How to afford time off with your baby

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10 Mummy Budgeting
New Years Resolutions

01/01/2009

Here are easy tips that can make a difference to your budget
with minimal effort: (even if you only do one or two).

1. Give yourself an allowance. – Don’t bury your head in the sand, work
out exactly what money you have and give yourself a strict allowance of what
is spare each week. As far as you can, stick to it. This will make a HUGE
difference to stopping debt.

2. Lose the luxuries – If money is tight don’t meet friends for coffees or just grab a
sandwich and juice after the park. Lunch and 2 coffees each week can add up to a conservative £400! In a year and for a tiny bit of effort making up a flask and a sarnie that is a bit silly!

3. Check your utilities. Don’t put it off any longer. Do compare prices online or even ring up your current provider and ask for a better deal. We recently called Orange and got an extra 100 minutes, 1000 texts and a new phone with email for the same monthly price I was already paying!

4. Create a gift drawer…this will really help with birthdays and next Christmas. Last summer ASDA had an offer on large sets of artists pencils £1 a set I bought 10 and these made fab Christmas gifts. Vista print (www.vistaprint.co.uk) did a personalised calico bag offer in Sept £2.98 inc. P+P each. I got one done for all my female relatives with their children’s names on and popped them in my drawer till Christmas. Gifts my children have already or which are really unsuitable (and can’t be returned) also get popped in this drawer (with a tag saying who bought it!) It makes a big different to collect gifts through the year,

5. Use the skills you have to make trades. I swapped one of my books for a beautiful bag for my daughter at Christmas, I have a friend who cuts hair in return for baby suiting, my husband mends friends computers and we get out our house painted. Skill sharing is as old as the hills but completely removes the need for money. Community needs to be the new currency. Be brave and make the fist suggestion.

6. Be creative – Have your children make cards – it keeps them busy and helps them develop their creativity and saves you around £100 a year + everyone prefers a home made card

7. Be resourceful – old salad can become toasted salad sandwiches for lunch the next day, cook a cupful of extra pasta and knock together a quick pasta salad for tomorrow. Have an old cot? Get it sold through the newspaper or on ebay and put the money towards the new cot bed you need. Waste is waste and there are many things we can do with what we have. Oxfam swappit parties are a great idea choose a them e.g. books and ask your friends over with all their unwanted adult and children’s books, spread them out in your lounge, grab a drink then you can all go shopping for free in your lounge! Being green is often the economical option.

8. Still treat yourself, but differently – a big hot bath, a pile of new library books, an evening walk by the river, a cuddle, a love note in your partners pack up, giving a massage, setting up a treasure hunt for your kids. …nice things need not involve money and treats just need thought.

9. Make smart choices e.g. if you want to go the gym do you really need to go to a slimming class too. Your local gym will weigh you and probably offer a nutrition program. If you are invited to a wedding overseas that would involve all your holiday budget for the year and says no kids say NO, make them a home movie for next to nothing, write them a very special letter to be read at the reception and send encouraging emails up the day. When budgeting sometimes you have to choose and you have o say NO.

10. Bring it back to basics –

· Have fiends to yours for tea and have everyone bring a dish instead of going out for a fancy meal
· Socialise through a book club or start power walking with friends wine and coffee a re not why we meet friends they are just an expensive by product
· For your child’s birthday have a huge picnic in your garden and get out all your toys kids totally know how to entertain themselves and an entertainer can set you back £100.
· Don’t have fancy hair-dos keep your cut and colour simple and as close to natural as possible do you have less need to spend hours and pounds at the hairdressers.
Good luck and happy budgeting new year!

Thrifty and frugal Christmas gift ideas - lets get creative!

01/11/2009

I know Christmas can feel like an overwhelmingly expensive season but you have to face it with a thrifty and determined attitude full on. If you put off thinking about it you’ll probably spend a fortune on last minute gifts bought in a rush and panic. Christmas is coming fast so you need to get your kids started on creating their masterpieces now.
A child’s drawing makes any relatives gift a special one (think tags, cards, laminated as placemats or rolled with a ribbon.) For the kids I’ve stocked up on gorgeous artists colouring pencils (Ł1 a pack from Asda) and for all my relatives cotton personalised canvas bags (Ł3.20 inc postage) from www.vistaprint.co.uk. Gingerbread men, filled photo albums, a special photo enlarged and cheaply framed, a canvas filled with your children’s hand or footprints, homemade cupcakes, a handprint mug (DIY) or perhaps a pot of tulip bulbs. Christmas gifts can be cheap AND Fabulous. Be creative and start your planning!

Birthday parties on a budget

28/09/2009

I love birthdays I think they are utterly magic and can make the birthday girl or boy feel absolutely special. Not much fun for mum and dad though if it leaves them feeling utterly skint. Here are some
of my top ideas for a birthday on a budget :

The Present: Get them what they want if you can afford it but then absolutely nothing else. They will get tons of presents from various people, just one from you is fine. If you can’t afford the trampoline, etc. then ask Grandma and Aunty Mo to go in with you,. Have a clear idea of what your child wants/needs as others will ask you. It's far better they don’t get jigsaws if they hate them and that they do get armbands if this is what they need. Be clear and precise. Remember a course of activities or clothes are also really useful gifts and it is okay that they benefit you too. It all impacts.

The Party: Make your own invites. A sticker or two of your child’s favourite thing, such as a fairy, pirate, rocket or animal on a plain postcard looks so cute, is easy for your child to do and very cheap. Just fill in the details on the back. They will be so proud that they have done their invitations themselves. Always hand deliver where possible and keep the party times shortish, no more than 1-2 hours. After lunchtime naps and before they are too tired is often best.

Food: If you organise the party 2-3.30 p.m you can avoid the need to provide food at all and you could just write ‘Please come to x’s party for Games and Cake on ….’ and that would really cut down your cost (and effort). If you do want to provide food then I would strongly suggest that less is more and simple little sandwiches, a few crisps, apples, raisins, cheeses slices would be fine. Don’t go mad with little cakes and choccy biccies as no one wants their kids wired but do get few treats (always look for offers on chocolate fingers, cookies etc.) Don’t stress about food allergies. Tell parents to help themselves and ask if they aren’t sure. It’s a good idea to keep all boxes in case they need to check ingredients.

Consider having a theme: themes are fun but can be expensive. One year my little boy was really into Thomas the Tank Engine and I ended up buying Thomas cups, tablecloth and napkins all to only be used once then thrown away. A better idea for a theme is fancy dress (encourage home made outfits so no one spends too much!) or a beach party with the sandpit out and some funky sunglasses to make out of card. You could throw a hat party where everyone comes in a silly hat. Fancy dress spreads the effort and can make for lots of giggles and fun preparation even with the littlest kids.

Games: Do away with PRIZES! They are an unnecessary expense that cause upset at almost every party. Kids want that or this and you get ‘it’s not fair and I didn’t move,’ etc. Not fun at all and just brings out diddy greediness in children too unsophisticated to hide their disappointment. It can also cost you a packet. I tried to do cheap pass the parcel gifts once only to have them looked at with derision by 2 year olds and left behind at the end of the party. These little crayon packs and bouncy balls had cost about Ł5 in total. Complete waste.

I always say if you can’t compete don’t try. Do something completely different instead. I have a cousin who works at a Steiner school (creative, natural and anti-plastic) and she taught me a variation on pass the parcel that I always use now and it works a treat with little kids. After each layer of paper rather than chocolate or a little gift you have a song title and the group (with parents helping) have to sing the song. Action songs work really well and the kiddies love it. You do need to make sure you know the words though and sing up! An alternative to this is to have a little challenge in each paper layer, e.g. spin round three times or jump on one foot for one minute or shake our neighbours hand. Nothing too hard just simple and fun.

Team obstacle courses are always fun, you could have 3 legged races, and egg and spoon relays (I like relays as no one person wins or loses and they are often more jolly) You could organise a mass treasure hunt with cut out cake pictures hidden round the garden and the prize is everyone gets cake. If you can borrow a huge parachute that you waft about, hide underneath and bounce balls on, that is a lovely thing to play with. You could get some music on and have a bit of a disco. A penalty shoot out is a great fun too. If there has to be a winner a big clap and cheer is good enough. Use your imagination and let the fun unfold.

Party bags: You don’t have to go down the party bag route – it’s an extra expense. You can just give the children a slice of cake and maybe a balloon, say thanks and bye-bye. I have often found unlooked at party bags still in my car a week later.

Cake: If someone you know can bake and will make you a cake as a gift then rope them in quick! Alternately you could always make your own. Cakes can cost a packet to have professionally made and the lovely effect of a gorgeous cake only lasts a few moments. Is it really worth a big expense? If you can’t face making it yourself and can’t find a friend to bake hit the supermarket and ask Grandpa to pay for it as a gift if he will. These cakes are usually quite reasonably priced and large and supermarkets do all the favourite themes.

Have fun, don’t stress and don’t put too much prep in or your child’s special day gets lost in you making a party. Lighten up and smile, they always work out, and really don’t need to cost too much.

The above was an extract from my book How to Afford Time Off with Your
Baby - 101 ways to ease the financial strain (Vermilion) By Becky Goddard–Hill. Only Ł5.99 (incl. p&p) from Amazon now.

the book is launched

03/09/2009

Just wanted to let you know that the book has now been released and is for sale on Amazon. I am so excited I really believe this book well have a financially helpful tip for everyone. It considers everything from Christenings to Christmas on a budget and from pregnancy to preschoolers and all the financial considerations these bring. The book is for every parent whether they have 6 weeks, 6 months, or 6 years off work almost all will have to make financial adjustments. My book is packed with simple, easy to achieve budgeting ideas. I truly hope it helps you worry less so you can enjoy your baby more.

My background.
Prior to taking 5 years off work on a very low budget with my own children I worked as a social work trainer in child development. I also worked as a humanistic psychotherapist. I passionately believe in supportive communities and sharing what we have and what we know. I have 2 amazing children who I was desperate to spend time with and we have learnt to reduce, reuse, recycle and be an active part of our community as a result.
How to Afford Time Off with Your Baby is published by Vermilion and available form Amazon right now for just Ł5.99

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pregnancy on a budget

10/08/2009

1. Don’t spend a fortune on baby names books, week by week pregnancy books, everything you need to know about childbirth and how to get pregnant books, Undoubtedly when the time comes friends
will have a stack of these to lend as will your local library who for a small fee can request them in if they don’t have them Have a browse on Amazon to see what you fancy then check out ebay to see if you can get it cheaper. Books are no more useful if they are new than borrowed, loaned out from the
library or second hand.

2. It’s not worth spend a fortune on baby clothes – you will be bought lots as gifts and you wont have a clue what these will be. Hold on for the clothes you will be given and just get a small pack of 3 from a supermarket as a starter set. plus the fact you may get a shock like me and have a 3lb baby or like my sister and get an 11lb baby - if you do, newborn sleep-suits will be entirely wrong but at least you will have only wasted a fiver!

3. I think it is a good idea to write a really clear wish list so when you are asked what you would like you can point people in the right direction and get nightlights sunshades, nappy bags and changing mats that you want and need (and which co-ordinate!) If you don’t speak up it is virtually guaranteed almost everyone will buy you clothes

4. You could practice living on one wage now so the shock of reduced income is less when your baby comes and you will have some money set by. This doesn’t mean you have to be miserable….lots of lovely times can be had on a budget. You don’t need a last trip to Paris pre-baby or a pregnancy spa, instead try:

• Putting a little love note in your partners pack up,
• Having a lazy bath with your best tunes, candles, a big choc bar and a brilliant library book
• Going for a gentle stroll in the country with good friends and a picnic
• Renting a movie you first watched together and cuddle up under a blanket with some hot chocolate.
• Setting the table with cloth napkins, flowers form the garden and practically eating out whilst staying in. Even if it is pasta it will taste much better this way!

5. Start to read How to Afford Time off with your Baby by Becky Goddard-Hill right now! Baby budgeting needs to start asap as there is a lot to sort out before your baby comes. The book is to be released on Sept 3rd and can be pre-ordered now form Amazon and all good book sellers.

Have a wonderful pregnancy x

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five top tips for thrifty baby play dates:

15/07/2009

Simple ideas are often those that give life ease and joy. For you and your small child these are everyday ideas to make part of your day to day (friends optional.)

1. Swimming is cheap and generally adored. Good for you full of giggles and lots of lovely bonding. Check out at your local leisure centre when their parent and toddler sessions are and pop along. Take your own lunch for after there is often somewhere to feed your baby. Swimming courses for babies can be costly and problematic; colds, injections, appointments and Grandma visiting can all get in the way and you can miss more than you make. Ad hoc pay as you go reduces wasted expense.

2. Parks – fabulously free and fantastic fun I have spent many hours on the park. To ring in the changes my little girl has pushed her dollies and her brother’s cars down the slides and swung her teddies in the swing. We have hit the park at 8 in the morning and taken breakfast, we have had a 10-baby strong teddy bears picnic there. We celebrated Earth day with tree rubbings and a book swap and lots of other families. Find all your local fab parks and make the very most of them.

3. A walk somewhere beautiful…. a great chance for a toddle, or push ride, fresh air, sight seeing, duck feeding, perhaps chatting things over with friends and getting some exercise. Scout out any lovely local walks and make them part of your play date routine. Taking a little picnic blanket, a flask, snacks and a ball make it all the more fun! Waiting for the sun is a complete waste of time grab your rain-mac and some wellies and embrace the elements.

4. Open up your home, stick on the kettle and don’t be proud, babies are just happy to play with other baby toys. If you have a play date over a lunchtime ask your friends if they want to bring their packed lunch to have at yours this saves anyone rushing away at lunchtime but saves lots of work and cash out for you. My bath is held up by parcel tape and I still have people round. You don’t need to be proud or worry few people care as much as you do about the state of you house. If its good enough for your baby its good enough for anyone.

5. Lastly parent and toddler groups may seem scary but be BRAVE and head on in. You will soon settle in and be an old timer. For 50p- Ł1 you get juice, biscuits, craft, a story, singing, new friends for baby and for you, different toys to play with, a change of scenery and a regular rainy day activity. The best way to make friends is offer to help hand out drinks or stay at the end to clear up. Put on a big smile tell people their child is cute and ask how old they are (the chid I mean!) you will soon be deep in conversation and may make some fab new friends.

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lowdham book festival

21/06/2009

My house is full of panic, chaos and disarray (no, my in-laws aren't coming to stay) I am simply about to attend and deliver a talk at my first ever book festival (June, 27th) How to Afford Time Off with your Baby the book that is the inspiration for this blog is soon to be released (Vermilion, September 3rd).

It is my first book and my first book festival so it is all very exciting. I am on at 10a.m in the miscellany tent If anyone wants to come long it is a free event. I will be talking about the books beginnings in my own experiences, statistics and research around being at home with our babies and of course loads
to do with saving, earning and not needing so much money when we have young children. I will also talk about the themes that emerge form baby budgeting in regard to the environment, community and creativity. The process of getting my first book published has been funny, frustrating and challenging and I will be sharing a bit of that too!,

www.lowdhambookfestival.co.uk

I would love to see you there. Bx

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wonderful weekends

31/05/2009

We have just had a very lovely weekend doing some fab things whilst spending very little and I just wanted to share some of it with you. On Saturday I got up early (as always with my 5 o' clock riser!) and headed out to buy some milk and pre packed croissants (still a real weekend treat but almost 2/3 cheaper than 4 just baked ones) and avoided buying a Ł1.50 paper and deciding I could catch up with the radio or tv instead.

We spent the morning at my friends house. I got my free weigh in and advice from my slim and motivating friend Keeley (saves me Ł20 a month on a slimming club) whilst my kids ate their rice krispies and had a wonderfully energetic bounce on our friends bouncy castle.
Later we took a pack up and went to the park where we had a big play and a game of football (my workout for the day and no gym fees!) Spent the afternoon relaxing in the sun whilst the kids played in the paddling pool. Make your own pizza for tea (cheap as chips) and lots of books, bath and cuddles to end the day.

Sunday we went for a morning of reading, dressing up and a little Winnie the Pooh dvd before heading off for a birthday party. The presents we bought for the 2 kids totalled Ł5 in all and were fab (Asda pom-poms and a paint your own dinosaur kit) home made cards looked great too. My kids got a great run around and a lovely lunch too. Spent the afternoon with friends over to play and helping J plant out our own veg. Kids shattered so drawing, cuddles and stories ended a lovely day.
We had a truly lovely weekend. Sunshine, exercise, parties, parks, picnics and playing.
Weekend cost about Ł6.50! (Excluding regular food) car only used once to go to party! Both kids v happy

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baby clothes

27/04/2009

Well, it is most definitely summer time and new clothes are the order of the day. My daughter is 1 1/2 and totally gorgeous and I like her to look her very best but money is tight. It is time to be resourceful! Here are my 10 top tips for dressing your baby on a budget.

1) Mix and match what they have - we do it for ourselves,...mixing up outfits can give them a great new lease of life, you could try little leggings under a dress, a white long sleeved body could go under a t-shirt on a cooler day, a blouse could be worn open over a vest top....endless possibilities!

2) Adapt what you have: jeans could be cut to make shorts, an old dress could become a little tunic top. new buttons may revive a cardi or a stained t-shirt could even be tie dyed!

3) Buy for longevity - I bought a gorgeous hot pink cashmere Monsoon poncho for Ł1.50 off eBay. It has lasted from 3 months to now and is still going strong. Pinafores with large arm holes can become minis later, elastic waist skirts can last an age. Think long life and then you can afford to buy a few key pieces.

4) Hand me downs - what a life saver, I would recommend you always say YES and smile. Even if you think these may not be to your taste you are sure to find a few things in a hand me down bag. Even if you just find a few play clothes (or as I call them 'going to grandmas to get dirty and eat ice cream clothes) these are a brilliant additions to your Childs wardrobe and saves you wrecking the good stuff.

5) Sell to buy - by selling what you are done with you can free up cash for you next clothes shop. eBay, NCT sales, netmums or even a local second hand baby clothes shop are all options for selling. I use eBay and sometimes sell bundles. I wouldn't recommend you horde for a next baby as clothes never look the same next time round and seasons, gender, sizes and weather never are never all exactly the same.

6) Check out eBay by searching for exactly what you want. Nct sales are also a top place to buy lovely v cheap seconds check out www.nct.org.uk/in-your-area/nearly-new-sales. Car boots can also be great, often its just a family like you trying to make money for the next load of baby stuff. For a car boot near you check out www.carbootjunction.com.

7) Accessorise - a little hair clip or waistcoat can transform an outfit for a party , a bit of shoe polish and some frilly socks can work wonders too. You don't have to buy a brand new outfit ..it can all be in the detail so be a savvy shopper.

8) Check out charity shop in posh areas...makes sense they will always have more expensive and probably better quality seconds.

9)A big waterproof bib that your baby is happy to wear is worth its weight in gold and I would recommend if they are eating spaghetti strip them down to their nappy. Its a good idea to protect what you have!

10) A baby probably doesn't care what they look like so try and not care much either. Life is for eating, playing and dribbling when you are little without being too concerned. I was once told that a smile is the prettiest outfit ever and so a relaxed mum and dad tend to make the prettiest of children.

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packups

25/04/2009

Well my 4 year old is back to school tomorrow and both he and his baby sister will be having packed lunch (she's off to visit grandma in hospital and it is FAR cheaper to take your own) Pack ups only take minutes but really do save pounds. Here are some pack up tips for savvy sandwich savers.

1. Invest in some different sized lidded plastic containers to save the constant expense of sandwich bags and cling film. It's a good investment.

2. Get a nice sandwich box but if you can get away with it avoid themes, Bob the Builder sandwich boxes may be in vogue with your toddler but will cost a lot more than a non themed box and a few months down the line Bob may well have been replaced by Roary and the nagging may begin again.

3. Have a non themed drinks bottle (see above) and make sure it fits in the box. This saves buying pre packed drinks is a cheaper and greener option. Tap water is, after all, totally free!

4. Chopped veg is healthy, cheap and colourful. 1 carrot can go a long way and it tastes sweet! Peppers are also a good option or maybe some cucumber, tomatoes, celery etc. If you pack it in they will often give it a try.

5. Fruit is really important too. Apples kept in the fridge tend to last an age and are hard to squish. Bananas may be a favourite - just remember not to store them with other fruit or let them get to warm and over ripen. Oranges aren't easy to eat in transit but easy peel Satsuma's may be an option and also last a while.

6. If sandwiches get boring try pita bread toasted, packed up with cheese or hummus and cut into little pieces. Tortilla wraps filled and chopped into bite size pieces are another cheap way to ring the changes.

7.You could also consider items you may already have in: : chunks of cheese and breadsticks, cold leftover pizza slices, a boiled egg, hot cross bun buttered and chopped, malt loaf, vegetable rice, pasta salad, etc. Children eat differently on the go particularly when they have no back up options!

8. Crisps are generally empty calories and you may want to miss these out, like wise chocoalte bars - if you decide to go down this route or even for an occasional treat look out for special offers and sotre them out of your every day reach or they will be gobbled up and gone in in no time!

9. A little box of raisins never spoils and give a sweet treat and an energy burst for little cost. I alsowsy include these.

10. To liven up a lunch box you could always pop in a forgotten toy or a photo of the cat or daddy! Treats don't have to be edible.

Have a nice lunch - and don't forget your own

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health in pregnancy grant - get yours now!

25/04/2009

From 6 April 2009, all pregnant women will be entitled to the Health in Pregnancy Grant (HiPG).

The HiPG is a universal one-off payment available to expectant mothers from the 25th week of pregnancy as long as it is after 6 April 2009. It will be a payment of Ł190, paid directly to the expectant woman to provide financial help, to support their health and well-being in the later stage of pregnancy and to meet the wider costs in the run up to the birth.
In order to receive the payment, the claim form will need to be signed by a registered midwife or doctor, who has provided health advice during the pregnancy - they will also provide the claim forms. go get yours!

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easter

25/04/2009

Happy Easter to you and yours.

Here are a few of my favourite Easter tips. Simple, straightforward and immensely do-able (like all my tips.) I hope they work for you too!

1. Babies do not know or care about Easter. Chocolate is not good for them and they do not need an alternative, save your cash and treat your little baby to an extra long cuddle instead.

2. Flowers make a lovely gift. Stock up on lots of daffodils (or better still grow your own) a bunch of these are a lovely gift - cheap but very cheerful.

3. Easter Feast - Have the family over for a baby friendly buffet. Ask everyone to bring a dish for the buffet, spread it out on the table and pop out some plates. Job done. Buffets like this will cost you v little, babies can still be cuddled and dishes get taken away so there is minimal washing up. Baby friendly, inexpensive and less housework!

4. Spring into life. You may not be able to go out this Easter with a young baby and little money but there is a lot you can do to feel good.

Here are my top five:

Get some sunlight morning and afternoon this is a GUARANTEED pick me up (and helps baby sleep!)

Walk through a pretty park it will provide exercise, fresh air and visual stimulation for both of you.

Have a long coffee with an old friend and talk about happy days and life pre-baby

Feed the ducks - it always restores me and babies love it

Have a spring clean and de-clutter all those baby items you are done with - it will make you feel great

Easter can renew you without the need to spend any money. I wish you a spirit filled Easter

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what's it all about?

25/04/2009

Hi

I am Becky. Mum to Franklyn aged 4 1/2 and Annalise age 21 months. I was the main breadwinner in my little family when I fell pregnant. Despite this, 5 years ago, in a financially feckless but heart driven move, I took a 6 year career break to raise my kids.

I am still off work to tell the tale and have learnt some fabulous financial tips along the way. I continue to learn and really want to support other mums and dads enjoy their precious time too.

I have just written a book called How to Afford Time Off with your Baby which is to be published by Vermilion in Sept. (so exciting- my first book!) which details 101 tips to ease the financial strain of raising a baby. I intend this blog to be a little weekly diary of my financial journey through parenting with tips, advice and shared experiences. I do hope you will join me.

Easter tips coming v soon!

Wishing you peace and sending a cuddle to your baby- till next time x Becky x

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