6 months: For you, Freddie x

Dear Freddie,

You have now turned 6 months; half a year since you dived into our life, tipped it upside down, shook it on it's head and injected an unimaginable, impossible amount of love.

I love you more and more each day. Events that have happened this month have affected mummy lots. A fellow blogging mummy lost her precious girl. Taken far to soon. Behind her, she left a legacy; teaching mummies all over the world to love that little bit more, to hug that little harder and cherish every moment. 

I've learnt this lesson and even though I thought impossible, I love you more now than ever.

You are at a wonderful age. I wish I could capture this moment forever. You have the most wonderful personality. You are hilarious, cheeky, slightly rebellious and painfully determined.

This determination has seen you master the art of sitting unaided which you have now well and truly conquered. It is a joy to see you sit and play with your toys, exploring and imagining. Joyous for mummy to watch and, I can literally feel my heart swell with pride but on the other hand, the selfish part of me wants you to stay like this. I don't want to venture further into the depths of independence until one day, you no longer need me at all.

You are loved by so many, literally adored. You are worshipped by Nana who is well and truly your biggest fan. She has loved you from the second she met you. We all have,  it was impossible not to. 

You are still wonderful at night, touch wood! You have a bedtime story at 7pm which is mummy's favourite time of the day. We all lie on mummy and daddy's bed and read to you in a whole array of funny voices. We laugh and giggle and drown you in kisses. In return, you reward us with ooo's and ahh's and listen patiently, eagerly awaiting bath time where you have bundles of fun with your frog bubble machine. 

The day you turned 6 months we had a half birthday party for you at the golf club. Nothing fancy but it was an opportunity for us to show you off. People laughed and said it was a silly idea but we don't care, we love you and as mummy has learned, everyday is a blessing and should be celebrated.

Speaking of celebrations, we have had 2 milestones this week. Mummy's birthday and the birth of your cousin. Mum thoroughly enjoyed her first birthday as a mummy. You and Daddy made it wonderfully special and it topped every birthday I ever had. You wrote my card yourself (with help from Daddy of course!) and helped me unwrap presents in bed. You were very funny and we shared a little chocolate in mummy's bed (sssh, it was a birthday one off treat!). It was lovely, perfect and I am bound to remember it forever.

Every day has felt like a birthday since you arrived. I feel like the luckiest person in the world. 

I love you.

Forever & More.

Mummy x

Van Gough.

Yesterday I took the opportunity to indulge in Freddie's first ever painting session. I have been meaning to set up this activity for a fair few weeks but as ever, we have been rushed off our feet with this, that and the other.

As a boisterous,  mischievous and curious 6 month old boy, I was worried that he would seize the opportunity as an excuse to eat his body weight in paint. For that reason, I was overjoyed when I found Yorkshire Teacher Mummy's recipe for homemade (and completely edible!) paint, here.

Both Fred & I had lots of fun. It was some what messy and this activity calls for a large mess mat or laminate floor! Thank you to Yorkshire Teacher Mummy for the recipe! 

I think I've got my very own Van Gough on my hands, don't you? 

This Week in Tweets #8

Sorry for the late post, I thought I'd scheduled this and hadn't. Anyway here is what we got up to 'This Week' (or last week as it now stands!)

Monday

'Me & F are hitting the shops then we are going to spend the afternoon with F's first ever painting session. I'm expecting a masterpiece!'

Tuesday

'F & I have been enjoying the sunshine today. Lovely x'

Wednesday

'My crazy son is sat on the floor trying to eat my slipper whilst it's on my foot.'

Thursday

'This morning we are heading to baby clinic to see how much F weighs.'

'F weighs 20lbs 6oz. Big boy! (but not as big as expected)

'Me, OH & F are going for a walk around Hebden Bridge. Anyone recommend any nice places for cake? :)'

Friday

'I am laid in bed having family cuddles with my 2 favourite boys in the whole world. They are my life.'

'I am so rock & roll. Romantic birthday evening and I'm in bed already... in my fluffy dressing gown ready for sleep!'

Saturday

'My TV is spoiling me tonight. Robbie Williams & Justin Timberlake in one night. #wouldntkickeitheroutofbedforfarting'

Sunday

'I can hear wonderful OH & son downstairs playing with Buzz Lightyer, both screaming with laughter. Times like this I realise I am blessed.'

As always you can follow me on Twitter, HERE.

Fashionable Friday

Today is a BARGAIN Fashionable Friday. 

Here is what Freddie wore today:

Striped All in One: Tesco Sale £2!! BARGAIN!!

Shoes: Converse at Schuh £22

As much as I am boycotting Tesco ATM (see my ranty tweets!) I strongly recommended having a browse through their sale rails as I picked up some brilliant bargains!

Have you picked up any bargains this week? 

Let me know! 

A letter to Teenage Freddie.

Freddie,

Typing this seems pretty silly to me at the moment. You're 5 months old, a long way off being a teenager. But if the last 5 months has taught me anything, it is that time flies and before I know it, you will be 18.


I still change your sh*tty nappies; your main source of nutrition is milk and you love to wake up early.

By the time you read this, I won't be going anywhere near your rear end; your main source of nutrition will most probably be burgers & beer and you'll fester in your pit until gone mid-day!

I have no doubt that, at times, you may think you hate me. Thinking about the possibility that you may ever dislike me now makes my heart break. But this is the 18 year old you and you may not be the squishy, cuddly, smiley bundle that you are now. You may think this letter is stupid but these are things I want you to know.

1. If it feels wrong, don't do it. You're a sensible boy and (I hope) you've been raised correctly. 

2. Just because you're mates do it, it doesn't mean you have to as well. If they were going to jump off a bridge would you? (Please say no, my nerves couldn't handle you bungee jumping!)

3. Trust your instincts.

4. Never speak bad of yourself. You are the most amazing person i've ever met.

5. Don't be afraid to say 'No.' You don't have to do ANYTHING that you don't want to . Don't do it because someone else wants you to.

6. Don't be afraid to say 'Yes.' If you want to do something, you can. Anything can happen. Nothing is impossible.

6. Be true to yourself. Don't be a people pleaser. Nobody likes a kiss arse.

7. Don't ruin your body with rediculous piercings/tattoo's. I want you to be yourself but a heavy metal lover with dinner plate sized holes in your ears when you're 40.

8. Don't sleep about. Nobody will want you when you're riddled with diseases! 

9. Drugs are bad. 

10. Treat women with respect. Don't and I'll kick your bloody arse.

11. Don't allow anyone to treat you without respect. If they do, I'll kick their bloody arse.

12. Always remember,  I am here to kick arses.

13. Always remember to use protection. Until I  50, I will always be too young to be a grandma 

14. Always remember,  I have eyes in the back of my head. If you've been up to no good, I'll find out.

15. Always remember,  I am here whatever and whenever.

16. And finally, most importantly; Always remember, I love you. I always have and always will.

17. Oh and one more; Always rember, I always know best. My own mother knew what was best for me and I know what's best for you. 

You may think I'm being harsh but when you are older,  you'll thank me. I guarantee you.

As you'll notice, there is LOTS to remember so #18: Lay off the alcohol,  it'll damage your brain cells which will mean you won't remember and you may end up with an angry mummy to contend with ;) 

As always, 

I will love you forever, and more.

Mummy 

X

This Week in Tweets #7

Monday

'I wore the dress I wore for my graduation today. I was made up thinking I'd lost weight then I realised I'd bent over and split the arse!'

'Just picked mum up from hospital. Breast care unit really hits hard. There's people there that aren't as lucky as MammaB. #thinkingofthose'

Tuesday

'Just cleaned my car for the first time since I was 34wks pregnant. It was a tip and OH was worrying it was a health hazard to F it was so bad!'

'I've just had a lovely relaxing bath complete with wine & F's rubber duck which provided a whole hour of entertainment. #imgoingmad'

Wednesday

'Just taken F for his first swimming lesson. It was fab except for Miss Trunchbull for a teacher!'

'Just had mother & father over for fajita supper. OH has dished up apple pie & i've opened the wine. #puttingmyfeetup

Thursday

'Valentines Schmalentines. All a load of old crock if you ask me. I did get a lie-in and breakfast in bed however.'

'Today I have been to my paediatric first aid course. I'm so pleased I signed up, the knowledge gained is invaluable.'

Friday

'I'm going on my first night out in ages tonight. On the plus side it is with a pregnant lady so I won't be able to get too drunk!'

'I have left F tonight to go to my local town but I keep talking about him and getting sad because i'm missing him!'

Saturday

'Oh my word, I feel shocking this morning. Too much wine. My head hurts.'

Sunday

'One word. Bed.'


If you don't follow me on Twitter, feel free to and see what else i've got to say. It's @awhole9months.

Fashionable Friday.

Freddie is going for a day out with Nana today who will no doubt be showing him off to all and sundry so he needed to look his very best.

For today's Fashionable Friday, he's wearing:

Tan chinos: Next
Navy jumper with arm patches: Next
Maroon Body Warmer: Next (again!)
Maroon pram shoes: Next 

As you can tell he's sporting lots of Next clobber today! I'm a regular shopper at Next particularly for their baby and homeware collections. 

Which shops do you love for children's clothes?