Jeans is Jeans is Jeans

Since having my baby 1 yr 1 week ago, I have been on a seemingly endless quest to find a pair of jeans that a) I like b) fit my weird new hips c) are affordable d) aren't 'mummsy'. Today the quest ended. Finally. I feel a weight lifted from my shoulders (if not my waist - unfortunately) as I sigh with relief and call off the search.
They seem to be perfect in every sense. Please don't underestimate the power that a pair of perfect new jeans can wield in a girl's (ahem) life. It is a small but undeniable pleasure in a world where pretty much all seems to revolve around my caring for J or working myself to death.
So. I urge you to end your quest by finding your own pair of these marvellous jeans. The Relaxed Skinny Jeans (Next), in Vintage Mid-Wash Denim - a steal at £26. You can thank me later.

Season's greeting

First Chestnuts of the Season

short days, long dark nights

Winter is truly here. The hats, scarves and woollen mittens are all out in abundance. Layers are the key look and a new winter coat is the next big essential purchase. As the clocks go back this next week and we gain that elusive extra hour in bed (well, those without babies), we think of Halloween, Bonfire Night and... Christmas.
The build up has already started in the shops and family have been texting me asking what I'd like for weeks now. I do enjoy Christmas, I enjoy the build up and wrapping presents sat by the open fire while watching Meet Me in St Louis every year (without fail) but a little less of this festive pressure wouldn't go amiss. It's just too much. The thought that every other member of my family has bought and wrapped all of their Christmas presents terrified me and fills me with an unnecessary guilt that I have not done the same. Then, I remind myself that it is October. I have exactly 10 weeks, yes TEN weeks, until the big day descends. And a very demanding job. And a very beautiful but demanding (not quite) one year old, and a husband to tend to.
So I think I'll just eat these tasty roast chestnuts that I bought yesterday from the grocers and then I'll put the rest of the festivities on hold for a while.

the first 48 weeks

i've now been a mum for 48 weeks. well, 48 weeks tomorrow. i know the old addage that time flies but it truly has. it seems barely a moment ago that i was sat on this same worn cream sofa, propped up with innumerable cushions, my swollen ankles carefully elevated on the robust coffee table amidst piles of mum & baby magazines and NHS literature,  wondering if i'd find out at the next appointment if i was to be induced soon.
at this point, i was still oblivious to what lay ahead; the long, long, long induction, the difficult and eventually assisted labour, followed by a long recovery from several minor ailments and infections, his jaundice and (the enemy of all new parents) - colic.
but, looking back, remembering the planning and preparation we both went through to prepare for his autumnal arrival... nothing, just nothing, prepares you for this immense responsibility, for sharing your life, your partner, and for having to become a different version of yourself.
since he arrived 48 weeks ago, after 5 days of induction and labour and terrible hospital food, he has become the centre of my world. my very core. everything i do is for him in some way or other. and thats ok. that's the way it should be, isn't it? my beautiful boy. my son.