girl time

7 weeks

My sweet girl is 7 weeks old today!

Time is flying already. She's smiley and cooing and letting us know what she likes and what she doesn't. 

She likes stretching out and playing on Mummy & Daddy's bed and does NOT like having her clothes changed!

She can almost roll over, she's so strong!

We had a wonderful time with Hailey, Matilda and I miss her lots. Matilda loved Hailey from first sight, it was so special. My best girls adore each other x

Next week are Matilda's first shots...I'm dreading it big time. I can't stand the idea of her being hurt. We'll have to give her extra EXTRA cuddles.

Bringing Up Bebe

Have you heard of this new parenting trend? The French way. I'm all for it, I'm a bit of a Francophile.

Why French Parents Are Superior

While Americans fret over modern parenthood, the French are raising happy, well-behaved children without all the anxiety. Pamela Druckerman on the Gallic secrets for avoiding tantrums, teaching patience and saying 'non' with authority.

I found the article pretty darn interesting as I want to raise Matilda to be happy, creative, content, thoughtful, loving, sympathetic, obedient and independent. I would love it if she was also a great and fearless eater :)
I don't believe her success must come at the cost of my happiness or mental well being but as a result. It seems to me that many parents don't believe they're being good parents unless it hurts or costs them in a big way. That makes no sense to me. Happy, healthy parents will be much more able to make happy, healthy kids right?

This idea really resounds with me:

Children should say hello, goodbye, thank you and please. It helps them to learn that they aren't the only ones with feelings and needs.

as do these:

Remind them (and yourself) who's the boss. French parents say, "It's me who decides."
Don't be afraid to say "no." Kids have to learn how to cope with some frustration.

I also read  this article The Juggle  Are French Parents Better?

I don't think the best way of parenting has to do with nationality, etc, but with attitude. I'm brand new to this parenting thing, but I've been a career babysitter, teacher's assistant, youth worker and nanny. I've been around lots of children and worked with some very difficult kids and some that were very easy.
The "Chinese way of parenting" has been getting attention too lately with the book Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother. It's a bit intense for my liking and not a natural fit for me. I find it interesting that American parents are now combing the globe for help to create better kids.

I'm not going to tell you, or anyone else how to parent or raise your children - I have just been inspired by what I've read thus far.

I've been typing with one hand while holding a sleeping Matilda & now giving her a bottle....I probably need both hands to burp her! See ya later!


 

Such a Good Girl!

I'm bummed that this photo is kind of blurry but I hope you can still tell how cute this little girl is! 

Matilda is 6 weeks old already. How can these weeks have gone so quickly?! At the same time I can't remember what my life was like before she arrived. Some times I still can't believe she's MY baby, she's just too cute and well behaved. I look at her and my heart swells with love and pride. She is just a joy and brings joy to everyone who meets her.
We spent the day in Manchester and she slept pretty much the entire time.
{We shall see how she does tonight}
Even when she was awake she didn't cry or fuss.
She is such a good, GOOD baby.

We had a lovely day.
I'm loving having Hailey here. It's wonderful x

Someone Special Is Coming to Visit.

My sister-friend. One of my girls. Matilda's Auntie Hailey is coming to visit!!!I have to mention the fact that she is flying from the Southern US all the way to rural England. This isn't your average, around the corner type of visit, this is a "whoa" type of visit.
She arrives tomorrow morning, we're all going crazy with excitement!
We mainly plan on hanging out, making food, Aunt Hailey plans on lots of Mouse cuddles and kisses.
She coming to help, I might even get the chance to straighten my hair for the first time since my sweet baby girl was born! That is terribly exciting!
She'll be here in a few short hours! eeeeeeee!
It will be heaven just to sit on the couch and chat, our favorite pass time.
We spent hours doing just that over the years.
Oh how priceless this will be.

Isn't She Lovely.

This was my mom's song for me when I was born. It's always been special to us. 

Now it's my song for Matilda.

Isn't she lovely?