What Jackson Wore #2

Welcome back to another addition of 'What Jackson Wore'. 

I love babies and toddlers in dungarees, especially boys. These ones are from Sainsbury's and what I really like about them is that they are made from the 'jeggings' type of material, so they are really soft and still give him the flexibility to run about like a crazy toddler. 

The Top is a vest top from H&M. The hoody is obviously from Gap. 

Had to throw in another photo gone wrong! 

Love Sophia xxx

28 Week Pregnancy Update

Here is my 28 week pregnancy update...

Sorry no picture this week! 

Symptoms: I had horrible heartburn this week (this baby must have hair as long as mine!!). I have also had a few headaches, which have even woken me up some nights. Still been a bit emotional at times but feeling much better than last week. I have also had some discomfort near my C-Section scar, unsure it it is just lower pain, like normal, or scar pain.

Food Cravings: Apples, but I haven't had too many because of the heart burn!

Movement: The baby has moved very low down; I keep thinking he/she is trying to get out!!!!!

Sleep: Been sleeping fine this week apart from the occasional wake up with a headache.

Things I am missing: Nothing this week.

Best Moment: My goregous first boy has been really nice towards the end of this week. We have had a tough few weeks with him being really naughty, which not only has been very tiring but makes you question yourself as a mama. 

Worst Moment: I think the worst part was Jackson being sick with a 24 hour bug. He's only ever been sick (propper sick I mean, not baby sick!) twice in his little life. I hated it, however, I did get some epic cuddles!!!

Love Sophia xxx

How to make Playdough

Jackson has started to get into playdough recently. He doesn't normally sit for very long but it does make a really good rainy-day activity. From working in nurseries, I have learnt how to make my own. It really is so easy and it also doesn't dry out as much when you do your own! 

What you need: 

1 cup water

1 cup plain flour  

1/3 cup table salt

2 tbsp oil

2 tbsp cream of tartar

A few drops of food colouring 

A few drops of vanilla extract (optional but does make it smell better)

All you do is put all of the ingredients into a saucepan on a low heat and constantly stir until it starts to look like playdough. 

As soon as it is cool you can start playing!

I really need to get a few playdough utensils for him to play with too, as he used to be fine just making do with what we had at home (rolling pin etc.) but now he is doing it more and more, I think we can treat him a bit!!

Let me know if any of you make some! 

Love Sophia xxx

Weekly meal plan #4

It's getting really cold now, so time to get out the Slow Cooker, which I think is one of the best kitchen appliances for families or for people that work long hours. I have been searching the internet and my cookbooks for the best comforting meals...

Baked Ham in Cola with Potatoes and Vegetables - I am going to make a big one with this, so that we can use it for a couple of this week's dinners. 

Mustard Chicken and Bacon with Mash and Vegetables - another slow cooked meal that sounds really tasty! 

Tarka Dahl - I have never made this before but it looks yummy. Another one I am going to make in the Slow Cooker this week.

Italian Stallion Sausages - This is a Joe's Wicks recipe. I will make double the portions so I can freeze half of them.

Chicken Pie - This is another Joe wicks recipe and one that I have made recently and kept in the freezer.

Let me know your favourite Slow Cooker recipes!

Love Sophia xxx

Cleaning Routine

Working as a childminder and having a toddler myself causes a lot of mess and dirt. This means I really need to keep on top on the cleaning. I do, however, avoid doing it when the babies/toddlers are awake, so I do most of my cleaning during nap-time and in the evenings. 

In the past, I was either doing too much cleaning or not enough, which is why I came up with a weekly routine, doing a little bit each day and making it more manageable. Call me anal, but it works so much better!!! I don't include things like making beds, emptying bins or unloading the dishwasher in the list, as these are always done daily anyway. 

Monday 
Dust Bedroom
Washing
Hoover Downstairs
Clean Bathroom

Tuesday 
Hoover Up and Downstairs 
Mop 
Washing 

Wednesday 
Dust Jackson's Room 
Dust 2nd Bedroom 
Hoover Downstairs
Washing 

Thursday 
Clean Bathroom 
Hoover Downstairs
Ironing 

Friday 
Dust Downstairs 
Mop 
Hoover Down & Upstairs

Saturday 
Hoover Downstairs
Change Beds 

Sunday 
Hoover Downstairs
Mop (depending on what we have done during the weekend)

Do you do your cleaning all in one day or do you spread it out during the week like me? 

Love Sophia xxx

Toddler Snacks - Roasted Peas

Like I said in my previous Toddler Snack blog, Sweet Potato Crisps, Jackson LOVES to eat. I thought that I would share another healthy, easy and low cost toddler snack. This one is Roasted Peas - yes thats right, I am going to roast peas!!!! Even though my toddler loves to eat, vegetables are not his favourite, so I have to think of clever ways to get them in him! 

All you need for this is 3 ingredients:

Frozen peas (thawed)

Oil - in the first picture, you will notice extra virgin olive oil, but then I remembered I had Fry-Light, which works much better as you really don't need a lot of it.

Garlic Powder - You can use a different herb or seasoning if you prefer.

You need to make sure that the thawed peas are as dry as possible.

Spray the peas with your fry light, add a little seasoning and give them a good mix. 

Set your oven to 190c and add your peas. I put them in for 15 mins to start with and then for  an additional 10 mins, after giving them a mix. 

This is what they are like when they are cooked; great for babies learning their pincer grip! 

Let me know if you have a go at making them. 

Love Sophia xxx

27 Week Pregnancy Update

Here is my 27 week pregnancy update...

Symptoms: I just feel so pregnant this week and bending down is getting very difficult. I am feeling very emotional again and I seem to be so much bigger than with Jackson. During my last pregnancy, I loved watching my belly grow but this time I feel very body concious. If I wear anything other than a baggy jumper, I don't feel confident at all, which I do think is largely down to my boobs which are massive already. I'm not a fan of my boobs when I am not pregnant but now they are a good few sizes bigger, I hate them!!! 

Food Cravings: Just food in general, which doesn't help with my body issues when all you want to do is eat!!!

Movement: I have had a busy week so have felt less movement, but all is still good on that front and the bubba still moves regularly. 

Sleep: I have been doing a lot of blogging bits this week, which I can only really do when Jackson goes to bed. That means I have been going to sleep very late! 

Things I am missing: Nothing this week.

Best Moment: I am afraid, whilst writing this blog, I have been very emotional and just can't think of anything! Hopefully I will have lots next week.

Worst Moment: Feeling sad about my body, which I just feel guilty for because I know how lucky I am to be pregnant. Also, I had the flu jabs which I never enjoy - being stabbed with needles is not pleasant!! 

Love Sophia xxx