The first week as new parents

The first week of having a newborn baby is pretty much one of the most life changing weeks a person can experience. It's filled with ups and downs and as with pregnancy and labour, completely unique to everyone. 

Our first week was a pretty good one actually with visitors and cuddles and not too many tears (from me or Henry). 

So our first full day was spent at the New Forest Birth Centre. Henry was born at 10:28am and it was pretty quiet in the centre so we were left to bond in the birthing room. Whilst I was checked over Dann had his skin to skin with Henry. We then started our very first time breastfeeding with the help of Carla who is kind of the resident expert at NFBC. It was a lovely moment for the three of us and I'm so pleased that Carla picked up my camera to capture the moment. 

We were then transferred to a side room to have our own space, I had a well needed shower and lots of cuddles. Overnight was hard as I was still getting used to breastfeeding and he wasn't always happy to settle which I can kind of understand after being cosy and snug for nine months.

Newborn shoot with Studio1314 - plus special offer

Baby spam alert!! To be honest you guys are probably getting used to all the baby photos now. We've been making the most of some quiet time in our early days with Henry, and of course getting lots and lots of photos in too.

I love photography, taking photos and keeping all those memories.There's something about photos that just make me really happy. Looking back at a moment caught in time. Which I guess is why getting lots of photos of Henry whilst he is little is so important to me. Children grow up so so fast, especially when they are really little. I mean Henry is already a few weeks old and it's absolutely flown by, and I really can't imagine my life without him, though a few hours extra sleep would be amazing on some days!

Anyway, when we were asked by Studio1314* to come by their studio for a newborn shoot I just had to take them up on the offer, plus we wanted to do a special offer for you readers too (see the end of the post for full details and T&C's. You may remember these guys from our couple's shoot last year which captured some of my favourite photos of Dann and I.

A sneak peak of our playroom

About a month ago I shared our nursery, so I thought it about time I also shared our playroom it's fast becoming one of my favourite rooms in the house.

We wanted to create a space that could be played in, but would also transition into a bedroom easily once our little/s are big enough. Luckily we have quite a large space to play with so have been making the most of it and we're really happy with the progress. Approximately 90% of the room is Ikea, but then who doesn't love Ikea?

We love hanging out in this space and planning out the future, thinking about all the little indoor adventures we're going to have - because let's be honest the British weather means we'll have a lot of indoor time in the years to come.
I've loved decorating this room, and I have to admit Pinterest has really inspired many elements here (you can see my playroom board here).

^^turns out our sofa bed from Ikea is actually quite comfy, a total bargain and fab for sleepovers. The cats also seem to like it.^^

Homely dinners at the Balmoral Inn Beefeater

I'm a definite food lover, and I really love homely pub-grub style foods, nothing to complicated, just tasty and filling! When we were recently invited to review the newly re-furbed Balmoral, Beefeater* in Southampton I was really excited as it brought back memories of my childhood family trips to Beefeater's for special occasions. We always went to our local one for big birthdays or large family get together's and we always had an amazing time.

We went along on the Friday before Henry was born (unbeknownst to us at the time, I was actually already in pre-labour!) for our last dinner out as a two.

The restaurant has the cutest theme, obviously being a Beefeater, they focus on beef and cows, but it's in a family pub/farm kind of style which I love. Check out the awesome cow cuts board!! The decor all round was like a modern day country pub which I loved.

PARENTING: Welcome to the world Henry

I've finally got my bum in gear enough to share the news here....on the 12th June 2016 at 10:28 my little baby boy of 6lb 6oz entered the world at the New Forest Birth Centre in Hampshire.
Meet Henry Gordon Ian Bradford.

He arrived 8 days early much to our surprise, but I'll share details on that in a blog post in the future. For now we're enjoying that newborn smell and getting our fill of cuddles and sleep.
We're so in love!!