Parenting the Shand Princesses

At the beginning of October, James and I had a weekend away in Manchester to celebrate our 3rd anniversary. It was so lovely to have some quality time together. We shopped, went out to eat and even played Junkyard Golf! If you have never been, I highly recommend you do as it's a great laugh. And it was whilst we was away that I realised the last time me and James had spent a night away together was 18 months ago when Mayarna was 1 month old. That's a very long time and it got me thinking, when you become parents, you become so wrapped up in parenthood that you start to neglect time as a couple. Yes, your responsibilities change. But that doesn't mean you can't keep the spark going in your relationship. You don't have to do anything expensive or fancy. Something as simple as going out for a meal, going to the cinema or going for a drink. Just being with your partner, having adult conversation and keeping that spark is great for your relationship. -...

It's been a while since I last wrote a blog but I feel I've got too much to keep to myself. May-May is 18 months old and boy has she developed into a character! She is so full of joy and knows how to cut some serious shapes (making me look bad lol) with any music you can give her. The way she picks up things, responsds and answers in her own speech astounds me as I couldn't have imagined her learning so fast.  When we were on holiday in Benidorm, she would wave at anyone who passed and I think she made a few friends along the way with her quirky facial expressions. I can see how carefree she is and even at times goes into a full speech randomly. All the locals loved her and when we went it to shops they would give her treats like lollies and sweets.  I think for me, seeing May-May pick up all these new traits it lets me know that we are raising an amazing child who never stops surprising us. We have been trying to get her more used to walking and leaving ...

Last Sunday we had May Mays Christening which was so much fun and an absolute success. I haven’t been to a function like this before, not since I was a baby. May May had a really good time dancing and singing to the hymns in the church. But when the time came for the holy water to touch her, May May got a bit tearful, but we still managed to get it done. In that moment I couldn’t have been prouder, standing in front of all the witnesses and reading the declarations. It made me think about May Mays birth and how far we have come from then to now; having May May in my arms to seeing her welcomed into the house of God. Once we had completed the service, the next event was the reception. As soon as the music started, May May couldn’t not wait to start dancing. She took over the dance floor and she didn’t even care. Everyone at the venue couldn’t take their eyes off May May and it was like she was in a bubble where it was just her and the music. May May has always been a musical chil...

May May starts nursery this week and I'm so happy and proud that she is doing this because I think she is getting smarter by the day and she really enjoys being around other kids. It feels like only yesterday I had her in my arms looking up at me with her little brown eyes. She is growing so fast but I know this is the right time as it will help her development. For Easter this year I'm going to cook a roast for the family. May May seems to love my cooking and anytime I cook she finishes it in no time!  This last week she has had her last set of jabs from the doctors yaaay! She was such a brave girl! When the doctor said she had to have 4 jabs I nearly fainted!!!!  I have noticed she is trying so hard to talk and when she says "dada" it fills me with so much joy, I can't put into words. She is really turning into a daddy's girl which, if I might add, is absolutely mint! I'm itching to take her on days out and experiences that I have always wanted...

I have decided to return to work and within a couple of weeks of applying for jobs, I had got myself an interview at my local County Court. How awesome! And then I realised I'd have to have an interview (obviously) and I started to worry and freak out. I hadn't had an interview in 3 years. 3 years ago I was super confident, an interview would be no problem. But since having May-May I had lost quite a lot of that confidence, and the thought of trying to sell myself to a couple of strangers made me feel so anxious. And no matter how much OJ or my family & friends said I'd be fine, I worried. I wondered what it was about becoming a parent that I lost my confidence. Was I the only person who experienced this? I asked some mums if they wouldn't mind sharing their experiences of confidence issues and these 3 wonderful ladies have. 1. Introduce yourself (2-3 lines, name, what you do and age of children) My name is Claire I have 2 boys, age 6 and 8 and ...

Exciting News! The Mummybou Chronicles blog is a favourite blogger over at MyBump2Baby ! MyBump2Baby is an "online directory of the baby/toddler and family world" You can find out what is going on in your local area, such as classes, pre-school groups, days out and more. Plus there is a great blog section full of bloggers!  When I started my blog, I just wanted somewhere to share my experiences on being a first time mum whilst juggling studying, planning a wedding and holidays. And when OJ wanted to share his views, I was extremely happy.  Now I'm featured on a great directory and I'm ecstatic. Knowing that someone thinks my blog is good enough is a great feeling and reassures any doubts I had about blogging. Happy Days!  Click here to download the free app. Find me under the Bloggers section and show me some ❤️ -x- Michaela - x-

Since my daughter has turned one it has been a task adapting to the changes in her body as she is experiencing teething for her back teeth. Night times have been hard as May-May struggles to settle at night and is so used to night breast feeds. This is the time i find it difficult as May-May just wants to be on mum most of the time when she is going through the pain. May-May generally is really bubbly and is interested in anything she gets her hands on. We have fun with her facial expressions and when tries to talk its so adorable. I feel a bit helpless as when i try to calm her down May-May d oesn't seem to want to respond and I would then have to give her back to her mum. My partner is so good with May-May and I can see there are times when she needs a break but never really gets the chance due to May-Mays clinginess. When i come home from work I try to help as much as I can by doing housework and cooking and cleaning but i still feel like I can't help as muc...