My best buys of 2013

Here are my top 5 buys of 2013;

Our Kiddy Guardianfix Pro 2

This was a wonderful purchase that we made back in April. Although more expensive than some of it's rivals, we did lots of research and found that this ranked highly on all levels. We have been thrilled with it ever since and Fred seems to love travelling in style.

Dyson DC44 Animal

Mr C bought me the Dyson for Christmas (and who says romance is dead!) and I absolutely LOVE it. We don't have much carpet downstairs and we only have a small house for which this cordless handheld is ideal. It's so quick & easy, perfect for any spills or crumbs without the hassle of having to heave a giant vacuum down the stairs whilst juggling a toddler! If you're after a new vacuum, I couldn't recommended this more highly!

Google Nexus 7

I have had an iPad and I most definitely thinks that this beats it hands down without a second thought, especially considering the price difference. We use it for internet surfing, social networking and for Freddie to watch his films in the car and it does all this jobs perfectly. 

Mamas & Papas Armadillo

Everyone who is a regular reader or who follows me on Twitter knows that I think this pushchair comes second to none. You can read my full review HERE but if you read nothing else, read this... Buy this pushchair!! It's amazing! 

Last but not least is...

My Wedding Dress!

I aren't going to tempt fate by uploading a picture as I don't want to jinx anything but it is definitely my most favourite purchase ever! 

Top Posts of 2013

We are fast approaching 2014 and with that I thought it would be a nice idea to have a delve into the archives and re-read some of my most popular posts of 2013.

I love to look back over my posts; afterall that it the purpose of A Whole Nine Months and why it began. It's lovely to see how my baby had grown and reminisce on those days that seemed mundane at the time but somehow made it into the blog and now makes me smile.

2013 was my 2nd year in the blogging world and I'm immensely proud of how my '2nd baby' has come on. I thoroughly enjoy blogging, especially the community that it brings. We now have a presence on Twitter and although it's not the most important thing, it's nice to know that I have regular readers who enjoy my posts. 

I kicked off the year with a ranty post (a ranty post on A Whole Nine Months, NEVER! *insert sarcastic tone*) about a topic I'm very passionate about - Manners cost Nothing! Take a look at the post to see why I was stark raving mad at my journey from Leeds with a new baby in tow!

Continuing the theme of ranty posts, I then penned a letter to Mr Saintsbury regarding the atrocious situation that it parent & Child parking. Dear Mr Sainsbury was and still is one of my most popular posts although it's apparent that he hasn't read it himself because I've seen no improvement!

As a first time mummy, I have been thrown on a whirlwind adventure and at times, have struggled to know my rear end from my elbow! I blogged a list of 15 things no one told me about becoming a Mummy! and judging by the reaction I had on Twitter, I'm not alone. We're all in the same boat and that brings me comfort. The fact that we all mourn our pre-pregnancy boobies makes me feel that little bit more positive about my spaniel's ears. The shocks kept coming when I told you of the 15 things no one told me about being a toddler mummy!

I've told you about the Sad World in which we live and I shared my Letter to a Teenage Freddie in which I penned lots of advice. It'll definitely be something to show him when he's older. Do as I say and not as I do and all that!

April brought good news when I announced my enagement to Mr C. Regular readers will know that having a different surname to my baby bothered me so I was thrilled to post Hey Baby, I think I wanna Marry you! and have my readers share in my joy.

A massive part of 2013 for me personally was My Slimming World Journey and I'm now pleased to say I've lost 3stones. I hope that I will have more good news on my new healthy lifestyle in 2014!

2013 has been a wonderful year. We have had lots of 'firsts' which you can see here in 2013: A Year in Photographs. Of course our engagement was wonderful news and 2014 is surely going to be our best year yet.

Freddie is growing every day and he continues to amaze us with all he can do.

We have a wedding to first of all, plan and then enjoy and a luxury 5 ⭐family holiday to take. Hopefully Mr C's business will continue to go from strength to strength and we'll be able to enjoy a lovely way of life in 2014 as we have this year.

We continue to remember people who weren't able to spend 2013 with us and they will be carried in our thoughts, never to be forgotten. 

I hope that 2014 is a good year in terms of my blog. I thoroughly enjoying putting my thoughts down onto screen. It's therapeutic and sometimes, one of the only things to keep me sane. I want to continue to make and maintain wonderful friendships with fellow bloggers and I think 2014 may be the time for me to build some more relationships with some more brands.

As always, I'm thankful for our good health and our happy home. 

I hope you'll continue to read my little piece of cyber-space. To all, a Happy New Year and I sincerely hope that 2014 is wonderful for us all. 

2013: A Year in Photographs

Christmas 2013

Mummy and Daddy got a rare chance to let our hair down so we took advantage and visited the Christmas Markets in Manchester in the run up to Christmas Eve. 

On Christmas Eve, we slept at my parents house where Freddie was allowed to stay up later than usual. He celebrated this occasion by eating his body weight in Pringles, emptying a tin of Roses over his head and rugby tackling the puppy in excitement. He also opened a Christmas Eve present, his Vtech Toot Toot Construction Set.

I didn't quite realise how many presents I'd actually bought for F! I had been purchasing bits and pieces every so often and when it came to laying them out on Christmas Eve, I was shocked at the amount! 

Some of his favourite presents were his Toot Toot construction set and car garage, his Freddie the Fire Engine Trunki and his Buzz Lightyear slippers!

My favourite gift was quite simply the fact that we were able to spend quality time as a trio. Mr C works very long hours so we don't often get chance to enjoy each others company for such a long time! 

It wasn't all sweetness & light though. We had spent alot of money to go to a lovely restaurant for our Christmas dinner with all our family members;  F on the other hand, had different ideas! From the minute we got there he screamed. I was so conscious that every other diner had paid lots of money to enjoy a meal that we spent the whole time sat in the car taking it in turns to eat a course! Here we are but as you can tell, I couldn't stay mad at his cheeky face for long! 

Christmas Day Night was spent playing the usual games and over-eating however our little festive elf was overwhelmed and was glad to hit the sack joined by all his favourite Toy Story characters! 

Did you all have a lovely Christmas? 

Any disasters like ours? 

A-Z of Me.

I was tagged by Emma at Crazy with Twins to do an A-Z of me! Here it is; 

A is for: A Whole Nine Months

My blog which, after F, is my second baby. I started it whilst pregnant and it's somehow carried on and we're approaching two years now. I really enjoy the community of blogging and having somewhere to document the hilarity which we call life raising a toddler.

B is for: Bride

On 1st August 2014, I will be a bride!

C is for: C Max

My new car is a Ford C Max. It's my 'fun bus' and my pride and joy!

D is for: Dentist

This is a difficult one for me as even writing the word brings me out in sweats! I have a horrific dental phobia which at times, threatens to rule my life. It's so hard for me as I have no idea what I'm scared of but being unable to pinpoint an exact cause makes it harder for me to understand or overcome. I'm currently having hypnotherapy for the issue and it is my new years resolution to begin to solve the problem! 

E is for: Education

I studied Primary Education at Edge Hill University. I graduated with a 2:1 honors degree in 2011.

F is for: Freddie

Need I say more? He's the star of the show & my whole life. 

G is for: Grandad

I am incredibly close to my Grandad, so much so that I named my son after him! I love him to the moon and back. He's the nicest man I've ever had the pleasure to meet.

H is for: Honeymoon

After our wedding in August (Did I mention I'm getting wed?) we are going on an amazing honeymoon to Cape Verde. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity in the most amazing 5 star hotel. 

I is for: Impatient

I'm incredibly impatient. When I want something doing I will have to do it there and then. I can't stand to wait for anything. I like to think of it as determined and driven however Mr C would probably describe it as bossy and annoying! 

J is for: Jessica

My real name.

K is for: Kite.

Because I couldn't think of anything else!

L is for: Liverpool.

This is where Mr C is from and where we lived pre-F. F was born there so apparently this makes him 50% Scouse however I think he's a Yorkshire man through and through. 

M is for: My Mother

I have the most amazing relationship with my Mum. She really is my best friend. 

N is for: Next

My most favourite shop. I buy literally everything for F from there. I love it!

O is for: Optimist

P is for: People

I'm a people person and love to be surrounded by 'people'. I hate been alone.

Q is for: Questions

I'm very

R is for: Rob

Mr C's real name.

S is for: Slimming World

I am currently on the Slimming World plan & I've lost 3 stones so far!

T is for: Tidy.

I am very tidy and I hate having a messy home. I throw so much stuff away as I can't bear to hoard!

U is for: University

University literally changed my life. Yes I got a degree but I also gained so much more than that. I gained independence, lifelong skills and earnt so much respect for my parents. I was a dreadful teen and our relationship improved so much when I moved away and developed a real appreciation of both of them.

V is for: Vet

I wanted to be a vet when I 'grew up' but I'm scared of or dislike 99% of animals!

W is for: Worrier.

When I can't sleep, I am a hideous worrier. I worry about the most ridiculous things that will never happen!

X is for: X Ray

I've never had one.

Y is for: Yorkshire. 

The place we call home.

Z is for: Zebra.

Because I couldn't think of anything else.

A Very Merry Christmas

I really can't believe how fast December has actually gone!

Luckily I've been very organised in terms of buying the presents but everything else had gone to pot till today as I was struck down with the dreaded sick bug. It really is typical. 

Ever the optimist, as a result of lots of sickness & toilet trips (sorry if you're eating your supper!) I managed to lose 5lbs in 5 days which means I've lost 3 stones now! I'm not going to start my raving again but Slimming World has really changed my life! 

Today has been hectic to say the least. We have Mr C's parents joining us for the festivities so I've had to clean the house top to bottom, paint 2 rooms and tackle the Christmas shop!

Luckily we are going out to a restaurant for dinner which meant I didn't have to stock up on all the turkey & trimmings etc. Every year I say that next year we'll go away on our own but it never seems to transpire and here we are again, ready for a hectic Christmas involving 17 of us! I suppose that is what Christmas is about!

We will wake up at my Mum & Dad's house as we stay over there on Christmas Eve so they can watch Freddie open his gifts. This will be followed by a mass breakfast of lovely butties & bucks fizz! 

Me & Mr C have agreed no presents but he's a sneaky one and I'm sure I may have a couple of treats under the tree!

I've promised Mr C that all social media & blogging will be banned so I can enjoy every second together without my phone attached to my hand!

So I'll take this opportunity; from myself, Mr C and of course Freddie, to wish all of my readers a very Merry Christmas! X

My Slimming World Journey

I don't normally post about things like this however as it's such a massive part of my life right now, I thought it deserved a small mention. If I bore you, do scroll past. If I can inspire you, then that's wonderful.

I've been following the Slimming World plan for about 19 weeks now and the results have been phenomenal. I've lost over 2.5 stones (37.5lbs) in that relatively small space of time with minimal fuss or stress.

Although I didn't put on too much weight whilst pregnant, I found that after F's birth I was so busy that I struggled for time when it came to cooking healthy home cooked meals. Within Fred's first year I'd put on quite a bit of weight and it'd started to affect my fitness and health so I decided to make a change. 

Initially I had preconceived stereotypes that everyone would be old and gigantic. They aren't. I am probably one of the youngest but there are women there of all shapes and sizes, after all we are all different and we have different goals & ideals etc.

I've always been 'bigger' but I was no way Rik Waller. (My apologies to any Rik fans out there!) And I certainly didn't want to be a size 0. I wanted to be healthy and happy with myself. I was worried that this would be expected and the pressure would be intense.

It isn't. You set your own goals and there is no time scale. I still want to lose another 1.5 stones but that is up to me, not anyone else or my group consultant. We laugh and call it fat fighters (a la Little Britain) but it really has  changed my life. I feel much healthier and my confidence has increased ten fold. Sometimes as a new mum it's easy to forget yourself but I feel better than I have in years.

The meals are easy to cook and we all eat the same, even 15 month old Freddie. They are all homemade and fresh and although they are a little more expensive than buying a microwave ready meal, they are substantial and nutritious for us all.

There is a stereotype of slimming clubs but honestly, if you are reading this and you feel like you need a kick up the arse in the new year, I implore you to go for it. 

*This is not a 'review' or a 'sponsored post'. It is in no way affiliated with Slimming World and I've received no financial reward. This is just my story as a normal mum.*