Hello!!!!!! Yes I'm still here

So a wonderful customer of mine saw me at Murrabit Market & asked if I was still doing my blog.. Yes I am, and I'm sorry I havent been regular.. I'd like to blame baby brain, but really most times when I am in the mood for writing (or rather typing) a blog/ journal entry I am not in the best of moods- must stem back to the fact I've kept a diary since grade 5.. It was a wonderful outlet for all the things I had to deal with in my life... I always wrote more when things werent going great.. I'm sure a tonne of people are happy I vented on paper rather than at them :)

So I am 37 weeks pregnant today.. Over the weekend I lost some of my mucous plug- Sorry if that's an overshare... I've also been luky enough to have infrequent pains.. I dont recall getting these pains when pregnant with Memphis . So Im waiting and hanging for this baby to arrive now.. It's still 3 weeks till my due date, but I'm fairly confident to say the baby will come early- as did Memphis.

I've gained 11kgs, which I'm pretty happy with,  (not that I'm real vain, but it certainly means less to lose afterwards) and I'm feeling pretty good too.. The nesting has kicked in the last 2 weeks, and though I am less able to do things around the house I am doing more..

It's funny everyone guessing what were having when we know what sex the baby is. Some say girl (my theory is they think it must be a girl cause weve already got a boy, & the norm now seems to be to have a pidgeon pair) and some say boy cause im carrying low, & the fact I havent cracked & spilled the beans also- As if i was having a girl I'd be too excited and tell everyone!

What else- The shop. Well it's been a tough year.. As I've said before being in Business is tricky stuff.. And so is being pregnant.. It hasnt all gone exactly to plan, and honestly right now I'm playing it all by ear.. As much as I love this Business and my Awesome customers, if need be my baby & my son will come first.. I have found it is extremely difficult juggling a career/business and family life.. My priorities have changed quite alot and I'd love to be at home ALOT more with my boy and new baby..

It seems incomprehensible that we'll have  a new baby.. Were so used to having this Independent almost self sufficient little boy.. It's hard imagining again how life will change..

I'm Happy today, and know that everything happens in life as it should.. We make of it what we like..

Wasnt ready for this

This past week has been a huge rollercoaster...
Where do I start? Saturday afternoon collapsing in pain on the floor of my sons room while folding his little clothes.. Naughty us had left Memphis asleep in the car just outside (I was literally only seperated from him by one wall and the car door) Matt was outside tinkering.. The pains were so intense I couldnt get up.. Meanwhile I'm screaming out to Matt, Memphis wakes up and I cant get to either of them.. What seemed like a lifetime later Matt finds me, gets memphis & I end up in Hospital.. Long story short, Drs dont know  whats causing the intense pain- no infection, not braxton hicks, but bad very bad.. And signs that say I'm heading for prem labour (I'm 28 weeks this week, had another incident occur though not as dramatic at 23 weeks)

Tuesday as I was closing the shop Memphis was very quiet out back and I found him on his boon potty (this in itself wasnt strange, I've had a demo one out for nearly 12 months & Memphis would sit on it with clothes on) This time however he was dooing poos... My boy had self initiated toilet training!!!!!
I was so very proud and in disbelief... Matt & I had discussed various time when to start him, either before the new baby came or after... We were in limbo and waiting till I started having days at home before we thought about it again.. We got home that evening and I asked Memphis to ''show daddy'' what he'd done in the potty- alas he did poos again..
Ive never been so excited about bodily functions!!!!
So the week has progressed with him doing wee's on the toilet at daycare and he's so excited to be wearing jocks..

My hormones are crazy, the whole potty thing has me crying at the thought of it and everytime he uses his bowels... I wasnt ready yet.. Clearly he was... I thought by him self initiating that he'd somehow left me out of the equation.. As his mum I surely should have had some influence and helped make it happen!! Then I realised of course I've helped. I help everyday just by being his mum and loving him & instilling everything good in him we can.. He's the independent little pocket rocket we asked for..

He really is growing up and its so very odd.. Crying now, golly...4 months and he's 3... and in that time- between 9-12 weeks time (Dr confirmed this morning he thiks I'll def go early, it's just a matter of how early)  I'll have a new baby as well..I'm so proud of him, and again amazed that I have been blessed to have a child that makes things so very easy... I expected it all from day one to be so hard.. I know weve still got a long road ahead and I'm told he will digress, but thats ok... he took the first steps himself and I'm right behind him..

Body Changes

My belly is growing so very fast. I wish I could say I was one of those women who just got the basketball belly out front.. Nope, not me, my waist has thickened, my thighs, bum and sides have blown out..'Dont get me wrong, I'm certainly not huge, but I feel bigger this time round.
Im not vain. I know all this extra weight is for my growing baby.. But since so much is different this time round I am worrying just a tad that I may struggle to lose the baby weight afterwards.. Bubs is due 5th of December, and my 30th is in May next year.. So of course  I have set myself a goal to have lost the bulk of it by then.. It took a good 12 months to lose it last time (actually I lost a further 3 kgs than I gained) so I'm not sure how I will go. I stay much more motivated If I have a time limit for something.

Damn Mirander Kerr and her perfect genetics! Golly, of course none of us would attempt to be like her- I dont think she's even human... But geez it would be nice if it all just went back to before..

What do I miss most about my body since having kids? My breasts.. Yep, though a small c cup before, they sat upright and in the middle.. Even though I only managed to feed for 2 months with Memphis (and getting as big as a dd cup!) they still went south.. Down and out, rather... They shrunk to a measly b cup (which by my standards is tiny) but somehow they still sit very close to my underarm.. It's crazy.

I can handle the stretch marks that faded to a shiny silver (even when I was a size 8 I still wouldnt flash my bare tummy for all to see) I am learning to cope to with LBL- Yep I will say it Light Bladder Leakage. I used to laugh at those ads... Now I nodd in agreeance. It was only the start of this year (so 2 years after giving birth) that I could jump on a trampoline & sneeze without fear of having an incident.. And then I go and get myself knocked up again! As soon as I think about this I begin doing my Pelvic floor exercises- Which I'm sure you'll be doing right now too:)

It's amazing enough- even if we only look at the superficial surface what our bodies can tolerate and the miracles we create.. I wouldnt change any of it for anything!

Baby ''neccessities''

Hello! I cant believe its monday already!!!
Now that I'm back to (temporarily) working 7 days a week, the days are going by so very fast.. I'm 21 weeks pregnant already!!
We had our 20 week scan last week, and found out the sex of the baby.. It's going to be so hard not letting slip to everyone, but will give it a go.
It feels Great to be earning a wage again.. Not that I dont contribute anyways, but it feels extra good paying the bills from my account!

The baby is kicking lots as I type this, and it's only been the past week I've really given thought to this baby as being a real baby.. I am so crazy busy all the time- I can only think about so much stuff!! And of course I need to think about stuff I ''need'' & want for this bubs.

You'd think owning a baby store I would have all the paraphanalia right? Wrong, I've got none of it- it's strange, cause the shop is mine, I feel like I already have everything.. Only I dont.. Silly.. But there's so many things I know I will be taking home with me when the time comes- Like the boon Squirt spoon.. Matt ''invented'' the spoon when memphis first started on solids, then a year later we saw it on the market and matt was stoked!!

I want some bamboo pj's for bubs.. I didnt bother getting them for Memphis as he was too big to wear something so nice to bed, that he'd have it grotty the second he got out of bed...

I'm investing in a proper sleeping bag.. We purchased, and was given quite a few of the cheap polyester long sleeved ones.. Memphis was & still is a hot boy, so he sweated heaps- to the point of overheating.. So this time I'm drooling over my Merino sleeping bags that will cater for my bubs from birth to 2years and they can wear it all year round.

Selling so many Amber teething necklaces, I cant wait to try it myself.. Again- Memphis was past needing one, plus he got his teeth really easily, we didnt notice he was really teething till we noticed the teeth in is mouth one day!!!I would like to be able to confidently tell people ''well it worked for us'' instead of everyone tells me they work :)

Fingers crossed this time all goes to plan, but should breastfeeding again defeat me, I will enlist the help of the bosom buddy to relieve symptoms of mastitis..

There are quite a few other things I will be adding to my stash.. But that's it for today!

Self Worth?

I thought I would be lucky enough, for some reason to skip the pregnancy hormones. No such luck.. 14 weeks and they've finally hit me.. Im teary at silly ad's, small things mean lots, and situations that I can normal handle without batting an eyelid have me up in arms.

So with all this in mind it got me thinking about my self worth, and how we all measure our self worth in this world..
As previously mentioned I've had a bit of a tough year.. Not wanting to unload all my drama's on my wonderful friends I seeked the help of an outsider- yep a counseller. Someone who doesnt know me, but can offer insight and point out the so obvious.. Well this lady rocks, and I always look forward to our next session..

In one session I mentioned how I would feel like a failure if for some reason Baby for life didnt work out.. If I chose to be a full time stay at home mum and close it down, or if it became financially unviable to operate. I said but I would have failed.. My counseller- lets call her Lady, pointed out that we shouldnt (but we do) measure our self worth as a person by what we do. My Business, or even if I worked as a casual cleaner somewhere does NOT define me. It does not make me any less or any more of a better human being..

I knew logically what she was saying, but to believe it was another thing altogether. What is important is our family and the strength in it. Our friendships with those around us. And how we view ourselves internally outside of everything else.

I do feel proud of myself for my accomplishments, and I am a high achiever. It makes me happy that I have such an open & honest relationship with my husband. I cant believe how well we've done so far raising a healthy, intelligent, independent little boy. I love the thought and design we put into renovating our home & garden.I think I am a pretty caring friend to those that matter to me.I am passionate with my beliefs, and give everything my best. And overall I'm pretty cool :)

I know it's pretty deep for a Tuesday , but I ask you, what makes you proud to be you?

MIA

Sorry it's been a while since my last blog.. I've had much to say but circumstances have kept me quiet.

So I'm going to start telling you all how it really is.. I've read tonnes of blogs and some of the women make it all seem so easy, like they have this picturesque life. A part of me wanted to portray myself like that, but its not real, and it doesnt make others feel good about themselves..

I've had a tough year..This Business thing and having a family at the same time is hard work.. Both on their own have enough challenges, but combining them is Insane.. Im not after sympathy, I chose this path, and my husband supports me, but it does get tiresome, and there are many days I wonder why I do what I do..

I never once thought running a business would be easy, I've had a good 11 years Retail experience with various Managament rolls. But the day to day, the slow days where only a couple people come instore, when the bills come in and the cash flow aint as great as it should be, and then well meaning friends constantly asking ''hows the business'' is very draining. I did for a while just answer ''yeah its good'' now I'm telling them ''its ok, but not quite where I want it to be , yet''. Some may take this as an ending for the business, but everything takes time to really get going.

I have faith it will get to where I want it to. It just may take a little longer than initially planned. And when it does, I'll be all the more prouder of myself for getting there and doing it all alone.

I'd love to spend more days at home with my son, playing, sitting on the couch watching tv together, doing activities together.. Id like to just be at home.. but the Big part of me thrives on challenges, and I love seeing how much I can overcome and accomplish.

And now to throw another hurdle into the mix (though it be a wonderful beautiful hurdle) we are having baby number 2.. And due 5th December- yes right before Christmas. So now as I already run the Business 6 days a week alone, with a 2 year old toddler instore 3 days a week, and then add in a new born baby.
The Business is not quite ready to have employees.. So my new challenge is getting the business ready to pay for staff, and try to get some time off when the new baby arrives..

Again, if I had my family around me for support and help this would all be so much easier. I worry that my stubborness is going to keep putting me in hot water and one day I wont be able to get myself out.

Somehow in life, things have managed to work out for me.. I shouldnt put it like that- It has been through lots of hard work and determination that i've succeeded. So though I feel like I'm in  a huge pickle I'm hoping things will yet again ''work out''.

Sorry if this was a downer of a post.. But now it's out I can move on and start telling you about all the wonderful things I have planned for the future..

Bec xox

It all started with nappies

So I'm currently updating Baby For lifes mission statement.. What were about, why we do what we do..
And when I think about what started this whole business thing I think about our cloth nappies..

I discovered them whilst pregnant with memphis.. I wanted to use cloth but knew I lacked the dedication to use the square towelling ones, to fold them, use plastics, and pins, and the constant soaking, and smells of nappies wafting through the house.. Then I found the modern cloth nappy.. A friend had shown me peapods but at $19.95 each, and after convincing Matt that this baby wasnt going to cost us anything I knew I had to keep looking.. I trialled a few different ones, got a couple friends from my mothers group using them then decided to import them..
That was about 3 years ago now.. And cloth nappies have advanced, have changed in style and design, and can vary from under $10 up to $50.. EACH...


I must say out of everything in baby for life, they are the core of my store, and what I beleive in most.. I am proud to say that after 2 years I am still using them on memphis (though not full time) and best of all i will have them all for baby number 2...


I would love to convert everyone to using modern cloth nappies.. Their better for the environment, better for your budget and better for bubs.And honestly if I can get my husband matt to use they, they've gotta be easy and low maitenance..
Below are just some of the colours available at Baby for Life. These will fit a baby approx from 3-15kg (simply by adjusting the snaps) They come with 1 insert included all for only $9.95 each.
No soaking required, simply rinse, and place in an empty bucket then wash in machine... Easy as.

Mums

My mum come to visit us last weekend. She hadnt been to see us since our wedding 14 months prior, so it was a big deal she was finally here again. The stay was not long enough, but I was thankful just to see her. She did all the things mums do- help cook dinner, play with Memphis, and she even helped out around the house.I joked to her that did she think my house was dirty' her reply, was no I'm just trying to make up for not being here more often & helping you out. So of course when she left it got me thinking...

 When I envisioned having kids, my mum played a big role in my life and the kids.. From being in the labour room when they were born  to seeing them on a regular basis, they would have been close.However when I met the man of my dreams & moved 3 hours away everything changed.So my mum doesnt get the chance to 'help out' and be a huge part of our lives.. In fact till the last weekend Memphis didnt really know his Nanny.( Note, he hasnt stopped saying Nanny in over a week, so he knows her well now)

I sometimes see Friends mothers helping out and doing stuff as a weakness. Afterall I dont get the help, so those that do get the help and still cant cope must be weak.. That's harsh- yes but it also shows I miss my mum..I am envious and  I often get frustrated and upset that mum's not here more.. I cant imagine the huge difference it would be having that support network. I dont begrudge my mum having a life. It's a case of were all busy and the 3 hour distance makes it really hard.. I'm working 6 days a week, so on the 7th day the last thing I want to do is drive 600kms..

It's a case of If you cant have it then you choose to not need it.. But in hard times, when your world comes crashing down, who do we need? Even without a close relationship with my mum I still need her. I find myself asking all those questions that you dont think about till your older..

So to those who dont have their mums around, and feel alone and struggle and would love to just have that little bit of help I hear ya...But I also want to say that you need to be proud of what you're doing and how much you're accomplishing.. I know women who have farmer husbands, and workaholic partners, and are almost raising their children as a single mum.. I take my hat off to you.

To those who are lucky enough to have their mothers presence in their lives.. I'm so happy for you, and no doubt you appreciate it already.. After all without our mums, we wouldnt be here.

Getting the ball rolling

Ok, so I'm really struggling starting this second entry.. I dont know why, I've been a writer from way back.. Not professionally but I kept an in depth diary from grade 5 till just before Memphis was born 2 years ago. I seem to have lost my knack- or perhaps there's just so much to tell I dont know where to start.

Last week was a Great sales week. The week started off with a huge sale on the monday and just got better from there. People often ask me if the shop is ''busy''. 90% of the time I cant honestly answer yes. My work history has been hospitality and retail- 2 years of that Fast food, and nearly 5 years in Supermarket Management. These were not slow pace jobs. So to go from that to a small run Baby store is a whole different league.Perhaps the better question would be how are sales? but then I may not want to answer that either.

I've always been a person who needs to be kept busy. I am my own worst enemy when I'm left with nothing to do.. I thought this would be impossible with a 2 year old toddler, but we always have our thoughts.So this week I'm trying to brainstorm new low cost  idea's for marketing the business.

On another note Memphis goes in for an adenoid operation on Friday. His op has been cancelled twice already so were prepared for it to happen again.. I know this operation will be great but I cant help but feel anxious. The anesthetic itself is dangerous without anything else. Since he was born he has struggled with breathing properly. In fact we never needed a baby monitor as he snored so loud we could hear him from one end of the house to the other.. Another symptom of enlarged adenoids -he always has a snotty nose.This looks horrible for him, & makes me feel like a bad mummy.. Were also hoping the op will help improve his speech.

I dont want to waffle on too much today, I'm not sure how often I will blog yet, so will keep em short for now.

Starting Out

So, how do I start this? A long winded story about who I am, where I come from, what I do, & why I'm here? No I think I'll just jump straight in and you can learn about me as I go.

This blog is to help capture moments of my son growing up, the ups and downs of starting and running a new business, and day to day normal life.

Some days I may write one entry, others lots, and maybe not at all. But I can guarantee I will always be honest (some may say blunt).

I will share with you photo's my beautiful son, my home, and my store, all of which I'm very proud of. You may even see the occasional shot of my spunky husband :)

So welcome all. I hope you enjoy my blogs, can laugh with me, maybe learn a thing or 2 (even if it's only that I like to mow the lawns in my underwear) .