About my Year: 2017

I don't usually do tag posts but Cassie from Lily's Little Learners tagged me in a questionnaire all about the past year. I thought it looked fun and a lovely way to look back on the past twelve months.

1. What did you do for your birthday this year? 
My birthday was on a Thursday this year and Chris had to work so it was a pretty regular day! I picked C up from preschool and went to my parents house where my mum and sister were (dad had work!) where I got presents and we ordered a pizza takeaway! Nothing too exciting but nice all the same.

2. Whats the biggest thing to happen to you this year? 

As awful as this sounds, I don't think anything huge has happened to me! My partner did learn to drive though so it's been great having a family car. Seeing him drive has made me eager to learn myself so hopefully by this time next year, I'll have my own licence. 

3. What was the biggest thing to happen for your child/children this year? 

C started big school! He is loving it but we do have some struggles. He's received his statement of special educational needs too. As for E, I've applied for her nursery place! 

4. Could you pick a favourite week of the year? 

Chris took a week off during the summer and we did as much as we could pack in. As we had a car, we were able to travel further afield and my favourite day of that week was when we visited the beach. We had to bribe C out of the water! 

5. Do you have a favourite photograph of yourself from 2017? 

This photo from back in March of myself and my two children. Although it was only taken nine months ago, both children look so little in it! I feel like they've grown so much. 

As for me, I'm lovely my, then new, glasses and my Panic! At The Disco 'Miss Jackson' lyric tee. 

6. What was your best day out? 

Aside from the beach day that I mentioned above; myself, Chris, C and E visited Cavehill with Chris's mum, his three brothers, sister and our niece. It was so lovely to have a day out with the entire family as we don't get to do it very often. 

7. What is the best film you have seen this year? 

It has to be the Beauty and the Beast remake! It was one of my favourite animations and Emma Watson was the perfect Belle. Is it weird that I have a crush on Luke Evans as Garston?! 

8. Is there anything you wish didn't happen this year? 

Nothing at all. Nothing bad happened at all in my life. Even if I did have a rough patch, I'd never want to change anything. I'm definitely a believer of "everything happens for a reason." 

9. What would you like to achieve or improve for 2018? 

My organisational skills. Every year, I buy a planner, use it for a week or so then never look at it again. Everything seems to snowball with deadlines and I worry I'm missing appointments so I definitely need some organisation in my life.

10. How will you be celebrating/did you celebrate New Years Eve?

I will have a glass of wine in hand and be eating baked camembert with crusty bread. 

Happy New Year!

The Mummy Tag

The lovely Janine at Janine's Little World tagged me in The Mummy Tag a few days ago. I'd seen tons of other bloggers do it but hadn't been tagged myself yet, plus I don't really do a lot of tag posts. I thought this one was nice so I gave it a go!

1. Are you a Stay at Home Mum or a Working Mum?

I am lucky enough to be a stay at home mum. I've had a few jobs since my eldest was born but I'm happy that I can earn a little money from my blog. I love it but I know when E is at preschool I'll get back into "proper" working life. I think I'd be bored at home on my own!

2. Would you have it any other way?
No, not right now. I want to spend as much time as I can with them when they're little - they'll never be this small again! I love being there for everything that they learn and never missing a milestone.

3. Do you co-sleep?
Yes! Almost every day since day 1. C came home from hospital when he was about 3 weeks old and we started shortly after that. We attempted the Moses basket and cot but he slept better in our bed and liked having me near him. We continued to co-sleep when I was pregnant with E (not fun!). A few weeks before I was due to give birth, we eased him into his toddler bed then when E was born she came in with us. C was two when he stopped co-sleeping. E is almost 21 months and I think I'll probably get her into a toddler bed at around the same age.

4. What is your one must-have item for your baby?

With C I'd have to say the Fisher-Price Jumperoo. We got so much use out of it and he loved having a little bounce every day. I saved it for E and she didn't like it at all! With E, I'd have to say muslin cloths (something which I never used with C so I didn't know what I was missing!) and the Tommee Tippee Perfect Prep Machine. What a Godsend. I know some people think of these as a lazy item but it is honestly so helpful if you're bottle feeding. Ooh, Sock-ons too!

5. How many kids do you plan on having?
We're done. Two is enough. I love pregnancy but with developing severe pre-eclampsia with my first, being constantly monitored with my second then the symptoms coming back, my body hates it! I do love being pregnant but my kids are crazy enough. I'm not sure I could do it again!

6. Date nights? How often do you have them?
We have never had a date night since C was born almost four years ago. Oops!

7. Your child’s favourite show?
The kids are big fans of CBeebies and Tiny Pop. Bing, In The Night Garden and Twirlywoos are loved by both. C loves Toby's Travelling Circus, Peg + Cat and Postman Pat and E loves My Little Pony and Miffy's Adventures Big and Small!

8. Name one thing you bought before you had the baby and never ended up using?
I did a lot of research plus I budgeted when I was pregnant with C so I don't think I bought anything that didn't get used. Probably just pram shoes! They never stay on so what's the point?!

9. Your child’s favourite food?
C has been quite fussy lately. His favourite food at the moment is probably scampi! E loves all form of vegetables. I love that she eats so well. Lettuce, sweetcorn, peas and cherry tomatoes are probably her favourites.
 

10. How many cars does your family have?
None! 

11. Weight gain, before pregnancy, during, after and now?
Oh goodness. I was always a slim size 8 in my teens then I got together with Chris. We got very comfortable quickly and loved sitting in with a takeaway and a drink watching a movie. I remember being just over 11st at my booking appointment when I was pregnant with C. I lost all my baby weight and more, going down to about 9.5st after. I had E and I've piled the weight on now and I am at my heaviest - I haven't even weighed myself because I'm scared of the number that will show up! I am working to get rid of it for good though.

12. Dream holiday with your kids?
It has to be DisneyWorld, right?! It looks so magical and I know that Chris and I would enjoy it just as much as the kids! We'll just have to get saving.

13. Dream holiday without your kids?
Boston! Chris and I have always wanted to go.

14. How has your life changed since having kids?
Before having C, people (Chris mostly!) would describe me as being a bit of a spoiled child. My parents did everything for me so when he was born I really had to grow up. It was honestly the best thing that's ever happened to me. I have changed completely but in the best way.

15. Finish the sentence “It makes my heart melt when…”
The kids are nice to each other! I love when they hold hands or just generally look out for each other. They may be only young but they are well aware of their feelings and know how to be affectionate towards each other.

16. Where do you shop for your kids?
H&M, Next and Matalan for high street but mostly handmade Instagram shops!

17. Favourite make-up and skincare products?
I'm not into make up AT ALL. I take tips from my 14 year old sister!

18. Huggies or Pampers?
Pampers. That goes for both nappies and wipes. I find Huggies wipes too thick.

19. Have you always wanted kids?
No, I never wanted any. I was completely adamant that it wouldn't happen. Then I met Chris and completely changed my mind - as cheesy as that sounds! He was the person I wanted to have children with. He's the best person I know and we're so lucky to have him.

20. Best part of being a mum?
The unconditional love, teaching the kids things for the first time, being their first port of call. I am the person who my kids come to for anything and I love that. I love that they need me.

I now tag Tammy at Us Two Plus You, Jenna at Chic Geek Diary and Cassie at Lily's Little Learners.

The Mum Tag

Bex over at Futures & Helen at Mummy to the Max tagged me in this post. I don't usually participate but I really love the questions so I thought I'd join in!

1. Are you a Stay at Home Mum, or a Working Mum?

A stay at home mum. 

2. Would you have it any other way?

No, I love it. Sometimes I do lose sight of who I am but I wouldn't change it for the world. I love being able to see C's development every day before my eyes.

3. Do you co-sleep?

Yes. When I was pregnant I always swore that I wouldn't do it. Things do change though, and he had a different idea! Within the next month or so, I will be purchasing his first toddler bed in a bid to get him to sleep in there!

4. What is your one must-have item for your baby?

A baby bouncer for when they're really little then a Jumperoo. Both great items to keep little ones entertained and for mums & dads to get five minutes to themselves!

5. How many kids do you plan on having?

We don't have a plan. I could have loads as I love being pregnant soooo much but I think when the time comes we'll just know when enough is enough.

6. Date night? How many nights per month?

Never. We went out a few weeks ago for our anniversary (this was out for lunch without C) and before that, it was in September!

7. Your childs favourite show?

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. He also enjoys Something Special, Handy Manny & Jake and the Neverland Pirates.

8. Name one thing you bought before you had your baby and never ended up using?

Foam bath support. I actually think we used it once but it was just easier to bathe him without it.

9. Your child’s favourite food?

Pasta. He's just like his dad. I hate pasta because Chris makes it so much but the two of them seem to love it! It has to be with tomato & mascarpone sauce though!

10. How many cars does your family have?

None. Neither of us drive. We really hope to change that soon though. It will be so much easier to have a car when C starts school.

11. Weight gain before pregnancy, during and after and now?

I was 11st at my booking appointment with C. I'm not sure how much weight I put on during pregnancy but I am 9st now :)

12. Dream holiday with your kids?

It has to be Disneyland. I think in Florida.

13. Dream holiday without your kids?

Chris & I would love to travel all over America.

14. How has your life changed since your baby has been born?

I don't see as many of my friends anymore. I do see around 4 or 5 of my best friends and that's really all I need. I think I've grown up a lot. I've gone from a lazy 19 year old who would stay in bed until the afternoon to someone which responsibilities. I moved in properly with Chris too so I learned just how hard it is to maintain a household too. I miss lie ins!

15. Finish the sentence: ‘It makes my heart melt to see … ‘

the love that C has for Chris and I. Sometimes he moves his face right in front of ours just to look at us. I love it.

16. Where do you shop for your kids?

Mainly Asda, Primark, Matalan & Next.

17. Favourite makeup and skincare products?

I don't really have any favourites! I do love Rimmel's matte powder & I adore Urban Decay's eyeshadow palettes.

18. Huggies or Pampers?

Neither! When C was born we had some people do up hampers for us containing both brands of nappy. I always found that they leaked! I then discovered Asda's Little Angels which were my fave until cloth nappies came along!

19. Have you always wanted kids?

No. I was never the maternal type and always said that I didn't want children. My sister is 10 years younger than me and I just saw her as an annoyance. As cheesy as this may sound, it wasn't until I met Chris that I knew I'd have a family with him.

20. Best part about being a mum?

I've mentioned this before but just seeing the love the C has for us. Even if I've had a bad day, his cuddles and kisses make it so much better.

I tag:

Everyone! I'm pretty sure that most people have already been tagged so if you're reading this and you haven't done it, go! Make sure you link me in the comments so I can pop over for a read!

All About Me

I was tagged by Deborah over at Super Busy Mum to take part in the super fun All About Me tag which was started by Gina over at Cold Tea & Smelly Nappies.

The rules are easy - answer the questions and then tag five bloggers to take part!

First of all, tell us your name and what you do:

My name is Rebecca and I'm a SAHM to my lovely 13 month old boy. I am also doing a night class in A Level Psychology.

I live at home with:

My two favourite boys! My partner Chris and son, C.

My favourite thing to do is:

Boring answer coming up - spend time with Chris & C! I enter a lot of competitions and I really enjoy that. It's always nice to have a win. Lastly, I have to say, blogging!

My favourite thing to eat is:

This changes all the time! Before I fell pregnant with C, I would have said cheese & tomato toasties but then the pregnancy aversions kicked in and I haven't had one since! I guess at the minute it would have to be Chris's scrambled eggs. I have no idea what his secret is but they're bloody amazing!

When I get cross I:

Blow my lid. Say things that I shouldn't say. I really need to think before I speak. Or count to ten. I cannot control it.

Sometimes I worry because:

We could be here for a long time with this one! I worry about everything. Things that most likely won't happen to me, silly things that aren't worth worrying over... Not a day goes by where I don't say, "Chris, I'm really worried." Today's worry was that C won't stand anymore. He goes straight to his knees.

My favourite book is:

Anything by Chuck Palahniuk. 'Choke', actually. Check him out if you haven't already.

My favourite toy is:

My iPad mini. Oh lordy, best invention ever!

I dislike:

People who don't indicate when driving, people who park their car on the pavement leaving no space for me to push my pram through, ignorance, narrow minded people, vanilla, headaches, liars, confrontation, arrogance, peeing anywhere other than the comfort of my own home, egotistical morons, hypocrites, people grabbing my wrists, hiccups, attention seekers, people who incorrectly use semi-colons, Bono.

When I grow up I want to be:

Happy & stable. Jobwise, I have no idea. But that's okay :)

And there you have it - me!
I tag:

Tara at Thoughts of Tara

Anni at Tales of an M.E. Mummy

Laura at My Life as a Mummy

Kim at Northumberland Mam

Helen at Mummy to the Max

Manic Monday Music (13/05/2013)

The lovely Laura from My Life as a Mummy tagged me for 'My Life According to..."

You can only use the song titles from ONE artist to answer the questions, and then you have to tag 5 people so that they can give it a go.

Here goes:

My life according to The Clash.

1. Are you Male or Female?
The Man in Me.

2. Describe Yourself?
Lonesome Me.

3. How do you feel?
Cool Confusion. 

4. Describe where you currently live
I'm So Bored with the USA.

5. If you could go anywhere?
Straight to Hell.

6. Your best friend is?
The Prisoner.

7. Your partner is?
The Card Cheat.

8. What's the weather like?
(In the) Pouring Rain.

9. Favourite time of day?
Armagideon Time.

10. If your life was a book, what would it be called?
Complete Control.

11. What is life to you?
Groovy Times.

12. Your last relationship?
Hateful.

13. Your current relationship?
1-2 Crush on You.

14. You fear?
Lost in the Supermarket.

15. How would I like to die?
Drug-stabbing Time.

16. What is the best advice you have to give?
Lightning Strikes (Not Once But Twice).

17. Thought for the day?
The Beautiful People Are Ugly Too.

18. My Motto?
Stay Free.

Bonus Questions 

1.  Your Favourite form of Transport?
Train In Vain

2. How I feel?
One Emotion.

3. Your favourite colour is?
Protex Blue.

4. If you could change your name, it would be?
Janie Jones.

I nominate:
1) Super Busy Mum
2) The Motherhood Blog
3) Mrs Tutey Blog
4) Homemade Happiness Blog
5) Sparkles & Stretchmarks

And finally, my Manic Monday Music post is Rock the Casbah.