Simple

 

To me, it's simple. Everyone should love who they want to love. Why would we want to deny someone that right? Why would we want to continue creating an environment for our children that makes them feel so very different and unloved that they feel their only option is to end their lives? They aren't just activists, they are people. They are your friends and your neighbors. Support them because they are people.  This shouldn't be political, it should be common sense. 

I pray for those people on Capital Hill today because they are making history and it's a beautiful thing. I pray they can make change because I want my son to grow up in a world where he feels loved no matter who he loves.

It's simple. It's equality. It's love. 

H x

 

Lotions and Potions: Part 1

I can't believe it's been just over 3 months since I was pregnant. Time sure flies when you're not sleeping.. I was thinking back to those 9 long months of ups and downs and growth..lots and lots of growth and I have to say I'm pretty thankful for two things: the internet and good and experienced friends who helped me along the way. While I tried to stay away from the internet for all the big important issues (it is a terrifying place to look for information) I did find some really great blogs and sites for pregnancy products. I also had a few friends who put valuable time, as they have children and I can only now appreciate how valuable that time was, into helping me. So, now that I've got a little of that experience behind me I thought it was only fair I share what I learned.

First, lets talk about lotions as this was something I was particularly interested in (I was terrified of stretch marks). 

These are my top 4 pregnancy stretch mark creams. (Click the name for link to products)

    

1. Mama Mio Tummy Rub ($35,£23).  I LOVE this stuff. I probably went through about 4 or 5 tubs of it and I still use it now and then. It's got a fresh citrusy smell and, while it's a thick cream, it doesn't take forever to rub in. Mama Mio has a pretty fantastic pregnancy and post pregnancy range that I'm still exploring. They also have a tummy rub oil but I just prefer the lotion.

2. Cowshed Udderly Gorgeous Stretch Mark Balm ( $31, £21). This was my first choice because I love Cowshed products. They are just lovely and my whole house would be stocked with them if I didn't like trying new things so much. I looked for two weeks for this stuff in London. I even had coworkers out looking during their lunch break. I couldn't even find it online. I got my hopes up at a store near work when I found a sample on the shelf but, alas, they were out of stock and I gave up my search which is how I came to use Mama Mio. I contacted Cowshed and they said they were working on restocking so there's a good chance you will be able to find it now. They also have an adorable line for baby that I may get around trying, I'll let you know.

3. Burt's Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter ($13, £8.50). Most people know and love Burt's Bees products so I don't have to sell this stuff. I never used a full size product but the sample I scored was pretty great and you can't really beat the price.

4. Palmer's Cocoa Butter Original Formula. (around $5, £3.50). This is an old faithful product. People use this for just about everything and have for a long time so who am I to argue. I always have a bottle of this in my house and probably always will. I never used it on my belly but I have started now, post pregnancy and love it.

I know they say stretchmarks are hereditary and that may be but I think you can help yourself along the way. I did, in the 9th month, get the dreaded 'stripes of honor' but not many and I think it would have been a lot worse if I hadn't been super careful. 

It's important to also remember that you're more likely to get them if you gain weight really quickly (which I did in my last month) and if you don't keep your skin properly hydrated- so drink up and put that donut down (do you REALLY need 5 of them?)

I know there's a plethora of these lotions out there all ranging in prices and I'm sure there's some family secret that's been passed down through generations of women so if you have any you want to share please do.

I have a particularly fussy baby today so my post pregnancy picks will have to wait for another day. 

I hope you all had a wonderfully relaxing weekend.

H xx

Tsk Tsk Mommy Blogger

So, I've done it again..I've neglected the blog. I remember a conversation I had with my friend Jade, back in London, about stay at home mom's. We couldn't figure out how they never had any time. We decided their day consisted of  feeding the baby every few hours, but other than that it just slept or played quietly on its own with all those toys, right? Oh, how very wrong I was.  So now I jump on all the empowered stay at home mom pedestals I can because it ain't easy.  The only reason I've got time now is because we're on our way to Savannah and this is being typed on M's iPad while I sit in the backseat with Leo, who can't seem to keep his eyes open in a moving car for more than 3.5 seconds.

Sometimes I get into bed at night and really wonder where the day has gone. Feedings, diaper changes, tummy time, play time, pumping, bath time..and when I get a few minutes it's used up with quick clean ups of my neglected house or laundry pile. Luckily, the weather has improved in the last couple weeks so I've been able to put the jogger to good use and get a little fresh air and exercise. My trips to the grocery store are truly a mini vacation that I spend worrying I'll have to abandon a full shopping cart to rush home to my distressed baby (hasn't happened yet). I read a book last week for the first time in months, mainly because we were visiting the grandparents where I have to book in a time slot for a cuddle with Leo.

Unfortunately, we have not yet fallen into that golden category of an all night sleeper, that elite group of parents who post on Facebook about how well rested they are accompanied by a photo of themselves gazing adoringly at their equally well rested bundle of joy. I secretly hate them and envy them in equal parts.

In all seriousness I wouldn't change a thing. Even during a particularly fussy growth spurt we just made it through when I was on the verge of tears at 3:30am (the third time he'd woken up that night) I looked down at him and he smiled at me and everything was ok again. It really is amazing how that works.

I've also recently come to terms with the fact that I'm officially one of those people who go out with a group of adults only to bore everyone else to tears with quirky little anecdotes about my baby. I caught two of my friends rolling their eyes at me as I and another mom commandeered the tables conversation with talk of breast feeding. Sorry guys.

The Cleverly clan has been doing pretty well in these past weeks. I've had a few issues with pumping (cant seem to pump enough) so it's hard to get any help with night feeds (I used to dream about a new Birkin bag, now I dream of a few nights of uninterrupted sleep- funny how that changes). Leo is growing so fast and I cry a little every time I have to put some of his clothes into the 'too small' pile. He had his two month shots, two in each leg, and I thought my heart was going to break into a million little pieces. He was fine after about 3 minutes but I am traumatized for life. He has a smile that could melt Kim Jong Uns heart and he's hinting at a laugh, I think my heart may burst when that happens.

I've started back on Weight Watchers and exercising as much a possible so I'm finally starting to see some changes. I don't know who those people are who swear you lose weight just by breastfeeding but I want to call them a liar right to their lying little faces. I'm going to carry on posting healthy new recipes that we love as well as my progress because it motivates me when my friends do the same. I invite anyone to share theirs as well as I think guest posts help break up the monotony of my humble opinion on the world.

M has joined a soccer/football team where everyone assumed he was good because of his accent, luckily he is. The search for the perfect job is still in progress but he's got a few good leads and is still working for his UK company remotely. It's unbelievably helpful having him at home with me for these first three months, although I think he's ready to get back into an office/construction site and have some big boy conversations and requires him to wear pants that aren't made of some sort of cotton.

Now I am going to use the last hour and a half of our journey to catch up on some sleep. Happy St. Patrick's day!


Here's our life according to my iPhone (I keep promising myself to take more pics with our camera...)

 

 A little collage grandma made of the many faces of Leo.

 Just two cool duded. No big deal.

 I mean, look at those eyes..

 He was a little upset I got in the way of Sponge Bob to take this picture (no I don't let him watch tv all the time...)

 Obviously.

Play mat time is his favorite time..after bath time..and maybe lunch time..