Hi everyone, it’s a bit of a windy day here in London! DS and DH have gone to swimming lessons, DD1 is busy being antisocial and hiding in her room playing games on her kindle. DDog is asleep on the rug at my feet and DD2 is having a mega nap in the bugaboo beside me. She’s come out in a bit of a rash which I am praying isn’t chicken pox, as I’m just back at work and really can’t afford to take time off already (DH is working away in the week at the moment so cannot help). DS hasn’t had it either so it’s a potential disaster brewing!
Cag this is it! Last day as family of 4! Be kind to yourself today, you’ll likely be having a whole rollercoaster of emotions at the thought of what’s ahead. DD2 was induced and I sobbed the whole way to Hospital because I was so excited and so nervous at the same time. Take it very very easy today!
Em what a gorgeous wee boy! DD2 was a bit snuffly at first too and what I used to do was rub snufflebabe onto my chest up towards my collarbone, so that she would get some of the vapours when she was feeding. That worked pretty well. I’m v impressed with you standing your ground with DH and making him pull his weight - it’s so easy for mums to fall into the trap of doing it all themselves.
Seacow I don’t have any experience of autism myself but I wanted to say what a lucky little boy your DS is to have a mum like you fighting his corner. He will always be okay because he’s got you. It must be exhausting and I’m in awe of how you manage to balance your DS’s needs with your DD’s. I’m also incredibly jealous of your new dishwasher 
Hope everyone else is doing ok. Mammy I’m copying you and having a day indoors even though it’s actually quite dry and sunny here. The wind is putting me off going outside but it’s my turn to walk the dog later so will venture out.
Today I’ve been v frugal and made a huge pot of soup with all the slightly soft veg in the fridge, instead of letting it turn to mush and then binning it. Will be interesting to see if the kids deign to eat it or not - they’re going through an incredibly fussy phase and driving me bonkers.
Top 5 frugal tips from me:
- Meal plan - this has been the best way to keep on top of our grocery budget.
- YNAB - love it.
- Use cashback sites - I don’t buy anything online before checking if I can get cashback. I tend to use quidco but have heard good things about topcashback.
- Wear slippers and jumpers in the house instead of just whacking on the heating. If your hands and feet are warm then you’ll be just fine.
- The thing that always saves me a fortune is taking a packed lunch and hot drink in a flask to work. I’m terrible for buying tea at £2 a go at the station in the morning, have stopped that now. I was getting through £10 a day just on tea and lunch!!! Ridiculous.