Baby’s First Birthday
So Imogen is 1 in under 2 weeks! How has this happened and where has the time flown! Anyway we are busy in the process of planning her first birthday party and we have decided for a picnic in the park in the theme of Peter Rabbit (love to plan on a theme).
Although Peter Rabbit is a traditional English story and absolutely everyone has heard of it we haven’t had much luck in finding anything Peter Rabbit themed unless you want to pay an absolute fortune however we have been very lucky as Gavin has made Imogen’s invitations this year which i think makes it that extra little bit special.
We have however found some adorable little shoes and outfit (Peter Rabbit themed of course) in Mothercare
What to do for entertainment?
Entertainment wise I thought what can we do for a baby’s first birthday, so we have decided to buy her a bouncy castle as her main present as Imogen is bouncy mad and does not sit still for a second. We are going to be getting this pink palace bouncy castle from Mothercare
As well as the bouncy castle I thought children are bubble mad so will be having a bubble machine like this one from The Entertainer
Another idea for a first birthday party are tents and tunnels, children love to climb and crawl in and out of these. As well as having a ball pit it should keep the children very active (and quiet) for a few hours. We have found an excellent tent and tunnel from quickdraw supplies and at a bargain price too.
I’m sure we will give you an update on how her party went as well as the pictures of a little surprise we have planned!
(keep your fingers crossed for us that the weather is glorious!)
Leave us a comment what you recommend doing for a perfect first birthday party!
Activities for 3-6 month old babies
We’ve been trying out lots of new activities recently with Imogen which have been helping to develop a range of new skills and build up her muscles which will help further her development. Here are our top five activities we like do:
- Tummy time- We use tummy time to help develop them all important muscles helping her to lift her head, neck and shoulders and develop her motor skills. We put toys around her allowing her to reach out to grab hold of anything she likes to play with and will help to encourage her to move.
- Painting- Imogen loves to explore the texture of the paint, make sure you use child friendly poster paints as babies do tend to put it in their mouths. Also dress your child in an apron or clothes you don’t mind getting messy and stained. Painting will help to make them aware of different textures and develop fine motor skills.
- Balloon play- This is one of Imogen’s favourite activities. Tie helium filled balloons gently to your babies ankles. This will help them become aware of their feet and to help build neck and shoulder muscles when looking at their feet. Make sure you keep this activity supervised at all times.
- Going for walks- We love to get outside even if cold. We take Imogen for long walks and talk to her about the environment and what she can see and different noises whether its dogs barking or the sound of passing cars. This always tires her out so she has nice long naps afterwards.
- Jumperoo- The jumperoo helps to build core muscles, keeping her head up and building her leg muscles bouncing away. With the electronic toys attached to the jumperoo is helps to develop an awareness of action and response as well as hand eye co-ordination.
Chilli Con Carne- Slimming World Style
I have recently became a big lover of all things Mexican and one of the meals i have been really enjoying recently is chilli con carne, its another easy syn free recipe to follow and can be made in the slow cooker or over the stove.
Syns: syn free
Ingredients:
low calorie cooking spray
lean mince beef (5% fat)
1 tin of chopped tomatoes
1 chopped onion
red and yellow peppers chopped
2tbsp chilli powder (or more or less depending on taste buds)
1 can of kidney beans
rice
Recipe:
-Fry the mince beef for 2-3 minutes or until browned
-Meanwhile start cooking your rice according to the packet instructions
-Add the onions and peppers and cook until these are soft.
-Stir in the tin of chopped tomatoes into the pan also adding 2 tbsp of chilli powder or an amount of your choosing depending on personal choice.
-Finally add in the can of kidney beans, cooking the ingredients for a further five minutes.
-Once cooked serve with the rice, we also add a lovely side salad with our chilli con carne to top up our superfree food for the day.
Please find more of our delicious recipes on this link