Mat Leave

Okay, I am finally getting into this Maternity leave.  You would think taking loads of time off work would be easy... But I have struggled with the lack of routine and getting nothing done everyday (well apart from looking after a baby!).  I have worked out that I have actually worked pretty solidly since the age of 12 when I took my first baby sitting job.  Even at University, both under graduate and masters, I had a job.  So although the prospect of not working for ten months was exciting, the reality has been difficult.  But I am on it now!  Lots of things planned, mainly looking after Sebastian but also some volunteering and taking up some things I had wanted to do in my 40th year (more to follow).  But even on those days where I have nothing planned  I think I will be okay...

 Our new hang out, it is like we rent it all too ourselves, no  one here during the week.

 So we just find some comfy chairs and chill out.

There is loads of veggie healthy food too, and with our members discount super good value.  So again, as much as I wanted to hate this place, I am now continually eating my words (this may change when they bring coach loads of tourists in, but for now we love it!).

Amanda the Mum

This weekend was full of ups and downs.  I just had no idea how huge the emotional journey is having a baby and all the feelings that come with that.  There were some I definitely expected.  I knew I would miss my parents, as I just cannot believe he will never know them.   I knew I was bound to feel a bit tearful here and there and that I would feel lonely with our families not being here.  What I did not expect is just how life altering a baby is and that I would struggle with my own identity.  I do not know what I thought, that a baby would just appear and life would carry on just as I knew it???  I am not complaining as I am so very thankful, but it is an adjustment as i learn to somehow be a mother and Amanda at the same time.

 My first big shock was giving up wine not only for the pregnancy, but also after.  iI seems my wine bottles have now been replaced with these ones.  This may seem trivial to most people (as it probably should) but I guarantee if you ask most people who have known me for years, a wine glass in one hand is how they would describe me.

 Exercise and sports has always been a huge part of my life.  I had all these grand ideas about running races, playing tennis, and Muay Thai after the pregnancy.   But really my exercise regime now entails carrying and dancing with this bundle of joy.

 And the biggest adjustment of all is somehow going from being the social butterfly I am, to Saturday nights with baby toys and feedings.

I had a weekend of tears and then happiness and then tears again.  And I am sure that this is not the end to the emotional roller coaster, but I think I am more prepared now.  And also I am not scared of the changes anymore, as I look at the picture above (I love it so much on blog twice), I am one lucky lady to have such a great family.

Sunshine and Swimming

It has been such a beautiful week, the sun has been shining and there is very little indication that this is the height of the rainy season (which is probably nothing to be celebrated).   However, we did take full advantage of the out of season weather spending two days with Jodi, Dylan and family in the sunshine.

 Sebastian all set for his first swim on Wednesday.

 Clearly he was a natural, it was a proud parent moment.

 Blue Tree is a new place that has opened one minute down the road.  I was dead set against it when they were building it and now have done a 180 and love the place.  I have learnt many things over the last 7 weeks, one of the most important things is I should have never said the words 'I will never...'.

 My little family.

 And last night we went to spend Jodi's last night with her and family at their hotel.  This was my idea to keep all mosquitoes from Sebastian.  I think it was pretty brilliant really.

 Another swim day.

Love these people.  What a lovely time we had and we cannot wait to see them again soon in Singapore.

Jodi, Dylan and all the Kids

We were super sad this week that Jessica and Jimmy's flight got cancelled and we never got to see them (in fact I pretty much cried all day when I found out!).  It means we have had a bit of a smaller Ecua reunion but a fabulous one nonetheless.  Jodi, Dylan, and River came to Phuket to visit the first time three years ago this exact week.  Three years on and how things have changed with two new members of the Ecua family, Isla and the youngest one to date, Sebastian.

 All the kiddies.  Jodi was so lovely as she cried with happiness upon meeting Sebastian, it was so sweet!

 Another big difference three years onwards is sunshine, their first visit it rained the entire time.

 Last night they came over for food and a swim.  I put Sebastian to rest in out room where I could see him from outside and Lola literally stood guard.  It was so sweet!!

Dylan's cousin is also with them, and she is a lot of fun so think we have a couple great days a head of us.

Back to the Beach

In between all the crying this weekend (me not Sebastian, this hormone thing is real!) we managed to make it to the beach for the first time since our return.  Now before I get all the disapproving shaking of heads, we were there about ten minutes, in the shade and Sebastian was always covered up.  Do not worry, I am never about to allow him to do to his skin what I have done to mine over the years.  The weather is just amazing and in no way would one believe that we are in the height of the rainy season.

 I rarely go in the water (it has to be very very warm) but just looking at it calms me.

 by far Lola was the happiest to be out with the family, she kept an eye on all other dog and made sure baby brother was safe.

It was a short time but a good time.

Maths BBQ

Hosting the Maths welcome back BBQ was ambitious on two fronts.  One we have a teeny tiny baby but even more significant we actually did not own a BBQ.  So an hour before the function began we got a coal BBQ, and these are a pain to light.. well for us anyways.  Considering these challenges I think everyone had a nice time, even if they ha a choice between a burnt veggie burger or almost frozen one (I did the last bit of BBQ and was impatient at this point!).

 Emma did this great game, I might steal it and market it my self.

It was a lovely evening, even if the level of organisation was shocking on my part.  It was nice to catch up with this bunch, I do love my department!

First Play Date

I was so determined that this blog would not be all about Sebastian.  But it is so hard for it not to be as a) he is so darn cute b) my whole life is about him right now and c) well again, look at him, he is so sweet!    My friend Lizzie put me in touch with a lady at another International school on the island who had just had a baby girl.  And today he had his first playdate her, Lorelei,  3 days older than him and super sweet.  It was so great to meet another Mummy with a baby so close in age.  We also had loads in common which was super nice.

 The babies

 Aloni, me and the babies

 Maybe not love at first placement

 But they warmed up to each other and now are the best of friends!