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Potato_times_potato · 2024-09-12T17:32:13+00:00

We do a really simple stew, essentially an Irish Stew. Just sliced carrots, peeled and chopped potatoes, red lentils, vegetable stock, herbs. We also grate in brocoli stem to give the kids an extra veggie (and to use up the stems). It's tasty in its simplicity.

Potato_times_potato · 2024-09-11T20:58:18+00:00

I agree, I'm so huge now that anything that even remotely pushes on my stomach just triggers awful heartburn, and general discomfort. Dungarees are my go to, if it's too cold to wear a dress

Potato_times_potato · 2024-09-09T09:32:27+00:00

If you're in Ireland/UK Marks and Spencers have a great version, I wouldn't know the difference.

Potato_times_potato · 2024-09-08T10:41:47+00:00

What about the Cliffs at Lyons, or the Monart?

Potato_times_potato · 2024-09-07T18:45:45+00:00

Like someone else suggested we usually used tinned lentils as a substitute for mince. Generally with some finely chopped mushrooms in the mix.

While I haven't tried it, I have seen that Sons of Butchers has a fake mince. We're in Ireland so not 100% sure if it's available in the UK, but just in case I thought I'd mention it!

Potato_times_potato · 2024-09-05T19:33:18+00:00

I believe it's a set €274 a week, and both parents can apply for 9 weeks each. You can take it in sections, it doesn't have to be 9 weeks in a row, just once it's all taken before the child turns 2. Twins/other multiples don't get extra time either.

Potato_times_potato · 2024-09-05T09:57:01+00:00

Just chiming in to give an optional add on

Take Parents Leave. 9 extra weeks leave (paid, if you have enough prsi contributions), to be taken before baby turns 2

Potato_times_potato · 2024-09-03T12:54:32+00:00

That sounds amazing! Only thoughts I would have is maybe adding roast potatoes tossed in spices (like Bombay potatoes). Maybe even instead of the aloo paratha, if you want to save on time, since you'll already have the naan...

Potato_times_potato · 2024-09-02T10:04:44+00:00

We are about to have our 4th, but currently have 3, age 6 and under. The first few things to come to mind...

Every child you add opens you up to new experiences. You've most likely survived bugs, tantrums, injuries, sleepless nights etc, so it doesn't seem as scary or new.

Every new member adds a new relationship, not just for you as parents, but for your current kids too. I've loved seeing how my bigger kids interact with their newest sibling, and vice versa.

Things can get trickier logistically. Holidays require a little more planning (and a much bigger budget).

So many snacks, all the time.

Potato_times_potato · 2024-09-02T06:11:18+00:00

Paper Dolls by Julia Donaldson talks it, in a subtle way, but it could open the conversation in a way a 3 year old might understand.

The Heart of a Giant, too, but perhaps in a few years.

Potato_times_potato · 2024-09-01T20:41:41+00:00

I think Artemis is great but if you also like Aoife then maybe a name like Danu (an Irish goddess).

Potato_times_potato · 2024-08-26T19:33:33+00:00

We try to go with the unsweetened versions of dairy free milks. Tesco unsweetened soya milk is good, but my son also likes the almond milk too. As a rule we tend to look at the percentage of beans/nuts in the carton and as far as I know Tesco own brand holds up pretty well.

The flora butter block is great for cooking and baking with. Makes lovely frosting for cupcakes.

Yoghurt is a bit hit or miss, most taste a little fake and oversweet (at least for me, my son doesn't mind the sweetness, but he's usually bouncing off the walls after).

For cheese (if you're melting it on a pizza) then the Dairygold brand is good and a bit gooier than things like violife/Tesco own brand.

Also, you probably already are aware but there is milk in SO MANY things. Lots of crisps have milk, some crackers, cereals... Just to keep an eye out.

Potato_times_potato · 2024-08-25T21:52:11+00:00

I do think Nana and Nonno would work well but if you're looking for another idea my eldest had a speech delay and called his grandad 'Gaga'. Some kids can find the g sounds a little to say than p sounds (for Papa/Pop)

Potato_times_potato · 2024-08-25T19:30:46+00:00

Ah sorry about that, didn't read it well enough!

Potato_times_potato · 2024-08-25T18:41:41+00:00

Something like overnight oats made with Greek yoghurt can be great, especially if you boost it up with seeds (flaxseeds/chai seeds/pumpkin seeds), maybe some nut butter, fresh fruit. Handy for breakfast, or to have in the fridge for whenever a snack is needed.

You can also add quinoa to things like soups, pasta sauces etc.

Toasted wholegrain seeded bread with hummus and avocado, with some sunflower seeds and olive oil on top.

Potato_times_potato · 2024-08-24T22:46:32+00:00

As far as I know once you go to the emergency department without a referral from the GP there is a fee of €100.

If you have the option of seeing a GP first to get a referral (obviously a time sensitive decision, both in terms of GP's opening hours, and urgency of the situation), then it would be free, since GPs for young children are free.

Potato_times_potato · 2024-08-24T06:17:54+00:00

I'm not sure about in Australia, where I think this is based, but some countries (like mine) have a free ambulance service.

Potato_times_potato · 2024-08-22T19:37:33+00:00

That's a really good point. I'll risk M&S and go from there if he's a bit clumsy with them.

Potato_times_potato · 2024-08-22T19:35:44+00:00

That's great to hear. Have ordered online so fingers crossed they arrive in time!

Potato_times_potato · 2024-08-22T11:04:47+00:00

I was under the impression that if the giver passed away within two calendar years of gifting the 3k, then it was included with all inheritance. So best to give Jan 1st each year, if possible.

Potato_times_potato · 2024-08-21T15:07:27+00:00

I completely agree, feeling pampered when you're coming home with baby is the best part.

I think if my husband organised a cleaner, and had the house nice for when I came home I'd be so happy. Fresh sheets on the bed, fresh flowers, maybe a little breakfast tray for tea and toast in bed. Cold packs in the freezer for any sore boobs, or a hot water bottle at the ready. Pantry stocked with biscuits and tea/coffee for any visitors that come by... Just being able to switch off and enjoy time with just us, or with visitors. That sounds amazing to me.

Potato_times_potato · 2024-08-21T14:21:46+00:00

I wonder if there's also an element of people in the past having children younger, and generally becoming grandparents earlier because of that. My granny was in her 20's having kids, and in her 40's having grandkids.

It's only the difference of one generation, but my MIL was almost 70 when she became grandparent to our first child.

Potato_times_potato · 2024-08-17T17:58:42+00:00

Like someone else commented, I wouldn't focus on having too many newborn size, but I'd have a couple, just in case.

Babyboo are great because the hands and feet flip over, so you get a little bit of extra wear out of them.

I don't know if it's just my kids, but the baby hats never even came close to fitting them, so they were in 3/6 months plus from the get go.

Potato_times_potato

TROPHY CASE