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

15 Months ~ Letter to August

                             

Hey my clever walker!

Yep Mama was right...this month you WALKED!! You took your first few steps on the 12th June 2013...I was so proud and so was Papa. It took me awhile to get a photo though. You would walk a few steps and bump down onto your bum so quickly I couldn't catch you mid step!

This new found skill is making you a very happy chap, you look pleased as punch with your new freedom. Mama however is slightly weepy at the fact that her baby is now all independent. 

Life has been passing by at a gentle pace...mornings in pyjamas, and lazy hazy hot days of naked baby time, long lunches & BBQ's is the garden. I have enjoyed this month with you so much. I am remembering the baby and looking at the toddler it is weird for Mama...but wonderful to see you grow so beautifully.

You are happy, fun and charming little Pip...all this hard work is paying off.

You have really developed a love for books this month, and I often find you looking through one.

You walked!!

You share all your food with us.

You love to chew on the flooring foam letters.

You have 4 new teeth all coming through at once ;(

You have inherited your Papa's love for Lego.

Opa, Oma and Tante Miranda came to visit you.

You love an audience and anyone with a camera.

You get shy and upset when new faces are around.

Banana's still rock your world.

You went in a big van on a work trip in the gorgeous June heat and met your cousin for Lunch

You HAVE to smell flowers if you seen them.

You will not lie down to have your nappy changed.

You know the phrase 'shall we go and brush your teeth' in both English and Dutch. you also put your hand up to your month in a mock brushing action!

You are quick at learning new things.

You love to empty your bookcase.

You are still clingy if tired, in pain or in new situations.

Life is gloriously full at the moment. You make us so proud and thankful. You make me think quick and enjoy the small things. Living simply is a big thing for us right now. We don't want to miss a thing.

Keep amazing us Darling boy.

You Rock our world.

Love you,

Mama

xxx

14 Months ~ Letter to August

Darling Boy,

So much has changed this month. You have developed  a LOT. I feel like the days have flown by and you have achieved and learnt so much. 

The summer is starting, and like a plant you have spent a long time physically growing towards the sun, taking nutrients, storing energy, however now you are starting to unfurl into this beautiful flower. You whizz around cruising and crawling...your so quick! The chatter has turned into words, and you seem to pick up new words almost daily. When you were only a few days old, I had a lovely South African midwife come and give you a hearing test. She told me as we were raising you bi-lingual you might take much longer to talk...I think you are bucking the trend.

This month we have seen lots of family. Your Cousin Isla seems to like you alot...the feeling is mutual, you like to hold each others hands and smile at each other...a lifelong bond is forming. As I have told you before it is your job to protect her and screen every boy who comes within 10 feet of her!!

Your toys have taken on a new role, and you have started problem solving...working out that the stacking cup all sit in one another...and the tower of rings all are different sizes and only go on one way. I love to see the look on your face as you work it out for the first time...you do it, look around for me, I tell you how clever you are and this huge smiles come across your face...pride. You amaze me with it everyday.

We recently found this little piano at the charity shop...I have high hopes that you will learn an instrument, something I wish I hadn't flaked out on...I would have been a female version of Nigel Kennedy by now if I had not :). You love to listen to us play it, and when you play it, you are always giggling at the sound it makes.

I now have gone back to work, it is nice for us. We have some time apart and I'm sure we are both benefitting from it. I however adore coming home to your smiles and nose bumps, and even homemade Mama cake!!

You love to play in the baking cupboard, picking up all the colouring bottles, hundreds and thousands, and flour.

You can say Mama, Dada, Nana, No,Tractor, Banana, Flower, More, Nijntje, and when we say Baxie to you, you wave!

You eat mainly with your hands now...the spoon is banished.

Peas...they rock your world....with huge 'ohhhhhh' when you see them on your plate.
You can stand without help...for all of 3 second :)
You adore your bedtime stories with Papa.
You sit in the bath without a seat.
You smell flowers in the shop with Nana everytime we go in, which is daily.
You are loving the time we spend in the garden.
You had your first swim...you might need a few more as you were not amused!
We all went camping in the woods...you got naked A LOT!
You and Papa have a boys day every week.
You dont have to have anymore jabs until you are 3 years old...YAY!

The next stop is walking Master B...I think this time next month I will be writing about it. I cannot wait to see you run around the Garden, a great big grin on your face, squealing with joy.
 More memories, more fun...It will be magical for us all.

Be bold my beautiful boy.
Love Always,
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

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

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

Sleep, baby sleep

Sometimes it takes a while for him to nod off...August loves to fight it. However when he does my heart melts at the sweet faces he makes and the angelic look he rocks.

Sleep dont ya just love it! 

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

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

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

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

This week 29 has been a rollercoaster of emotions already.

 THE GOOD

~We are at week 29, 11 weeks until I hold our little Pip in my arms!!

~Still feeling pretty and enjoying dressing this very expanding bump of mine.

~Showing my consultant that just because I am a size 16 does mean I have piled on the pound like he assumed I would...I am the same weight as at my booking appointment....I am proud of that fact!

~We finally bought a car seat in the sales...no we just have to work out how we get it in the car.

~The Wonderful one hearing Pips heartbeat for the first time.

THE BAD

~ A rather horrid morning at the hospital, drinking the most disgusting drink ever.

~Grumpy nurses.

~Restless legs, which result in 2 hours of sleep a night.

~Finding out I have gestational diabetes :(

THE UGLY

~No sleep.

~Pincushions for arms.

~A pointless hospital appointment.

~ The bags & dark circles under my eyes.

It has been a tough one so far, but I am keeping Positive, 11 weeks of a diet change all for the good of Pip...then the reward of looking into his/her eyes, and my world being rocked!

Not long now!!

The Kindness of Friends

Our friends are just the best! We have had offers of baby clothes, cots, Mosses baskets, bath seats and a hole heap more. We have had friends phone from their honeymoon in America to congratulate us. Today I got home to this card from our Dutch friend who had handwritten a letter to Our Pip...it was so sweet it made me burst into tears!

"Enjoy your mummy's heartbeat and your daddy's voice. They will wait patiently. You don't know it yet, but you are so loved already."

Sometimes, someone else's kindness touches you so deeply, you find it tough to put into words.

I will treasure this card forever.

Pip, you are blessed with a whole bunch of beautiful, unique, creative, kind, & generous Aunts & Uncles

Tante Mel was so right....You are a lucky & loved baby already

xxx

...and there is your baby!

As i explained to the Sonographer what happened on our weekend, I was at my lowest, convinced that i had lost our beautiful Pip.....then as the cold gel hit my tummy, and she moved the transducer over my belly...she turned the screen, and uttered those words which swelled my heart....

"and there is your baby"

S/he is in a great position, 10 weeks 6 days as of yesterday. 4 cms long! Waving away, swimming in his/her amniotic fluid like a tiny whale, looking completely content and happy.

To say we are thrilled is an understatement. I can only hope this is the last scare we have with this little Pip...s/he is keeping us on our toes already!

One happy Mum

One happy Dad

One happy Bambino

Happy days

xxx

This Wonderful Man of mine...

I honestly don't think I could have married a more kind, happy, caring, protective, loving man.

He amazes me every day with his kind thoughts for me and our little pip. 

This week (week 9) I have been feeling really sick, and he has cooked, cleaned, taken the rubbish out just generally been a whirlwind of activity....while all I have done is found it hard to laze on the sofa without feeling really sorry for myself.

This handsome man loves me so much...I feel it everyday...the way he looks at me...he doesn't even need to tell me...I  KNOW....and I am so lucky.

This little growing Bambino is the most loved baby. S/he is so lucky to have a Daddy who loves them already...a little Pip showered with love & care, and strong hands to protect them.

That truly is the best feeling a girl can have while battling the dreaded sickness.

Thank you Mr B, you are simply Wonderful.