Feeling a bit overwhelmed by Christmas present buying and what my nineteen month old might want, I took her into the Early Learning Center to get some inspiration. The Bean was immediately drawn to a tiny little kitchen and sink where she pretended to cook for a while. Perhaps she's a future chef in the making but more than likely it's because she sees mummy cleaning and cooking and probably senses deep down that she'll have to do these chores one day.
In the end she attached herself to a little doll with mad blond hair. She carried it all around the shop and even danced with her to the Christmas tunes pumping out the pink sound system. When it was time to go I took the dolly off her and of course I could sense a tantrum beginning to erupt. Luckily the shop assistant bounded over and explained to The Bean that she would look after the dolly and give her a kiss and cuddle before bed so she didn't feel lonely. The Bean seemed satisfied with this and settled for the cheapest toy around - her thumb! It got me thinking... What Mummies need is shop assistants coming up to them as they turn away from expensive size eight dresses, saying to them, 'that dress will make you miserable, leave it in the shop to have a lonely night with all the other skinny size eights. Let me show you a much happier size 14 at a fraction of the price, now this dress would be very happy if you took her home...'
Today at gurgle we're busy writing features and updating the site for you. We know that many of you will be expecting Christmas babies in the coming weeks so we're pointing you towards articles that might help you out. See
Assisted delivery for information about forceps or ventouse deliveries,
Breech birth for babies who are facing upwards and
birth plans so you can plan what your 'ideal' birth would be, whether it happens that way or not!
Don't forget to look at our
babynamer to pick up inspiration for your babyname list!