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Baby Brain: Myth or Fact (19.10.16)
Does it exist? Women's brains and emotions change during pregnancy. Hormones are going crazy! Many would agree and I'm sure can relate to memory lapses whilst being pregnant. Its quite normal and extremely common, especially when your are busy, feeling stressed and not getting much sleep. Don't be too hard on yourself, best to make light of your forgetfulness and brush it off (sometimes its a really good excuse, maybe the only time you will be able to get away with not remembering something you should have). Stressing about it wont make it go away. An interesting fact I read, not sure if its true but will share, research has shown that women pregnant with girls, on average are more forgetful than those carrying boys. I'm pretty sure I still have baby brain, almost 3 years after being pregnant!! :)
Sonia x
The Wonder Weeks - brief overview (8.8.16)
Oh how I remember these so vividly. I think my daughter was a text book baby. Wonder weeks occur within the first year of your baby's life. Just when you think all is well, your baby has a routine, is sleeping and eating, you get hit with a regression. You are at a loss as to what happened to your baby. Overnight you baby has changed, they are going backwards, sleeping habits have changed or baby refuses to eat. The good news is with this regression it is followed by a big leap forward. The regression fussy phase is chracterised by the 3 C's, crying, clinging and cranky. This is when your baby is learning and developing a number of new skills. When my daughter learnt to roll and crawl, she was so excited that she didn't want to sleep. This was when she wanted to practice her new skills. So much is going on in their head, they just don't know how to handle it at first. For both parent(s) and baby, its tough, sleep deprivation is already at work and you are both physically and mentally exhausted. Babies tend to go through the fussy period just before they make their big leap forward in their mental development. These periods are fairly predictable and once babies comprehend what they are going through they will becomes less fussy, these are called 'sunny weeks'. When your baby is going through a wonder week, my best advise is to be there for them, they need comfort. Your baby will return to their 'old self' again. They have become more independent and will be busy using their new skills exploring the world. Hang in there, it's all worth it....
Sonia x
Practical Gifts (13.7.16)
Buying a gift for a baby shower for many people can be daunting, especially for those who have never had a child. Attempting to figure out what an expectant mother needs or would like can be difficult. Tiny Souls has done the work for you. As a mum myself, I have some idea of what a new mother should receive for their newborn. As well as offering very cute clothing, I can assure you that our newborn gift hampers offer thoughtful and practical items. I know how useful and functional gifts can make life so much easier. We offer beautiful handmade, 100% cotton clothing, organic teethers, adorable rattles and gorgeous dolls, suitable from birth. Every product in our hampers have been individually picked with care and love, they will be used for months and years to come.
Sonia x
Why choose a baby gift hamper? (22.6.16)
Baby hampers are a great gift idea. Until you are invited to a baby shower or visiting a newborn in hospital that you realise how difficult it can be to find the right gift. Buying a gift on line will save you money and time, not to mention you do not have to leave home as we deliver. We offer a unique range of affordable hampers to choose from and we are continually sourcing suppliers to add to our list. Our hampers are presented in a beautiful and original gift box, tied with twine at no additional cost. Tiny Soul's gift hampers are also popular as we discreetly package the products so when delivering to an expectant mother who has not announced their wonderful news to everyone, our boxes will not give away their secret. #lovetinysouls
Sonia x
First week Back (7.6.16)
I survived! Happy to say we both did. Miss S is extremely excited to see me every afternoon, as am I. Life is so different. My way of thinking and priorities has changed. I no longer spend loooong hours at work, my career is not as important as it used to be. I do enjoy my job, and ensure I am doing my best, achieving results but I really look forward to the end of the day. I definitely missed adult conversation. Family has always been on the top of the list but now it's just this little more special. I just want to get home as soon as possible and spend time with my loves. Its tough working full time, having to wake at ridiculous hours (after already having broken sleep or not much of it) to try and be up and ready before Miss S awakes. I tell you, it is impossible to predict, every day is different. Leaving in the mornings at 7am and arriving home after 5pm doesn't leave much time to spend quality time with her. In between all the necessities of having to cook dinner, bath, shower, clean, prepare lunches etc it's exhausting! We are all so tired by the end of the night. After some warm milk, a few of her favorite books, she tends to drift off to sleep. She's so peaceful. I just sit beside her, holding her hand watching her sleep.... Precious moments
Sonia x
Returning to Work (29.5.16)
My extended maternity leave has almost come to an end. I'm struggling with the thought of leaving Miss S and having to face the 'real world'. Where has the last 18 months gone? I would love to spend more time with my girl, but unfortunately living in Sydney with a mortgage, the daily expenses, daycare, I really have no other choice at this point in time. I have a range of emotions running through my head with guilt being at the top of the list. I think about how we will both cope being apart. We have been inseparable since the day she was born, she's my number one. My beautiful girl is going through some major separation anxiety, and no doubt I will be too. I feel terrible leaving her. I find myself becoming extremely emotional when I think about it, I give Miss S a big hug and kiss apoligising to her. The age she is now, is so fulfilling, she's learning so many new words, gives me hugs and kisses, and of course pushes the boundaries (I think the terrible two's have started). I question myself, will it be ok returning to full time work? Will I manage to balance work and family? Only time will tell. I need to be positive, everything will be alright....
Sonia x
Becoming a New Mum (6.4.16)
I love being a Mum. It's been an amazing journey. To be completely honest, I don't know how I got through it. It's such a blur 16 months on. Most of us learn as we go, there is no manual on how to parent. We are influenced by how we are brought up, or calling on those who have already been down that path to provide us with a range of knowledge. Many of us give up a lot when becoming a mother, careers, a social life, adult interaction, freedom. There are many sleepless nights, exhaustion, learning different cries, breastfeeding, swaddling, which formula to use, wake the sleeping baby, routines, feeling so overwhelmed with how your life has changed OMG!! Google was my best friend, sometimes it was information overload. Motherhood, it can be daunting yet extremely rewarding. I wouldn't change it for anything.
Sonia x
Baby Showers & Gifts (3.3.16)
Baby showers are always great fun, it can range from a small and simple gathering with a few close friends or go for an amazing elaborate event incorporating a theme, beautiful décor, candy station and of course what would a baby shower be without the games! Its the perfect way to make the mum to be feel special. As well as all the pretty things out there you can buy, I believe practical and useful gifts are always welcomed, although usually overlooked. Singlets, onseies, bibs, towels, bedding, nappies, wipes, you can never have enough. A newborn baby's skin is so sensitive, creams, lotions, powders, soaps are not required. Our hampers contain practical items ranging from rattles, beautifully handmade 100% cotton clothing, bibs, burp cloths, baby basics and of course keepsake items to ensure you remember all the special moments.
Sonia x