The Italian Job!
Ciao! I've just spent 3 days in Milan presenting for the Italian version of the shopping channel I work for and it was amazing. It was the first time I have ever left Paul properly (I've only left him overnight twice before and that was to visit friends nearby) but this time I left him for three whole days, although it felt like a lot longer!
The flight over to Italy was a couple of hours long and it was amazing to be able to read a book and relax – the last time I flew I had a very grumpy 12 month old Paul who was sick all over me as we landed, so the experience was very different this time! I arrived in Milan and went straight to my hotel to check in and change before going to the TV Studios. It felt so decadent being able to have a whole hotel room to myself and then have a relaxed dinner in the restaurant, before heading to the studios for 10pm. I was then on air selling a facial cleansing system at midnight, 1am and then 6 more times on Tuesday so it was pretty full on!
After my marathon work session I got back to the hotel late Tuesday night, but as I flew back Wednesday afternoon I had the luxury of a lie in (bliss!) and some free time to do some shopping the next day (mainly window shopping mind!). It was wonderful to be able to wander about and remember that I am still an individual as well as a mummy which you can sometimes forget when you are a parent. Saying all that, I mainly looked at children’s clothes shops! I found an amazing Italian toy shop called "Imaginarium" where I bought Paul the most realistic pretend TV remote control and iPod I have ever seen! Roll back a few years and I would have been looking at shoes and bags - how times change!
I missed Paul so much that I took one of his "blankies" with me to cuddle at night which helped a bit, but it was still the best ever feeling when I got home to walk in the front door and see him run up to me with a massive smile on his little face. My child carer and sister looked after him whilst I was away and I think it really helps if you can have a family member to help look after your child if you go away. They are so familiar to them and having a well known face around helps keep their routine in place.
I was telling my single mum friend Jo all about my trip and she pointed out that it's good to have time off now and then where you can have a break from the constant "risk assessing" as she put it which is so true - you can’t go anywhere with a toddler without constantly checking out the potential dangers! And I find, when you're a single parent you have sole responsibility for your child without the luxury of a partner to be able to take your child for a moment or a few hours to give you a break. To be able to have a mini working holiday like this has been great for recharging my batteries. Plus, the food in Italy was also outstanding - I had a risotto barley dish one evening which was so delicious I had three helpings!
Talking of food, I read an article the other day which now suggests feeding on demand can help prevent obesity in later life. Apparently the strict routine advised by older generations and some famous childcare authors is said to be potentially fuelling the obesity epidemic amongst children. Once again we are presented with conflicting advice as mums and it's really hard to know which is best. You can read more on the story at: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1391769/Why-granny-wrong-feeding-baby-Feeding-demand-help-PREVENT-obesity.html#ixzz1NdHW1XJq
I met some lovely fellow bloggers last week who had some really interesting insights into family life and being a parent. There was Tim Atkinson, who blogs at www.bringingupcharlie.co.ukand who has just had a fab new book for dads published entitled "Fatherhood, The Essential Guide", as well as Pippa who blogs at www.amothersramblings.comand my good friend, Becky Goddard-Hill who can be found at www.babybudgeting.co.uk. It was really good to get together and share experiences with other parents from all walks of life and reminded me that sometimes getting a fresh perspective on parenthood can give you some great tips and advice. I recommend taking a look at Tim, Pippa and Becky's websites for some brilliant ideas and inspiration!
At the event we found out about an amazing new 3-in-1 Steam Steriliser from Philips AVENT which transforms into 3 different sizes to suit your needs. It fits breast pumps and bottles as well as toddler plates and cutlery, which is ingenious. With a fast six minute sterilisation cycle and the fact it's BPA free, it's a revolutionary way to sterilise all your baby's items and a product which looks really funky too. It's on sale now in all the main baby stores and websites and I really recommend taking a look as it's unlike anything else out there at the moment what with its different sizes and functions.
Finally, speaking of great ideas, a friend of mine called Gemma has come up with a fantastic idea for fuller busted ladies (something many of us get when we become mummies - I am currently a 34G!). Gemma has started a website which sells clothes and lingerie for those with bigger cup sizes. I was amazed to learn that the British high street base their pattern cutting on a B cup size and so to find great quality wrap tops, shirts, and bras which accommodate a bigger bust is a godsend. Her website is www.odyldesign.comand she does clothes and lingerie for sizes 8 to 16 with a D to G cup. I have just ordered 2 x wrap tops which will properly cover my décolletage without having to use a safety pin for once! I wish I had known about her site when I was breastfeeding Paul as the wrap tops would also make brilliant nursing tops as you can just pull down one side of the top for feeding. I am thinking about getting my friend Tara one as a gift as she's due in about 2 weeks now and has shot up about 3 cup sizes!
I hope you have a great couple of weeks and speak soon.
Laura. XX.
