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

Proud Parents

                          

This little man is just the most wonderful thing me and the Wonderful dutchman have ever done!

Yeah its hard work and we are having a period of sleep deprivation right now...we are slightly grumpy, However we know it wont last long. 

  

                          

We are in total awe of the growth that is happening before our eyes...the understanding that is behind those beautiful blue eyes of his. His words are coming so quickly and it fills my heart that when he sees a flower in his book, he shouts out 'flowwweerrrrrrr'. there are a million other things also...but right now thats enough to get me through 4 hours sleep. 

Seriously proud of this little man we created right now. I just wanted to doument it here...to remind me of how far we have come.

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

12 Months ~ Letter to August

Master August Willem Birthday Boy,

Today you are ONE!! 

A year ago today you entered this world loudly and quickly at 3.15am...the second you were placed on my belly I knew this love was eternal...it will never die...only continue life, after life, after life. I remember looking into your navy blue eyes and questioning what name suited you best. All the ones that were top of the list swam away and I didn't know who you were going to be.

Did you know it took Papa & Me 4 days to work it out? You were (and in someway will always be) Pip for quite a while!!

This year has been so eventful, special, exciting and such fun.

You always surprise me, make me laugh & make me think. I hope this year has been as wonderful for you. You have grown so much, and in this last month your personality is just getting bigger & bigger too. You like to have the odd screaming fit & throw you spoon across the kitchen, surly the terrible twos haven't come already? I however know you are testing your boundaries and I hope I'm being patient with you.

Papa has been ill and we have had to postpone your pirate party. I however couldn't not put up your pirate pom poms, flags, bunting & a few balloons. We sang Happy birthday and you tried chocolate cake for the first time! It was sweet and perfect. Nana was there too. You have so many lovely presents & cards. It always touches me how many people love and cherish you. 

You have mastered the crawl...at last!

Your top teeth have come through

You were ill for the first time :(

You have a new found love of toast with cream cheese

You happily walk around the furniture

You have all your toys in the dressed and love to take them all out!

You love to stack things together

You will feed yourself if the food is on the spoon.

You love to copy us...when we drink you do...when we eat you want to.

You have a new buggy which you seem to love.

you find it such fun to empty my make up bag.

You say La La La.

You are so kind Auggs. You love to share everything you have, from a biscuit to handing me some fluff on the floor you have discovered...it is so sweet.  As I helped you blow out your candles I wished you would always cherish this quality. It will get you far in this crazy beautiful world of ours!

This time last year I was learning how to change nappies, bath you & feed you. I had to learn what you needed, your cries, your routine. The learning curve is so steep but so amazing.

You have taught me so much, brought me so much joy and light, given me a wonderful gift I only dreamed of.

You are the star I wished on, the twinkle of our eye, the long awaited dream.

I wish you another wondrous year of fun, learning, love, magic and joy.

May all your dream come true Always Pip.

Love Always,

Mama 

xxx

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

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 

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

...A Mother's Love...

...Looks like this...

4 Months ~ Letters to August

{oh Mummy i love Moomin!}

Master Auggy,

What a month! You have grown so much, had your first cold and your teeth are coming...all this has made you slightly grumpy and unsettled. 

The weather has been weird...weeks of rain and cold and now we are in sweltering heat! I don't think either of us are dealing to well with this. We are a little bit bored of being stuck inside...and now it is hot and sunny, you hate to be outside as it really is too muggy.

However we started to go to baby sensory which we both love. We baby sign...and you now wave when we say 'hello' to you...you are so smart darling boy.

You are now sleeping in your big boy bed all the time and you love the space in there. 

You still fight your sleep, and it takes a while to get you off to the land of nod.

You love to read books in your bumbo.

Captain Calamari has entered our lives.

You saw the queen bee in the bee hive.

You are starting to roll.

You are having a bottle in the evenings.

You adore the bath.

You rub your eyes and nose when you are tired {just like Mummy!}

You have ticklish elbows.

A year ago today I found out I was pregnant...my life changed in that moment.... I couldn't have asked for a more wonderful special little man to enter my life. 

You really do make my world so fantastic August.

I love you to the moon and back.

Mummy

xxx

3 months ~ Letters to August

Darling Boy,

Three months have gone is a blink of an eye. Every time I catch a quick glance at you I am amazed about your size...your chubby chops and your loud chattering. Last night we had a bath together as it the only way you enjoy a bath. It has to be deep and hot; just how I like it...and its even better with company. You giggled and kicked your huge feet and I could see the wonder on your face. Moments like these are simply precious August.

Three months ago I was sat staring at you while sitting on a hospital bed, being interrupted by nurses every 10 minutes...people with information, advice & friendly smiles. All I wanted them to do was to leave me alone, I needed to take it all in, I think I was in shock. Shocked because for 9 months I had been waiting for this moment, and now you were here I didnt know how to react. 3 months on and I often have to pinch myself that I have a son...a beautiful happy chap who loves to smile, chat & wiggle.
I wake up with your happy smiles as I lean over to say good morning...we sing to the sun, thanking him for waking up with us...this is the best part of my day...I love that you know me...you know my voice and my smile.

You nap in you big boy cot.

You have a new elephant light.

You always have your hands in your mouth.

You havent found your thumb yet!

Your wardrobe is better than mine

You love your butterfly toy.

You can sit up in your bumbo.

You still hate tummy time.
You went to your first wedding.
You helped Mummy in the shop
You smelt lavender for the first time...you smiled.

We adore your big smiles and your rare giggles. Your beautiful relaxed soul is shinning through already. I cannot wait to see you grow and progress even more.

Today we got some books for you from the library...there is nothing better than a good book August...I hope you love reading, to disappear in a story... it is the best way to relax and let your mind expand....let your thoughts and dreams multiply.

Your dreams are precious, and will come true...if you believe.
Follow your bliss Little one
Love,
Mummy
xxx

Happy First Fathers Day!

This Man is the love of my life, my friend, my husband, my rock.

He is the only man I can imagine growing old with.

But most importantly right now he is a Daddy....& he rocks at it!

Enjoy Darling

xxx

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

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

I have the sweetest Husband in the whole wide world

I love you 

xxx

Wiggling

                                           Wriggle Pip Wriggle from Emma Bakker on Vimeo.

This is mine and Pips first attempt at getting those wonderful belly jiggles caught on camera! It took a lot of practice, as Pip is not only daddy shy, s/he is also camera shy....the minute I gave up and turned the camera off s/he showcased their biggest kick or forward roll :)

This has to be one of the most wonderful things about being 8 months pregnant...I will miss these movement in 4 weeks, but at least I will have a beautiful bouncing baby to giggle with!

Happy Days 

xxx

Week 35 ~ Bumpiness!

This Girl is feeling good right now!!

We are loving being pregnant...our gorgeous bump is blossoming....and the wriggling Pip is keeping me pulling great faces...s/he is one strong bambino!!

The growth of my bump is amazing me, I can seen it has grown, but these photos confirm it..I wonder how much more it will grow in 5 weeks?

Life is great

I cant wait to meet this wriggling bump

xxx