May 22, 2018 at 11:35 am by Angela
A very good friend of mine told me recently that’s she’s expecting a baby later this year. I am, of course, incredibly happy for her and her other half. However, as she told me all the details I realised something – I was a little bit jealous! To be clear up front, I’m not jealous because I actually want to be pregnant again. Not only is my body just weeks into its recovery from growing Little Z, but I have the two children I had always hoped for. No the reason I’ve got a bit of the old green-eye is because there is something unique and special about pregnancy and birth which I will miss not experiencing again.
May 17, 2018 at 9:21 am by Angela
I was sat in bed the other night feeding Little Z before I put her down for her sleep. As I was reading my book, I suddenly felt incredibly lucky. Not I’ve-just-won-£30k-on-a-radio-quiz-show lucky but a more humble Be-Grateful-For-What-You’ve-Got lucky. The reason is because of the book I was reading. I recently purchased ‘Parenting the Sh*t out of Life‘ by Mother and Papa Pukka. In one of the early chapters they both talk about their experiences with miscarriage and I found reading such a honest account very sad. The way Anna and Matt opened up on what they have coped with hit home more than anything else I’ve previously read. As I was winding Little Z on my shoulder, I found myself hugging her close to me and breathing her in, grateful for her, her sister and her Dad.
May 9, 2018 at 9:00 am by Angela
• • The ‘frenzied’ look they get when hungry, especially at night. One evening, I came back from a very quick loo trip to find Little Z trying to eat her own blanket as her eyes bulged.
• • The compete and utter focus they have when feeding.
• • Then the absolute submission to the milk drunks!
May 2, 2018 at 8:52 am by Angela
Wow Little H, it’s been a hectic month but you have been on top form! You’ve tested us with a few tantrums but for the most part you have been hilarious! In fact, you’ve been so funny that I’ve not managed to capture even half of the hilarious things you’ve done. You had a virus in the middle of the month which was a shame, but you fought it off really quickly. Little Z has been lucky to have lots of cuddles from you too. You’ve really stepped into the role of being a big sister now. If I’d kept a note of everything you ‘saved’ for Little Z when she’s older, it would have a filled an A4 page! (It included a crayon, a yoghurt lolly and some of your new summer tops!). But onwards to the amusing things you did this month…
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!
