Tag: siblings

Hugs from Clara Vulliamy

Lydia | February 7, 2013

Clara Vulliamy is a talented writer and illustrator of children’s books. Her range of books include Martha and the Bunny Brothers, Muffin, The Bear with Sticky Paws and Lucky Wish Mouse. One of our favourites is Martha and the Bunny Brothers with the delightful character Martha her younger brothers Monty and Pip.

National Hug Day is celebrated on 21 January and Clara shared illustrations of Martha, Monty and Pip enjoying different hugs in her post Happy National Hugs Day.

I’m an avid reader of Clara’s blog and responded to her suggestion for a new hug with the idea of a ‘pet’ hug. Clara kindly illustrated a bright and cheerful hug with Martha and Paws.

When we return to London I’m going to frame this superb illustration and hang it in Imogen’s nursery as a reminder of the importance of hugs with our loved ones each and every day.

You can view Clara’s beautiful illustrations and find out more about her books and fun arty things to do at Clara’s blog Sunny Side Up! And if you’re like us and are fans of Martha and the Bunny Brothers there’s also a Happy Bunny Club for your children to join.

Meeting Baby Amber

Lydia | January 12, 2013

To ensure the household was no longer contagious we had to wait an excruciating eight days before we could safely see my sister Alicia and meet her beautiful baby Amber.

It’s been five years since Alicia and I were last together and in that time we’ve both been pregnant and had our beautiful daughters. There’s eight months between Imogen and Amber and it’s great having them so close in age. Plus we get to share parenting dilemmas and tips!

We couldn’t believe how well Imogen and Amber got on. From the very beginning they took a shine to one another and it wasn’t long before they were giggling and sharing toys.

Imogen and Amber meet for the first time

Imogen had been talking about ‘Baby Amber’ for a long time before our journey to New Zealand and she was so excited about meeting her cousin.

Imogen and Amber 'walking' on their knees!

Imogen imitates Amber ‘walking’ on her knees

One of the most amazing thing to observe between them was how they imitated one another. Amber wanted to wear shoes because Imogen was, this had proved a struggle prior to this day with her little toes curling each time my sister tried to gently slip on some shoes. And Imogen decided she’d drink a bottle of milk, something she’s never done before as she went from being breastfed to sippy cup, but seeing Amber being given a bottle by Alicia looked new and very exciting!

Baby cousins happily playing together

The Importance of Reading to Baby

Lydia | February 29, 2012

Jellycat Jungly Tails Book

It’s never too early to start reading to your baby.

Reading is a wonderful way to communicate and bond, as well as being a fun activity for both you and your baby.

As you read, your baby will listen to you talking and is comforted by your voice and being held close to you.

Reading encourages your baby to understand the different sounds of speech, the use of language and non-verbal communication through facial expressions and gestures.

Children whose parents read books to them when they are young often learn to talk, read and write more easily.

Parents, grandparents, siblings and friends can all share in the pleasures of reading to baby, making reading a varied and enjoyable learning experience.

Have fun reading to baby during playtime, in the bath and before bedtime: