13 Months ~ Letter to August

Dearest Auggs,

The photo above melts my heart. You & Papa snoozing in our bed a year apart...can you see your newborn wrinkly hands? and your dark hair? I packed away that tiny babygrow this weekend and me & Papa marveled about how tiny you were...how perfect; How lucky we are to have you here safe and well; giggling, smiling with your cheeky-ness.

It has been a month of growth spurts, fun and adventure. You are getting very quick and i often think you are in the front room happily playing and then find you in the hall trying to climb the stairs...you are keeping me on my toes and i love it. You have started to talk more and you are starting to communicate with us. You say 'no', 'more', 'Mama', and your favorite; 'Narna' meaning you can see a banana and want it right now!

You are growing in so many beautiful ways. Some are challenging, some are funny...all are amazing to me your Mama. It is a real honour to be your play partner, food giver, comfort, tickler, memory maker, wardrobe assistant and chief nappy changer. 

Today we went to the swings after a hard long winter of snow and freezing weather. You were not sure about it, but you loved to watch Papa & me playing and reliving our childhood! You loved trying to catch Mamas feet as I swung higher and higher!

I cannot wait for a summer of warm breezes, sparkling skies, playing outside and you learning to walk with your chubby legs in shorts. 

You are quick....crawling and cruising.

You cannot see a banana without wanting it!

You are starting to understand what we are telling you.

You copy us.

You say uh oh...or uh uh... or oh oh!!

Mama is your new favorite word repeating it ALL the time!

You open & close the cupboard doors with great pleasure...we are teaching you 'open' close'...'open' 'dicht'

The tractor is your toy of the month...it talks...'we're off to the fields'!!

You love to push buttons delicately with one finger.

You think it is hilarious to grab our noses to see what sound they make...we all have a different sound, and are possibly regretting this game :)

You love to look out of the French windows...nose squished against it.

Miffy rocks your bedtime story EVERY night!

blue is your favorite colour...you spend ages playing with just the blue toys!
You has your first taste of ice cream.

I have been reminded this month what a little miracle you are...how we would be lost without you.
You have changed our world in a million ways...each one for the better.
You have my heart little man.
I love you
Mama
xxx

Bugs

Sick baby, sick husband, grumpy dog, knackered Mum!! It seems March has it in for us. 

Lots of cuddles, snoozes on shoulders, and quiet moments reminded me of the early day with this little Pickle....that was a treat...I also ate Lunch for 2 days running...bonus!

Auggy has a new toy box and is now never out of our scottish dresser...filled with all his toys, books and games...our living room looks grown up again!

The pickle is now well, but Papa is not...the dog has picked up on the general gloom, and is totally fed up with us sad sacks!

He also hates his photo being taken, and a small human disturbing his nap...

August laughs at him when he howls and if he comes into his room...he also waves at him, which is still cute!

He is one next week...boom...mind blown!

10 Months ~ Letter to August

 Mr Moo,

Wow how you have grown little man! Developmentally you are so smart, I love to see the amazement in your face when you discover something new. We build towers out of your blocks and you don't like to knock them down but place more things on top. Like your dummy or another block, it is so sweet to watch.

You love to share and offer everything to us....if your playing, you offer us a stacking cup, dummy, or toy. You have even started to offer us your spoon after you have taken a mouthful. I adore to see this kindness in you, I pray it continues throughout your life, because it is a wonderful quality to have August.

We have seen you sleep a lot better this month...I bought you an amber anklet to see whether it sooth's your horrid teething pain...I really think it has worked to take the edge off. You seem so much better, and that make Mama & Papa so happy.

This month we have been spending a lot of time with other babies, it has been fun, you are so calm and gentle, even when others are crying and fussing. However the only time this doesn't work is if your hungry...you are ruled by your tummy; just like your Papa!! Your meals just keep getting bigger and bigger as does your appetite!  Food is your world, which is great. I am very grateful you are not fussy about what you eat and you hardly ever refuse anything...thank you for that darling boy, it makes Mummy's life so much easier.

Avocado is still your favorite and you have just started to eat some finger food and wheat puffs are devoured with much pleasure and orange hands.  

Mama has made your 1st Birthday Party invites, which I'm trying not to think about because you cannot possibly be one soon!

You love wheat puffs

You can stand up with the help of the chair

You can turn around on your bum

You now sit sideways in your high chair!

You still wave like crazy

You bounce to the beat of the music

You Dutch clock ALWAYS gets you smiling and laughing

You hate strong wind

You hate the car seat

You saw your first ever snow, and loved touching it

Your handknitted GG blankets are a huge comfort for you

You love to dance with Mama in the sling
You play peek-a-boo, lifting your blanket to cover your eyes then dropping it to reveal a huge grin!

You had your first fall...and bruise!

I have spent 19 months loving & nurturing you. Imagining your future, worrying, laughing and enjoying your every wriggle, hiccup, smile & giggle. Seeing your achievements, the light in your eyes, every pound gained, every mouthful , every ounce of milk & every outfit outgrown. Words cannot say how mind blowingly beautiful this time has been. 

Can we do it all again August? With maybe more sleep?

I adore you with every tiny atom in my body and soul.

Hugs,

Mama

xxx

P.S I want to see teeth next month please!

9 Months ~ Letter to August

Wave, Wave, Wave Auggy

This month you have waved at everyone...to Daddy and me, to the dog, a lady in the street, the mirror and the telly....you never stop. It is still a slightly royal wave, which has us laughing all the time. 

You really are a joy to be around and your first Christmas was amazing. Watching you rip open presents and your big round cheeks fill out as the huge grin reaches across your face....you light up with happiness...i treasure every time this happens....i mentally tie it up in a ribbon and store it in my heart forever.... precious moments.

 These 9 months have been such a wonderfully new and exciting time for us....I have learnt so much, and experienced so much more than I ever thought possible. Sharing my waking moments with you is an adventure, never the same, never boring...you keep me on my toes little man!

I feel the next adventure will be the crawling! I have to be honest...i'm dreading it....you however will love it! I dread it because your growing up too quickly Auggs, its all going to fast. I look back on photos and wonder where 9 months have gone? It feels like yesterday we brought you home, with your giant feet and long legs! I think i have been in some weird time warp.

You are such Fun! you love all your toys and play with each one with intrigue and a slight frown...then a huge grin once you work out that it makes a noise or moves... stacking cups are a favorite you love to knock them down.

We wont mention the teeth...or the lack of sleep...but boy there are taking their time!

You however made your Mummy very happy by saying 'MAMA' as your first word...thank you you clever chap!

You walk across the kitchen in your walker

You wave, and wave, and wave!

You say 'Mama' and 'Papa'.

You love to make noise by hitting things together

You throw your dummy out in anger

You have gotten really loud

You seem to love to eat the high chair!

You are trying to crawl, however you quickly get frustrated.

You recognise voices

You wave goodnight to your toys and room. And over Christmas...the tree!

You went to the airport to meet your auntie Elle off the plane from Oz!

2013 is going to see more changes, adventures and a mountain of fun and laughter...we will share it with wide eyes and hearts full of wonderful memories. 

Bring it on August...I cannot wait for another amazing year with you by my side.

Love Always,

Mama

xxx 

8 Months ~ Letter to August

Darling Auggs,

What a roller coaster of a month....you have grown in so many ways. Your getting more and more mobile, loving playing in your walker of rolling around on the floor. You are so active that you hate to sleep, nap or do anything other than play or cry in your cot!! It has been hard work trying to settle you. Whether it is your teeth, separation anxiety, or just the change of a new house we do not know...we have tried most thing. However it might just being as simple as you don't like a cold bed! So Bee the wheatie toy has been keeping you warm at night.

We have been having some beautiful Autumn days, with low sun, and long shadows. you manage to nap in your buggy while I walk you around for miles...it is a joy to share these moments with you, even if you are snoozing! 

You are still enjoying your food a lot, feeding yourself, and getting slightly grubby in the process. You love to have a full belly, and you still have sweet potatoes, and butternut squash as favorites.

You wave...a slightly amusing 'royal' wave...sometimes you are shy and don't, however we say goodnight to everything in your room and you wave in a crazed manner! It makes me smile, and I cannot get over how quickly you pick these things up. 

You sit up without falling down

You love hair, pulling, stroking, & eating it

You can stand up holding on to the footstool

You celebrated your first Sinterklaas

You had your first presents to unwrap

You rode your Great Opa's handmade Rocking horse

You have had a huge growth spurt

You felt a frosty leaf

You have a talking Dutch clock!

You can put your whole dummy in your mouth

You have started to suck your thumb

This month has been the month of the hug...when happy, sad, sleepy, joyous they always make my day. When your little head rests on my shoulder and your arms wrap around me, stroking my hair, your breath on my neck...my heart skips a beat. You continue to amazing me. Just when I think I couldnt love you more, my heart is full tot he brim, you smile, giggle or wave and I realise my love is endless....everlasting.... it will survive forever and a day.

Keep Giggling Mr,

Love always,

Ma 

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

Hot Hazy Days

What is a boy to do on a hot humid Sunday? Take an out door dip that's what!!

An old enamel bath comes in handy when you have a hot and grumpy 5 month old!

It reminds me of being a little girl on the farm I grew up on. On days like this I would fill an old barrel with the hose pipe and plunge into the freezing water...utter bliss!

I have to say that after August was done I had my feet in the cool water....old habits and all that!

Hey Blue Eyes

Those eyes...they will get him far!

I hope they stay blue

I can now see us both in him...my eyes, hands, ears... Martin's everything else :)

The dark circles can be seen, the day was one of the worst to date... however this image is one of my favorites.

 The happiness in the storm of tears

Play Time

We are having plenty of smiles here lately and August is growing up so much...I cannot believe we are 9 weeks into having this little man in our lives...its a whirlwind of super highs and some lows...but I tell you those smiles make it worth every single sleepless night and hours of colicy crying!

Wake up Mummy

Morning Handsome!

My morning have never been so good

7 weeks old

9lb 2oz

Loves the mornings, his cheeks being squished, shadows on the ceiling, his pram. 

Eyes are still navy blue, he has his feet inked for the first time for Oma &Opa, his hair is turning blonde, his legs are getting chubby, he kicks and wriggles for England AND Holland! (nothing has changed on that front!)

You Rock August!

xxx

Happiness is....

...a baby in his Alpaca jumper smiling at you...

xxx

One Month ~ Letter to August

Darling Boy,

Well this first Month of being a mummy to you has gone in a flash. I have enjoyed every second August. You have been a joyful bundle of scrummy baby-ness. Your chubby cheeks, long fingers, and big feet make my day, and keep me in awe of you. We created you, you camped out in my belly for a whole 9 month ( minus a day!) and now you are here, brightening our lives...I am still amazed by that fact.

Right now, as you sit frog like on my chest I remember the moment I found out we were having you. It was a beautiful July day, the day before was your Dads birthday and we had been to the seaside....I knew then on that beach, that you were in my belly, I felt i wasn't alone. I next day it was confirmed. I cried with pure joy and utter fear that I was having a baby. 

However I had nothing to fear...

You are perfect in every way. The fear has washed away, replaced by happiness and instinct. 

You bring us laughter with your milky smiles, rolling eyes and little noises. You have grown out of your new baby babygrows and at the last measurement you were 65 cm long...your Dutch ancestry is very apparent!

We can only get you to settle by swaddling you....you love touching your face....shadows on the ceiling...walking up and down the stairs with Daddy...the mobile above your cot...watching me stick my tongue out at you, i swear you try and copy me....and boy do you burp loudly!

Every one you have met has instantly fallen for your good looks, long eyelashes and button nose. However the jury is out as to who you look like....but your frown is all your Dads!

We love you little chap...make sure those sweet dream your having right now on my chest are big and happy ones 

Love, Mummy xxx

Week 3

August is keeping us amused & very busy.

He is growing well...his wrists are getting chubby and his cheeks are totally quishable!

xxx 

My First Week...by August

This is Mummy looking very excited as she is off to the hospital as her waters have broken...can you see me looking all big in her belly??

The bag is packed...she didn't get to have the Hypno-birth she wanted because I am Pip the Pickle remember!!

How do I look...Shiny & New? I'm 7lb 6oz born at 3.15 on the 26th March 2012...oh and I'm an Aries!!

This is Daddy and me "bonding", really he is just looking at me with this proud, silly face like I'm the best thing EVER....I like him!

This is me after a blissful first bath, in my going home outfit....stripes are so in this year!

See how I'm rocking them in my car seat!

Swaddle?? only if my arms are free Daddy!

See that's 'the' look....He thinks I rock...even though I pee on him....!

Mummy is still taking these photos even though I'm not in her belly anymore...this is week 40 apparently!

Mummy and me posing....can you see my big hands? I'm thinking piano player, sculptor, or artist extraordinaire!! 

Great Grandma adored me...I loved her warm house.

First outing in this weird thing...I like it, it makes me sleepy and reminds me of somewhere I have been before...I cant remember for the life of me where though.

Mummy keeps flashing this thing in my face...she got my best side here and in these cute spots too!

I also met the family...Auntie Charlotte & Nana...they spoilt me rotten...I like them too.

In fact everyone has been so lovely, the house is full of cards and wonderful fluffy gifts...what more of a welcome could a boy want?

Thanks peeps

Love, dribbles and eyelash flutters,

August 

x

26.03.2012

3.15am

7lb 6oz

A Bouncing Baby Boy

No Name Yet

The most intense experience of my life

I am utterly in love all over again

xxx

One week and four days to go!!

We are so near the finishing line! I am slightly grumpy and uncomfortable right now, but I am still so excited about giving birth to this little Pip. As a woman the whole process amazes me and it is something I have been wanting to go through for ages...so bring it on baby :)

I feel I have had a super easy pregnancy so far. No horrid symptoms, no swollen ankles, not a lot of sickness. Ok, we have been to the hospital more than most, but it normally ended up with us getting a look at Pip, so that has been our silver lining. I have been uncomfortable yes, but that is nothing compered to what some ladies I know have been through. 

The Wonderful one, told me it has been difficult for him. Our pregnancy wasn't what he expected. He, unlike me, thought it would be easier for me. He hates that he cant help me when I'm uncomfy...he said he just never thought that would be an issue...so maybe I have been moaning more than I thought!! 

He is also worried about how he will be in the delivery room...bless him! I know it will be tough to see someone you love going through such a powerful and painful experience, however I have told him to be strong, make me smile, tell me I'm doing a great job and to keep the cold face cloths coming!! 

....The pressure is building...the excitement is mounting...

Do you think Pip will hold out until after Mother's Day?

Will I get another weekly photo out of this bump?

Is my guess day right?

Time is a cruel, but thrilling thing :)