the idea of wrapping up 24 books so each night you read a new story on the countdown to Christmas.

It much nicer than the usual unhealthy chocolate option as well as being a more eco choice as they are plastic free.

Books don’t loose the novelty as much as faddy toys either.

Also great for younger ones like Bodi who wouldn’t eat chocolate or play with toys as such anyway.

This year I’m using a collection from @books2door for my two, I got some great sets- mr men, an absolute classic I loved as a child as well as well as peppa pig which B loves!

I also grabbed the Julia Donaldson collection which really recommend as a great gift.

I always think you can’t go wrong with books as a gift for friends and family.

Now that things have settled down and Bodi is a little older it’s been so nice to be able to go out for lunch again with our pals I’ve soo missed it!

Obviously it’s not quite the same with my 2 munchkins in tow but we had the best time @high_chelmer for the spend, spin and win event!

The shopping centre is brilliant with all the shops you could ever need as well as a great restaurant selection.

We had a lovely lunch at banana tree restaurant, the kids portions were really generous and great value for money.

B really enjoyed her chicken and noodles and of course icecream!

The shops are prefect for getting back to school supplies for the kids!

B had the best time in smiggle!

Because we visited over the spin weekend B had extra fun getting a chance to spin the wheel for a chance to win a prize as well as joining in doing colouring!

Such a child and family friendly shopping centre!

Well it’s true what they say going from 1- 2 children is a total whirlwind so I’m all for anything that makes it easier!

One thing that has been super handy and would totally recommend investing in is a sling.

Bodi is happy being super close to me and I have my hands free to run around after B or attempting to do some jobs.

I’ve used it around the house making dinner and doing chores as well as out about about food shopping or on days out.

The wrap style sling is great for when they are newborn, it doesn’t take too long to tie and get Bodi comfy in!

Love our one from @amawrap

They come in lots of different colour choices I have the leopard print obvz which I love!

There’s so many different slings available we have a few wrap style as well as a carrier.

I’m not a sling expert but I find the wrap ones lovely for younger babies they do take a little while to tie and I often put it on minus baby before I go out if going in the car.

Carriers I found good once B got heavier although I did use when she was younger. They are pretty quick to just click on, and you can normally use for carrying them on your front or back.

I’ve also seen shoulder carry and hip carrying ones but I’ve not personally tried.

One thing I would recommend is to check out your local sling library as not only will they help you with fitting they have different slings for you to try and hire or buy.

So I’ll be honest my main plan with B and this time round is up just have the best birth I can. That’s all we want right??

I did write one as for me I felt like I had more control by at least having my wishes for the midwives to see as know it’s can be easy to be in a way pressured into things when your in labour as obviously you just want to do the best you can for baby.

I was pretty lucky with B and got my home birth, it was all pretty straight forward too so super grateful for that.

There was a few things but nothing major that differed from the plan but I fully expected it.

I think I am pretty positive for this time too Bs birth has given me the confidence I can do it and it can go well although in a way I feel a bit pressure about it going just as well ha!

It seems that a majority of mums to be didn’t really make a birth plan other than get the baby out which did surprise me a bit and the general consensus seems to be that no one had exactly the birth that they had planned.

Think the main thing is to try and not get too hung up on it but educate yourself on choices and so what’s best for you to make your birth the best you can