tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78347533232605862802024-02-18T20:48:26.945-08:00Embracing the TreeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07742337845266807934noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7834753323260586280.post-87828882657221719752015-06-28T13:54:00.000-07:002015-06-28T13:58:03.751-07:00My first carry a year ago!<div dir="ltr">
The twins are a year old!! I survived, we survived. I have felt the whole year through that time has just run away from me, that anything before the moment I am in could not have ever existed. This has made me sad because I have felt I've lost my newborn baby days, lost my four month old baby days, lost my six month old baby days and so on. Pregnancy I was able to soak in, to fully make the most of- having dreamt of my second baby, having loved my first pregnancy and becoming a mum, having lost a pregnancy in between- this was so very precious to me. And then the twins were born and in the intensity and exhaustion it became hard to be in the moment, to hold on to every moment, instead it has felt like the moments have just slipped through my hands- impossible to capture. <br />
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But a year on and I am enjoying remembering 'a year ago I was....' and it is good to know that I do hold moments in my heart, that it did really happen, that I do know and feel it happened rather than it being a simple fact. That I did make the most of those moments despite being exhausted and overwhelmed. And now I have two amazing one year old and I cannot wait for the next year!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj90lWuu8Vc-9sA-CzcBmLxOR6KbQHsp-UEjrTR4BGC8n2FZFjwUdMONi0yomM-oKa02eYIDgtO1MxEiA8eCNcTw6kq_w54Zv55pZ6WCoDKv3Zx36SK0Zx8FSqUaOa5Mh5xkQ86IPMl6AL8/s1600/20150627_154710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj90lWuu8Vc-9sA-CzcBmLxOR6KbQHsp-UEjrTR4BGC8n2FZFjwUdMONi0yomM-oKa02eYIDgtO1MxEiA8eCNcTw6kq_w54Zv55pZ6WCoDKv3Zx36SK0Zx8FSqUaOa5Mh5xkQ86IPMl6AL8/s320/20150627_154710.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<i>My one year olds and their big sister</i></div>
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There is still a lot of haze and blur and great big chunks I cannot remember like the first evening at home- I remember getting home and how that felt but I do not remember going to bed- seems an odd thing to want to remember but I wish I could. I do however remember the atmosphere of those first few nights bonding quietly in the early hours of the morning with my babies- stuck between a longing to lie down and sleep and a knowing that this would only be for a short time and simply just being in that moment. And then the relief of the sun coming up, followed a couple of hours later with the joy at hearing big girl and David waking up.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKybT7riv9G7lvSSEYFnZo1zK5gEtct__2XtstR-QOlTK-eyOB5Zn07ykVF8twyRbVH0SegJ-yCMiqKAgtptTN2j-MoGoeOCYV50yNnfZP4_VhjUymElzues7fYSSASqATQMLHQQKLy2d7/s1600/first+carry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKybT7riv9G7lvSSEYFnZo1zK5gEtct__2XtstR-QOlTK-eyOB5Zn07ykVF8twyRbVH0SegJ-yCMiqKAgtptTN2j-MoGoeOCYV50yNnfZP4_VhjUymElzues7fYSSASqATQMLHQQKLy2d7/s200/first+carry.jpg" width="178" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-size: medium;">My first chance to use a sling with a twin (baby girl) at 4 days old</i></td></tr>
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Then there is my first carry. I remember how it felt- not how I'd dreamt of it feeling, I remember asking for a photo to be taken and I remember knowing this was not a carry that would work with twins. The photo shows me feeding baby girl- I know it was liberating to be freed from the sofa and my complicated cushion set up for tandem feeding. I know it was not easy to wrap her beautifully as I had so wanted to for so long. Instead it was hard to get her snug and secure and it felt very different to my solid large demo doll. But I do not actually remember her being in the sling. I know it was tiring just to walk from the living room to the bedroom to look in the mirror. I know a little later I needed to feed baby boy (I assume baby girl was asleep in the wrap but I do not know this) and I could not see baby boy through the slip knot making latching him on difficult- hence not a carry useful for a mum with newborn twins. I have no recollection sadly of when I first carried baby boy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFQ3LX-GjqHMck7YjzltYnRWO27qoMDYtNhiEBucf6irH-7Nhy4zlG6pYwKtKL8hTKdwF5LvjU-sw1L3LfsMjnzXCb1SlB1gHqKaayG8E5L5TIKAgLXhe2aSIn-icmg4maZWh_IVO12eYt/s1600/Feeding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFQ3LX-GjqHMck7YjzltYnRWO27qoMDYtNhiEBucf6irH-7Nhy4zlG6pYwKtKL8hTKdwF5LvjU-sw1L3LfsMjnzXCb1SlB1gHqKaayG8E5L5TIKAgLXhe2aSIn-icmg4maZWh_IVO12eYt/s200/Feeding.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<i>Twins a day old, just returned from hospital, set up in our tandem feeding arrangement</i></div>
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<i>I remember feeling exhausted, overwhelmed and battered (not that the photo captures this!!)</i><br />
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It was all so different to what I had imagined- even though I was careful to have no preconceived ideas of what having twins would be like, I did have preconceived ideas of what having a single second baby would be like and especially how carrying that baby would be. It started when I discovered all that I had missed in the sling world for big girl when she was a year old (oh how I wished I'd known about ring slings and back carrying for that first year). As I learnt more about carrying the more I imagined how I would carry my next baby, including using a short wrap with a slip knot as l had read someone suggesting for a newborn instead of a ring sling based on the knot being soft and cushy next to a delicate newborn rather than the hard rings. I had loved this idea, secretly planning to do this with my soft bamboo Natibaby elves wrap for my second baby. So having dreamed of this for several years it was the first carry I choose.</div>
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I had also dreamed of carrying a baby out of hospital but then the reality of how I felt physically hit home. I was battered and sore and exhausted. The twins first days were spent intensely feeding and resting when I could. Simply moving about was tiring and painful let alone carrying a baby. So I did not get to use a sling until they were four days old. It felt at the time like an age and that I was losing precious time to carry, to try different slings with a newborn but I was not. I was busy doing what was important - feeding, resting and grabbing any opportunity to play or be with my first born (evidence shown that a game had preceeded this by my necklace). So actually what I learnt is how overwhelming those first few intense days are and how fragile our bodies can be following pregnancy and birth as well as how difficult it can be to wrap a newborn, all things I hope I remember when I work with mums in the future.</div>
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A year ago it was hard for me to find the time or to have the ability to think to be able to post and share my carrying journey but I hope to in the next few months share what I learnt about carrying newborn babies and twins in those early days. I sadly have not as many photos as I wish as I had not mastered the art of selfies and as I say I was very absorbed with the day to day survival which I feel I still am but I can reflect and see it is not quite as intense. Hopefully I will be able to share more on my experiences both now and a year ago. I will finish with a photo of me using a short wrap with a slip knot, a carry I now love to use!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglOhv3YGGYvVWvShyB5PO0gxQmR_WiC1i_1SIMiy-xTowOqhMm0ZyOTrPz8EmnqhSiFeohKDw3g-Zc4rEsBJKrvkVuTEuG6Pn1vBACPIJfyGamLi6qFSdq9x81GB2bYtez-TCkmmFDGTCC/s1600/2015-06-28_20.06.42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglOhv3YGGYvVWvShyB5PO0gxQmR_WiC1i_1SIMiy-xTowOqhMm0ZyOTrPz8EmnqhSiFeohKDw3g-Zc4rEsBJKrvkVuTEuG6Pn1vBACPIJfyGamLi6qFSdq9x81GB2bYtez-TCkmmFDGTCC/s200/2015-06-28_20.06.42.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<i style="text-align: center;">My baby girl 11 months on in a short Didymos orient wrap with a slip knot- a carry I am now using more and more</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07742337845266807934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7834753323260586280.post-37165215803356008952015-06-14T14:13:00.000-07:002015-06-14T14:13:18.993-07:00A Glimpse Behind the Photos<div dir="ltr">
There has been a long pause in me posting a blog- all I can say is twins! I am hoping to start writing more but as well as giving information about carrying, I want to share the story behind the photos, to give voice to that which is not captured in the images. I have been experimenting with how to get my social posts more real, to not present a perfect, intimidating snap shot. I am finding this difficult though as not only in times of craziness is grabbing the camera the last thing on the agenda but my focus has been on the times I am carrying and these are usually the good times, the times that restore sanity and give me much needed reconnection- sometimes, but rarely, the sling is not the answer required and boy is that frustrating and definitely not a time for reaching for the camera or even for posting.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4z4V5Gq7IvVpTXaTFe3Xi6gb1Hxv1MQDcBmYlXRHMhqeJyPDzfn6dXFJXnNvdNxF6-euB6lW4_-dgJLrBTuPQVjhZ-fzrmqQJwemyNdgvINyTgeUBrbGnAasCm7AvOBkKA67M8nS84_R2/s1600/IMG-20140906-00334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4z4V5Gq7IvVpTXaTFe3Xi6gb1Hxv1MQDcBmYlXRHMhqeJyPDzfn6dXFJXnNvdNxF6-euB6lW4_-dgJLrBTuPQVjhZ-fzrmqQJwemyNdgvINyTgeUBrbGnAasCm7AvOBkKA67M8nS84_R2/s200/IMG-20140906-00334.jpg" width="150" /></a>People have called me 'super mum' but I really need to make it clear I am not supermum. I am just a mum doing what she has to, as well as I can and simply getting through each moment as best as I can. I do not want to give the impression I am supermum. I am not trying to show off. I do want to share the virtues and the array of benefits of using baby carriers and slings and they do hugely make life easier around here. I love carrying and I would love others to benefit from all that carriers can offer but I want you all to know I have some pretty messy moments that I am very much not proud of.</div>
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<i>I am not trying to show off but slings do enable me to get the essential basics accomplished- in this case dinner! The photo hides my unbrushed hair, my tiredness and clothes I've not changed for several days.</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmLIAGilg8YxJfL0wwBIC35OjuORQNIeZah4qhdOrk9vFI2cl4D68nB7dcxgi5nWl3JvDpyM3KiRIrfkUC_zcUBGdu6ejof5fpbHFxJ1s5ggyvKi-JE9J6fS6TPF_rtpsExYVii4804xoE/s1600/20150427_105601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmLIAGilg8YxJfL0wwBIC35OjuORQNIeZah4qhdOrk9vFI2cl4D68nB7dcxgi5nWl3JvDpyM3KiRIrfkUC_zcUBGdu6ejof5fpbHFxJ1s5ggyvKi-JE9J6fS6TPF_rtpsExYVii4804xoE/s320/20150427_105601.jpg" width="240" /></a>It is often commented that I seem so calm, relaxed, ever patient and capable as I handle my twin babies and my four year old daughter. Whilst this can be the case, it makes me laugh as my days are managed by what feels like the skin of my teeth. It is a continuous, precarious fine balance which often gets tipped upside down but this is usually in the privacy of my own home. These moments involve shouting and screaming, leaving babies to cry, more crying, losing my temper, wanting to run far away, hating my children, more crying, feeling I'm no good, not knowing what to do/how to get to the next moment, more crying, questioning my parenting choices and more crying. Luckily they always are quickly counteract by the heart melting grin of a baby, by some wise words from my eldest, by babies falling into peaceful sleep, by a reconnecting cuddle or by some wondrous creative play.<br />
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<i>A reconnecting cuddle with my baby boy after a fall out over naps (or the lack of)</i></div>
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I always question myself why in that moment did I snap? Could I not just have breathed, taken a moment, 'minded the gap' instead of falling head on into it? How could these beautiful children have seemed so hateful five minutes ago?</div>
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But I am tired, the anxiety levels are too high (these get increased by the frustration of not be able to get to one upset baby because I'm dealing with the other or their older sister and so on) and they have needs and wants that often are in conflict with mine. My biggest let down is expecting too much of myself, feeling I 'should' be able to do it all because everyone else does. I am all too often comparing myself to the other 'supermums' on Facebook and wondering why I am falling so short of the mark. I so do not want to add to another mum's feeling of inadequacy- we need to be supporting one another, sharing the everyday slog of it all, the emotional challenges parenting brings, acknowledging the relentless, ongoing hard work of parenting whilst celebrating the equal and luckily more poignant 'perfect moments'.</div>
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So if there are pauses in my posts/blogs it is because I'm trying to accept my limitations and trust the words I wish to share will be there when the time is right. I am not supermum but an ordinary mum, making the most of each day as best I can, busy surviving as best I can, accepting some days ensuring everyone is fed is the best I can do and anything above that is a bonus and ultimately remembering that:</div>
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<i>I'm so Blesssed</i></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07742337845266807934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7834753323260586280.post-32263768491938624092013-10-21T11:55:00.000-07:002013-10-21T13:21:00.380-07:00I want to carry my little one, but which sling? Where do I start?<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><i>Dear Friend,<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><i>You have
asked your friends who wish to give you a new baby gift to rather make a gift,
whether it be crafted, cooked or simply a story. The gift I would love to give
you is that of Babywearing, so in honour of that I would like to dedicate this
series of blogs to you. From my heart I wish you many hours of cuddles with
your little one, embraced by your sling of choice, close to your heart.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><i>With love xxx</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How to choose which sling?</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjD374N-fh8b6Lgr-cGT2O-qnTaTK0YdsSTiNa8oD2q-2UItofFDneIBDEtpPMwjsDIupz1xBTyRNuWv7Zqf5VP5Tp36w314cY1J5gINIRwnCqeBzq1W4nIYLwwnQC0t7sX9Nn1wJDUPzF/s200/IMG00138-20101114-1135.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snugly stretchy wraps?</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjD374N-fh8b6Lgr-cGT2O-qnTaTK0YdsSTiNa8oD2q-2UItofFDneIBDEtpPMwjsDIupz1xBTyRNuWv7Zqf5VP5Tp36w314cY1J5gINIRwnCqeBzq1W4nIYLwwnQC0t7sX9Nn1wJDUPzF/s1600/IMG00138-20101114-1135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alas there is
no simple one answer- although this is a good thing as we and our babies are
all individual, so should our carrier choice be. Why is this? Our needs are different, our parenting choices are different, our life styles are different, our
personalities are different, our bodies/shapes are different and our babies are
different and on top of that our needs, our parenting approach, our life style,
our babies change as our little one(s) grows- it is an ever evolving thing. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty, versatile woven wraps?</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So my question back to anyone asking this question is ‘how do you envisage you will use a sling? How do you want it to help your day to day life with your little one? For example will you use it for walking the dogs, to free up your arms round the house or walking the older children to school? What is it important that it does for you: that it is quick to use, enables you to back carry or that it simply looks pretty? Who will be using it: just yourself, you and your partner/an older sibling/grandparent? How are their requirements different?’ The answers do not necessarily conjure up a simple answer and of course our answers and requirements can change but it is a good starting point to focus the mind and maybe narrow the choices. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quick to use ring sling?</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The
Babywearing world can be overwhelming, especially when- whether you are
pregnant, have a newborn or are chasing after a toddler- there is so much else
going on. It can be hard to get to grips with the terminology, the wealth of
information and variety of carriers and slings out there. So where do you
start? The internet is always a great resource, but always be aware of ‘not best practice’ videos/pictures and
conflicting advice and opinions. Next there are local sling meets and sling
libraries, offering you the chance to talk to other mums and get your hands
on/try the carriers available to see what starts to inspire you. If you want
something more comprehensive and personal then you can arrange to see a Babywearing
Consultant, who will offer professional, impartial information in the form of
workshops or one to ones. This will be in an environment
conducive to learning, where you will be taught how to use the carriers safely and with
best practice. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBktoaX2Gyz8eXwPeX_-W-X_2Cy_VpnLvdDMYMKLVGlJn0_is6Z6rmuy1KXhzjVr4_BDgictznGDxj00JYvIXanQgrhe0X_SqEC-L1g10hbo0WPLBkLG3Uixf8-yK1sTsRawF3iiE5DGbb/s200/Mei+Tai.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="178" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lovely mei tai?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBktoaX2Gyz8eXwPeX_-W-X_2Cy_VpnLvdDMYMKLVGlJn0_is6Z6rmuy1KXhzjVr4_BDgictznGDxj00JYvIXanQgrhe0X_SqEC-L1g10hbo0WPLBkLG3Uixf8-yK1sTsRawF3iiE5DGbb/s1600/Mei+Tai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bare in mind
that slings are a little like shoes, one pair of shoes is not necessarily the
best option for every given occasion or situation, sometimes we need different
shoes for different activities, so do remember not every sling will necessarily meet
your every need from newborn to toddler and beyond, so you might want to be open to the possibility of needing more than one in your babywearing journey. Budget of course is always a consideration and there are ways to be economical (although be aware of cheap fakes and remember in some cases cheaper carriers will not be as padded, supportive or comfortable). </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And never forget that most carriers can be sold on – there is a huge pre-loved market out there so it is possible your carrier will have a resale value.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Overall</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> though I</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> recommend that you enjoy researching, trying, playing and finding the carrier/sling(s) for you. Your one(s) are out there. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To help get you started, or just for your interest, I will be posting a blog for each type of carrier over the next couple of months to give you a little more information of what they are, some of the terminology to note and the pros and cons whilst trying to keep it simple and informative.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixBLl5-h1kv6rVTRnIp4dxpZHsLUCUmWhNEVTl2zez4W5oKRDq3FdfKt-UlMf-M1pu_uHfidXYUP4PawEJdWBK2qq86pL4JWAtu_x_45h9taVXwaI9Y1aoGVhBgsDSxFiWp9uovyXVNe5A/s320/Buckle+carrier.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Practical, man friendly buckles?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixBLl5-h1kv6rVTRnIp4dxpZHsLUCUmWhNEVTl2zez4W5oKRDq3FdfKt-UlMf-M1pu_uHfidXYUP4PawEJdWBK2qq86pL4JWAtu_x_45h9taVXwaI9Y1aoGVhBgsDSxFiWp9uovyXVNe5A/s1600/Buckle+carrier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Further resources:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Starting points for internet research click <a href="http://www.slingguide.co.uk/">here</a> and <a href="http://www.babywearing.co.uk/">here</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.naturalmamas.co.uk/blog/online-babywearing-advice-and-information/">Online (babywearing) advice and information</a> by </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anne McEwan from WrapMyBaby</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To find your local sling library click <a href="http://www.ukslinglibraries.co.uk/">here</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To find your local babywearing consultatnt click <a href="http://babi.me.uk/">here</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.naturalmamas.co.uk/articles/babywearing-on-a-budget/">Babywearing on a budget</a> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">by </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anne McEwan from WrapMyBaby</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.naturalmamas.co.uk/forum/forum.php">Natural Mamas</a>: amongst other useful information and forums have a FSOT Slings and Carriers forum</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.embracingthetree.com/">An Important Note on Safety</a></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07742337845266807934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7834753323260586280.post-41806015479134732132013-08-08T00:02:00.001-07:002013-08-08T00:02:56.735-07:00Embrace Sling Library- What is it all about? Why have I set it up?<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>Firstly why have I started a sling library?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Ultimately
because I am completely and utterly passionate about Babywearing and I want to
share and pass on the gift of Babywearing to parents and little ones.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>What is this funny, hippy sounding term ‘Babywearing’?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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It refers to
carrying your little one in a sling or carrier; it does not refer to a particular
style of parenting as it is often misinterpreted to. Carrying your little one
in a carrier is relevant to any parent, whatever your parenting approach- it is
a parenting tool which can be used as little or as much as you want, depending
on your family life.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Why am I passionate about it?</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
My daughter
and I have gained so much from it in these first precious years together. I
have loved simply getting to share my world with her, having cuddles and chats
as we go about our daily lives, enjoying walks over the hills and fields as
well as having help with the trying times, for example when I have an overtired
little girl who needs that extra reassurance.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqREWTBx6DHsYMDKp4XpmCry-qeA1Iz-7a2GjR1A9umTRtAawqBMvofkdZlRhu6mwp-2apNfOOdK6PZuY8Tr50VIIgzvzaMPw8XyqC0uTJenusxRZOHiZoPoY3wdOvVHegmfnMZNVQsPeA/s1600/P1040529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqREWTBx6DHsYMDKp4XpmCry-qeA1Iz-7a2GjR1A9umTRtAawqBMvofkdZlRhu6mwp-2apNfOOdK6PZuY8Tr50VIIgzvzaMPw8XyqC0uTJenusxRZOHiZoPoY3wdOvVHegmfnMZNVQsPeA/s320/P1040529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Reassurance and cuddles</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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In addition
to being practical, cuddly and special it is beneficial from an emotional,
physical and cognitive developmental perspective. As parents we want to give
our children the best possible start to life, I am a firm believer that these
early informative years are vital for providing our little ones with firm foundations
so that they can head off into the world confidently. Carrying your little one
is one of the many ways we can help make those foundations as secure and strong
as possible.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>So how does a sling library fit into all of
this?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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</div>
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Our
Babywearing journey was not all smooth running, whilst I thought I knew what I
was doing and had it sussed, unknown to me at the time I was missing out on so
much more that I could have gained from it in the first year of my daughter’s
life, plus I was often not carrying my daughter as safely, securely or
optimally as I could have. I want to be able to provide the information I did
not access to parents, hopefully early on in their parenting journey so they
can gain all they want to from this amazing parenting tool.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1rTibeDnNEPJOuE-Xih1IL5f95JatPlp6OJOk_jIwF95iaYFWdurYK5vxmYqMg9BMrCasxKCH0Uy9BrfPupDeKRMZ2gubaWwfs5Z7LraM4k4W7GlHvb8_oToswi3mIm8O44WWp3n2dycf/s1600/Slings+Galore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1rTibeDnNEPJOuE-Xih1IL5f95JatPlp6OJOk_jIwF95iaYFWdurYK5vxmYqMg9BMrCasxKCH0Uy9BrfPupDeKRMZ2gubaWwfs5Z7LraM4k4W7GlHvb8_oToswi3mIm8O44WWp3n2dycf/s320/Slings+Galore.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Which sling?? Often
overwhelming for a parent to know where to start<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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There is a
wide range of carriers out there and it can be overwhelming to know which one
to choose. From experience there are carriers which are not as comfortable for
one person as for the next as well as simply uncomfortable carriers that do not
carry our little ones as optimally as they could be. An uncomfortable, not supportive
carrier can easily put a parent off from carrying their little one in a sling-
I want to try to reduce the chances of this happening for parents.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>What is a sling library all about?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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The sling
library enables parents to try before they buy, helping them find the right
carrier for them and their family life, or it could be that they simply want to
borrow a carrier for a short term need, such as a holiday or family occasion.
The library currently has a basic range of carriers that I hope to increase by
reinvesting all proceeds from loans so that I can build up a comprehensive
service for the local community.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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</div>
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It also
gives them access to correct information about optimal positioning and safety
guidelines when hiring a carrier and in addition to the library I run a
consultancy service which includes an ‘Introduction to Babywearing’ workshop as
well as consultations which can be tailored to the individual’s needs for if
they want more in depth information or one to one time to learn how to use the
carrier of their choice. Consultations can range from half an hour long for as
little as £10 to a full comprehensive 2 hours. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Finally<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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</div>
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As I have
said, Babywearing can be interpreted differently for each family, from simply
having a quick and easy carrier to use for carrying little one when walking the
dog to ditching the pram altogether in favour of learning the art of wrapping
your little one. I am here for all Babywearing needs and wanting to ultimately
ensure that babies are carried safely, securely and supported optimally by
parents who are comfortable and confident using their carrier.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07742337845266807934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7834753323260586280.post-65045013074828723972013-07-05T07:53:00.001-07:002013-07-05T07:53:14.569-07:00The Versatile Must Have SlingSlings can be so much more then simply getting your little one from A to B- a must have when out and about for many reasons. Here are just a few of the ways my slings came in handy whilst on holiday:<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI66lK7C47Ksji5pZ7F8SOD4rEauvxt9vC_8_OWxGlzhpXCPl3Lu5yRNAij9kXtdcEQPF6YgPj3T1WTy8ncpyCQ_wz9ISnXDkHsX2bNCDKX1SRV4JZWsFkgdvqfW-5Lo1tijFy1y9upDml/s1600/P1040997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI66lK7C47Ksji5pZ7F8SOD4rEauvxt9vC_8_OWxGlzhpXCPl3Lu5yRNAij9kXtdcEQPF6YgPj3T1WTy8ncpyCQ_wz9ISnXDkHsX2bNCDKX1SRV4JZWsFkgdvqfW-5Lo1tijFy1y9upDml/s320/P1040997.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Keeping comfortable whilst having a 5 minute power nap following a 3 hour morning run and hike up to a waterfall, featuring Emeibaby carrier as pillow and Bara Barn shorty as blanket</i><br />
<i><br /></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7h1I2jVNQulCgSEA8PBnoo3kJwiWGkMChqRf-Sw5cnGaWdJvlwCfZAVfymPcgAhugIo4uJ10qGzUrgjLuUw8ItyVNGrkp95Xxwxr4hYN2QuIo28bZdx-68BnRsyktfttDrf443AbgXPNP/s1600/P1050013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7h1I2jVNQulCgSEA8PBnoo3kJwiWGkMChqRf-Sw5cnGaWdJvlwCfZAVfymPcgAhugIo4uJ10qGzUrgjLuUw8ItyVNGrkp95Xxwxr4hYN2QuIo28bZdx-68BnRsyktfttDrf443AbgXPNP/s320/P1050013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<i>Bara Barn in action- Piggy back with Uncle- very special</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXnmXLYMNrtmhnjMA0kq1c8vAVzrphzIRp8pYCgKE1FCgL4OVXfvwmIRvUkvA7w1lJg_m9FNXP0EZDmCA7rzsKhI-OvKCWi686Mi02CS9q8Md3051yWQFbz6mRjG4KQzmKtxQS97j06CWX/s1600/P1040946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXnmXLYMNrtmhnjMA0kq1c8vAVzrphzIRp8pYCgKE1FCgL4OVXfvwmIRvUkvA7w1lJg_m9FNXP0EZDmCA7rzsKhI-OvKCWi686Mi02CS9q8Md3051yWQFbz6mRjG4KQzmKtxQS97j06CWX/s320/P1040946.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<i>Emeibaby in action- Cuddles with Daddy</i><br />
<i><br /></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgENtXD_tbN6E2k4djNLcBqGvzgcEMWpg7mef_moUZxHd5-Z5wVw8aoCtuG3upcsJAKPnweeKVsrMHPMYSBUP5qcKetXuI0gaT5C8-7pTBke4ZWA_HMe_nRaxspLXVIugHTTe-viJsai47o/s1600/P1050029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgENtXD_tbN6E2k4djNLcBqGvzgcEMWpg7mef_moUZxHd5-Z5wVw8aoCtuG3upcsJAKPnweeKVsrMHPMYSBUP5qcKetXuI0gaT5C8-7pTBke4ZWA_HMe_nRaxspLXVIugHTTe-viJsai47o/s320/P1050029.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<i>Emergency skirt- I will not go into details as to why this was required! Featuring tonga ready to go, which was particularly useful for carrying nervous toddler whilst paddling</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHV8MUME-ZTT97uPcrrl_cx1gpJTCvsWDmMETlNgzKTL0p35YedRZsqIKw_tQ0NZIwCNdmWgdaD0ZudQ1e5S28Ylnx_lpPwF-rouGFRk5DuU6XKTRQD3tPPDglK6GK_u-xptTbQBoVZS8F/s1600/P1050033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHV8MUME-ZTT97uPcrrl_cx1gpJTCvsWDmMETlNgzKTL0p35YedRZsqIKw_tQ0NZIwCNdmWgdaD0ZudQ1e5S28Ylnx_lpPwF-rouGFRk5DuU6XKTRQD3tPPDglK6GK_u-xptTbQBoVZS8F/s320/P1050033.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Not just a handy carrying tool for little ones but great for carrying supplies (featuring apple juice here)</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmoEiRwy2_0cDpQewxFzqV83-2oKy6eIf-kLAbuzpa70bCKhmdRSFdN6SFM3mYrzneH-dwA_50fRtY0BPEYYBE4oAjQyN88uSyCJPYo2WZlC1oUab0FjVzZBn8c56RA0UG85NqhkSWzPxY/s1600/P1050140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmoEiRwy2_0cDpQewxFzqV83-2oKy6eIf-kLAbuzpa70bCKhmdRSFdN6SFM3mYrzneH-dwA_50fRtY0BPEYYBE4oAjQyN88uSyCJPYo2WZlC1oUab0FjVzZBn8c56RA0UG85NqhkSWzPxY/s320/P1050140.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Great for collecting shells on the beach</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi5hmlKnpZTHCBl4tbAhcQtXnifcYWLlpVapJpXoNO44XUSYc-feSAvDLqDPckyWKpd1dWSsxvkwrSE8Ds7nsotUXEdz9ZCmzpIzAFXHxEzInvFOf5zbftziJttjsLQH-oSyoQh5W-KNB3/s1600/P1050118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi5hmlKnpZTHCBl4tbAhcQtXnifcYWLlpVapJpXoNO44XUSYc-feSAvDLqDPckyWKpd1dWSsxvkwrSE8Ds7nsotUXEdz9ZCmzpIzAFXHxEzInvFOf5zbftziJttjsLQH-oSyoQh5W-KNB3/s320/P1050118.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>My didymos shorty keeping me warm and snug</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZbRIdgDz3Ik8kH77az0gIU4ZAlkCl3dbvsOjOmILTdzZYCBhzPysOG-IvC_wUx1n6pHvwH6AC5VsYbj8gyrM-kIrjPXX3un6CxI4y_DrVUwy06sW0s2IPicKRPY0gvwqNVsrptMyFfzPi/s279/Didymos+back+carry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZbRIdgDz3Ik8kH77az0gIU4ZAlkCl3dbvsOjOmILTdzZYCBhzPysOG-IvC_wUx1n6pHvwH6AC5VsYbj8gyrM-kIrjPXX3un6CxI4y_DrVUwy06sW0s2IPicKRPY0gvwqNVsrptMyFfzPi/s279/Didymos+back+carry.jpg" /></a></div>
<i>Didymos in action- tired girl requiring a carry- when she got down she said 'I am better now'- the magical, healing power of the wrap</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhleac7xOKjSDkfIpjuJQxJDq76ckQhfBcNF2P6IoetW_rzStNBBN4dJXXk6GCz23oxBK02s-OqzCWLDzHgmaRQGvntAhtEawKvyh0vdakY25daZ_8EggHCZ-qXBXDqUwFX6Bx12bh5dtao/s1600/P1050138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhleac7xOKjSDkfIpjuJQxJDq76ckQhfBcNF2P6IoetW_rzStNBBN4dJXXk6GCz23oxBK02s-OqzCWLDzHgmaRQGvntAhtEawKvyh0vdakY25daZ_8EggHCZ-qXBXDqUwFX6Bx12bh5dtao/s320/P1050138.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<i>and finally more cuddles with Daddy- a cosy break from being on Daddy's shoulders</i><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07742337845266807934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7834753323260586280.post-72560920000564578432013-01-19T07:17:00.002-08:002013-01-19T07:17:49.105-08:00Snow Painting/PlayingDaddy came up with the brilliant afternoon activity of 'Snow Painting'- what could be better to do when there are increasing drifts of snow outside the door.<br />
<br />
Our 'ingredients' included:<br />
<br />
One plastic tray<br />
A piece of paper to fit tray- watercolour paper a good option<br />
Snow<br />
Colour- daughter choose poster paints, I choose food colouring and Daddy choose some beetroot paint we'd made the other day<br />
<br />
The Plan was to:<br />
Place the piece of paper in the tray<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigu1PJfBxSz61PY-bPaxc7fA1fWdxh06BzcP41gasWxH97GhEWagQ_Bnn1vx2sPlzA2rR76xY0rbh-pwdayTGQpc3FB49td9TIMaKaLWrUDjIgGq76paLAByY-njwulvj5qH8u3WZFBxD0/s1600/P1040280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigu1PJfBxSz61PY-bPaxc7fA1fWdxh06BzcP41gasWxH97GhEWagQ_Bnn1vx2sPlzA2rR76xY0rbh-pwdayTGQpc3FB49td9TIMaKaLWrUDjIgGq76paLAByY-njwulvj5qH8u3WZFBxD0/s200/P1040280.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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Get a bucket full of snow and tip on to the tray</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_XAt5fuMHg4GqHYj6OKcVdW9DnNH2PzNf4pzNmStng6vmZJFkrmer603R7DnTZ275SIbXw1LADk0w70Ojlo1lREGGTNsMsZJE9Rk45sAQczxfx2pPiaBu7vy-1buHpFxyIGHTullh9L_p/s1600/P1040283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_XAt5fuMHg4GqHYj6OKcVdW9DnNH2PzNf4pzNmStng6vmZJFkrmer603R7DnTZ275SIbXw1LADk0w70Ojlo1lREGGTNsMsZJE9Rk45sAQczxfx2pPiaBu7vy-1buHpFxyIGHTullh9L_p/s200/P1040283.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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Start adding colour</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOPxsoOoTpR7nlI49SL9i3vUmkyNUIlTGSvxQn9cChKpqvi-jWH4qtH_SOdUH18oCiB5Sq1msA6Gj24dWOfCBg1FREM2L4DskHDAv6QV7MfLslZxAsPzN8mXFoNYn38vhUW4XMx-WDQcKy/s1600/P1040285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOPxsoOoTpR7nlI49SL9i3vUmkyNUIlTGSvxQn9cChKpqvi-jWH4qtH_SOdUH18oCiB5Sq1msA6Gj24dWOfCBg1FREM2L4DskHDAv6QV7MfLslZxAsPzN8mXFoNYn38vhUW4XMx-WDQcKy/s200/P1040285.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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And see what happened.<br />
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What did happened:</div>
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We started by adding our colour</div>
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A little mixing</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdudw8JNxpDmb3hoqOEv1FILyCkmR8XgJ8w9RBr8AkPX4ucoS6BTsM2cSRMMJLlKpETpJ7HrbODHLKh8doVB-XKhGT3ymQaX9eGoZynDPC-DpZzkGfI9u16yh3ID_VsKDLtexTZ8pZXay5/s1600/P1040294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdudw8JNxpDmb3hoqOEv1FILyCkmR8XgJ8w9RBr8AkPX4ucoS6BTsM2cSRMMJLlKpETpJ7HrbODHLKh8doVB-XKhGT3ymQaX9eGoZynDPC-DpZzkGfI9u16yh3ID_VsKDLtexTZ8pZXay5/s320/P1040294.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Getting hands in</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinuBxKrUZrrYBvlKRaqWXqYyBzA-l_1PQ25sXmNKA91mJxYlxsgbv9M-RIABl3PHQD6_NU4Cf4_bVPFu0or4SOzpV0SIXfOUYXw7eG6FmHJGkSsANtjGN3tItfKc0xl2GKWBzGmAXuJgrP/s1600/P1040298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinuBxKrUZrrYBvlKRaqWXqYyBzA-l_1PQ25sXmNKA91mJxYlxsgbv9M-RIABl3PHQD6_NU4Cf4_bVPFu0or4SOzpV0SIXfOUYXw7eG6FmHJGkSsANtjGN3tItfKc0xl2GKWBzGmAXuJgrP/s320/P1040298.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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More colour and mixing</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL6DJfOp69jTRl-2hdCXLtcTTeX2-qqjEbvJ7Jy86_Hwb8qSiG1aTzgn7thkKIcdxPf70y2IIGCijwRjDAARdaooRTmeOlJXNITJGMMeEAS1HsNMNr70TACbGoGx2iDBvjUhxoTzA-ef9o/s1600/P1040301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL6DJfOp69jTRl-2hdCXLtcTTeX2-qqjEbvJ7Jy86_Hwb8qSiG1aTzgn7thkKIcdxPf70y2IIGCijwRjDAARdaooRTmeOlJXNITJGMMeEAS1HsNMNr70TACbGoGx2iDBvjUhxoTzA-ef9o/s320/P1040301.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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A request for paint direct on hands</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg98Oyq_hJ8sb0GZ0CoAiaxRsIcqDtjjcNQ-07zpjAxnH9TgAOyryc8j7jWrQfSNC_9Ssn8eQK8jgS5XhQ5gwV1A2xCHVT-VfXFVwWZz_skV1PYvfl_1-a8gyfnR23DKP5UX-VA3nyRZWDf/s1600/P1040312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg98Oyq_hJ8sb0GZ0CoAiaxRsIcqDtjjcNQ-07zpjAxnH9TgAOyryc8j7jWrQfSNC_9Ssn8eQK8jgS5XhQ5gwV1A2xCHVT-VfXFVwWZz_skV1PYvfl_1-a8gyfnR23DKP5UX-VA3nyRZWDf/s320/P1040312.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Rub together</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoTVogmAphC9_nv_HM8cCnFyyoN0G2vAoiHFu7YOw6ngoDXGQOab2gdHDs3Bluz9VLEa4ai62DbqBtos1o9pGSJYwUTT3xk5J6nS8t29Bl2N30ej1fVYupqwEkAf9aFpPsRFtcOSsuWuo9/s1600/P1040313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoTVogmAphC9_nv_HM8cCnFyyoN0G2vAoiHFu7YOw6ngoDXGQOab2gdHDs3Bluz9VLEa4ai62DbqBtos1o9pGSJYwUTT3xk5J6nS8t29Bl2N30ej1fVYupqwEkAf9aFpPsRFtcOSsuWuo9/s320/P1040313.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Lovely</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs4hBKT6A5D_TJUiKLH1L4yYiwQZXfl7bEBdkW0ierjdBUo404U_D8HLXzIT4U5Z6qOKonfTEccbJRRFEX-KjQujO6-lO2wEtehd9tFgk49XP4Sx2TncqWk6OFRpUWdNP-l1qCzfpjcSlH/s1600/P1040315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs4hBKT6A5D_TJUiKLH1L4yYiwQZXfl7bEBdkW0ierjdBUo404U_D8HLXzIT4U5Z6qOKonfTEccbJRRFEX-KjQujO6-lO2wEtehd9tFgk49XP4Sx2TncqWk6OFRpUWdNP-l1qCzfpjcSlH/s320/P1040315.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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More mixing</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm6J5paUUu8GAwHL_uN4GSDr66_b4GHYcI2OlXv8ZQtiXyxnMTriKy3r8z3SvsmehRdoW6AVwM48tiwswIIAtQ3ILeJacE1ob2-GzAWvnEU-PVzedMhRPMBuJfWEVxrmP7h2KcEBTImpGG/s1600/P1040316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm6J5paUUu8GAwHL_uN4GSDr66_b4GHYcI2OlXv8ZQtiXyxnMTriKy3r8z3SvsmehRdoW6AVwM48tiwswIIAtQ3ILeJacE1ob2-GzAWvnEU-PVzedMhRPMBuJfWEVxrmP7h2KcEBTImpGG/s320/P1040316.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Now for some scrapping out of the tray and back into the bucket</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgodWdWJTz1FjAvgqGgYiRuwjfWbIsXRQVOpgZmczbTh2ZnHbN0z3fZPyrKp6n8DEM_xYe-N2tcGioa5ffkmW8W9ugaO3mYOu5C85got7QG3dfMXZkWVtV4IHxbsirmyajO-ILzQcUMhBDd/s1600/P1040318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgodWdWJTz1FjAvgqGgYiRuwjfWbIsXRQVOpgZmczbTh2ZnHbN0z3fZPyrKp6n8DEM_xYe-N2tcGioa5ffkmW8W9ugaO3mYOu5C85got7QG3dfMXZkWVtV4IHxbsirmyajO-ILzQcUMhBDd/s320/P1040318.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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A request for a spoon</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoEjlgR9TDzmyaWKz2L2jj0npgfZGzXjZhBaunoBq-ivCAMlu7u6P8_lwUDUgFo6IWHRAIAB-aZny85llnRLWr5BH7xojtEe6R8jx2RCMp_AzqbTQArVPTFSYeIbnEYQo9UWZ4Oq0eoiA0/s1600/P1040321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoEjlgR9TDzmyaWKz2L2jj0npgfZGzXjZhBaunoBq-ivCAMlu7u6P8_lwUDUgFo6IWHRAIAB-aZny85llnRLWr5BH7xojtEe6R8jx2RCMp_AzqbTQArVPTFSYeIbnEYQo9UWZ4Oq0eoiA0/s320/P1040321.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Feet in!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg97ezGIxsGQKZ-2vvkEuZwmAIBNhX8iE5crMd6nYpzHO9TPbShyphenhyphenyhw9tk8Pn9HUkyZobZKOjaQyYm3cTZ7PdFMid5TGSRgTHjetVpBLAQbgPYU9HAoux2Ahw3oiugxtUZ6yDU1SEbih8XA/s1600/P1040326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg97ezGIxsGQKZ-2vvkEuZwmAIBNhX8iE5crMd6nYpzHO9TPbShyphenhyphenyhw9tk8Pn9HUkyZobZKOjaQyYm3cTZ7PdFMid5TGSRgTHjetVpBLAQbgPYU9HAoux2Ahw3oiugxtUZ6yDU1SEbih8XA/s320/P1040326.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Quick newspaper...no wait plain paper will be better<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4xpAWLuOCeL_iVjVuZR6sQE45dULzLy3qW8GZQSGx0OW0u8vNPJGlDn44NStLIbp1Y9nOwSxSLQhArd9DYfLq10PSkH3vH5tmS0HJXb6dZfDnQFWScLqWLwnYsNTmQkIRqaI5mJyTf92r/s1600/P1040328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4xpAWLuOCeL_iVjVuZR6sQE45dULzLy3qW8GZQSGx0OW0u8vNPJGlDn44NStLIbp1Y9nOwSxSLQhArd9DYfLq10PSkH3vH5tmS0HJXb6dZfDnQFWScLqWLwnYsNTmQkIRqaI5mJyTf92r/s320/P1040328.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Now for some foot painting</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9I3PlLoZ9gjoqmrUyca0E4vkHqbn2Br_plBPVWC6FXnZJoBIIcSp3W9X8SGl6VHjRcIXqrYaid8Rk6XwXv-MTMGldjeCEYy3yfS9CfceSrdehKY4zQktHmQ4v01V3M16YHOb6INHxT9iI/s1600/P1040329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9I3PlLoZ9gjoqmrUyca0E4vkHqbn2Br_plBPVWC6FXnZJoBIIcSp3W9X8SGl6VHjRcIXqrYaid8Rk6XwXv-MTMGldjeCEYy3yfS9CfceSrdehKY4zQktHmQ4v01V3M16YHOb6INHxT9iI/s320/P1040329.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Results after standing up and having a really good twist in the paint with feet</div>
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A little later to return to snow having melted a little</div>
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Some painting with snow paint</div>
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Then back to pouring from bucket to tray- sadly I missed a photo of the paper after the first pouring into the bucket as the snow paint had made some lovely marks- but busy toddler needed next pouring to be supervised (I am fairly relaxed but did not fancy snow/water/paint all over the kitchen!).</div>
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The pouring and spooning continued for quite a while as we watched the snow melt more and more and become less crunchy and mushy. Baby was also enlisted to help with the activities.</div>
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End result</div>
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So whilst the end result was not exciting (although I think can be taken forward to our next painting fun- more interesting to have a coloured/textured piece of paper to paint on), this was not what it was about. My daughter and I got to spend time together experimenting, playing, being creative and simply being together. My daughter, in addition, learnt a little more about snow, melting, colour, mixing, pouring, instructing baby what to do and generally just got to play!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07742337845266807934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7834753323260586280.post-7662742583633392162012-12-20T11:36:00.001-08:002012-12-20T11:36:56.079-08:00'Twas a Night Before Christmas' Baby Art ClassStockings are out and full of presents for babies to explore, paper is cut and prepared such that it can be folded into a stocking once the masterpieces have been painted, Winter Wonderland is playing in the background and mulled orange juice is on the stove ready for parents.<br />
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Bags of discovery are ready- Christmas colours and items like pine cones to be explored and dragged through the paint.<br />
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Babies arrive and quickly venture over to the presents, which are inspected, bashed and rattled (all containing what babies really want- boxes and random objects like lids of pots!) but abandoned when the first 'paint' is handed out- frozen berries.<br />
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From frozen berries on to warmed berries- much messier and fun to paint with- although some beautiful marks were made with the frozen berries. Fruits are mixed with Christmas spices- nutmeg, cinnamon and all spice to add to the sensory experience.<br />
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My favourite aspect of the classes Mum and little one enjoying some painting together.<br />
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Truly immersed in the paint and all that is going on, with beautifully crossed over feet- sadly missed capturing the big grins and clapping.</div>
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Eating is an added bonus (interestingly the frozen blueberries at the beginning were a hit for eating!)- joy of using natural food paints no need to worry about what is consumed! And some bashing of pots, not just used for containing paint.</div>
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Bags of discovery being discovered- 'What's in here Mum?' </div>
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The<span style="text-align: center;">re is always something that is good to chew on.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2dGlqoYrIr2_bYl_DBbbMEWMpHZcAmXyWnoDT0jhbwINodDn3efWDn85Thgu6fJ9pfApcFGk_hn5SK6e7l1hTyAvPztoONXghjQ70IXB6VjFc00j1S9a6nKreJ-qbyB2P18rvmYnJvxTL/s1600/P1030794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2dGlqoYrIr2_bYl_DBbbMEWMpHZcAmXyWnoDT0jhbwINodDn3efWDn85Thgu6fJ9pfApcFGk_hn5SK6e7l1hTyAvPztoONXghjQ70IXB6VjFc00j1S9a6nKreJ-qbyB2P18rvmYnJvxTL/s320/P1030794.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Busy, content babies! I love to sit and watch how amused the little ones are throughout the class- enjoying the space, the paint, the props, the exploration, time with one another and especially time with Mum (or Dad or Granny or other important person).</div>
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And I forgot to take a picture of the finished painted stockings! Suggestions are that they can be used to wrap a lucky relative's present or simply to hang on the fireplace. My daughter made her own stocking this afternoon (we used paint, brushes, hands, feet, glitter and 'Baby' helped), she decided to make hers into a Christmas card for Mummy (I am very lucky :-)).</div>
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Once again a thoroughly enjoyable class, a lovely end to a year of Baby Art. I look forward to more classes next year, putting together fun themes with various materials and paint and ultimately watching babies paint for the first time, seeing their individual reactions- so different and varied but always absorbed and inventive.</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07742337845266807934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7834753323260586280.post-42247744494393391122012-12-17T05:25:00.001-08:002012-12-17T05:25:17.955-08:00Hanging out with a Toddler<br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I want to take a moment to share my observations from a morning hanging
out with my toddler. I am continually amazed by the imagination and
resourcefulness of my daughter as she plays. I love watching how she utilises
all that is around her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Today, to name but a few, she has used a candle as her cake, singing
bowls as saucepans, the cupboard as an oven, snowflake confetti left over from
lantern making as further food, a Christmas card as something Poppa has (I
missed what this actually was), the washing up basket as a bath for baby, a
cushion was her wheelbarrow and she has walked her dog the balloon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> <i>The random household/toys that have been
utilised this morning</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
<!--[endif]--></span></i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Alongside her imagination I love her curiosity that drives her need to
learn about everything around her. Whilst she was busy cooking I took the
opportunity to do some very long overdue filing, so we were busy together doing
our own activities and sharing space. It was not long before she came over to
see what I was doing and asking to do it herself. So I showed her- it was great
watching her learn to place the paper in the hole punch, helping her push down,
then how to line up the paper with the rings and get the holes over the rings.
Then Teddy was spotted and it was his turn- what I loved about this was that I
suggested she show Teddy how to do it- which she did. It was fascinating
watching her teach Teddy as I had taught her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Teddy, the oven, the file and the
hole punch</span></i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">So what has my daughter been learning this morning-</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">How to be resourceful and make use of the materials to hand</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">How to be in the world-
cooking, filing<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">How to teach and show
someone how to do something<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Working together on an
activity</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">How to be patient and precise <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">How to file and use a hole
puncher!<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> So what have I been reminded of-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Less is more- little ones do
not need complicated toys to amuse themselves<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Little ones are interested
in what we are doing- they want to learn about the everyday world <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Keep it simple- give
imagination space to create<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">These are
all important elements that I try to bring to my baby art classes, as time and
time again I see that by keeping it simple I give the babies space for their
imaginations to grow, to learn about their environment and have free rein to
their creativity. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><i>The results of creative explorations</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">These times when my daughter and me simply share space and activities
together- especially when we are in harmony and have time to be- are precious
and it is great to be able to take the time to share and document my simple
observations.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">So what have your little ones been up to today?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07742337845266807934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7834753323260586280.post-59692592657403125502012-10-31T15:43:00.001-07:002012-10-31T15:44:32.329-07:00Babywearing- a Transition from womb to worldBabies spend nine months enclosed in the womb, where it is
warm and safe, listening to the constant beating of mum’s heart and feeling her
every movement. Then they are born into the world. Suddenly they are exposed to gravity, the
cold, separation, bright lights and if placed in a cot on their own, stillness
and silence. Human babies are born vulnerable and immature, unready to care or
fend for themselves and completely dependent on their parents for their survival.
So what better way to help our babies adjust to life outside of the womb and
feel protected than to carry them in a sling. Being carried by mum or dad in a sling
provides a continuation of warmth, touch, containment, constant movement and
the rhythm of a beating heart that they are so used to. Babies do not know you continue to exist when
out of their sight- so stay close and keep them feeling safe.<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Mum and Baby as one; Baby warm, safe and contained</i><br />
<i><br /></i></div>
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For mum it can help her transition from being pregnant and
being at one with baby to becoming two separate beings- it can feel so good to
still have your baby close to you, near where they have been for nine months,
snuggled up and in easy distance to kiss. In addition, with the right sling you
can wear them skin to skin, increasing bonding and helping establish
breastfeeding. Babywearing is not just for mum, but Dad and other caregivers,
it is a great way for them to start to get to know baby and spend close,
intimate time together.<br />
<br />
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Babies are designed to be carried, their natural positioning of
their legs as a newborn fits us perfectly, their legs are bowed with feet
turned towards one another so they can hold on fast to their carrier. They have
a grasping reflex which, whilst now only lasts for a short time after birth,
harps back to a time when babies held on to our fur. A baby’s point of focus is
approximately 20 cms in front of them- just the right distance for baby to see
mum’s face when being carried or fed. Babies quickly learn to actively mould to
our bodies, moving with our movement and snuggling up to us. <o:p></o:p></div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Embrace your baby close to you</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
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Carrying our babies does not stop having benefits after the
early days, as babies become more curious and are able hold their heads up,
being carried on your hip or back becomes a great place from which they can
view the world. Babies are social and
learn through watching and communicating with others. They learn best when they
are calm and in the sling they are upright and alert with the security of being
near their caregiver. They can join in
with all that the person carrying is up to, interacting with the same people
and learning about the world but always able to tuck into mummy or daddy should it all become too much or they are too tired. It is so companionable to
share all you are doing with your little one from chatting as you walk around the
shops together to cooking the dinner or putting the washing on the clothesline.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXmWRo5N7mUCJ9P5I3Qw48gKoFx6ZAJOB_XzJjK0sqAioU7WClP9QoWlow7D_sMCmnVDWdVNflpkt28lu341-DCNQ3RYiJuqTJsNNXAW9PEkQ1Ju4svnnhHu2iUgPby3QYoA0uinbHI1NE/s1600/Hip+carry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXmWRo5N7mUCJ9P5I3Qw48gKoFx6ZAJOB_XzJjK0sqAioU7WClP9QoWlow7D_sMCmnVDWdVNflpkt28lu341-DCNQ3RYiJuqTJsNNXAW9PEkQ1Ju4svnnhHu2iUgPby3QYoA0uinbHI1NE/s320/Hip+carry.jpg" width="224" /></a></div>
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<i>Share your world with your little one</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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Babies are all too soon on the move! First crawling and then
walking. Especially with walking, carrying in a sling is a great way of
allowing a toddler to have the freedom to wonder- both hands free as no buggy
to push- and then when they are tired or in need of reconnecting up they come
into the sling for either a quick cuddle or maybe even a snooze. They now often initiate when they want to be
carried and even how- choosing their sling of preference! Carrying your child
does not have to stop at any particular time, young children still get tired- a
sling in the bag can be a lifeline when you least expect it. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>Up for a rest and a chat with mum</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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</div>
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Our little ones are only little for a short while- their needs
are constantly changing. Carrying helps enhance communication between mother
and baby so that mum can hear and respond to their little ones changing needs.
It is also a beautiful way to spend quality, cuddly time together and reconnect
as little one slowly finds and moves into their own space and out into the
world more. It is great for them to know that mum is always there to return to,
through having always had that reassurance of closeness from their initial
first days in the world.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07742337845266807934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7834753323260586280.post-55405668875559337882012-10-13T06:15:00.001-07:002013-01-02T04:54:12.851-08:00Babywearing consultancy- why?<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Carrying my daughter was one of the things that was
important to me as a pregnant mum- I am not entirely sure what inspired me
other than I felt it made sense to have her near me and more practical than
lugging a pram around. I first put my daughter in my sling of choice when she
was 5 days old- it felt good and brought a warm glow to my heart- I felt very
proud carrying her.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVOnfY10xNct8NvByHNr3jlUU5h1Z43fsFnr8HcyIVu7yiaQYrydXP7rdtfjBkFce6t5Ywtb_wpwzOqXSGnw7DFigDKOo2RuIa-BzfxSEJC2qmWeYUxNtPSoP3CAuvWjO5sLu8sdewNys_/s1600/IMG00138-20101114-1135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVOnfY10xNct8NvByHNr3jlUU5h1Z43fsFnr8HcyIVu7yiaQYrydXP7rdtfjBkFce6t5Ywtb_wpwzOqXSGnw7DFigDKOo2RuIa-BzfxSEJC2qmWeYUxNtPSoP3CAuvWjO5sLu8sdewNys_/s200/IMG00138-20101114-1135.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Our early babywearing days</i></div>
</div>
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<br /></div>
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11 months down the line I was beginning to find we were not
quite so comfortable but the manufactures instructions said the carrier was
suitable up to 15kg so how could it not be working for us? Luckily at this
point in time fate intervened and my path crossed with Lorette from Sling a
Baby, a babywearing consultant, who asked if she could show me how I should be
using my sling. The difference was phenomenal. She then pointed me in the
direction of my local sling meet and as they say I have not looked back.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I feel lucky that I did have this intervention, which means I have
been able to continue enjoying carrying my daughter. However many parents are
put off by carriers/slings that are either uncomfortable, they do not feel
confident using, become less supportive as baby grows or simply do not feel
safe and secure. There are some key guidelines that can enable parents to
ensure they are carrying their babies safely and comfortably. There has been
significant research into the best way to position babies so as to respect
their physiology and enhance the development of the spine and hips that is not
recognised by all baby carrier manufactures- meaning some carriers do not
enable this positioning and others do not have comprehensive enough
instructions or in the instance of some wraps suggest carries that are no
longer considered safe. The instructions to the sling I had did not clearly explain
this, it recommended positions/carries that are not safe and do not respect the
physiology of a baby and it also was not supportive enough for my growing
daughter. It is disappointing that these products, which we use to carry our
vulnerable, precious babies in, are giving incorrect and dangerous information.
My daughter is fine but I still wish I had accessed this important information
before starting my babywearing journey.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGgQwWKtQ3bK8_jXwSENsf4tZP-mvJdjkJiN4NTp6If2e89czk2zycJQCzv74ms8vo_ZPRfUGVt8S4apZE1wbK73BNIpmIGcQ26b0a4y-gr7tXDL2VEY0N4g36PwWBmIaq_dX5fVeGngfI/s1600/IMG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGgQwWKtQ3bK8_jXwSENsf4tZP-mvJdjkJiN4NTp6If2e89czk2zycJQCzv74ms8vo_ZPRfUGVt8S4apZE1wbK73BNIpmIGcQ26b0a4y-gr7tXDL2VEY0N4g36PwWBmIaq_dX5fVeGngfI/s200/IMG.jpg" width="131" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxwzobuljiesTBWebIPCWw12NALD_EpCTOzFisl10vrG3aVwDX4UZvSZqbT_PYB_g1tOdL0U90C3tlwCDtxItU3R3ML4fMClQbH1_SKdXTS0tL2MDIxBfUGfAmWXRMohHISgzbYhtuli2p/s1600/Positioning+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxwzobuljiesTBWebIPCWw12NALD_EpCTOzFisl10vrG3aVwDX4UZvSZqbT_PYB_g1tOdL0U90C3tlwCDtxItU3R3ML4fMClQbH1_SKdXTS0tL2MDIxBfUGfAmWXRMohHISgzbYhtuli2p/s200/Positioning+2.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>An optimum position for babies to be carried in is with limbs bent and close to their centre of gravity, </i><i>in a deep seated position with </i><i>their back rounded.</i></div>
</div>
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<br />
I have chosen to train to become a Babywearing Consultant so
that I feel confident and safe in helping other parents get access to this
information and giving them the tools that will help them carry confidently,
safely and comfortably.<br />
<br /></div>
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I often ask myself, would I have gone to a Babywearing
Consultant had I known about them? I would certainly now advise myself to! I
think I would have been interested in an ‘Introduction to Babywearing’
workshop, which is an inexpensive way to get an overview of what there is to
consider when purchasing a carrier, learning about some of the benefits,
understanding the importance of how baby is positioned and finding out more
about the wide range of products on the market. I know I was overwhelmed by the
choice on the market and had a feeling that not all the carriers being marketed
to me were necessarily good. It was also hard to know what would be best for me
and my requirements. It is great to get independent information on the pros and
cons of different carriers.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6vi6ogYziUBdPrWZtki5aPgvJaCoSBw3D4k1wmFwieCalwmrctcEr9Ako4md4L760G2plYiuoGhhTsa74GLUILHSwso7Px9CwBWNn5TZtaQ3AxepJqG2t9gq9uwEy1sbWHW8l4X0wuRkN/s1600/Slings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6vi6ogYziUBdPrWZtki5aPgvJaCoSBw3D4k1wmFwieCalwmrctcEr9Ako4md4L760G2plYiuoGhhTsa74GLUILHSwso7Px9CwBWNn5TZtaQ3AxepJqG2t9gq9uwEy1sbWHW8l4X0wuRkN/s320/Slings.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Which sling/carrier to choose?</i></div>
</div>
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<br /></div>
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I think from there I would have wanted to get all I could
from carrying my baby and so would have invested in one or two consultations so
I could feel confident in using my sling of choice. There are other ways to
learn though. The internet has a wealth of information, including Youtube
videos, some of it is great and some not so great so you do need to be
discerning as to what is reliable information. There are also sling meets and
sling libraries, which are brilliant resources as you can try before you buy
and get mother to mother support and help.
What you decide to do does depend on what you want to get out of
carrying your little one and what is right for you. For me it is how I transport my little one
and an important part of our daily life so I am keen to learn about this vital
tool in my life. Consultations have provided me with the chance to get one to
one tuition, to flatten my learning curve, to learn those key tips that can
make the difference between being safe and comfortable and not and enabled me
to carry my daughter in the way I want to. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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As a consultant I want to help parents get the most out of
carrying their little ones. They are little for such a short time, it seems
important to make the most of these early days and so much can be gained from
having them close to you. I really want to share what I have learnt and to
share what I love. The more the word is spread about the importance of a good
carrier and the best positioning for baby, the more people who will know and the less parents who
will be put off carrying their babies due to uncomfortable carriers, distressed
babies who are not comfortable, or just because they do not feel confident in
using their chosen carrier. As I say it does not have to be overwhelming and it
is not just for those quirkier parents but for everyone, however they choose to
incorporate it into their daily life. It is not only a great way of being close
to your little one but very practical.</div>
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<br /></div>
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</div>
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I believe Babywearing is an art and it is highly individual- every
baby and parent is unique, but when you get it right it is magical. I hope that
I can share a little babywearing magic with others.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
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Useful links<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.slingguide.co.uk/">http://www.slingguide.co.uk/</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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Great website providing information on the benefits, the
different types of carriers, instructions on how to use and where to buy.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.trageschule.co.uk/find-a-consultant/">http://www.trageschule.co.uk/find-a-consultant/</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://babi.me.uk/find-a-babywearing-instructor-near-you/">http://babi.me.uk/find-a-babywearing-instructor-near-you/</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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If you are interested in a consultation look up a consultant
near you.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.slingmeet.co.uk/">http://www.slingmeet.co.uk/</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://www.ukslinglibraries.co.uk/">http://www.ukslinglibraries.co.uk/</a></div>
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Look up to see if there is a sling meet/sling library near you.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/slingababy?feature=watch">http://www.youtube.com/user/slingababy?feature=watch</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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For reliable, excellent quality videos on various carriers
by SlingaBaby<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07742337845266807934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7834753323260586280.post-51795126966777654002012-09-30T06:05:00.000-07:002012-09-30T06:05:28.408-07:00Beach Sculpture<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Before we headed to the beach I naively made the suggestion
that we needed a bucket and spade to enjoy a bit of play on the beach. Luckily
we did not make this purchase! It did not take long for me to realise that all
the my daughter needed to enjoy play was provide for her naturally. First there
was the simply joy of walking on the sand, getting mummy to do some paddling
and covering feet with sand, then pebbles and feathers were discovered and soon
sculptures were being created. We parents joined in too, it was such a lovely way of simply being together. I loved the opportunity for a bit of play and
creativity: having a go at my own simple sculpture, enjoying the texture and
movement of the sand and seeing how I could manipulate it- just as little one
was!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvOUQ3a-lrgui8LBrYeXVQ6c3HeqF9y1Q-hJ6TPe0Tf_JptajLGmAJojl2EbQ_lCOjuzcS7VyeUQdvsHRX2lG-Q1Zltcq2zzIfuQxdnwgxNM2Y-KjVOmOxAcm2Z-os67Extoi7W1kSer62/s1600/P1030338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvOUQ3a-lrgui8LBrYeXVQ6c3HeqF9y1Q-hJ6TPe0Tf_JptajLGmAJojl2EbQ_lCOjuzcS7VyeUQdvsHRX2lG-Q1Zltcq2zzIfuQxdnwgxNM2Y-KjVOmOxAcm2Z-os67Extoi7W1kSer62/s320/P1030338.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
'Little Person’s First Sculpture on the Beach'</div>
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</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivVDt59Qf5NKrlqzEdXOT2dISiFBN2hYPMREoVWPLXtxaXsGlPo77v-sddxO39NhXBx-c6-zbqniU9QIxVN1EQEd5EZgpfc4BjpCJI4cjyweb-JOw2cbH-8Qhtp0DDWOZj41gLp2jwBq5G/s1600/P1030348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivVDt59Qf5NKrlqzEdXOT2dISiFBN2hYPMREoVWPLXtxaXsGlPo77v-sddxO39NhXBx-c6-zbqniU9QIxVN1EQEd5EZgpfc4BjpCJI4cjyweb-JOw2cbH-8Qhtp0DDWOZj41gLp2jwBq5G/s320/P1030348.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
‘Creating and Playing’<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07742337845266807934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7834753323260586280.post-51205860933914221332012-09-27T06:11:00.001-07:002012-09-27T06:11:39.477-07:00Yurting and SlingingWe have just enjoyed a few nights in a yurt in Cornwall- a more luxurious,
spacious and easier way of camping with little one. It was lovely to have
family time close to nature. Amongst many useful tools, such as the torch and
corkscrew, that made the holiday more relaxing were my slings. Here are some
examples of how and when they saved achy arms and frustrations:<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li>A quick hands free when walking between yurt, kitchen and bathroom
especially when putting little shoes on was not accepted</li>
<li>For a bit of reassurance when feeding the animals in the morning</li>
<li>For doing the washing up together whilst being able to chat</li>
<li>To enable a lunchtime nap (after a little persuasion) whilst
walking along the cliff tops</li>
<li>For short ups and downs around town</li>
<li>For a tired toddler needing lots of cuddles whilst packing the car
on our departure</li>
<li>When not in use the ring sling/wrap provided that little bit of extra
warmth (it all helps!)</li>
</ul>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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The downsides- only Mummy is allowed the benefits of hands free
cuddles, unfortunately Daddy is not allowed any aids to his carrying- arms are apparently
good enough. Daddy did get achy arms especially as being Daddy’s girl Mummy
often did not get a look in on the carrying! <v:shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f">
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8amng5mpy-hx39ssQP7_dCPmBjBUA-W9kpgnZF2Jp1hWw0bRCsoZVE_yFJw6R2oX-8U9dJVVauBCdD5SueqnD94x4E8V4fMKaqJxksDUXLWY2SZsvNU3JFgtaQN6L3sMucut8HW8g7Fkp/s1600/P1030323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8amng5mpy-hx39ssQP7_dCPmBjBUA-W9kpgnZF2Jp1hWw0bRCsoZVE_yFJw6R2oX-8U9dJVVauBCdD5SueqnD94x4E8V4fMKaqJxksDUXLWY2SZsvNU3JFgtaQN6L3sMucut8HW8g7Fkp/s320/P1030323.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;">‘Yurting’</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Wickenden Cafe NDP'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px; text-align: start;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3jDyh177294uRVExoCRfkF4AOuPKIEax9qLvt8vnr6UAm6deK8A_62urJK1y4Vpw4Y5YlhYsc_C_WIelGcCia0oMxa7u70LUz2mLqAwwB0GRGHq7CUYGbny9-LVcZS7q2-rtbrqNphdcO/s1600/P1030321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3jDyh177294uRVExoCRfkF4AOuPKIEax9qLvt8vnr6UAm6deK8A_62urJK1y4Vpw4Y5YlhYsc_C_WIelGcCia0oMxa7u70LUz2mLqAwwB0GRGHq7CUYGbny9-LVcZS7q2-rtbrqNphdcO/s320/P1030321.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">‘Slinging’</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Wickenden Cafe NDP"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">Our </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">child friendly </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">yurt holiday was </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">courtesy</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"> of </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://www.yurtscornwall.com/index.htm"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">http://www.yurtscornwall.com/index.htm</span></a></span></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07742337845266807934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7834753323260586280.post-36675212164300859152012-08-13T13:30:00.000-07:002012-08-13T13:30:02.415-07:00The lows, the highs, the dark, the light, the hate and ultimately the love<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">In
this blog I want to find the balance- too often it is easy to simply focus on
the joys and idealism of being a parent alongside advice on how to be best
meeting your little ones needs so I wanted to acknowledge that parenting is not
all giggles and sunny days. There are times when we simply feel pushed to our
limits and might even feel resentful, angry and maybe a little hatefully
towards our little ones and find ourselves falling short of meeting our little
ones’ needs in the way all the books say we should. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
think it can be easy to feel that having these emotions and not being in
control somehow means we are not the ‘perfect’ mum but striving to be the
perfect mum is not realistic or healthy. In fact I think there is more
value in being imperfect, or to refer to the well-used phrase of Donald Winnicott, <span style="background: white;">an English<span class="apple-converted-space"> paediatrician</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white;"> </span></span><span style="background: white;">and psychoanalyst</span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">, to be </span></span>a
‘good enough mum’. I think that it is important that we do sometimes fail
our children as this is part of their growing up and initiation into life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
am reminded of watching the film Shadowlands where they liken the pain that
comes with the joy of love to that of the shadows that are created by sunshine-
dark is part and parcel of light. Parenting can be magical and the love we feel
for our kids is often more than we can imagine but as I’ve said we can also
have equally intense feeling of anger, frustration or even hate, albeit
briefly. Winnicott is also famous for his 18 ‘reasons why mum hates baby’. If
we wanted to avoid there being these intense feelings, or the shadows, then
there would be no sunshine, no light, no love- it would just be grey- would we
really want such a bland, mute existence? What we can do is enjoy the light but
remember to respect the shadows and sometimes shine a torch into the shadows to
acknowledge what is there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
think the trick is to take ownership of these powerful feelings that can be
triggered, especially when we are tired and pushed to our limits and taken time
out to understand what it is triggering them rather than simply blindly acting
them out, which is when they become dangerous and destructive. It is of benefit
to all to stop to listen to what we are trying to tell ourselves and learn,
making changes where necessary and growing in ourselves. We can also extend
this learning process to include our little ones, by starting to teach our
children about these emotions, demonstrating to them how best to manage them
and bringing into the equation this other side of life. Also if it is them
pushing our boundaries we can communicate to them what is and is not acceptable
and what the consequences can be of their actions on another. We are ultimately
preparing them so they can survive and partake in the dance of life and what
better way to learn then with us in the safety of a loving, intimate
relationship. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">What
I want to remember is that even though my daughter is the most precious thing
to me and many moments throughout the day my heart swells with love, there are
also times when she does push me to my absolute limits and rather than acting
out in these moments I need to accept and acknowledge that I will feel
angry/resentful/hurt, and that is okay- what is important is how I deal with
the situation. The really intimacy of my relationship with my daughter comes in
accepting the whole package- the lows, the highs, the dark, the light, the hate and ultimately the
love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Below
some of Winnicott’s reasons a mum hates baby:</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72.0pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">’After
an awful morning with him she goes out, and he smiles at a stranger, who says:
Isn’t he sweet?’<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72.0pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">‘He
is ruthless, treats her as scum, an unpaid servant, a slave.’<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">‘He
tries to hurt her, periodically bites her, all in love’<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72.0pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">‘He
is suspicious, refuses her good food, and makes her doubt herself, but eats
well with his aunt’<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07742337845266807934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7834753323260586280.post-84852506722774873122012-07-12T06:18:00.000-07:002012-07-12T06:18:27.401-07:00Why I love Baby Yoga<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="background-color: white;">Ultimately baby yoga has always been and is a great way
to simply spend time with my daughter, Caelin who is now 23 months old- setting
aside even just 10 minutes to forget about the 'washing up' and just be with
her, enjoying time together with lots of interaction, movement and singing.</span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
I love how our baby yoga practice has grown with my
daughter. It is great to see her now doing baby yoga with her dolly,
independently doing the stretches and moves like downward dog, tree and butterfly but still loving to be
helped into a handstand or be swung for what sometimes feels like forever!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
As a new mum, baby yoga helped increase my confidence
with how to handle my baby, through teaching me different holds, lifts, swings,
drops and inversions. Whilst many of
these moves are quite natural to do, I would possibly not have felt safe and
secure doing them and might not have thought to actively incorporate them into
my day with Caelin. Baby yoga can be used throughout the day- baby fussing and
you simply are unsure what they are wanting- I have been amazed how a quick ' upside
down' can literally turn their mood around.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikaJVn8u26LPUjd0wBHXfPKnbIzI0ZcE_XyEVxhqlFynCVQeCyW-znljFw37t_2Fdc0ees0MB5mv_etg455wU97aM3UZH5fpHNVYD3kc0BgyKBQXOYy_AlAkpxRKC_eKPp9Dr9xEEKO-hv/s1600/973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikaJVn8u26LPUjd0wBHXfPKnbIzI0ZcE_XyEVxhqlFynCVQeCyW-znljFw37t_2Fdc0ees0MB5mv_etg455wU97aM3UZH5fpHNVYD3kc0BgyKBQXOYy_AlAkpxRKC_eKPp9Dr9xEEKO-hv/s200/973.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: center;">
<o:p><i style="background-color: white;"><br /></i></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: center;">
<o:p><i style="background-color: white;">‘Flying Babies’</i> </o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Baby yoga is about sharing space and an ac<span style="background-color: white;">tivity
together. We can do yoga together or I might do my own yoga whilst Caelin plays
or Caelin might take the lead for a while, initiating moves and requesting
songs. </span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">We have found a rhythm that is
reflected in our daily life of coming together, being alongside one another and
taking turns in initiating the next activity.</span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Part of the rhythm of baby yoga is finding the balance
between active doing time (asanas) and non- active quiet and still time (relaxation).
I have always struggled to stop and relax and I now notice this with my
daughter. Baby Yoga has helped remind me
that relaxation needs to be part of our daily life, actively being non active
together, giving Caelin the opportunity to learn about relaxation and hopefully
grow up with the art of relaxing. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Baby yoga has taught me how to share and support my
daughter as she explores and experiments with what she can do, from her first
roll in a baby yoga class to now learning to jump and hop. It also helps her
build strength and balance through the exercises- all those swings and drops
are not just fun but also great for developing the vestibular system!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
I'm a virgo and love the satisfaction of getting several
things done at once, especially as a busy mum! So the fact I can spend time
with my little one, enable her to have some active time and do a little exercise
myself is very satisfying. I particularly
remember in the early days when holding, feeding and gazing at my daughter for
hours led to tense shoulders and neck, it was bliss just to take a few moments
to relieve some of the stress and strain through simple moves and stretches.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
It has also helped me to remember to be aware of how I am
lifting and carrying my daughter so as to ensure I am not putting unnecessary
strain on my back. Our backs and spine are vital to our health so we need to
look after them and respect them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Finally did I mention it is time spent with my little
one? And time spent really being with her, having fun, learning and simply
being together.<o:p></o:p></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07742337845266807934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7834753323260586280.post-732470391861717842012-06-29T12:49:00.000-07:002012-11-05T06:05:01.324-08:00My First Blog!<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
You may ask, as do I, why do I want to write a blog? I
want to initially share some of my thoughts and musings on parenting and the important
job we have in helping our little ones become who they were dreamed to be. I
want to share what I am learning on my mothering journey and what I witness and
learn through my baby yoga and baby art classes. I want to share the magic of carrying your little one in slings and carriers, sharing what I learn as a Babywearing Consultant and as a mother who carries her little one close to her heart. I want to remind myself, and at the same time
others, of the importance of nurturing and being true to ourselves and our little
ones, especially in the conscious decisions we make for ourselves and our
families. I simply want to write and share.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2K1PmZ6CUjSuBL0KvbWHrliBlkwc6XP7ca252RGZ2f9gfgqw65VHDdJLTqmlMVYp7SPJioAhBj-cu9-CIuyktXtfy5foIBVDp1tB0LtYoPigVGuZQFnM2-XqIhp7rNrOHpQSPvu1fAzjJ/s1600/First+Blog+Pic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2K1PmZ6CUjSuBL0KvbWHrliBlkwc6XP7ca252RGZ2f9gfgqw65VHDdJLTqmlMVYp7SPJioAhBj-cu9-CIuyktXtfy5foIBVDp1tB0LtYoPigVGuZQFnM2-XqIhp7rNrOHpQSPvu1fAzjJ/s320/First+Blog+Pic.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: center;">
<i>‘Nature, Trees, Nurture, Painting, Little
Hands and Feet, Yoga’<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
I begin full of trepidation as to whether I actually have
anything to share or say, especially as I research and read others blogs, I
feel overwhelmed by the wealth of words already out there. I am then reminded
of the tree, part of our namesake, it starts as a seed and with nurturing
grows, setting its roots into the ground and then reaching towards the sky as
it turns from a seedling to a sapling to a young tree and finally becomes a
noble, wise, grounded entity reaching upwards, outwards and downwards,
providing shelter and safety to those who might need it and playing a part in the cycle of life. This blog is but a seed, in its early
infancy, and I hope that I, and my readers, can nurture it to grow and become
what it needs to be. I look forward to sharing this journey and learning and
growing together.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<o:p> </o:p><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></div>
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‘Though your
destination is not yet clear<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: center;">
You can trust the
promise of this opening;<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: center;">
Unfurl yourself
into the grace of beginning<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: center;">
That is at one
with your life’s desire.’<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Extract from
‘for a new beginning’ <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
O’Donohue,
John, 2007. <i>Benedictus, </i>Bantam Press<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07742337845266807934noreply@blogger.com0