Bump Babies Beyond

Work life balance

Fri, 17 May 2013 09:03:50 +0100

When I got paid in money for my professional efforts, one of the things I tried to achieve was a work-life balance. Some weeks that didn’t happen, but I rarely had a day without a few moments to myself. Even if just the tube ride to work, or the walk to the station.

Now that my job is child rearing, for which I get paid in cuddles and smiles (dispensed unpredictably) there is no such thing as a balance. This is my life and my work in one. And it is all-consuming.

In some ways that feels as though I’m no longer a real person, and in other ways, remarkably liberating.

Phew!

Tue, 14 May 2013 12:56:21 +0100

Note to self. Must remember to wear a t shirt at Meath Gardens these days. It’s constantly tropical in here!

London zoo

Mon, 13 May 2013 20:31:13 +0100

Another day out suitable for an out of town visitor and young children: The gardens of the Zoological Society of London. Top exhibits for our toddlers were the petting area, called ‘Animal Adventures’ and the Monkey Walk where little monkeys leap freely around. Our boy particularly enjoyed the proximity in both cases, shrieking with delight as the little monkeys swung so close to him on his daddy’s shoulders and fearlessly chasing chickens and slapping sheep in the petting area. Our girl is a bit less confident on her feet, and unlike her usual bold self was a little nervous around some of the animals, wanting to be held mostly when not in the buggy.

Children under 3 get in free, adults £25 each. Many food options inside but mostly overpriced rubbish so I’d take a picnic if prep time allows. Though at least all profits go to animal conservation.

Slightly tenuous link to parenting, but might be fun for...

Mon, 13 May 2013 20:12:31 +0100

Slightly tenuous link to parenting, but might be fun for children who are adventurous with food.

Yet another reason to love Victoria Park: Next Saturday (18th May) the park rangers are organising ‘food for all’ designed “for the local community to celebrate cultural cohesion by tasting food from around the world”. At the hub building 1-3pm, free to attend. YUM!

Baby yoga: royal inn on the park 10:45-11:45 Fridays. Suitable...

Mon, 13 May 2013 19:49:16 +0100

Baby yoga: royal inn on the park 10:45-11:45 Fridays. Suitable for babies 0-1, £6.50 per session.

I happen to be a massive fan of the cafe in Victoria...

Mon, 13 May 2013 19:45:30 +0100

I happen to be a massive fan of the cafe in Victoria Park’s Hub building. Their bulletin board has plenty of interest…

I’m a bit gutted that my two are too old for this- I could certainly do with it!

Mother &baby yoga, hub building (east side Victoria Park) 11:30-12:30 Thursdays. £7 drop in or £25 for four weeks.

Discobugs: for babies and toddlers, upstairs at the royal inn on...

Mon, 13 May 2013 19:40:09 +0100

Discobugs: for babies and toddlers, upstairs at the royal inn on the park, Wednesday 11-12, £5 per child.

“A great opportunity for you and your child to make new friends, have a boogie, and more importantly have fun!”

What is with this sizing??? Anyone else seen anything this crazy...

Thu, 09 May 2013 17:27:44 +0100

What is with this sizing??? Anyone else seen anything this crazy before?

Old clothes

Mon, 06 May 2013 09:17:10 +0100

Today I am wearing leggings and a shirt that I bought (and wore a lot) about 20 years ago, when I was about 4stone (50+ lb) lighter than I am now. It isn’t the most flattering outfit now, but I really wish someone had told me to stop hiding my teenage body in such oversized clothes.

Note to self: do not bring double buggy to Columbia Rd flower...

Sun, 05 May 2013 10:08:23 +0100

Note to self: do not bring double buggy to Columbia Rd flower market…

We have a houseguest so today needed something to appeal to a...

Sat, 04 May 2013 19:13:49 +0100

We have a houseguest so today needed something to appeal to a first time london visitor, two longtime London residents who need a break and two toddlers. Greenwich observatory- bingo!

We got there early so could park nearby, then went into the children’s ‘space safari’ show in the planetarium. We all thoroughly enjoyed the story of a teddy bear trying to find the big bear in the sky. And the little ones were captivated by the images of the planets and the night sky. Then we had an early, quick lunch in the cafe before exploring the museum buildings. There was surprising amounts of interest for the little ones, as well as, of course, the photo opportunity on the meridian.

Under threes are free to enter, adults £11 for a combined planetarium plus museum ticket. Cafe overpriced, but worth it for convenience.

Rounded off with a nice walk in Greenwich park- and our visitor saw the Cutty Sark too. An excellent day out.

theminipost: MONSTER’S BABY at Boxpark If you want kids Tee’s...

Fri, 03 May 2013 22:29:14 +0100

theminipost:

MONSTER’S BABY at Boxpark

If you want kids Tee’s with attitude then you are gonna love Monster’s Baby

Their Tee’s bite. And sulk. And are angry! Our favs are ’Angry Princess’ and ‘Alpha Boy‘

Available from Selfridges and will be popping up at Boxpark from May 15-22. Swing by for a goodie bag, a NikeID competition and games.

Sponsored by the uber creative people behind Anorak magazine and food by LaCatrina its going to be awesome.

Make sure to follow @MonstersBabyLtd for updates & news

ADMIT - Local Children to Local Schools in Tower Hamlets Petition

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 09:08:03 +0100

ADMIT - Local Children to Local Schools in Tower Hamlets Petition:

Seems tower hamlets has changed the primary school admissions policy. Some of you may wish to sign this petition. Also a meeting at Chisenhale School at 2:30 this afternoon (Tuesday) for those who are affected/interested.

Coram's Fields | a haven for play

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 16:00:10 +0100

Coram's Fields | a haven for play:

Anyone who finds themselves in central London with children who need to let off steam should check out Coram’s Fields. A playground, picnic space, some animals and a cafe…

(And very close to the amazing Ciao Bella for scrummy pizza & pasta for when you all need refuelling)

I have been rocking the buggy in the hall for thirty minutes. Usually it takes about five for the...

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 09:10:24 +0100

I have been rocking the buggy in the hall for thirty minutes. Usually it takes about five for the both to be asleep. My boy is snoring, my girl not. I’d pull her out but I know she wants sleep. And I need a shower! I’m getting crosser and crosser.

Oh screw it. She can fall asleep on her own. I’m going to shower anyway…

Tower hamlets twins club

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 08:56:45 +0100

Runs alternate Fridays 10-12 at the Olga Sure Start children’s centre, just off Roman Rd. We are meeting this morning… All multiple birth families under five welcome.

Photo

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 10:24:28 +0100

The Noodle and I enjoyed the above but panini style. Take a hot...

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 10:17:54 +0100

The Noodle and I enjoyed the above but panini style. Take a hot dog roll, flatten it with the palm of your hand and do the same as the above. Voila. Petit Panini with cheese and tomatoes. (An Annabel Karmel Finger Foods recipe)

Sometimes I just need ONE of the meals I prepare a day to be THAT easy!

(to make it extra soft warm and toasty fry or griddle the inside of the roll first before using your filling of choice)

Ragged School Museum

Sat, 06 Apr 2013 19:43:41 +0100

Ragged School Museum:

Worth noting they have a play area for 1-6 year olds. Not been there yet, but heard good things about all of it.

Usually when the clocks go forward, I curse the hour less I get in bed. This morning, the little...

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 21:52:55 +0100

Usually when the clocks go forward, I curse the hour less I get in bed. This morning, the little ones woke me too early and I felt better about it because the clock said 6:15 not 5:15. Spring forward indeed!