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This Mother's Day I've been given two reasons to celebrate... M, Little H and I are thrilled to announce that our tiny family is growing! 💖

[youandmemakethree]

2017 has been another busy year for our family.

Some of the things I will always remember about 2017: Little H taking his first steps, reaching new milestones, celebrating his first birthday, and blossoming into a kind, spirited, and inquisitive toddler. Venturing out of our comfort zones and achieving goals as a family - Attending events, meeting new people, M being promoted at work. Travelling to new destinations every week - seeing the beautiful scenery our state has to offer, and trying out some amazing cafés along the way.

I'd like to say a huge thank you for all the love everyone has given us this year, we can't wait to see what new adventures and experiences 2018 will bring! We wish you all success, a healthy long life and a fresh new start. Happy New Year! 👨👩👶💛

[youandmemakethree]

This year we celebrated Christmas over two days (24th-25th), spending Christmas Eve with M’s family and Christmas Day with mine. After going all out for H’s First Christmas last year, we decided to keep this year a little more low-key. M was rostered on to work Christmas night so we made sure that every moment of the time we got to spend together was full of love. We slept in, unwrapped gifts together in our pyjamas, ate beautiful food and spent hours of quality time with our loved ones, and drove around in the middle of the night looking at magical Christmas light displays in our neighbourhood. When it came to choosing gifts for H, M and I always try to think of things that he won’t outgrow within the year. This year we bought him a gorgeous wooden balance bike from Mocka (a great little NZ/AU online store specialising in home and living furniture). I had had my eye on it for a while and after discussing it with M, we decided it would be the perfect gift to grow with him until he is big enough for a bike with pedals. H was really excited when he saw it under the tree but he isn’t quite sure how to balance and ride on it yet, hopefully by his birthday he will be a bit more confident on it and we’ll be able to go for some little bike rides in the park. Our “quiet” Christmas turned out to be exactly what we needed in order to recover from the crazy amount of stress in the lead up to the holidays. It was so nice that I think we might make it a family tradition. We hope you all had an amazing day that was filled with love and happy memories. Merry Christmas!

[youandmemakethree]

I had such a great day meeting some amazing bloggers and a few of my favourite brands at the annual @kids_business #bloggers_brunch today. I can’t wait for next year!

[youandmemakethree]

M had the day off work on Friday so we took H to the park for the first time ever! It was an icy cold 11 degree day but we didn’t let that stop us having a wonderful time together. H has gotten so much more confident and steady on his feet in the last week and had so much fun swinging on the swings, running around the paths and over the bridges, playing the many musical instruments, watching Daddy play with a big water pump, and spinning around on the giant roundabout. The park we chose to go to was our local Livvi’s Place playspace. Livvi’s Place is an amazing initiative by the Touched By Olivia Foundation which aims to provide communities with an inclusive and accessible playspace where children of all abilities are able to play together. I absolutely love spending this special quality time with my tiny family and I’m so thankful that our community has such a wonderful playspace - I can definitely see our trips here becoming a regular thing.

[youandmemakethree]

Today we celebrated our little H’s first birthday by taking him to the Melbourne Aquarium.

H walked and crawled excitedly through each exhibit (his favourite being the crawl through fish tank tunnels, Jellyfish, and Penguins.) and loved playing with the other children who were there.

We had a great day together as a family and are really enjoying how H is now at an age where he can understand, play, and interact with his surroundings.

[youandmemakethree]

My dearest Little H, Today, you are ONE. One whole year old. This year has flown by so fast that tears come to my eyes and I feel my heart swell when I think about it.

Our little babe weighs 12kg, is 79cm tall, has 8 teeth, and is in size 2 clothing!

H is now very busy becoming a confident walker and is taking more and more independent steps every day. He can say mumum, dadad, bobble (Bottle), didi (Billie), poo, hi, tickle, “Quack quack”, yeah, and no. He loves to clap, sing, and dance along with The Wiggles and brings us the TV remote so we can put them on.

It has been the most incredible year, the most fun, the most challenging, the funniest, the scariest. He made me a mother and with that he showed me the kind of love that makes your heart feel like it’s exploding into millions of pieces - the kind that brings you to tears when you try to comprehend the enormity of it. He has shown me patience, made me stronger and better and helped grow me into the woman I always wished I would be.

From that precious tiny newborn snuggled in my arms in the hospital to the walking, talking, incredibly determined baby boy he is today, he has changed our lives forever in the very best way imaginable.

When the midwife placed him in my arms for the very first time and I looked down into his big, bright eyes, I could never imagine what he would be like a year from now - and now as I watch him grow and learn and thrive, I’m reminded of how lucky I am - we are so lucky and grateful to be his parents.

Happy First Birthday H, We love you more than words can describe xx

[youandmemakethree]

…and he’s off!

We have a walker! The mix of emotions I’m feeling about this is so hard - so excited, happy and proud, yet sad at the same time. Watching my once teeny tiny baby grow into a healthy and happy toddler is so bittersweet!

xo A

[youandmemakethree]

One month until one! Our sweet Little H is Eleven months old (well he was on my birthday, May 7th). I’m a week late on updating on my sweet boy but better late than never, these monthly posts are my favourite because I know that one day I’ll be able to look back at these milestone photos and remember the precious moments throughout our first year together.

11 months is such a great age and our relationship grows stronger with each and every passing month, not only do I now know his every cry, laugh, want and need, but he knows mine. He understands us, he knows when we’re trying to get him to smile or surprise him, he knows the songs we sing together, he knows our routine and tries to help, he is SO aware of his environment and all thats going on.

H still weighs the same as last month at 11.5kg (23lb 3oz) but has shot up to 79cm tall!

Our little babe can walk with assistance, he can stand on his own but gets scared once he realises so he’ll quickly sit down or grab onto something. He can wave, jump, climb up and down, dance, give kisses, give hi fives, and will eat anything we give him (he LOVES vegetables.) Lately he seems to be constantly talking and I frequently hear him laughing to himself while he’s playing. He can now say mumum, dadad, bobble (Bottle), didi (Billie), poo, hi, tickle, and shakes his head to say “no.” Bathtime is still his absolute favourite and he now takes himself to the bathroom and tries to get in the tub.

It just makes me so proud to think of the little boy hes becoming, I always thought I would want to keep him a tiny baby forever, but every month gets more and more fun. Hes my tiny best friend that I get to play with and snuggle with all day long, we have special jokes and things we enjoy together, we just get each other and having this special bond with him is the most incredible and rewarding feeling in the entire world. I feel so lucky!

[youandmemakethree]

I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone for all the messages, cards, presents, surprises and love that I received yesterday, and an extra special thank you from the bottom of my heart to all my lovely friends and family that made it to my party! It was the first real birthday party I've had in 13 years and I had an absolutely brilliant night. This was also my first birthday as a Mother and I truly believe that being able to share the day with my tiny family was the reason why this birthday was as good as it was. I feel so blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful people in my life and I am incredibly grateful for each and every one of you. PS. For those of you in the know, the birthday curse has officially been lifted!

[youandmemakethree]

Another year has passed by… Today, the 7th of May, marks the day that I was born into this world (Thanks Mum!)

So much has happened over the past twelve months. So much has changed, but, in many ways, so much of the good in my life has remained. The past year has taught me a great deal about myself and about the world around me.

Every day I'm learning more and more about the person I am and the person I want to be, and every day I'm striving to live a life that is both positive and present. It isn't always easy but every effort I make ends up being worth it, and in my opinion, that's one of the best highs life has to offer - looking back and realising just how far you've come because of all that you've learned.

Thank you all for continuing to read the posts I write and for following me as I embark on another year of my life. I'm not sure how or why, but as I lay here in bed with my partner and our precious son, absolutely surrounded by love, I somehow already feel that this next year will be an amazing one...

[youandmemakethree]

Today, as a special birthday eve treat, M and I attended the One Fine Day Wedding Fair at the Melbourne Showgrounds. One Fine Day is Australia’s biggest and best wedding fair, showcasing a huge array of wedding products, services, and inspiration for brides and grooms. As Gold ticket holders, We received a goodie bag upon entry which was full of awesome freebies (valued at over $100) including products from Benefit Brows, Chambord, Hello May and Mine Tan. We were then led into the VIP lounge area (A beautiful set up by the events main sponsor Chambord featuring plush velvet lounges and chairs, a private bar, and gorgeous floral arrangements) where we were treated to several Chambord cocktails. After we’d finished our cocktails and watched the runway show, we began to weave our way through the many aisles of vendors. Together we tasted delicious cakes, were photographed in photo booths, tried on bespoke engagement rings and wedding bands, perused stunning stationery options, admired floral arrangements, entered countless giveaways, and while I discussed wedding dresses and fittings, M went off to find out more about entertainment and car hire. Planning a wedding can be a huge ordeal but the amazing coordinators behind One Fine Day definitely do their best to help make it as easy, and as painless, as possible. M and I had a great time and left the showgrounds with plenty of contacts, samples, and inspiration for our own dream wedding. I definitely recommend attending if you are (or you know someone) organising a wedding! xo A

[youandmemakethree]

We received our new ByKay Mai Tei Deluxe carrier today.

M tried one out at the Essential Baby & Toddler Show last weekend and we both agreed that we had to have one, so on Tuesday night, we placed our order…

It’s super easy to tie and way more supportive than any other wrap style carriers we’ve tried. We picked the Stonewashed Denim fabric, it’s beautiful and it’s so soft and comfortable.

Little H seems really impressed with it too, and spent all morning enjoying being carried around and even fell asleep.

I’m so glad we were introduced to the ByKay brand and am really looking forward to getting some more baby wearing in before H decides that it’s not cool and he’d rather walk everywhere…

xo A

[youandmemakethree]

I picked up my shipment of JOiA All Natural Soda today.

JOiA is an all natural sparkling soda that is great either on its own or as a mixer. It is Non GMO, Sodium, Preservative, Gluten and Caffeine free, Vegan friendly and only uses Natural Colours and Sweeteners.

There are several flavours to choose from but my favourite is the Grapefruit, Chamomile and Cardamom, it’s super refreshing and absolutely delicious!

xo A

[youandmemakethree]

It was a super wintry, rainy day today so we decided to visit the Melbourne Museum. Children get free admission and there is always so much to do and see, all whilst staying warm and dry!

H had a wonderful time playing, exploring and socialising with other babies in the new Pauline Gandel Children’s Gallery.

We built with blocks, crawled through mirrored tunnels, swung on giant swings, and jumped on colourful round cushions.

M and I used to enjoy visiting the Museum together before we had H, so it was great to be able to revisit as a family.

[youandmemakethree]

We are officially in double digits, H is 10 months old!! I am continuously astonished at how fast time is flying by and am already in full-on party planning mode for his first birthday.

Little H weighs 11.5 kg (25lb 3oz), is 73cm tall, and is in size 12-18 month clothing!

H has become a super speedy crawler. He pulls himself up on all our furniture and walks around holding onto it, and even lets go and stands by himself for a few seconds. He has also recently started walking around the house using his walker so I don’t think it’ll be long before he takes his first unassisted steps which is scary!

He is a very observant baby and also very social. He’ll smile at just about anyone who looks at him (and start smiling and craning his neck to engage people when they aren’t looking his way) and he is constantly talking up a storm with lots of high-pitched screeches, babbling, and growling noises (which he started after seeing the tiger at the zoo).

He has quite the flair for the dramatic these days. When he’s frustrated, we certainly know about it! He has a fiery temper and when he’s in a bad mood he has a habit of throwing himself to the ground, kicking his legs, and screaming at the top of his lungs. He will also cry at a drop of a hat if he doesn’t get his own way, we’re changing him, or he is put in the playpen. I’m really hoping that this is a phase and not a preview of what’s to come.

It’s also during this past month that H seems to have suddenly grown into a little boy and everyone is always shocked to find out that he’s only 10 months old. It’s as though he went to sleep and overnight transformed into a toddler. He suddenly looks so much older and although it’s bittersweet that his baby days are behind us, I love witnessing the person he is becoming. I feel as though we’re now closer than ever and I cherish the bond we have developed, I find myself thinking “I love him so much…” so often throughout our days together. I feel like I am raising my best friend.

[youandmemakethree]

Mama’s Picks - Baby Must-Haves!

It is certainly easy to feel overwhelmed when shopping for your baby as the baby products market is vast, and seemingly never-ending. And with every company claiming their product is the best, the task of researching products and setting up for a baby can seem virtually impossible. This is a list of the things that we’ve tried and we consider to be our favourites. Everything listed is an item we own and have actually used with Little H and I highly recommend each and every one.

Pram - Redsbaby Jive. M and I were first introduced to the Redsbaby brand in 2015 when we attended a demonstration day. We decided that the Jive had all of the features (and more!) that we were looking for, fell in love instantly and placed our order that very day.

The single pram comes with an interchangeable bassinet (with super soft peach-skin lining) and a seat (that reclines in 3 different positions for ultimate comfort and is reversible so baby can face you or outwards) and there are plenty of awesome Redsbaby accessories available so you can customise it to meet your needs - They also have an AMAZING customer service team, so you can rest assured that you’ll be well looked after if anything should go awry. And unlike some other prams currently on the market that seem to cost the same as a small car, the Redsbaby Jive provides high quality and style at a totally affordable price! We have now been using our Jive daily for 10 months and our love for it has only increased. Our Jive has travelled with us by car, plane and even by golf buggy on Hamilton Island! It's stable with great suspension and able to handle all kinds of terrain whilst remaining comfortable, easy to manoeuvre (I can very easily push the pram with one hand while the other holds my latte - Yay!), lightweight, and compact. We've trekked rainforests, beaches, walking trails, city streets and countless shopping centres and it has never failed us.

People often stop us on the street to ask about our pram and M and I love to tell them just how great it is. Sometimes we joke about the fact we might be TOO passionate and excited about our Jive and that we might be scaring people with our enthusiasm ha ha I would seriously recommend this pram to anyone and everyone!

Nappies - BabyLove Cosifit

BabyLove Cosifit are a great nappy, are very absorbent, and don't leave red marks around H's legs. I tried using several other brands when they were purchased for me as gifts or we picked them up on sale, but didn't like them as most seemed to leak overnight and left H soaked through come morning. The newborn size is purposefully shaped to accommodate your babies umbilical stump to avoid irritation, and in all sizes the back of the nappy also comes up higher than a few other brands, so you don't get any nasty surprises (if you know what I mean!) 

Baby Monitor - Oricom Secure 703 Digital Video Monitor

As most new parents, we felt anxious about moving H into his own bedroom. It was something that we had to do though because us being in the same room as him was disturbing his sleep. After a lot of research we decided to buy the Oricom Secure 703 Digital Baby Monitor.

The Oricom Secure 703 has a crystal clear 2.4″ Colour LCD display, digital volume control and a high quality frame rate - which gives great peace of mind knowing that you can see your babies every move in real time. The infrared night vision lets you see your baby clearly at night and the adjustable night light gives off a soft glow providing reassurance for your baby so they're not waking up in complete darkness. The parent unit of the monitor is also fully portable (and even has a belt clip) allowing you to keep a watchful eye on your little one from anywhere within a 150m range! 

Carrier -  Hug a Bub Pocket I bought a structured carrier when H was first born but found the straps didn't accommodate my post baby body (or M's body for that matter!!) So we bought a Hug a Bub Pocket wrap, it fits EVERY shape and size and we can use it until bub is a toddler (or until he's too heavy for us to carry)

M likes wearing it because it's comfortable and he gets a lot of attention while grocery shopping (picture women coming up and saying things like "Aww! HE'S SO CUTE" and "What a good father!"...) I like wearing it because it means I can get things done with two hands and little H is snug and secure against me which is great because it helps him sleep better and keeps him calm (he's fallen asleep in the wrap every time I wear him while doing housework - Win!)

High chair - Fisher Price Luv U Zoo EZ Clean High Chair

We were very generously gifted this high chair by my cousin and whilst it has since been discontinued and replaced with a different model, we still love it and use it every day. 

H loves sitting up in it and watching M and I prepare meals or eat dinner. It also helps bring him up to our level while he's eating so he doesn't feel left out or alone, and has a large tray with removable insert that is dishwasher safe. The entire fabric seat easily unclips and is machine washable for super easy, stress free cleaning.

The high chair also has several height settings and several recline positions so if he falls asleep we can lay him back comfortably and all the adjustments can be made using one hand, which is great when you're holding baby too.

Sleeping Bags - Grobag, Plum, Bonds.

We have used several brands of infant sleeping bag since H was born and we love them all.

With sizes ranging from newborn - 36 months, different weights, and prices between $30-$90, buying a sleeping bag really depends on your budget and the size of your baby. We are currently using sleeping bags from The Gro Company, Plum, and Bonds. The ideal temperature for a babies room is between 18-20 degrees, so provided this is the case in your own home, a 1.0 tog sleeping bag (over a long sleeve suit) is perfect. If it's hot, choose a lower weight, if it's cold, choose higher. 

H hates having his arms restricted so swaddling is a no go, but also loves kicking off the blankets so a sleeveless sleeping bag is perfect for keeping him warm and safe and that helps us all get some sleep at night.

Nappy bag - gr8x Calypso Satchel Nappy Bag.

A little on the pricey side at $150 but totally worth it. I wanted a nappy bag that didn't look like a large handbag, something M would also feel comfortable carrying and something that was durable and super functional.

The gr8x Calypso Satchel Nappy Bag is a large, satchel style baby bag, with zip around top so that you can access and see all! It has a big middle compartment with stretchy pockets inside allowing you to keep almost anything in its place inside the bag. It can fit several bottles, changes of clothing, wipes, nappies for a whole day and an entire tin of formula with room to spare - perfect for full day or overnight trips!

The leatherette fabric is thick and water resistant, it has a soft waterproof change mat, wide comfortable shoulder strap and also comes with an insulated bottle bag (Win!) I can see us using this nappy bag for a long time to come which is great because it saves us money in the long run..

Swing - 4moms rockaRoo Infant Seat

As many of you may know, our little H suffered from terrible reflux when he was younger and couldn't lay flat without screaming in pain. We were advised by our doctor to keep him upright to ease the symptoms. So under medical supervision, H slept in his rockaRoo for the first 8 weeks of his life and I honestly don't know how we would've survived without it.

The 4moms rockaRoo has a front to back gliding motion that babies love and is a compact size. Its stylish, modern design is 70% smaller than traditional baby swings so the rockaRoo looks and fits great in any sized home.

It has five different speed options, you can connect any MP3 device to the rockaRoo through it's AUX input (which is great if your baby likes to fall asleep to music or white noise) and it runs off of AC power (which saves you hundreds of dollars you would otherwise be spending on batteries for other swings) Now at 10 months old, H has almost outgrown the rockaRoo and I still regard this as one of the best baby products we ever purchased!

Teether -  Vulli Sophie The Giraffe H takes Sophie The Giraffe everywhere we go. She is made from 100% natural rubber (BPA and PVC free!) and hand painted with non-toxic, food-grade paints – which means every Sophie is unique and super safe for your baby to chew on! Her bumpy head and long, easy to hold legs are the perfect size and shape to chew on, helping soothe sore, teething gums.

Sophie The Giraffe also squeaks when squeezed – Which H thinks is great!

 Baby Bath – IKEA LÄTTSAM Baby Bath

We’ve used this baby bath since day one.

It’s easy to move (even when filled with water), has rubber feet so it stands steady and won’t slide around, and a rubber anti-slip pattern on the inside of bath helps keep your baby from slipping over.

The edges of the bath are smooth and rounded, so you don’t have to worry about any sharp edges or bumps.

It’s also big enough to fit a 2 year old (sitting), which is handy if you don’t have a bathtub in your home, if you’re only giving your little one a quick wash, or if you just can’t be bothered filling the entire bathtub.