What a year...

It's 31st Dec 2016 and tomorrow is a brand new year.

We have had an amazing year.

In March we welcomed Thalia! Can't wait to meet her. Thanks to photos and videos I feel like we already know her a bit, which is lovely and Jed you like seeing them and waving at her.

April saw us get married, it was amazing, just how I'd always imagined. Yes, it rained (but that didn't matter) we even managed to get out and have our photos taken and the campervan broke down on the way to the church (but I'd got a back up plan so even that was ok - and I didn't cry!) and we were only a couple of mins late. It was great to have so many people there. Sadly Olivia and Thalia couldn't be there but I was so touched that Uncle Chris came! During the service you shouted Mama and I will never forget that, it's one of my lasting memories from the day, that and the smile your dad gave me when I reached the top of the aisle. It was lovely and chilled out (or at least it felt it to me) and I was so happy. I love hearing your Dad call me his wife!!

While on our mini honeymoon week off we found out that we were expecting again, which was a lovely surprise.

The summer saw your dad change jobs and we got to spend a lot more time with him, even fitting in some park trips of an evening etc, which was lovely. It also saw me growing bigger and bigger.

Jed you were quite excited to become a big brother and seemed to really understand what was going on.

Your Dad and I went on our honeymoon to Sardinia, which was lovely but you were missed. Although you had a fantastic week with Granny and Grandad and days out with Nanny and Grandad.

December saw us get ready for the baby to arrive. You seemed excited about Christmas and Santa coming. We enjoyed doing the Advent books again and you were so good with only opening up one a day and you LOVED your advent calendar. You've been quite funny being bossy and telling people not to touch the Christmas tree and have been so excited about it all, which as I love Christmas has been perfect.

Well the baby's due date of 15th December came and went, we went on various bumpy car journeys to try and help it along and bounced on the gym ball for ages and danced around the living room etc, but nothing. Contractions finally started on the 21st and were on and off until Thursday afternoon when they seemed to completely stop. Luckily your dad finished his night shift early and was home about 1:30, as at 3am contractions woke me up. After talking to the hospital and really wanting to wait for a room at the MWLU we got there at 6:30 and Quinn you were born at 7:01. I remember even though I was half out of it when you were here saying that "I always saw us with two boys" and I was right. I was so pleased that you were finally here and that you had arrived safely (and very quickly) and I couldn't wait to get you home to your big brother.  Jed you'd been spending the day with Auntie Lila,  as she'd stayed at ours just in case, and apparently you'd been singing Happy Birthday Baby, which is just adorable.

My heart is so full it's crazy!...

When Jed you ask to hold Quinn or give him a kiss for no apparent reason.

The fact that you called him The Boy or my brother/sister for a couple of days.

How small and sweet you are already Quinn and how soft your head is.

How you can be upset but the second we pick you up everything seems right in your world.

How on boxing day they said you'd only lost 4.8%  of your body weight, (up to 8% is normal) which compared to Jed's 11% was amazing, as I was worried we might have the same feeding issues we had with Jed.

The gorgeous wrinkly, frowning,  sleepy faces you pull Quinn.

How amazing your Dad is. He's been looking after me so well (hormones after birth have got so much to answer for) making sure I always have a drink, or making me cookies because I mentioned I fancied some...or taking both of you downstairs so I can try and have a bit of sleep etc and just generally being really reassuring.  Looking after your every need as feeding a newborn is demanding... Although Jed you've been very patient with that too... And so sweet when you have seen me emotional, giving me hugs etc.

I was so worried before you got here Quinn, I just couldn't imagine being a mum of two, and I know it's going to be a bit tough to start with, like the other day Jed when all you wanted was your dad (who had popped out) and Quinn you cried each time I put you down and I just couldn't see how we'd all get dressed. But we'll get there. I'll also try my hardest to make sure that our relationship doesn't suffer Jed.

I hope you don't mind your birthday being SO close to Christmas Quinn, but remember you kept us waiting for 8 days, so you were obviously not ready yet.

People say you look really similar, I see it a bit but not too much I don't think, haven't quite made my mind up. What do you think? Jed you are on the left, Quinn you are on the right.

Today is Saxon's 10th birthday which is insane, can't believe we've had him that long, feels like 5 mins!

I feel like I've been so blessed this year and can't wait for our little family to continue to grow and laugh and love in 2017.

Love always,

Mummy x
(a Mummy of two, eeeeek!)