First Day of School

Well, the day finally arrived...the first day of school. I have been dreading this day arriving, and it seemed to leap on me!

Josh has been so excited, as we all have, and went to bed last night really looking forward to the next day. I planned on getting up early this morning to start getting everything ready and set my alarm for 7am. Rebekah, however, decided that 6am would be better!

Josh woke up in a really good mood and had breakfast straight away. No arguments this morning about brushing his teeth and before I knew it, he was stood before me in full school uniform! The first thing he did was to look in my full length mirror and announce how smart he looked!

It turned out to be a really relaxed morning, and I was even able to straighten my hair! There followed lots of photos, inside and out, and then we were ready to go.

It was such a lovely morning and walking through the park was very pleasant. Josh kept pointing out other children in the same uniform and one Mum came over and introduced herself and her daughter and welcomed us to the school.

When we arrived at the school, there were lots of nervous looking Mum's already waiting. The small gate was opened, and for today only, we were allowed to escort the children around to the back of the classroom. A few minutes later, the bell was rung and the children were asked to line up by their classromms. Without a backward glance Josh took off and lined up with his friends. I went over to say goodbye and ask for a kiss, but his eyes were fixed on the classroom! It was at this point, that I had a few tears and us Mums had a little hug!

That was it, Joshua was now at big school. What do I do now...that's right...a coffee morning with new Mums planning what we can get up to now the kids are at school!

Ford "Future of Safety Tour"

I was fortunate enough to receive 2 tickets to go along to Battersea Power Station for the Ford "Future of Safety Tour", thanks to Mumsnet. I had applied a few weeks ago, and was pleasantly surprised to be accepted. Rob was over the moon, he has always liked Battersea Power Station (something to do with Pink Floyd and Roger Taylor?!).

I had a read through of the itinerary and it looked set to be a very interesting day. A comment left on Mumsnet had made me slightly wary of how the event would turn out...but I needn't have worried.

It was very easy to find (can't really miss the venue!)...

...and the weather seemed to be holding out. When we arrived, we were immediately offered a choice of hot drinks or juices and then Debbie Chennells from Ford came and introduced herself. She explained what would be happening over the next few hours and made us feel very welcome.

The event started with everyone being invited into one of the trucks to listen to a short talk regarding the new safety features that were being introduced by Ford. It was a very interesting talk, highlighting the achievements Ford have received in their 100 year history and explaining how all the new features worked. It all sounded very futuristic and I couldn't wait to see it in action!

After the talk we were split into 2 groups. The inside of the truck had interactive boards with videos and explanations of each safety feature. One of these had a video explaining how 'Lane Departure Warning' worked. Basically if you were driving on a motorway and your car drifted out of the lane, the steering wheel would vibrate - very clever. This station had a seat and a video to watch. There was also a steering wheel so you could feel how strong the vibration was.

There were a number of other demonstrations (driver alert system, blind spot assistance etc) and also a demonstration of their new inflatable rear seat belts. There was a chance to sit down and experience how it works. The belt inflates in 40 milliseconds...very fast! When it inflated it felt very comfortable and I'm sure would help to reduce njury. I spoke to a member of the Ford team and was concerned that having a belt like this behind the children's car seat would, in an accident, cause the chair to move forward. I was assured however, that it had been tested with children's seats and did not cause a problem.

Outside the truck was the main event - the track! There were 2 cars and a small course to drive around. Rob and I went into one of the cars with an instructor and he drove us around demonstrating 3 of the new safety features and then it was my turn to try each one!

1) Traffic Sign Recognition - As you drive along the on-board computer will let you know what traffic signs you have passed...speed limits, children crossing etc. I wasn't overly keen on this aspect, I would worry that people would become to reliant and not take notice of signs as they drive. However, as Rob pointed out, it could be handy for elderly drivers.

2) Active City Stop - This was very clever. Basically, this feature will help to avoid low speed collisions. The car will detect if you are not about to stop, will apply the brakes and put on the hazard lights! The instructor asked me to drive at a wall...and trust the car!...and amazingly it did. As I was approaching the wall, instinctively my foot hovered over the brake, but I didn't need to use it. Perfect when you are crawling along in traffic, kids distract you and before you know it you've gone into the car in front.

3) Active Park Assist - I have saved the best for last! This feature will parallel park your  car...with just a little bit of help from you! After switching the button, I was asked to drive past 2 parked cars with a space in between them. As I approached I had to indicate right, to let the car know I wanted to park on the right hand side. As I passed the parking space, the computer indicated that we could park. I then put the car into reverse, and all I had to do was use the clutch and brake to move the car! It was surreal! The wheel was spinning round and moving into the space. The computer will tell you to stop and move forward and as long as you follow what it says and don't touch the wheel it will park you perfectly in the space! Genius!

I was interviewed after getting out of the car and I was genuinely amazed at the technology. I am not ashamed to admit, as a woman, that I struggle with parking. The parking feature would sway me to buy a Ford in the future. To not have that worry when you go out shopping to find a parking space would make it a lot easier.

The event was finished off with a lovely buffet lunch and the chance to speak to other members of the Ford team.

Thank you to Ford and Mumsnet for a fantastic opportunity - looking forward to buying a Ford in the future!

Easy, healthy Ice-cream!

Just a quick post. Josh and I have been going to healthy cooking classes at our Local Sure Start Centre. One of the recipes today was ice-cream. Healthy? Not sure, I thought. Joshua's face lit up at the thought though!

All we had were 3 ingredients...1 tub of Greek Yoghurt, 2 tbs Honey and 1 packet frozen raspberries. All we had to do was whizz it together and hey presto...ice-cream! Amazing, looked like ice-cream and tasted like ice-cream. Joshua ate 2 bowls, so a winner from me. He even asked to go shopping afterwards to buy the ingredients and make some more!

Is Breast Best?

A question I have continually asked myself over the last 5 years. Also, a subject that keeps leaping out at me in the last few weeks.

When I fell pregnant in 2007, I was very blinkered - I was going to breastfeed my baby. It was best for my baby and for me. It was free. It was always available. I was sold! I did buy a steriliser, bottles and breast pump, so that my husband could feed our baby at times.

Fast forward to the birth...this was when it all changed. I had quite a traumatic birth (that is another story) and my little boy had breathing problems and was taken to Special Care. He was with me for 2 hours at which time the midwives continuously tried to get him to feed from me. I tried and tried...but he couldn't breathe properly. For the next 3 days he was tube fed. When he was well enough, again the midwives kept pushing him onto the breast...but he didn't want to. This continued after we got home...I kept trying to get him to latch on but it never worked. I expressed as much as I could...but it was never enough.

2 weeks after he was born, I was diagnosed with Post Natal Depression (PND). I went straight onto anti depressants, which I was told could pass over to my milk. That was when we then exclusively bottle-fed.

It took nearly 2 years for me to receiver, and during a counselling session, I found that this whole breast/bottle feeding issue was one of the contributory factors to my PND.

When I fell pregnant with my daughter, I had a completely different attitude. I decided I would try breast feeding, but would not be disappointed if I was unable. Another factor to consider, was I had now developed Rheumatoid Arthritis and I needed to go back onto my drugs quite soon after birth. The decision I had to make was to take my drugs and bottle feed my baby or try breast feeding and if successful, stay off my drugs, suffer excruciating pain and not be able to pick up my baby - not much of a decision.

I must say that second time around there was no pressure in the hospital to breast feed. I tried immediately after and couldn't manage. I had lost over 4 pints of blood and was in a bad way - I was so weak I nearly dropped my newborn baby. I did though receive a few sneering comments from the midwife at the routine check-ups.

There is so much media attention on breast feeding and I get so cross still that Mums are still being made to feel guilty. I recently read of a woman, who struggled with breast feeding, her baby was losing weight and she was persuaded to bottle feed. Following this decision, she became depressed and eventually took her own life when her daughter was 10 weeks old.

So I finish as I started...is breast best for both Mother and Child?

Is it hot in here?!

It is so hard to know whether or not the room is the right temperature for the kids. We have a temperature display on the monitor, but I'm never sure how accurate it is, and Rob struggles to read the small numbers.

What to do???

Then I saw the Gro-bag egg. Not only will it give me the correct temperature, but will also provide me with a 'quick glance' colour indicator.

What happens is the egg lights up 3 colours:

Blue - The room is too cold

Yellow - The room is just right

Red - The room is too hot

Simple as that! It's an easy to use system and even Joshua can tell now if his room is the right temperature. It helped with colours - Blue is too cold and Red is too hot. Yellow means my room is the perfect spot. The display also has a smiley face system - when the egg is blue or red, it shows a sad face and when it is the yellow the egg shows a happy face. It's great to just pop your head around the door and instantly see that the temperature in ok...without going into the room, standing on a toy, waking up the children...we've all done it!

Another great feature is that it also doubles up as a night light - one less object to plug in at night or put batteries in.

This product retails around £20 and this is the main negative comment that I have heard. But i you take into account the fact that is is a thermometer, a night light and a very good teaching tool - bargain!

No "ology' for us :-(

Bit of a mixed day today...really excited this morning to get tickets to George Michael in October. Was really, really happy...then back to earth with a bump! We didn't make it through to the final 10 for the position of Toyologist. Well done to everyone who made it though...they all seem to be very experienced bloggers with a lot of followers. Looks like I need to try and work on this Blog...then maybe next time? x

What a Weekend!

Well, Sunday night is finally here...I didn't think the weekend would end! We haven't stopped all weekend...shopping in Kingston, putting up shelves, organising the kids room (ready for Rebekah to share with Joshua), Church, Toys R Us-20% voucher (and a naughty drive thru lunch at McDonalds), more organising the kids room, cooking, ironing...and the list goes on! I must say though, as busy as it was, it was very productive and I got so much done.

Busy, busy week coming up...and to start it all off...the results of the Toyologist competition. To be honest, I was thinking over my application today and I don't think I sold our family as well as I could. But I am so proud to have made it to the final and the one thing I can take from it is this blog. It has opened up a whole new world to me...and who knows where it can take me!

Goodnight all. X

P.S. Here is a better family portrait!

Toyologist Application

Introducing the Carlin Family:-

This is the only family photo we have at the moment! We have Daddy, who has "broken eyes" (visually impaired) and Mummy who is a teacher - so always looking for the educational benefits of all the toys! Joshua who is 3 3/4 years old and Rebekah who is 3 months.

We decided to look at the theme of 'Family Fun' and 'Outdoor Fun' and are testing:

Billion Bubbles Generator

RRP: £10

Recommended Age: 3 +

We have tried a lot of bubble machines over the past few years and we are hoping that this one will be better than the rest. Others that we have looked at have either not produced many bubbles or else eat batteries by the hour!

I must say, we have had  fantastic afternoon testing this toy. It was very easy to set up and once the batteries are in, all you need to do is to keep re-filling the machine. We tried experimenting with the bubble mixture (adding water to it) but you do need it quite strong to produce more bubbles. After the bottle had finished we used water mixed with a cheap, shop brand washing up liquid - it worked just as well.

We had the bubble machine on all afternoon and had no end of fun. We chased bubbles, popped bubbles, caught them in nets, hit them with tennis rackets and even just lay and relaxed whilst the bubbles floated all around! It helped to create some good opportunities for conversation and to extend vocabulary.

It covered so many areas - great for both gross and fine motor development, encourages physical activity. We practised counting and looked at the colours we could see in each bubble.

Overall verdict - Excellent toy! This is something that can be easily stored away, easy to fill up and creates an endless amount of fun!

Top tip - we used rechargeable batteries in the bubble machine, so a bit more expensive on the initial layout, but then you need never buy more batteries!

Good Points:

* Attractive design, nice bright colours
*Easy for Joshua to use - 1 button operation
*Excellent amount of bubbles - lived up to it's name - billions of bubbles!
*Easy to fill with bubble mixture
*Fantastic value for money
*Great idea to 2 ways of producing bubbles. The machine was able to produce some and we could also blow our own. 

Bad Points:

*Again, it comes down to batteries - would be great to have a rechargeable battery cell.

Overall Score:

Easter Sunday

Wow, what a busy day...but so much fun!

We started off the morning making our Bunny masks. Excellent activity, and so reasonable. I got 4 masks that came with coloured elastic and whiskers for 99p! I also got 6 sheets of stickers for 99p...so all in all a very cheap activity.

Joshua loved putting the stickers on each mask and decided that all the colours had to match. He only allowed me to put pink stickers on the pink mask, green stickers on the green mask etc.

We spent about 15 minutes putting the stickers and whiskers on, then I put the elastic on each mask. Joshua was so excited to wear his mask! As soon as he put it on, he started bouncing around the kitchen, it was adorable to watch. All he needed now was an Easter Egg hunt to try it out on!