Apparently in 2012 I wrote a massive 147 posts (I guess that’s 148 including this one?). I don’t know about you but to me that sounds like quite a lot. Pat on the back for me! I started the year writing most of them on my trusty iMac and have ended up being a converted iPhone blogger with most of my posts being drafted on there last thing at night… that’s where being a mum of two babies gets you. I’m hoping in the New Year to save up for a small laptop (I was considering a ChromeBook but think I might have to hold out for a MacBook Air) so I can work on-the-move. And by that I mean all I want to do is sofa blog.
It could be said that my 2012 has ended on a bit of a low I don’t mind this so much as it means that starting tomorrow, the only way is UP! I wanted to do a re-cap of the most memorable bits of the year: the good, the bad, the ugly, and the Instagrammed…
It’s a BOY and I’m totally freaked out – I never really let on how much I wanted a girl, did I? Luckily Hux joined Will and Elfie in ‘the best things that has ever happened to me’ club, despite his meat and two veg.
Elfie thought kissing was hilarious, just look how tiny she is! Gorgeous. Crazy to think she couldn’t walk or talk then and she’s now a fully-fledged rampaging toddler.
I wrote about losing your identity when you become a mother, something I still have a few battles with to this day. I think having number two brought a these feelings back for me.
Some phrases I thought I’d never say. A highlight: “There is no need to blow your nose on the carpet of every single step”.
I interviewed the wonderful Kaisa Larkas, someone I’m now very happy to call a friend. That girl WILL get me fit in 2013…
Some things I wish I knew before I got pregnant.
I posted the recipe that has become the most popular on my blog, Goat’s Cheese and Caramelised Onion Tart.
Get Over It was written in response to an article by Bibi Lynch. She very graciously took my opinion on board and we had an exchange on Twitter after she read my blog post.
Things people think it is OK to say to a pregnant woman (it usually isn’t OK).
This creamy cabbage dish continues to warm my cockles regularly. We even had it on Christmas day.
I closely chronicled my whole pregnancy: Week 20, Week 24, Week 28, Week 31, Week 33, Week 36, Week 38.
I wrote about my Alternative Pregnancy Essentials.
Huxley William Harold arrived!!
I re-discovered what I’d forgotten about the newborn stage.
Yup, I Instagrammed my Birth Story.
It was both Elfie’s and my Dad’s birthday so I made them a Rainbow Cake!
HOLA! We went on our first international trip to Madrid with the babies for my Sister-in-Law’s wedding and had a wonderful time.
I posted my first video.
I wrote a bit about breastfeeding and discussed the guilt of breastfeeding here. It wasn’t as easy as I expected!
This brilliant Kitchen Cheat Sheet went a wee bit viral on Pinterest. I love Pinterest.
This is probably when things started to go a little bit downhill for me, though I didn’t realise it at the time. There were more clues at the start of Autumn.
I had some amazing opportunities to do fun things with the wonderful Mothers Meetings – they even got me a much-needed haircut. Thank you so much, Jenny!
I wrote about my newborn essentials, and then you told me yours.
A few people were enlightened with my winter washing saviour and I hope it changed some laundry routines for the better!
It took a while, but I finally realised I need some help.
I launched my new project, MAMA UK! I have exciting plans for it in 2013 and can’t wait to get started.
Bring on 2013!
Happy new year to you all.. Your blog has enlightened me while pregnant & continued right through to the 10 week old baby I have falling back to sleep on my chest. I look forward to checking if a new post has appeared (no pressure honest!) & always find it a great read. I have learnt more about myself since falling pregnant (mainly that I like to be in control & as you know this is not really possible when pregnant or a new Mummy). I was extremely fortunate to have a risk free pregnancy and a fast spontaneous delivery which I think I am still in shock about. I am still in awe of my beautiful baby girl & am so immensely proud that she grew in my tummy (I seriously miss my bump). I know I have dark days ahead, I believe it is par for the course. The one thing I feel on a daily basis is guilt for the decisions I know are yet to come; when to stop breastfeeding, leaving her for more than a couple of hours, enjoying myself without her, returning to work & how many hours I should work. None of these decisions are to be taken lightly I feel. And finally after 10 weeks of being Mummy and not really Jade – I have realised I am happy to continue breastfeeding as long as possible as we are lucky we can do it & more than happy to not to want to go out for some “me time” without my baby as to me this can wait. I may be doing more harm than good from the last point but as everything with a new baby it is a giant learning curve.. I hope this new year brings you what you are seeking x
Thank you Jade for your really lovely message – and sooo many congratulations on your new baby! There are dark days and guilt, too, but there are so many people who are going through the same as you so feel safe in the knowledge you are never alone :) xx
Wonderful A, I have been a slightly lapsed blogger of late and it was wonderful to recap your whole year quickly and WOW you should be so proud of everything you’ve achieved. I read your confessional post and my heart went out to you so much, as I totally struggle with being open and honest when having a tough time which only makes things build up to monstrous proportions. I hope that you get help and support to make life shiny for you again, but in the meantime I hope that sharing the journey helps and I have no doubt it will inspire and comfort your readers and mums of the internet! I send you Mama / blog link any time a friend tells me they are expecting (on a monthly basis at the moment!) as I know I would find it invaluable in the same situation.
Roll on 2013 and I can’t wait to read more. I find it hard enough to string a sentence together after long working hours or trips, so still am in awe that you create such a dazzling corner of the internet whilst simultaneously mothering your two lovelies!
Thank you very much for your lovely comment and for sending my link to all your friends! Happy New Year to you xxx
Interesting site. http://youtu.be/iLPumcKZEBU