Vegetarian Lasagna: a dish for you and your baby

As Archie approaches his first "official number" in years, the big 1... I am feeling more confident about the foods he can have, and that he can have what we are eating.

In an attempt to cook a meal we could all eat, I made a massive vegetarian lasagna the other day and was really pleased with it. Veggie lasagna is a firm favourite of Archie's when I have given him baby food from a jar (I know some Mums will be horrified that I did such a thing but I frankly don't give a damn). Anyway, I wanted to try and reproduce a family version at home, cutting out any additional salt that I may have previously put in for flavour..

This does make a massive lasagna, which is perfect for feeding parents for 1 meal and then making several smaller portions/meals for your little one.

A couple of additional, but important notes, don't give this to young babies, I would suggest this is more suitable for 10 months plus. I also whizzed the portions for my son through a food processer so that they would be easier for him to chew and swallow. This made for a nice textured and tasty meal while reducing any choking risks.  

Ingredients (feel free to use whatever veg you want though).
Red sauce:
2 carrots
1 onion
3 gloves of garlic
3 sticks of celery
1 large pepper
1 courgette
Handful of olives
1 whole broccoli
500g of Pasata
1 tablespoon of tomato puree
1 teaspoon of pesto
Sprinkling of pepper
1 tablespoon of butter

White Sauce:
25g of butter
25g of plain flour
600ml of milk

Sheets of Lasagna
Handful of mature cheddar cheese.

Method:
We need to make the red sauce first...
Firstly peel, top and tail and cut the ends off any of the vegetables that you need to... i.e. peel the carrot and cut off the ends, cut the trunk off the broccoli, aka apply common sense ;)
I then put everything through my food processor using the slicing extension, so all the vegetables ended up being in thin slices. (Lazy, but quick).
Then put the butter into a large frying pan, along with all the veggies and cook for around 10 minutes. Until the vegetables have started to soften.
Now add in the pesto, pepper, pasata and tomato puree, mix well then leave to simmer for a further 10 minutes.



While that is simmering make the white sauce...
Firstly melt the butter in a pan then add the white flour. Mix with a whisk until the butter and flour bulk together like a yellowy, thick paste.
Now add the milk a bit at a time and whisk thoroughly between adding milk. You need to whisk on a low heat until the mixture begins to thicken. You are looking a for glue like consistency...

You can now build the lasagna. Layer it red sauce, white sauce, lasagna sheets and repeat. I found this made about 2 layers of each and then on top I had a layer of red sauce with white on top. I then topped it off with a handful of mature cheddar cheese.

Cook in the oven for 25 minutes on 190C.

It will be a perfect meal then, ready to be eaten by parents. Lovely with a spring salad. (It needs to cool down before baby can eat it).

I then saved the rest, which was over half. I portioned it off into baby sized portions. I have been mixing these portions in a food processor, then heating them in the microwave for 30 seconds. Mixing well, to distribute the heat, then feeding to Archie. (Always check the temperature of any food you feed to a baby).

I hope you and your family like this if you make it. :)

And lastly, please always be careful with any allergies, especially with babies and children. This does contain some allergens.

What the first 24 hours of motherhood are like...

Congratulations, you have just given birth to the most precious thing you will ever make, own, love...

You have battled through 9 months pregnancy; morning sickness, backache and hormones. Then you laboured through birth so you could hold your baby for the first time... Its totally magical.

Thus begins parenthood and the first 24 hours are just as intense as everything that came before. I am going to be candid during this post as I think it is important. The first 24 hours as a parent are really intense!

This isn't meant to scare but to be honest about what it is like, so you can feel prepared going into this amazing, but crazy time.


Here are a few things that happen in those first 24 hours that I didn't expect...

Firstly, be aware that you are going to be emotional. Having just given birth your body is adjusting by releasing hormones and stopping other pregnancy hormones. This is like having PMS times 100. You will cry with joy when you meet your little miracle, but you will also cry for no reason. I found that I cried in the evening, once my husband had to leave (as visiting hours were over) and I was on my own. It felt like I was crying because I loved my son so much, not a bad reason to cry but not necessarily the reason of a sane person. This does continue too, for the first week. I found that I would cry about 7pm every night for no reason what so ever. This is normal, it is hormones but if it continues after a week do speak to your midwife or doctor about it.

You aren't going to sleep. Despite being in labour for 35 hours without sleep I still didn't sleep the night after my son was born. I just watched him all night. This is due to a mixture of love and genuine fear that something might happen. It is highly unlikely anything bad is going to happen but being a new Mum you are suddenly consumed with worry for your baby, this is natural. In fact, I didn't sleep the 2nd night either (after we came home), I just watched him to make sure he was breathing.

This all leads into that: oh my goodness moment! Usually when you get home and it really sinks in that you are now responsible for a life other than your own. Again, this is totally normal to feel a bit overwhelmed but don't forget you have your partner, family and friends to support you through this period of adjustment.

You will probably disagree with your partner, over something trivial like how to put on the nappy properly or where the poppers go. This is normal, you are both overwhelmed and trying to get a handle on things.

The mirror is not your friend! I would generally avoid looking in a full length mirror on the first day. Just keep it to your face upwards because your body can be like a stranger to you. I really expected my pregnancy tummy to go down a lot quicker than it did. Most women do look at least 6 months pregnant after the baby is no longer in the tummy. If you are one of the women that is instantly skinny again then you are very lucky!

They will do several checks on your baby. These include checking his reflexes, hearing, a full body examination and generally monitoring him. Don't be worried if they aren't able to get a clear read on some of the results of the tests, this can happen. There is plenty of midwives around for you to speak with if you have any concerns.

In the case of my son, they weren't able to get a positive result on the hearing test they do on your baby while they are in hospital. They said it was probably due to him being a C Section baby which can mean that the mucus in the ears, from being inside, hadn't cleared properly. This is normal and we just had to take him back a week or 2 later to have it checked again, we did and he was all fine.

Getting released out of the hospital can take time. I was ready to go (having had all my checks and my son having had all his) the morning after I gave birth, but because they are so busy I didn't get released until 8pm that evening. If you want to leave the hospital that day (feeling fit and well of course) then tell the midwives as soon as possible so they can start the process. Also, be aware that the wards are busy. You will go from a private room during birth to a ward (in most cases) were you will be sharing a room with a few other Mums and babies. However, don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it. You are recovering from a big strain on your body, they don't call it labour for no reason.

The reality of taking them home and your first few hour at home is probably not what you will imagine. It wasn't for me anyway. I had visions of dressing him a cute outfit and booties for his journey home followed by a beautiful few hours at home relaxing. The reality was I didn't put him in his specially selected going home outfit as I was exhausted and just put him in the closest outfit to hand. Still cute but not what I had picked. You will probably be sore from giving birth (even more so if you had a C section or episiotomy) and just walking to the car to go home will be a bit painful.

Also, when I got home neither me or my husband could face cooking so we got a take away, hardly the domesticated bliss I had expected.

Lastly, you will never know love like it. I know it is very soppy to say and such a cliche, but holding your baby in your arms for the first time is wonderful. No matter what happens during the first few hours, days and weeks you just need to cuddle with your baby and life is good.

Originally blogged last year, I thought this was well worth re-blogging due to friends mentioning how intense those first few days are!

7 signs your a Mama!

The tiny dictator in my life!

I managed to sneak in a nice, long hot shower today while my son was napping. It was awesome!

I even managed to shave my legs! When your husband complains that your hairy legs are prickling him in bed then you know you have got to make some "me" time!

While I was lather, rinse, repeating in the shower I was thinking about how I am such a "Mum" type these days! All those kind of funny, kind of frustrating things that mean you have a tiny person dictating your life. Here are my top 7 signs of motherhood!

One: The sexiest words your husband can say to you in bed are "I will get him/her" (meaning he will go and sort the crying baby in the middle of the night, so you get to continue sleeping). Those words can make any Mum weak at the knees!

Two: When you go shopping for clothes you never get anything for yourself! I spent 4 hours in town the other day and bought nothing for me, but my son is going to look like a fashion victim this summer!

Three: You no longer get designer bag envy, that is replaced by pram envy... That woman has the new Cosatto limited edition Wonder... Bitch!
 
Four: You have "the" hair cut. One day you will cave, you will go to your hairdresser and beg for a easy to maintain and quick to blow dry Mummy cut. It will happen, I caved just last month. 

Five: You clean your whole house with baby wipes! I think it is because there is literally a pack of baby wipes in every corner of my house (but typically never any when you have a nappy explosion to deal with).

Six: Your laundry basket develops magically powers. No matter how many washes a day you to, it never goes down!

Seven: You have nothing to talk about (if it isn't about babies). Before I was a parent, I couldn't understand those parents that had nothing to talk about besides children/their kids. But I am one! I cant help it though. I was sat having my Mummy haircut the other day and I couldn't think of any conversation starters (that weren't about kids). I just sat there for 20 minutes trying to think of something witty to say... and I had nothing!

My hardest day so far (as a parent)...

Today has been a pretty hard day so far. It is my last day of maternity leave before I return to work tomorrow. I am only going back to work part time so I didn't expect to be so emotional about it. I am generally a pretty practical person.

When my son has his injections I don't get upset, because I know they may save his life.

When he had his introduction sessions at nursery I didn't cry, because I believe the social environment and many toys would be great for his development.

But today I have been teary. I know that nursery will be good for my baby and that returning to work will be fun and provide more financial stability... But part of me is really going to miss this special time, which has been just me and my son.

The time I have had on maternity leave hasn't been all amazing, it hasn't been full with excitement every day... There are days when I haven't really changed out of my PJs, days where Archie hasn't stopped crying, days when I have been exhausted.

What has made this time special is my son. Today has really made me realise that your children are only little once and how important it is to cherish the time with them. At the risk of sounding completely emotional (and making the post way to soppy) he really is the best thing that has ever happened to me and I could happily spend every day with him (no matter how uneventful).... Until he turns 14, because I have heard that 14 is the age that all children become horrible.

It also feels like the end of an era, yes I know I sound way too over the top. But I can't help it. This signifies the end of a time with my son that will never be repeated. When we have children in the future, and I have time off, I will be pregnant or have another baby to look after. So it won't be the same. This is truly a period of time that won't happen again and it does make me sad thinking that one precious stage of his life is already finished.

But I also have to remember that with this stage finishing that other exciting moments and stages are coming up. While I am an emotional wreck over it being the end of my maternity leave I can also appreciate that it is an exciting start to something else.

It feels like we are really starting family life now I am going back to work. Getting into that routine of balancing work and family, and while that is daunting (as I have no semblance of a routine at present) it is also pretty exciting to contemplate. I loved my childhood in many ways. All because of family life, the things that stick out to me are Sunday roasts, time with my siblings after school, school days and lazy weekends. All just time with my family, nothing really special but unique and memorable for their routine. Sometimes the things that we love are the simple things.

No memory makes me happier than thinking of those reliable Sunday roasts, watching Time Team as a family and wishing Monday (and school) wouldn't come around too quickly.

I feel like this is the stage we, my little family, are now entering... And I am really looking forward to every moment.

In the meantime, today I plan on doing nothing except cuddling my little boy, watching him sleep, maybe crying a little and generally soaking up every last moment of my maternity leave (and one on one time with my baby).

My Top 5 Mum Wish List

I had big plans to write up a top 5 mum wish list for the blog a couple of days ago but I just couldn't muster the energy and to be completely honest there was only 1 thing I wanted... sleep!

I would just love to curl up with a cuppa and a good book and have a full nights sleep. I miss "me" time.

This fills me with so much guilt. It doesn't detract from how much I love my baby but every single task requires so much concentration and energy at the moment, because I am so tired.

Someone asked me the other day if I was wearing eye shadow... I wasn't. I replied that that was just the natural shade of parenting... AKA sleepless nights and exhaustion.
At least I can make bags under my eyes look like makeup?!

I wanted to start this blog post with some honesty about how tiring and hard being a Mum can sometimes be.

Nothing fills you with such joy and love, while at the same time making you so tired you could cry!

In that spirit, I wanted to resume writing my top 5 wish list, but I decided it wouldn't centre so much about "mumsy" things, or items for my son. I wanted a bit of indulgence, thinking about me and what I wanted at the moment.

Fitbit

www.fitbit.com/uk

I am desperate for a Fitbit. When I was in France someone was telling me about them. They sound like a great idea to monitor your walking, exercise and calorie burning. I am 3 months postpartum now and really need to start working on getting my pregnancy belly down. I know that I am not "moving" enough at the moment. I want to become more active again and this seems like the perfect motivation (and activity tracker). Plus it comes in pink! And I am so ready to get into pink again. Everything seems to be blue at the moment (due to having a boy).

Fly London Boots

I am ready to get into Autumn now and with that I can indulge in my love of boots!!! I can't get enough of them in Autumn and Winter. A few years ago I had a set of red suede Fly London boots, they were my pride and joy. Sadly they got ruined in Budapest, due to the snow. They went so well with everything and looked great with jeans. I am keen to get another pair over the next couple of months.

Link to boots on Amazon (image from Amazon).




Date Night
My son is now 3 months old so I feel ready to try a night out with my Hubby, just the two of us. I would love to go back to my favourite Sheffield restaurant. We love Vito's restaurant in Walkey (link to their website). It has the most delicious steaks, locally sourced. The owner is a lovely Italian gentleman and he makes the most amazing Italian food. I can't recommend this place enough!

Maggs London Make Up Bag - (http://www.maggslondon.co.uk/)

http://www.maggslondon.co.uk/

I love the Maggs London make up bags by Hannah Maggs, especially the one called "Grayson", after her son. It has animals on it and I feel that getting it would be a nod to my own life as a Mum to a little boy. I feel like it is time for me to rediscover make up as the past 3 months have mostly been about survival with a new baby (and not a lot of effort has gone into looking good). I keep hinting to my Husband that I would like this for Christmas, but I might not be able to wait that long. :)

Teething Jewellery - (http://www.smartmomjewelry.com/)

http://www.smartmomjewelry.com/

Okay, so this item is for me and my baby.
My son is definitely teething at the moment, he chews on his fist with the desperation of a chocoholic eating a Snickers bar! Everything is going in his mouth too!
I love the teething jewellery from Smart Mom Jewelry. These pieces of jewellery are safe for your baby to chew on as they are teething.
Plus they look beautiful.
I really like the idea that there is something you can wear that they can safely grab hold of, play with and chew on.
I especially like this Lapis Lazuli Donut Shaped Pendant.


This is not a sponsored post.

Postpartum weight loss

Recovering from giving birth is a hard thing. Sometimes you are lucky and you recover quickly and get your pre-baby body back quickly but for many of us that isn't the case.
I am 9 weeks postpartum and my body is still recovering, my C section has meant that I am still not 100%.

My scar is healing well but can still be sore, I also have a bad back from over compensating for my tummy muscles being cut into! I find myself lifting with my back instead of my legs and straining my stomach muscles. I know this isn't good but it has been essential not to strain my tender stomach.

Along with still aching a bit I am desperate to get my tummy down but so many exercise options are off limits. I wasn't even allowed to hoover until I reached 6 weeks postpartum... Oh well... that isn't such a massive issue.

But I genuinely did want to work on getting my tummy down, not least because it was still a bit flabby and the C section caused me to have a slight overhang (over my scar). This has meant it hasn't got enough air and healing has taken longer. This delightful overhang is common as your tummy will take time to go down and also a C section often causes the skin below the scar to be tighter than the skin above it... Creating what is called a "belly flap"... Doesn't that sound attractive :-/ It looks as attractive as it sounds!

But because C section recovery has to be cautious, it is major surgery after all, it limits your exercise options. Swimming isn't a option until the scar is healed well and I can't imagine doing intensive cardio at the moment.

The best exercise advice I can offer is walking. It isn't exactly ground breaking but it is working for me. I am back in my pre-pregnancy jeans, granted I have a big muffin top going on, but I can do them up!

Walking with a friend or fellow mummy while pushing the pram is great. You can also use the time to have a good moan about midnight feeds and Mummy life while walking off calories. I am sure I talk enough to burn calories too.

But most importantly don't stress about your postpartum weight and tummy too much. It will take time. Don't forget, it took 9 months for your tummy to get that big (and grow your precious baby) so it will take a while to go back afterwards!

Sassy Bloom: monthly box of baby goodies!

I love receiving monthly subscriptions in the post, anything where you don't know what you will get each month. It is nice to break up the constant stream of bills and leaflets that come through the letter box.

So when I recently got given a voucher for money off a Sassy Bloom box I had to have a look into it. It is a monthly subscription that you get delivered with goodies specifically designed for your baby. For instance, if your baby is 3 months old they will send age appropriate gifts/goodies for your baby and you.

You can get it from your last month of pregnancy onwards (which I have done). When the first box came it was filled with lots of lovely goodies, some for my new baby and some for me to help through the last stage of pregnancy.

One of the items I got in this first box was a pram clip, I am not sure of the brand as I threw away the packaging without thinking, but it looks like this one here. This pram clip is used to hold your handbag or shopping bags on the handle of your pram! This has been an amazing item to have. I find that wearing a shoulder handbag while driving the pram can be a pain (it keeps falling off my shoulder) but this clip means I can place my bag close to me and it is safe, while not getting in my way. It also increases the number of shopping bags you can put in/on your pram... so dare I say it is an essential for shopping sprees?

As well as the pram clip I have also received other items such as: teddies, rattles, chocolates, body creams for me and the baby, blankets, feeding and nursing items for my baby and more...

For anyone who loves monthly subscriptions, or just wants to treat their little one to goodies then it is well worth trying.

You can also get £10 off your first box using this unique code: MAMALUCY

MAMALUCY

MAMALUCY

Here is a link to their website: https://www.sassybloom.com/

This is not a sponsored post.