April 18, 2018 at 2:35 pm by Angela
A few weeks ago, we were blessed with the arrival of the youngest member of our family – Little Z. After my birth with Little H didn’t go as I’d hoped, I spent more time mentally preparing for the birth of our second child. The outcome: an experience worlds apart from my first labour. An experience I am keen to document before it fades from my memory. Unlike Little H’s birth where for a long time I felt like I’d failed both myself and Little H, this time everything went as well as I could have hoped.
March 28, 2018 at 11:40 am by Angela
Dear Little H,
This has been a big month for you because it’s seen the arrival of your baby sister, Little Z. I was anxious about how you would react when a new person was suddenly introduced into your life, demanding the attention of Daddy and I. However, as with everything, you’ve been a superstar! You’ve had a few moments of jealousy but for the most part you have been so patient and accommodating. You also love kissing and cuddling Little Z.
I’ve found it a rather strange month both knowing you’d soon not be my only child and then having both you and Little Z to care for. I was so scared that you would feel I’d abandoned you and distance yourself from me. But I am so relieved that hasn’t happened. At times I know you find it strange Mummy can’t do everything she used to. But you still regularly tell me I’m your best friend and come to me when you’re sad and need cuddles. Even though Little Z is here, you’ll still always be my little baby!
March 21, 2018 at 2:59 pm by Angela
Since my previous post just under a fortnight ago, the Watling family welcomed its newest member. After waiting as patiently as possible for things to ‘get started’ they inevitably did so when I was distracted and not expecting it, resigned to another week of waiting. I will replay ‘The Arrival’ another time, but for now I shall introduce the newest member of this blog, Little H’s baby sister – Little Z!
March 7, 2018 at 2:36 pm by Angela
So my lovely, this is the last update I’ll write for you before you become a Big Sister. It’s hard to believe that we’ve reached that point. It also astounds me how much you’ve changed since I first found out that this was going to happen. You’ve gone from being a toddler to a big girl and I couldn’t be more proud of you now and how independent you are. The threenager stage is still kicking in hard, but I feel like I’m finally learning how to manage it and you are learning your boundaries. At times it’s been tough when I’ve been tired but I’m pretty sure we’ve had fewer fall outs these months. But above all you’ve been really sharing your caring side as I have been more tired and Daddy has been suffering from a horrible cold. Nothing makes us feel better more than a lovely Little H snuggle! I can’t to see how much you’ll look after your new brother or sister. You’re going to be awesome!
March 6, 2018 at 10:02 am by Angela
So I’ve reached that point. That point in pregnancy where I’m ready for the baby to come. I’m big, I’m tired, I can’t move around as easily and I’m ready to meet the new addition to our family. But, exactly as last time (and for almost every other woman in the world) I’m just having to wait. I like to think I’m coping better than last time. For starters I do have some memory of what it feels like once ‘it’ starts – although I’ve definitely repressed some of it – so my anxiety about what lies ahead physically isn’t so acute. I also have my awesome little person keeping me occupied 4 days a week. But nonetheless, I still have to cope with not knowing when labour will start as I over analyse every ache and twinge!
February 4, 2018 at 5:32 pm by Angela
Happy third birthday Little H!
As clichéd as it sounds, I really am not sure where the last 3 years have gone. I vividly remember you being such a small tiny baby that I was both in awe and fear of! You’ve changed so much in the last three years and yet in that time I feel like I know you inside out. I can’t imagine a world without you now. Not saying you don’t test my patience. This month you’ve grown ever more independent and self-sufficient. In some ways it’s a joy to watch and in others it makes me feel sad that you’re growing up so quick. I’ve been a bit better at capturing some of your highlights this month but baby is making me tired so some are lost in the depth of my mind. But hopefully some nice memories here for you and, as always, some fab photos!
January 30, 2018 at 11:35 am by Angela
So today marks the start of my final week of work before Maternity Leave round 2. In fact, today is my last day in the office. My last commute. The last time I will see many of my colleagues for over a year. Thatβs a long time! But I am so ready to stop. I am ready for a physical break (Little H will still be at nursery 3 days / week – whoop!) and to start mentally preparing myself for what is to come. I am ready to have some time which is just mine for (theoretically) a few weeks before I surrender myself to another small human for a while.
January 1, 2018 at 4:32 pm by Angela
Little H,
So we finally reached your third Christmas but the first one you have been really aware of. You have been so excited for weeks, I was relieved when December arrived because it meant I could get your advent calendar out. It didn’t prevent your impatience but it did help manage it a little! But you made Christmas so much fun this year. For the first time years I was genuinely excited about Christmas Day and I will always remember your little face when you came down to see your presents from Father Christmas!
December 31, 2017 at 4:51 pm by Angela
As 2011 reached it’s end, I decided to write an end of year post which reflected back on the highs and lows of the last 12 months. Since then, it has become a personal tradition to write and publish my “That was the year that was” post on 31 December every year. More than anything, this post is a personal opportunity to look back as a year a draws to a close. 2017 has been an eventful year with a focus on just embracing ‘normal’ life and getting out and about on trips. Little H never ceases to amaze me with how she develops – whilst technically still a ‘toddler’ to me she is now a little girl. We really found a this our stride this year which will hopefully give us a strong base as we embrace more change as a family next year. But before I get ahead of myself, it’s time to sum-up 2017:
November 25, 2017 at 9:55 pm by Angela
My dearest Little H,
It’s been so long since I wrote and update on you, how you’ve grown and changed, how you’ve made us laugh and (on a few occasions with some of your newer tantrum states) cry! So much has happened in the last 4 months that I am going to fail to capture so many of your gems. The reason for my apparent ‘lazy’ behaviour? Well it was 3 months ago we were finally able to tell you that, all staying well, you’ll become a big sister early next year. Growing your sibling as well as working and looking after you has properly wiped out your mummy. However, I have been adamant the whole time that I won’t let these ‘diaries’ stop. So, here is my attempt to catch-up and hopefully get back into my routine again! I’m so looking forward to Christmas this year because you are so excited. I’m looking forward to sharing next month’s update too.
