A birthday with Bakerdays - Letterbox Cake Review

This week my eldest daughter, Izzie, turned five and I just can't work out where those last five years gone. It only seems five minutes ago that she was a tiny (well ok a 9lb 4oz) bundle of joy. Now she is at school and has become "Little Miss Independent"!

Word of the Week: Parent

This week I have been reflecting on my parenting journey so far. I adore my three little ones and I can't imagine life without them but it is no secret that I find being a parent tough and I have, at times, lost myself along the way. It is always the children that lift me when I am at my lowest. Here is my latest poem inspired by Mum Turned Mom's weekly writing prompt "Mirror".

Mirror

Looking in the mirror,

I twist a loose strand of hair.

That creeping thought is back again,

A chill spreading through the air.

It expands like a spiders web,

Entangling my mind.

My thoughts darken quickly,

The sun becomes hard to find.

Growing ever blacker,

Like a fog inside my head.

It rushes through my body,

A sickening feeling, dread.

I’m hopeless. I’m a failure.

They deserve so much more.

I’m useless. I’m not good enough.

An echo of internal war.

It’s a solitary battle,

An all consuming storm,

There is no escape plan,

The black clouds swarm.

My mind wades through the waters,

As I consider what I’ve become.

Feeling desperately alone,

Until a little voice shouts “Mum!”

Then the clouds start to lift,

And the light peaks through,

The air is calm and warm again,

And it’s all because of you.

K.E - October 2016

On Monday it was our first Parents' Evening since Izzie started school. We didn't really know what to expect as first timers but it was actually really lovely to hear how well Izzie is settling in and how much she enjoys learning. She loves to practice her writing both at school and at home. It does seem very hard work for her because she is left handed (as is her teacher) so I am really trying to encourage her as much as I can with her letter formation. It helps that she is so enthusiastic.

She also loves rhymes and poetry. This week she came up with a little poem, which really made me smile so I thought I'd share it.

Fluffy Penguin

fluffy penguin

white and black

waddles around

on the ice

slippy penguin

carries its egg

tap tap

and out pokes a leg

Baby penguin

loves to shout

to his mummy

chirp

I.E - October 2016

I hope everyone else has had a good week.

Word of the Week: Disaster

After a total disaster of a week, I'm resorting to rhyme to cheer myself up...

One step forward,

But two steps back.

A week of disasters,

I feel like such a hack.

Snotty kids and sleepless nights,

A broken washing machine,

Sciatica and tantrums,

A house that’s never clean.

It’s driven me to breaking point,

I’ve become that shouty mum.

Now I’ve started rhyming,

Who knows what’s next to come?

Fingers crossed tomorrow’s better,

Or I’ll surely lose the plot,

But I’d better get some wine in,

Just in case it’s not!

K.E. - October 2016

A 3 MONTH BLOGGERVERSARY?

When I started blogging in June to keep track of our family reading challenge, I had no idea what I was about to embark on. Three months later and, although I remain very much a novice blogger, I wanted to mark Along Came Poppy's bloggerversary by reflecting upon my experiences so far.

So, what have I learned?

• I am a bit (OK very) technically inept! I was very proud of myself when I initially set up the blog but three months on and I am yet to go self hosted and still have daily issues with formatting. Navigating the blogosphere has itself been quite challenging too but with a few pointers from some brilliant bloggers, I am starting to find my feet. The following post has been particularly useful:
• Top Tips for a Successful Blog from A Mum Track Mind
• Blogging is incredibly time consuming. I quickly discovered that writing content is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to blogging. I spend a lot (probably too much) time on social media. I also join in with linky parties to share my posts with other bloggers and read other blogs for inspiration. I confess I don't have much spare time with two little ones at home all the time so it is a good job I am a night owl!
• There is an amazing and supportive network of bloggers out there willing to share their own tips and technical knowledge. I have found these linkys particularly encouraging to join in with:
• KCACOLS hosted by A Moment With Franca  
• Word of the Week hosted by The Reading Residence
• Read With Me hosted by Mama Mummy Mum

Our achievements:

• As well as reviewing a vast number of children's books and sharing our recommendations on the blog, I also decided to share a little about our family life. I have particularly enjoyed raising awareness of Ectodermal Dysplasia, Jeans for Genes Day and National Eczema Week. 
• I have been amazed by the number of visitors we have had to the blog and I have been completely overwhelmed by the positive feedback we have received. I am thrilled each time someone tells me they have enjoyed a book we have recommended and I love reading your comments!
• Our three most popular posts so far have been:
• Word of the week: Kindness
• 366 Books in 366 Days: Miffy’s Birthday Review and Giveaway
• Review: H is for Haemodialysis
• However, the post that makes me smile the most is: A poem to my daughter on her first day of school
• Pre-blogging I was already fairly active on Twitter and Instagram. I continue to post our daily book choice photos to Instagram. We now have over 880 followers on IG and 1,640 on Twitter.

Looking to the future:

• I aim to continue to post at least one bookish post a week and a Word of the Week post, which may relate to family life, parenting, days out or blogging (a bit of everything). I will continue to do product reviews as and when the opportunities arise.
• I intend to go self hosted but I am currently slightly terrified by this prospect. I wish I had chosen to be self hosted from the start - why didn't I listen to all the experienced bloggers out there?!
• I would like to build relationships with authors, illustrators and publishers, and perhaps, join in with a Book Blog Tour at some stage (if we are very lucky).
• We do have a few other product reviews in the pipeline and I hope to do a bit of vlogging with the Mini Reviewers as they enjoy making little videos!
• Most importantly I hope that we continue to enjoy our #366booksin366days reading challenge and everything the blog brings. Here's to the next three months!

Thank you for reading and for your continuing support.
Until next time... KEEP READING!

Kate and the Mini Reviewers x

Word of the Week: Bloggerversary!

Celebrating 100 Years of Roald Dahl #RoaldDahl100

Today marks 100 years since the birth of the world’s most imaginative storyteller, Roald Dahl. Like so many, I have such fond childhood memories of Dahl’s whimsical and sometimes pretty gruesome tales. I think we all have our own favourites, mine are “Matilda” and “The Twits” and I admit I was always a little (very) scared of The BFG!

At the moment my own children, the Mini Reviewers, are too young to fully appreciate the greatest of Dahl and so we have only read a couple of his shorter books together. The first story we read was “The Magic Finger”. This may seem like an unusual choice but we picked it up when we were on our summer holiday and we read it straight away. Then last week we borrowed a selection of Dahl books from the library and yesterday we read “The Enormous Crocodile” together.

I was concerned that even these books may still be a little long and, perhaps, a little scary for the Mini Reviewers. However, there was no need to worry. Both Izzie (4) and Theo (2) have been completely captivated and amused by Dahl's stories so far. They found “The Enormous Crocodile” particularly hilarious and are now really looking forward to reading the other books we borrowed from the library: “Revolting Rhymes”, “Esio Trot” and “The Giraffe, The Pelly and Me”.

A photo posted by Kate (Along Came Poppy) (@kate.eccles) on Sep 12, 2016 at 11:57am PDT

As many people are familiar with Roald Dahl’s books, instead of reviewing one of his stories today, I would like to share three of my favourite Dahl quotes and raise a glass of Willy Wonka’s “fizzy lifting drink” to their gloriumptious author!

The Twits

Charlie and The Great Glass Elevator

Do you have a favourite Roald Dahl book? 

Are you celebrating 100 years of Dahl?

Until next time... HAPPY READING!

Kate & the Mini Reviewers xx

Word of the Week: Squeeze

So this week we have tried to SQUEEZE in as much as possible before Izzie starts school on Tuesday.

We kicked off the weekend with a family trip to the wonderful Rainbow Factory in Leeds for some storytelling fun. The children got to dress up, listen to stories, sing songs and play lots of games. They also had an action packed tour of the displays which currently feature models of well known Heroes and Villains such as the BFG, the Big Bad Wolf and Captain Hook. There were also plenty of craft activities in Goldilocks’ Kitchen to keep them busy. The staff (as always) were fantastic and did everything possible to ensure each child had a truly magical experience. If you are near Leeds, it is well worth a visit!

Rainbow Factory Fun

Next we managed to complete Izzie’s summer list (remember that rainbow day?!), well this week we had a quick trip to the local airfield for some plane spotting and then a brilliant Fimo modelling session. Having Izzie make her own summer list was so successful and really does prove that kids have the best ideas!

Fimo Models

Midweek we met up with Izzie’s best buddy and visited York Maze. They have been friends since they were babies and it was our last trip together before they both start at different schools. The weather was glorious and we had a really great day. It was our first trip to the maze and this year’s fabulous design was inspired by Roald Dahl to commemorate 100 years since his birth (1916). We might have got a little lost around the Enormous Crocodile’s teeth. The maze closes next week but the global celebration of Roald Dahl’s birthday will take place on 13th September 2016. You can find out more about other Roald Dahl events here.

Photo: York Maze

We now have a very exciting week ahead of us as Izzie is going to be Flower Girl at a family wedding. Then it is her first day at school. I think we might be ready, well the uniform is, but emotionally perhaps not! I will certainly be packing some tissues.

The summer really does seem to have flown by. I hope you have all enjoyed the holidays as much as we have.

Word of the Week: Emotion

Last week my thoughts were primarily focused on Izzie starting school. A momentous occasion for her, not only the start of her formal education but much more importantly, she will be joining a new community and (fingers crossed) making lots of new friends. However, for me as a stay at home parent looking after two younger children, I hadn’t really thought about how my life would change and I certainly hadn’t allowed myself to get too emotional about the whole thing.

Word of the Week: Upbeat

I have desperately tried to remain UPBEAT this week and, in all honesty, it has been incredibly tough. Things began to unravel for us on Saturday lunchtime when we had to cancel a weekend of celebrations due to illness. We were utterly deflated and basically this set the tone for the rest of the week.

As I’m often branded a pessimist by my own father (thanks dad), I am determined that my blog, for the most part, will be a whinge free zone. So don’t panic, I am sparing you the gory ins and outs of our week. Instead I have chosen to share the things that made me smile and got me through to Friday...

1. SLEEP - Poppy moved into her own room and finally dropped the night feeds so I have had my first full nights’ sleep (yes multiple) in almost nine months. Hooray!
2. DISNEY - I managed to take all three little ones to see Finding Dory at the cinema and we also watched lots of classic Disney films at home. Thank you Walt.
3. A PLAN - Theo had a very positive appointment at the dental hospital. He is going to be reviewed again in six months with a view to commencing treatment. You can read more about our family’s dental issues here.
4. MILESTONES - Poppy started pulling herself up and cruising the furniture. Is this a good thing? I’m not so sure, but it certainly made me smile!
5. SIBLING BONDING - We played lots of games, read lots of books and did some drawing. It was great watching Izzie and Theo play properly together. He learns so much from her and he teaches her the need for patience and understanding!
6. DISTRACTIONS - I won’t lie, my new phone together with blogging, reading and watching the Olympics have also been fantastic distractions from the grim realities!

I’ve got everything crossed that this week will be better but, if its not, I’ll take Dory’s advice and “just keep swimming”!

Baby girl is feeling better - phew! Even managed a selfie ;) #nearly9months #timeflies #happyfriday

A photo posted by Kate (Along Came Poppy) (@kate.eccles) on Aug 19, 2016 at 2:50am PDT

Word of the Week: Rainbow

When, at the start of the summer break, I asked Izzie (4) to make a list of things she wanted to do, I wasn’t quite prepared for what was to follow…

1. Build Sandcastles
2. Go to Rockpools
3. Paint nails
4. Make Fimo models
5. Watch Finding Dory at the cinema
6. Visit the Airfield for Theo and… wait for it...
7. A RAINBOW DAY WITH RAINBOW PIZZA!!!

She either has the best imagination ever or she possibly saw it on CBeebies. That blooming Mr Maker has a lot to answer for! She even described how she wanted a rainbow hanging from the washing line made out of different coloured things. When I looked at her blankly she said, “you know Mum like fabrics and stuff”. I promised her I’d see what I could do and this week we had our Rainbow Day.

Happy Rainbow Day!

Word of the Week: Outdoors

Well what a fantastic week we have had. The sunshine returned just in time for our trip to the coast and so we have spent most of our time OUTDOORS with family and friends.

We caught a fish (ok we may have cheated!) #seaside #whitby #countrykids

A photo posted by Kate (Along Came Poppy) (@kate.eccles) on Aug 5, 2016 at 4:39pm PDT

We have built sandcastles and "caught" a giant fish in Whitby; walked the Stickman Trail in the Dalby Forest; fed the goats at Playdale Farm Park in Scarborough; and we finished off the week with a BBQ in the garden.

Look who we found today! #gruffaloschild #stickmantrail #dalbyforest @forestrycommeng #countrykids

A photo posted by Kate (Along Came Poppy) (@kate.eccles) on Aug 5, 2016 at 4:35pm PDT

Of course, we have read many books too and Izzie (4) has now completed the Library's Big Friendly Read, Summer Challenge. Here were her six choices:

1. Wolfish Stew - Suzi Moore and Erica Salcedo
2. The Queen's Orang-utan - David Walliams and Tony Ross
3. Pass It On - Sophy Henn
4. The Mouse Who Reached The Sky - Petr Horacek
5. Wanted Ralfy Rabbit Book Burglar - Emily Mackenzie
6. Alfie Outdoors - Shirley Hughes

One of our favourite books has been “Alfie Outdoors”. Written and illustrated by the incredible Shirley Hughes, this lovely picture book is part of a series of books about a little boy called Alfie and his family. In this story Alfie discovers all the fun he can have outdoors. From digging in the vegetable patch to bug hunting, this book has it all. There are also some beautiful pictures of goats which coincidentally fitted in with our own trip to the farm. We think "Alfie Outdoors" makes the perfect read for a sunny day in the garden.

#bigfriendlyread #kidlit #bookblogger #bookstagram #summerreading #readingoutdoors #book6

A photo posted by Kate (Along Came Poppy) (@kate.eccles) on Aug 8, 2016 at 4:45am PDT

What have you been up to this week? Have you had any adventures outdoors?

Until next time... HAPPY READING!

Kate & the Mini Reviewers xx

Word of the Week: Puddles!

Well, this week I’ve bitten the bullet, or rather we’ve bitten the bullet and Theo has started potty training. While Izzie took to the potty with ease, I have suspected for quite some time it would be more of a struggle for Theo.

Potty training #day1 preparing the only way we know how ;) Wish us luck! #pottytraining #kidsbooks #picturebooks

A photo posted by Kate (@kate.eccles) on Jul 28, 2016 at 5:07am PDT

Izzie never liked having a wet or dirty nappy, so from the stage she could sit up, we used to hold her on the potty. Then she would sit on the potty herself each evening (in front of CBeebies of course) and suddenly one day she started taking her nappies off and that was that, time for big girl pants. Her timing was dreadful as I was about 8 months pregnant with Theo and I really didn’t want to keep bending down to clean up little accidents. But, as always, Izzie was determined and, by the time Theo was born, she was dry during the day.

In contrast Theo has never liked the potty and hates having his nappy changed. Even now it takes ninja-like skills to do a quick dirty/clean swap. He is usually thrashing around on the floor like a demented octopus. Or, even worse, stubbornly lying flat on his front, nose pressed to the ground, body as stiff as a board! When asked, he will deny his nappy is dirty. He chooses to sit in it (whatever the state) just so he can continue to play. Therefore, as you can imagine, potty training him was at the very bottom of my “to do” list.

Anyway towards the middle of this week he took me completely by surprise and expressed an interest in wearing his “big boy” pants. (Remembering just how many pairs I’d needed for Izzie, I had bought several packs in the Mothercare Christmas sale!) So on Thursday I got out the pants, the obligatory stickers and all the potty/pants related books I could find, and we began.

Since then Theo has been running around the house in just pants and a top. His favourite potty has been travelling from room to room with us. I was not expecting this to be a quick process and I have been “cheating” and putting him in nappies for car journeys and at naptime to make it that bit easier for me. Day one there were lots of little puddles and even a wee in his favourite boat! But amazingly today there were just two puddles and six successful potty trips. Hooray! This may of course be beginners luck but I am just glad he will now happily sit on the potty.

Please do share your potty training tips with us...

Until next time... HAPPY READING!

Kate & the Mini Reviewers xx

Word of the Week: Zoom

...and she is off!

This week Poppy started to crawl, I mean really crawl. I momentarily leave her in the lounge, she finds me in the kitchen. I pop her on the changing mat, turn to grab a nappy and she is under the bed. Nowhere is safe and she can literally squeeze into the smallest of spaces. Her favourite spot seems to be down the side of the TV. She obviously knows that is where all the good plugs and cables are!

I am delighted that she is on the move (and so is she) but I am starting to realise we have a slight problem. Before Izzie could even roll over, the whole house was baby proof. Every socket had a cover and almost every cupboard a catch. Then Theo came along and due to his ninja moves and climbing skills, the coffee table gained padded edges. With Poppy, however, the other two children are the real "safety" issue. Theo wants to climb on her, or worse jump over her. Izzie wants to carry her like a doll. Plus the whole house is strewn with an array of inappropriate plastic toys and clutter. This week I have already removed the following from her mouth: a playmobil ski; Theo's shoe (on three separate occasions); tissue paper; an ipad; a plug (unplugged - twice); a clothes peg; Lightning McQueen; a little plastic man and a copy of Chemistry World!

I read somewhere that the more children you have, the less you worry about the little stuff and I do think this is true. All I can hope is Poppy starts to walk very soon and learns to out run Izzie and Theo. Plus we need to work on keeping the clutter to a minimum. 

Wish us luck!

Until next time... HAPPY READING!

Kate & the Mini Reviewers xx

Caught in the act

But pleased with herself!

Word of the Week: Kindness

Since starting our family blog just over two weeks ago, I have been asking myself whether I would ever discuss Theo having Ectodermal Dysplasia (E.D). I always thought my answer would be a resounding “no”, simply because it is such a personal issue. However two things happened this week which have prompted me to share a little about the condition.

Word of the Week: Proud

So I'm stepping away from the bookish posts today and I'm going to do something a little bit different. As my poor Facebook friends already know, this week I have been trying to get to grips with my new blog and, to be honest, I feel like a fish out of water!

One thing I have learned so far (on my very short blogger journey) is that apparently we like linkies. Now for quite a while I have followed a number of fantastic blogs but, until this week, the existence of linkies seems to have passed me by completely. After a quick search, I found that The Reading Residence, a brilliant blog I already follow, hosts a "word of the week" linky. So this is me linking up for the first time and my word of the week is "PROUD".

Yesterday I took Izzie to visit her new school. She is growing up so fast and I can hardly believe we are at this stage already. I have to say I had been fairly calm about the whole school application process but maybe that is because it was, for us, very straightforward. We picked two schools, we got our first choice and we were happy. However, as the school visit neared, I had started to question whether we had chosen the right school for Izzie.