The Maternal Apprehension of... Letting Go.

Today, I surrendered my second born, Lydia, to the British schooling system. I am sure like most parents out there; we experience a mixed concoction of emotions. I look at her and I think, all of a sudden, surely she can’t be ready for school so soon. I had the same cocktail tug-of-war feelings when Eden started school last year (September).

When you see them in their uniform looking all proud and excited, you can’t help but be happy for them; I know she’s ready! Being the most docile, polite and friendly little girl I know; she is bound to get on and make friends quickly, thus acclimatising to her new version of a daily routine, her new ‘norm,’ so to speak. And that, right there, is my problem... how can you entrust that precious life that you have nurtured and raised, up until this point, to another... to a stranger?

This is an act I wouldn't consciously commit on my worst day. But the world says you cannot shelter them forever, you can’t protect your progeny from a world of hurt, nor can you expect to be the only exalted figure in their lives.

The truth is I knew all along that she would be fine. She did absolutely perfect, even made (or rather maintained) new friends, which she had met during her settling period. The problem was never hers but rather my own. It is hard to let go and I still cannot help but think, please let me keep her for just a little while longer.

 

Nursery & Preschool: Lydia's graduation ceremony.

So, off you go now, my sweet Lydia... into the great wide world, all a-smile, confident and full of hopes and dreams.

Eden Graduates from Nursery School.

I cannot believe that it has been almost five years since Eden was born. I look back on her first few days with us at home and I think to myself, where has all of this time gone. It has passed way too quickly. But, having said that, and looking at her now; seeing how beautifully she has grown, I must say, that I could not be prouder.

We have come so very far together, as a family. Soon we will be walking her through the doors of a new chapter of her life and a very significant and important milestone in all of our lives. Enrolling her on her first day at primary school will mark her transition into the very real and big, wide world. I won't see her for a rather large portion of the day. For five days out of the week, she will be gone; entrusted to the absolute care of somebody else. It is a little difficult to get your head around.

I know she will be okay because my little whirlwind of a daughter is so happy and excited about being 'a really big girl,' who gets to go to 'the big-school' and do new and different things that distinguish her from her younger siblings. It is so awesome to see in her, her own sense of self-achievement.

I cannot help but be filled with excitement at the prospect of my amazing girl making even bigger achievements in life. I am one very proud mama.

My Beauty: Our nursery graduate.

An Amazing Milestone... Reached.

I am marking today, with a post, by celebrating my beautiful boys seventh month in the world. Looking back on the day we brought him home from the hospital, I simply cannot believe how far he has come and how well he has grown. But I guess, somewhat more importantly, what I am really amazed by is the fact that he has thrived so brilliantly on breastmilk alone. So what this post truly honours, in essence, is my wonderful journey of exclusively breastfeeding my baby boy.

As clichéd as it may sound, Drayven really has had the best start to life and seeing him thrive every day is such a pleasure to behold. I have not seen a happier baby and I do believe that, while partly this is due to his cordial nature; breastfeeding has been an absolutely fundamental factor in his happiness and his experience of life to date. Dray is the smiliest little thing I have ever seen; he never stops smiling and this beautiful journey could not have played out more perfectly.

Despite all of the long sleepless nights of feeding, the fatigue, fighting off symptoms of mastitis and the sheer lack of energy to function on any given day of the week, I would not change a single thing. I wholeheartedly committed myself to this task and the rewards have proven exceptionally bountiful. I have made memories worth treasuring and have sealed a bond between us, which breastfeeding has only enhanced. Knowledge and experience is a wondrous thing.

Exclusivity: So proud to be able to look back at the  first two weeks after birth and see how far we have both come on this beautiful journey.

Exclusively breastfeeding at seven months. It was difficult getting here, but what a joy it has been; it almost seems easy now. What an achievement!

A special thank you must be made to my darling husband, Kade, for all your kind, loving words of support. Also, to our two beautiful daughters, Eden and Lydia, for all your precious help with changing diapers and making Dray laugh so heartily.

I love my incredible family.

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