I need to interrupt my cruise posts to say: Little one is one!
As I went through the week leading up to SM’s first birthday I could not help having flash backs to the moments that led up to this day one year ago – but I will spare you that detail.
I know that I speak directly to other parents when I say that having a child is the greatest joy you have ever know – experiencing joy you did not know existed – and if you not a parent yet , and you rolling your eyes now, I hope one day when you have a baby , you will remember this.
SM has hand’s down been our greatest adventure as we were already in London when we found out we were going to have her and she was born here.
As dramatic as I am, never in a million years did I imagine I would have a baby far from everyone I know and love , without the pampering and fuss and visitors – but it happened.
SM was born in the most beautiful government hospital – also something that would not happen in SA – I remember being so shocked when I was told by my UK medical aid company that they do not cover pregnancy unless something was wrong. He kindly informed me that even Kate Middleton delivered at a government hospital in London and assured me I would be fine.
As a result of being away from everyone who would ordinarily have guided me in the early stages of motherhood, I became I textbook mum…a new mum at work recommended a book she used and I followed this book to the T. if it was not in the book, it would not happen and I would not do it. And I was so lucky that my textbook mum skills resulted in a textbook baby – if the book said it would happen, SM would go through it. (If you expecting, please contact me – you need this book.)
That is just the way that worked for me, something written by the experts but every mother is different and ultimately it so much about instinct. It’s so hard to explain but it just comes to you.
We have been so blessed to have had the opportunity to travel with our daughter and she is the inspiration behind my blog because so many times I’m asked the question “how do you travel with a baby”.
We learning that contrary to what you might think , travelling with a smaller baby is actually easier than older children, because babies don’t get bored, babies don’t beg for things they see and toilet breaks and feeding are very much on the go.
We have been blessed to have gone to many European countries where they seem to be more catered to babies with amazing baby change and feeding facilities. Don’t get me wrong, there are some limitations – places with loads of steps are a really issue and some places or activities, like theatre for example, just blatantly do not allow anyone under 2. But that’s ok because at least we saving some things to do with SM when she is older, and based on the way the first year went by, it will be upon us before we know it.
A few notes on 1 year old SM:
Currently crawling at incredible speeds.
When not crawling, she stands – if it can’t be done standing , it can’t be done.
Absolute love for books and being read to.
Loves watching videos of herself.
Dances to all music , songs on the phone/ tv and her toys.
Extremely attached to her “Donkey”
Can say “daddy” without any bribery.
Gives kisses.
loveluggageandlittleone 