This year seems to be flying by, and with December nearing, I cannot wait for Christmas to come! Normally, I complain about the Christmas music in the shops and the decorations being put up in November, but this year I just cannot wait! I just keep thinking how much Finley will really enjoy seeing the festive season with all the sparkly tinsel and glittering balls and me really relaxing and celebrating Christmas. Thinking about how exciting and new it will all be for him brings a whole new experience and level of joy to the holiday for me too!

 

Finley last Christmas – I can’t wait to dress him up this year!
And almost in sync with the changing seasons, Finley weaned himself last week…! He just stopped asking for milk and hasn’t since (L for mummy). I am really happy that we had such a successful breastfeeding journey and that he has simply grown out of it. I will miss the closeness it brought, but it’s all part of him becoming an independent toddler. It’s no surprise his appetite since has shot through the roof and he’s eating more than ever. I am even finding my self worried about over feeding him… is this possible?! Has anyone else found that their little one will eat continuously? I have always followed the idea that a baby/toddler will eat/drink when hungry or thirsty and stop when they have had enough, but lately I am starting to wonder if I should limit what he has? He’s a growing, healthy, happy and super active toddler, so why am I worrying?! For now, I’m sticking with the idea that as long as he has fresh, healthy foods, then I’ll let him eat what he needs. I will, of course, monitor (but not stress about) his weight to keep an eye on things, but if he is hungry I feel I should let him eat!

Having said that, and with Christmas approaching, there is more chocolate, sweets and naughty foods out there than ever. One thing I used to love growing up was the chocolate Christmas tree decorations, mainly because I could steal one without anyone knowing (9 times out of 10 I would eat most of them off the tree). My plan is to make something I can put in their place on our tree at home so Finley can help himself without getting the crazy sugar rush I dread!

 

I am going to attempt to make these cookies this year instead of chocolates
As usual, I am stuck for a Christmas gift for my other half. He has most things he wants, buys clothes as and when he needs them and hates clutter, so this year I am really stuck! What do I get him?! I’m sure most people have this dilemma, but I am finding myself resorting to the same stuff every time, so this year I really want to find something different! There are some different gifts available from firebox.com, for a guy who loves gadgets, or notfoundonthehighstreet.com for a more sensitive man (lots of personalised gifts here). If you like to get unique, handmade things from individuals, then etsy.com is the place for you! If you know of any really cool or unusual gifts, then please get in touch as I am sure lots of people out there would love some unique gift ideas that I can share!

And then there’s Finley who I have no difficulty buying presents for! In fact, I really should stop. He has books, toys, clothes, a tepee (from Etsy), bath toys, bedding and more. I always said I would never spoil my child and here I am doing exactly that haha!

We are hoping for our first White Christmas with Finley this year
One big negative to the holiday season is the bugs that seems to flourish. We have already had our first tummy bug and I am hoping we have immunity for the rest of the festive period… (who am I kidding?!) Fortunately, I was worse than Finley, and he was relatively normal compared to me crashed out on the sofa. Getting ill whilst looking after a little one is probably one of the hardest things. Having zero energy plus sickness, sniffles, a head cold and more makes chasing a toddler doubly tricky! This is one of the most important times to use your support network and ask for help. The longer you try to juggle illness and being a mummy/daddy, the longer you will probably be ill for!

 

 

Here are my top 5 tips to surviving Winter bugs for mummy’s/daddy’s:

 

Know who you’ll call if you get sick
 

Whether it’s a baby sitter, a friend or a relative, letting them know ahead of time that you might need to call on short notice gives them more time to prepare for a visit, and less stress for you!
 

REST, REST, REST 
 

I truly believe this is harder than it sounds. To actually switch off completely and let someone feed, change, play with and care for your child while you are around can be difficult. But you have called them for a reason, so rest up!
Suck ice cubes 
 

This has saved me on numerous occasions when I have been sick and unable to keep water down. Sucking ice cubes helps keep you hydrated without all the volume of water entering your tummy.
Have back up food in the freezer 
 

When you’re unwell, the last thing you want is to cook for little hungry mouths, so always have some food in your freezer. All you have to do is take it out in the morning so it’s ready for lunch or dinner. If you have a partner too, then always have a larger portion in the freezer just in case. Plus it makes you look like a super mum if your partner comes home from work to a prepared dinner even when you are poorly!
Good old fashioned Vapour Rub in a hot bowl of water 
 

Nothing clears your head like it! (Just be sure to keep the kiddies away when doing this.)
And how about for the little ones? Try these:

 

Let them set the pace – little and often 
 

If they don’t want to eat big meals, but snack, let them. When you’re unwell, the thought of eating isn’t always on your mind. Primarily, encourage them to drink lots of water, milk or weak juice (watered down), fluid is important!
Use a humidifier  
 

I haven’t actually had to use this yet but my mummy friends swear by it, and it’s an easy way to sooth sore throats and chests.
Lots of cuddles and love 
 

When we cuddle, our bodies release a hormone called Oxytocin (most mums know about this amazing hormone, if you don’t click here). It helps give us comfort and makes us feel better, so utilise its natural goodness!
Get plenty of sleep 
 

When you’re ill and eating less, more sleep it vital to give your little one the energy they need to beat they bug and build immunity.
Don’t wipe their nose too much, it can really hurt
I know no one wants a snotty child, but when their nose is really running, keep in mind it can get really sore when rubbed. Try to be gentle and wipe sparingly! I also use a very small amount of nipple cream or Paw Paw ointment to protect the skin.
I hope these tips help some of you survive the bug season, and recover quickly so you can really enjoy this special time with your little ones! I’m wishing you all the best of luck with your holiday preparations and looking forward to sharing more next time about more Finleys winter fashion, my winter workout tips and my new found fitness activity (it’s so much fun)!