Jamie and Jools Oliver announced today that they are expecting baby number four! The parents confirmed that their latest bundle of joy is due this September and they are said to be ‘delighted.’
The couple already have three daughters, Poppy Honey, seven, Dasiy Boo, six and 1-year-old Petal Blossom Rainbow.
Tweeting this afternoon, Jamie wrote: ‘Guess what…..I’m going to be a dad again!!! We’re expecting, so happy, feel very lucky jxx’
I wonder what the next baby will be called?? What are your suggestions if it is a boy?
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It’s never too soon to start sharing books. Babies and children who love books and the pleasure of hearing stories and rhymes have a flying start when it comes to learning to read by themselves.
As they grow older they will start to recieve packs from Bookstart who aim to “ inspire a love of books in all children.” The information below and some of the book recommendations have been taken from bookstart.
Sharing books with your baby or child and reading aloud with them at bedtime is a fun, warm and loving experience. It is a time when you can cuddle up together to share in the sheer joy and excitement of pictures and stories. Just by reading aloud together for ten minutes a day you will see them grow into eager confident learners; learning how to listen and learning new words.
Even babies that are too young to understand the story will be soothed and calmed by your voice when you share a book with them. It’s a chance to slow the day down and for children to make sense of the world around them or drift off into a magical world of imagination.
Children and babies love routine and rituals. The joy of looking forward to a story makes a bedtime routine so much more fun and exciting. Ending the day with a loving cuddle and a book helps a child wind down ready for sleep.
Some of our favourite baby books include:
Hat off Baby! by Jan Ormerod
A lift the flap book with baby appeal. All little children love to take their clothes off and this lift the flap book helps them get undressed for bath and bedtime.
Maisy’s Favourite Animals by Lucy Cousins
A small board book, perfect for little hands and a good introduction to animals – and to Maisy, one of the best loved pre-school characters.
That’s not my ….
This is a great series of interactive books for babies and toddlers. There are bright, colourful illustrations with textures to touch and feel on every page. Helps very young children develop language and sensory skills.
A quick post to show you the new colours in the Emma Jane Nursing tops.
These tops are great for nursing as are very versatile. They can be worn for sleepwear or under your everyday clothes or on its own in the warmer weather.
Each side opens independently for nursing. When one s
ide is open the other continues to support. Made in Topcool, a fabric with draws moisture away from your skin.
Available in black, white, chocolate and Pink.
View from our house today.
Making potions
As it seems to be mainly snowing today we will be mainly pottering and fiddling about. Not sure how much work will be done but these days won’t be here forever!
The lactivist.net is a site with a wealth of information for breastfeeding mums. It bills itself as the “Mothers Milk Marketing Board” and is a lively blog discussing lots of breastfeeding issues.
There are lots of posts about breastfeeding in the news and an interesting list of other breastfeeding blogs. There is also a section on breastfeeding help with a list of support groups in the UK.
We are offering a prize of a free nursing nightdress or pyjamas in their most recent Great Give away so why not pop over and have a look at the other great items on offer.
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From April 2011, the government plans to increase the maximum amount of paternity leave a father can take to six months, but what does this mean for you?
What is statutory paternity leave?
Paternity leave is a paid, two week leave of absence which is available to fathers-to-be following the birth of their child. Fathers can chose to only take one week, but the two weeks have to be taken consecutively.
How do I qualify for statutory paternity leave?
In order to qualify for statutory paternity leave you need to have been with your employer for at least 26 weeks. You should be aware that the 26 week cut-off point is from the end of the 15th week before the start of the week when your child is due – not from its due date! You should also either be: the biological father of the child the mother’s husband (or partner) the child’s adopter (or partner of the adopter) Statutory paternity leave is also available for partners in a same-sex relationship.
How much will I be paid?
Your Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP) is paid to you by your employer. The current rate is £123.06 per week or 90% of your average weekly earnings if this is less. When can I take my paternity leave? It’s up to you when you start as long as it is after the baby is born and falls within 56 days of the birth. However, most fathers begin their paternity leave on the day your baby is born as this is when your partner will require the most help.
What has the government changed?
For babies born after April 2011, the father will now be able to take the place of the mother for the final three months of her 9 month maternity leave. During that period, a father will be entitled to Statutory Paternity Pay of £123.06 per week. Fathers will also be entitled to take a further 3 months paternity leave after the mother’s maternity leave has ended. However, this would be unpaid. These changes to the paternity laws are particularly good news for those whose female partner is the highest earner in the household. It has also been welcomed by equal rights campaigners as it means that it is now parents that determine who looks after the baby, rather than the state.
You will still be entitled to your two weeks paternity leave following the birth of your child and there have been no changes to any of the entitlements discussed earlier in this article.
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Baby BuBu Breastfeeding Covers allow you to nurse discreetly in public. The covers protect your modesty, covering your feeding baby and post-baby tummy. Some of the benefits include:
Creates a calm environment for baby, free from stimulation and distractions.
Rigid boned neckline enables you to keep an eye on baby during feeding and also helps new mums with their latch in the early days of breastfeeding.
Fully adjustable D-ring neck strap prevent covers from slipping off your shoulder.
High quality soft 100% cotton fabrics in beautiful stylish designs.
Generous coverage — one size fits all.
Lightweight and breathable.
Single layer breastfeeding cover keeps baby cool and well-ventilated during breastfeeding.
These stylish nursing covers also come in a soft jersey in subtle colours to complement your clothes.
Also available are the Baby BuBu Breastfeeding Poncho which gives you the freedom to breastfeed anywhere. Made from super soft cotton jersey and only £21.99 at More 4 Mums.
The adjustable neckline means that eye contact can be maintained with baby during feeding. Simply use the poppers on the shoulder to create a perfect fit for you and your baby. You can also whip it off with one hand!
The Nursing Ponchos are available in Black, Khaki, Olive, Plum, Silver and White to compliment your wardrobe.
