16 & 17 Month ~ Letter to August

My darling little Auggy,

Wow these last 2 months have gone in a whirlwind of firsts, walking, more teeth, and general doses of life!

I am so sorry that I didnt write you a letter last month. Your 16th month was one of my favourite, you perfected walking and I couldnt have been more proud of you. We spent many a day in the paddling pool, cooling off in the fierce July heat. It was a month of growth and taking life slowly, enjoying the summer and learning lots of new exciting things and spending lots of time with our wonderful family.

You have discovered the joy of laughter and are always doing funny things to make us smile. You have days full of chuckles and those are just wonderful. You love to hide and jump out at us...you do this over and over again. I adore to see your reaction to our surprise and shock. The pure joy you share with us is something that always amazes me. I never thought being a Mama would be this wonderful.

You still copy our actions, whether it be a sticky out tongue, a kiss, or a nose beep. I can literally see you learning by the second. We recently went to pick some beans in the garden, and I was passing them to you, you were putting them into the basket...you are so smart darling. You can complete most of your toy puzzles, and you know all the farmyard animals and their sounds.

   

Unfortunately you have also started throwing tantrums...they dont last long and are only when you are frustrated about something or over tired. You love to throw yourself on the floor, face screwed up with fake tears, and waving arms. I'm hoping these dont last for long! 

Your love of books is fabulous. i have been worried that you wouldnt like to read as you have never really given them much attention until the last 3 months. You will bring me a book to read you at least 8 times a day. You love anything with animals or a tractor. You point things out and i will reread it over and over until you get bored.

When we went to the zoo, Papa reworked your favorite Miffy book using your name instead. We saw so many amazing animals, however the one that got the biggest reaction was the gregory's giraffes! You adored them and got right up close to them. You waved and waved and chatted away to them.

You love 'Goodnight Tractor' and ask for it to be read to you most days.

You will now only stand in the bath.

You have a fork, and a new straw sippy cup!

You have had a big growth spurt, and your long legs have got really chubby.

You have another bottom tooth through.

You adore to climb the stairs.

You still have a weird love for any knitted item and your blankets are still your favourite.

you turn every switch on and off and press every button.

You are walking in shops, however you are not confident enough outside on the uneven floors.

You say 'MamaDada' really quickly and then giggle uncontrolably. 

You love to learn new things and at the moment you are obsessed with pointing to the clock, ball and putting your shoes on!

You are really interested with the potty and say 'Wawa' then you have had a pee!! i think we might start potty training soon.

You are still hugely funny, thoughtful, gentle and sweet. You have real moments of stillness and contemplation and I often wonder what you are thinking, what has taken you away, what you have found fascinating. 

At 16 months you started laughing at CBeebies, you find  'waybuloo' so funny, and i love your silly sense of humour. You love to blow raspberries and pull Papas shirt up and jiggly his belly.

You bring us a million laughs a day, we are always being amazed by how smart you are. You make strangers in the street smile and say hello. You chat up waitresses with your good looks and blue eyes...no-one can resist those long eyelash flutters. 

I think we are going to have our hands full with you in the future and I cannot wait!

Reach for the star darling pickle, they shine nearly as bright as you do.

I love you millions,

Mama

xxx

The Image

This photo is one of my favorite of the last year...not because of the image captured but for what it was to be in that moment with our pickle. 

Our first little holiday to the sea, 5 and a half months old, so happy, so well behaved, seagulls chatting, waves crashing, giggling babe, smiling relaxing husband, shoulders dropping, sea breezes through open windows.

It was beautiful

My boys were beautiful

The sea, hotel, food & warmth was beautiful

Happy Mummy Day

Mothering Sunday was just lovely. It was Mine and my darling sisters first...we celebrated with roast pork  & bubbles! Our Ma bought us beautiful pink sweetpeas which was a lovely surprise.

She also got the babes an early Easter pressie of Bunny ears! Every body loves a baby in bunny ears :)

Yep he is still rocking them! I think he likes the limelight...maybe he is an actor in the making!

A truly happy day with everyone I love and cherish.

Here is to many more

xxx

6 Months ~ Letter to August

Happy half year Birthday to you,

Happy Birthday to you,

Happy six month Birthday,

Happy Birthday to yoooooouuuuuu!

This month your Auntie Charlotte had a darling little girl; Isla Grace. You are exactly six month older than her...therefore it is your duty to look after her and be her friend for life. 

We went to see her when she was 2 days old, she was wrinkly, and so cute. It amazed me how light she was, and how tiny. It seems like a lifetime ago that you were that small. Your tiny mews for milk, and newborn smell. 

6 months has been wonderful...we have moved house, seen lots of friends and family and started back at baby sensory. We have had play dates, long journeys and plenty of smiles, giggles and happy chatting!

This month we bought you a walker for the new house and you love it...you dance at the {slightly annoying} music, and watch me as I cook dinner....you seem happy with the independence it gives you, which makes me swell with pride.

You sit up unaided now, and bob along to the music at our sensory class...you even recognise other babies, people and greet them with big smiles. You love to smile, big, huge grins and then giggle like it is the funniest thing ever.

You love avocado and pasta.

You love the bath and playing with water.

The jingly bells are you favorite at baby sensory.

Your weight is back up to normal.

You love us pulling very expressive faces.

You are happiest when you are out and about meeting people and seeing the countryside.

You love to chew on your sipping cup and rub it along your gums to sooth some of your teething pain.

You love attention.

You know what 'no' means, especially if you are trying to put your feet in your mouth while you eat!!

You are very noisy when you eat.

You prefer veggies to fruit, and your not keen on meat.

Your teeth are coming through, and you seem very upset by this...we try to keep you jolly and amused. It's hard work for Mummy & Daddy. We will celebrate when they do make an appearance that's for sure!

We adore you so much August, you make us smile, laugh, and swoon at your little personality shining through. 

Bring on another glorious month little one.

Ik hou van jou 

Mummy 

xxx

Autumn is coming!

We feel the chill in the air every morning when we pop out to the shop...August has even been seen rocking his Winter hat! 

Autumn is one of my favorite seasons, spring JUST wins. However the smell of wood fires, the nights drawing in, the leaves turning...the thought of hats, scarfs and woolen coats makes my heart swell.

I have found August a gorgeous quilted jacket, and some rather tiny Ugg boots in the charity shop this week. 

In the post arrived a fantastic bear suit from Australia....Aunty Elle has a knack for finding the best things ever!! Its way too big, but that's the idea you see; because she arrives for Christmas, when it will be the perfect size!

She is looking forward to the fuzzy bear hugs already!

5 Months ~ Letter to August

To My Darling Auggs,

This week we have been for a short holiday to the seaside; our first holiday as a family!

We visited a sandy beach, a cobbled town, and an artists house...Your Dad and me have relaxed and you have been so well behaved. You came to dinner with us every night and had everyone in awe at your manners...we couldn't have asked you to be more wonderful.

This month we have been trying to pile on the pounds as you are taking your time to gain weight. I started off being worried, now I'm relaxed to the fact that you will be what you are, which is happy and healthy and growing strong...your'e perfectly long and lean like your Dad.

You are so bright...you love all toys and look at them with such fascination, joy and happiness. Your favorite is your dummy clip...Monkey, he is perfect mouth sized!

You love bananas, sweet potato, porridge & squash.

You are starting to sit up unaided...however you just sway to one side!

The simple toys are the one which hold the most joy.

You tug on your ears when you are tired.

You had a cool bath in the garden tub.

You grab your toes, and they are now going into your mouth!

You are chatting loudly.

You know your name.

You know when your food is coming and get very impatience.

You are drinking water from a sippy cup.

You are starting to get a bit anxious if you cannot see me or Dad.

We think one of your bottom front teeth is going to come through first.

The other day you woke for a feed at 1.30am. I walked into your room to smiles and sweet coos...your arms open asking to be picked up. As your were feeding I realised that these moments have been my favorite since you came into my life. The gentle noises outside, the slight chill of the room, a shared experience between Mother and Son.

Once you had finished you peacefully watched the light and the shadows that come through the door from the hallway... you have always loved the light dancing on a ceiling, or shadows cast from a dappled sunlight, or the bright red flowery umbrella on a dull day. Your wonder and intense stare remind me of an artist working out his approach to a painting...trying to get the best light...waiting for the inspiration to hit. 

I love the way you play with my hands like you are making a study of them....bending them, working them out in your own sweet mind, then moving yours in realisation. I'm going to miss these tranquil snippets of our lives. I know soon you will sleep through, become more independent and you wont remember our quiet conversations...but I will.... and they are so precious to me. Your sweet face, milky breath, pure wonderment, and the gentleness of being in the moment.

Thank you for them August... You are my wonder...My masterpiece.

I love you,

Mummy

xxx

Truly English

The English country Fete...It was the Wonderful Dutchmans first ever village fete....cream teas were a must!

 I couldn't take my eyes off this tiny owl, he was so cute and his nose looked just like lichen on a tree...the most perfect camouflage. 

Papa nearly won at the skittles...August was fast asleep to witness it!

Isn't this the most quintessentially English scene ever? There were Morris dancers, a dog show, raffles and smack the rat...my childhood was relived. I also won a hot air balloon flight in the raffle...so, so, so happy about that!

I cannot wait for August to enjoy these moments...running around asking for 50p for this and that game and entering his puppy into the most waggiest tail competition.

It makes me happy to know we will make this happen for him...maybe he and his puppy will win a rosette!

2 Months ~ Letter to August

Auggy Bear,

Month 2 has gone so fast. We had our check up and your first injections, you were brave and only cried for a few seconds. You met your Oma & Opa for the first time along with Tante Miranda. We had our first long car journey down to the south coast sunshine, where we had a BBQ to celebrate Nana's Birthday, with your gorgeous bumped up Auntie. 

It amazes me on a daily basis that you are growing so fast, and not just physically. You stick your tongue out at me when I do, you are batting away toys, and talking so much more. Yours smiles are just divine. We spend most mornings talking to one another...big smiles and kicking legs are just perfect even at 5am!

You have grown out of your mosses basket.

You are wearing 3-6 month clothes albeit a tiny bit big.

Your hair has turned blonde.

You had a boys night in with Daddy.

You have been playing in your big boy cot.

There has been the odd sleepless night, and days of random crying. The tears make me sad; however I understand you are just trying to tell me something and I just have to learn what that is.

The more I get to know you the more I am sad that some people are missing it. Sometimes I feel them around us...you often look into space and smile a lot...staring at nothing, however I believe you see what I only feel. We are lucky to have them visit us August. 

Others choose not to be apart our world.... their loss. Missing out on your pure beauty, happiness and joy only makes me realise how foolish one persons decision can be. 

Your happiness is not dependent on another person August...never let someone else rule your world.

"You are the captain of your own ship; don't let anyone else take the wheel."

 Michael Josephson

Until then Captain, I will guide you through the still & rocky waters, holding your hand all the way.

I love you 

Mummy

xxx

Letter to Pip ~ Part 7

 Darling Pip,

This is us at 39 weeks...don't you look fab? I'm still happy with my gorgeous bump and I'm going to miss being pregnant feeling your kicks and general naughty antics. 

I didn't sleep so well last night as I had my second experience of Braxton Hicks, I got all excited and was willing them to stay and get bigger so we could meet you....that and it is my guess day today!! Your Dad got it sooo wrong with his I thought I had won the bet, however they went after 3 hours and I fell asleep dreaming about what you are going to look like.

Everything is ready for you...the house is getting cleaner by the second, due to my boredom! Your drawers are still neat and tidy, and your bag has been repacked my Daddy so he know what to dress you to come home in. We have done the last minute shopping, my bag is packed and the list of your possible names is getting longer!

I am trying to relax, get some sleep, and not worry about being induced, which seems more likely as each day passes. I'm sure we will cope either way. The excitement about meeting you will over take the worry anyway :)

The daffodils daddy planted for your Birthday are all out and happy, waiting for you to arrive. I can't wait to walk you through our garden...have picnic rugs on the decking under the umbrella when it is hot, and listen to the swifts chattering overhead, while I marvel at your chunky legs with rolls of baby fat, while you coo away in ruffly bloomers! 

Life is going to be so sweet little one.

Stay safe until the time is right...then arrive quick and healthy, bouncy bambino

We love you to the moon and back

xxx

Surprise!

My lovely friend Jenna was due to come around on Saturday for lunch and to cheer me up, as I was pretty grumpy!! I got a text off her saying she had met my neighbour in town and that we could go around her house for a change of scene and a gossip...so when I turned up, I found 8 of my friends and family ready to greet me!!

The table was set out with all sorts of yummy-ness, vintage china teacups, candles and cute silver birds....not to mention handmade fabric cupcakes which turned out to be burp cloths, made by my friend Priscilla.

Homemade brownies, Victoria sponge, & cupcakes....it was a delight!

We played games and laughed a lot.

We got completely spoilt with fabulous gifts. Handmade booties, and shoulder warmers, toys, photo albums, clothes and a few lovely things for me too including a bottle of bubbles for when the Pickle turns up!!

Amazing LOLA cupcakes and percy piglets!

Too cute!

I cannot thank everyone enough for the most fantastic afternoon! 

This Pip and me are so very lucky to have such wonderful people in our lives.

xxx

Spa Day

Yesterday we had our Spa Day (thank you Pip for holding out!)

To say it was bliss is an understatement....it was glorious! We had lovely long swims which were wonderful. We floated around looking like a whale, but feeling weightless. Getting out of the pool was another matter altogether...ok so I am THAT heavy!

Anyhow, my lovely friend Jenna came with us...we got scrummy massages and facials, along with head massages and I got a leg massage which was out of this world, who would have thought my legs were SO tense!! We then had a gorgeous bento box lunch which was perfectly delicious. We read trashy magazines, gossiped about people we have never met and generally chilled the hell out.

 I also had a tingling pedicure, which set off my restless legs!! However it was still fab, and she painted my toes the most dramatic red...and I got to take the colour home, which was just perfect. 

I cant thank my wonderful Family enough for treating me to this joyous day.

I love you all so much

xxx 

So Pip, I am ready...get a wriggle on!

xxx

Letter to Pip ~ Part 6

Dear The Mighty Pip the Pickle,

Well my darling we are nearly there...today you are 37 weeks old and I couldn't be more proud of you and my body. We have been through a lot. We have had adventures, laughter, stresses, fun, tears and moments of breath holding and prayers.

You seem to be kicking well this week. In fact I feel you are running out of room and those long legs are getting a bit cramped now. We managed to freak Auntie Louise out as she watched you kick and jiggle about, she just couldn't believe how strong you are...I think we might have put her off having a baby. I however told her how wonderful the feeling was. After last weeks antics you can kick as much as you like darling baby.

So all you have to do now Pip is arrive soon, before the 28th March would be wonderful. I want to give birth to you naturally, so you have 2 and a half weeks to pack your bags and come into this wonderful world.

We are all waiting & wondering what you will be....boy or girl? We have all had a guess in the 'Pip Tote'. Mine is a Boy born on the 21st March, however I am only about 50.5% about the boy thing...I think it could go either way!! 

Daddy thinks Girl born on the 9th March....so you better get a wriggle on if he is to be right!!

We are off to have a spa day on Thursday with Auntie Jenna...a lovely gift from our wonderful family...I honestly cannot wait. We are going to have a massage, facial and pedicure....we are going to float in the pool for ages, in our blue polka dot tankini, in which we look rather like a whale in!! 

So if you can resist coming out until we have been pampered I would really appreciate it!

Come safely and quickly gorgeous babe...we are ready & waiting for you to complete our little world Pip.

Head down little one

We love you 

xxx

15 Weeks to Go!!

Oh My God....that fact is rocking my world right now...25 weeks has come around so quickly I'm finding it hard to believe that in 15 weeks I will be a Mummy....It really is the strangest feeling!

I am feeling great...tired, but wonderful. The shop is so busy but I find myself totally exhausted by the end of the day, and often get sent home by the wonderful one and my Ma to put my feet up!! I have the best family ;)

The photo above was taken before we went out for dinner at a friends house...I felt amazingly pretty, however I paid for the heels later!

Our friends had just come back from holiday where they picked up these amazingly cool olive picks! I thought it was some form of modern art, until someone used one!

We also have our tree up! It is just divine!

Our last Christmas as 'just us'...next year we will be looking forward to Pips first Christmas!

As this ever growing bump wiggles, turns and perfects his/her star jump, I cannot help to feel totally in awe of my body...I feel relaxed, calm and thoroughly excited ...

...I can do this.

xxx

Pip's First Sinterklaas

The flight was no different with a Pip in my belly thankfully!

It didn't snow.

 We sat in a the most stunning cafe in Haarlem, surrounded by friends and watched the world and all the bikes go past...it was blissful.

Pip got his/her first presents from Sinterklaas, spoilt is the word of the weekend. We have raided HEMA and bought all Pips clothes for the first few months of his/her life...all so fantastic, all so Dutch!!!

My Dutch menu reading is getting much better...the Pip is on full view now.

A busy trip Home for the Wonderful one...many good luck wishes for March & Pip...a gallon of coffee drunk....suitcases full to the brim with baby loveliness...Family and friends enjoyed....Nephews treated to human horse rides, cuddles, and bedtime stories.

Exhausted but.....Mission accomplished!!

Thank you everyone

xxx

Week 22

I took these photos last week. Pip is certainly visible now. 

Week 22 has been a week of hard work in our little flower shop, buying for Christmas orders and working out window displays. My Grandparents have moved into their gorgeous new apartment, the old house with its 4 bedrooms and years of clutter has been cleaned and sorted.

If I could of had a large Gin & Tonic I would of had 3!!

Tomorrow we are off to Holland for Sinterklaas...Pips first time...I hope S/he will love to be surrounded with the dutch chatter....We are very excited!

I am wondering if it will be different in a plane when you have a Pip in your belly? 

Will we have another surprise from Zwarte Piet?

Will it snow?

Will we be able to sit in a cafe in Amsterdam and watch the world go by?

I will be back with photos next week 

xxx

11/11/11

This is a photo of your Great Grandpa and Me. At a guess I would say it was around 1985.

He was a big man, who smoked Benson & Hedges Cigarettes, had a dry sense of humor, and false teeth.

He was a very imposing man...Me and Auntie Charlotte used to run around the house and he always said 

"I'm watching you two".... we used to be very careful! 

Only really when he died and I grew up a bit did I start to understand what an amazing man he was.

He flew in WWII, he rarely talked about it. He was Brave, strong and funny. Even though his name was Douglas, everyone called him 'Big Dave'.

His Flight hat, and some of his photos are in Tangmere Aviation Museum. 

I am proud of him.

When you are older Me & Auntie Elle will amuse you with his stories.

I hated what he saw in the war...my hope is that you never see the horror of War... He would have wanted that too.

Remembering 

Douglas Cameron Davies

27th April 1918 

28th July 1990

Letter to Pip ~ Part 2

Dear Pip,

Wow darling you are growing fast! 2 weeks ago I really didn't feel that pregnant, but boy you have made up for it in the last week. Week 18 has seen you double in size. I feel your weight in my belly all the time now, and I am still in awe of this....your'e really in there Pip, and in no time you will be in our arms.

At the moment your dad and I are working out which cot to buy you. Decisions like this are so exciting...its a big deal to us to make your room relaxed fun and a happy place to dream in. As we don't know whether you are going to be a girl or a boy we are going to paint your room yellow...it is a sunny room anyway but yellow will brighten those dull days.

I can just see us now playing in your room, seeing you snuggle your bear while I read you a bedtime story, watching your eyes get heavy with sleep, imagining what amazing dreams you will have.

We have also been discussing what it is going to be like to raise a bi-lingual child. We cannot wait for the challenge it will bring us...We are off to Holland in December and we are going to buy you lots of books and lovely Dutch clothes. You will be 23 weeks old and it will be your first time there, we cant wait to show you around!! You are only going to benefit from having a second language. Oma and Opa will be proud of you and Dad, and who know maybe I will learn too!! ;)

In 9 days we have your 20 week scan...halfway there little Pip. I cannot wait to see your acrobatics again.

Stay safe, happy and wriggling tiny one.

Love Mummy

xxx 

A Lucky Elephant

Today my lovely Ma bought Pip a present at the antiques market....

A lucky elephant, what a guy....from India, and totally cute!

Thank you Ma

xxx