Nonna and Nonna Grande

My mum and grandmum were in town for a few days; they arrived on Thursday night and left this morning. The main purpose of this trip was to allow Rob and me to enjoy a nice weekend away in occasion of Rob's birthday (more on this later), however, every excuse is good to come and spend some time with their beloved Emilia! They love Emilia and Emilia loves them. She refers to my mum as Nonna Patty and to my grandmum as Nonna Grande or Nonna Nilde. One of the great things about Emilia is that she has never suffered from stranger anxiety nor separation anxiety so the moment we told her that we were leaving she simply smiled at us and waved good-bye. How adorable is that? Rob and I were only away for three days but we missed her terribly. Of course we relaxed and enjoyed every single minute of our little getaway but Emilia was constantly in our thoughts. 

This is in pictures what she did with mum and grandmum while we were away. Please note, if possible, my mum takes even more pictures of Emilia than I do! 

Thanks ladies for keeping her so excited, stimulated, entertained and happy. You rock! 

1. Church Playgroup

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Strolls

3. Colouring in

4. Making pasta

5. Relaxing in bed

 

6. Reading

 

7. Playing hard

8. Playing music (rock star style!)

 

9. Getting wet at the fountains

 

 

10. Walking

 

 

She is back!

My mum is back with us and we couldn't be happier and more grateful! 

This is the third time she has flown to London over the last month. First, she came at the beginning of June to help Rob with Emilia while I was in Barcelona for work, then again in mid June to be with us during and after my surgery, and now to help us once again since I am still recovering from the surgery. I feel for her, her job is quite challenging and she usually looks forward to the Summer break to rest a little. Now she hasn't had a break since her school closed for the Summer and won't be having much of a holiday this Summer because of us. But this is what mothers do, right? At least this is what special mothers do and I couldn't be more grateful. 

As tradition now, she has brought some fresh fruit from the garden, this time we introduced Emilia to figs. Oh, I LOVE figs, I can eat so many of those delicious green things and today I literally attacked the fruit bowl. You know you are getting old when you eat a fig and immediately go down to memory lane - I could even see my parents' garden and smell the flowers and hear the cats! Anyway, Emilia was very intrigued by this new fruit, she especially liked the consistency and how sticky the inside bit is. She also seemed to like the taste - like mother, like daughter. Although, Rob loves figs too, so it must be something that runs in the family. 

 

 

 

 

 

To celebrate the arrival of nonna Patrizia we went to the park and spent the whole afternoon there. The weather was once again glorious and we had a very relaxing and fun time. Emilia played with her favourite toys and found a new accessorize, grandmum's gigantic sunglasses! I love London even more when it's sunny and we have family around.

 

 

 

 

Time to say goodbye

I don't like goodbyes, in fact, I hate them. I always have a hard time saying goodbye to friends and family when I depart from them but this time was particularly painful. My parents left London and headed back to Pescara just an hour ago. It has been wonderful having them here for so long. So many things have happened in the last three weeks. When my mum arrived on the 20th of August I was still heavily pregnant. She took great care of me and Rob, cooked for us every single meal, baked our favourite cakes and biscuits, did all the laundry, ironing and cleaning. And then, when Emilia came, having my parents with me was just what we needed. Not only for the help but also for all the love they gave us. When we got back home from the hospital the flat was absolutely beautiful, so full of flowers and baloons. It was the perfect welcome back for us and welcome home to Emilia. 

I knew they had to leave one day and I knew it was going to be tough but nothing could have prepared me to the way I felt. Let's just say: lots of tears. 

Here is to my parents. Thank you very much for all your help and love. I don't say it that often but I do love you very much and I feel very lucky and blessed to have you.

Mum and grandmum's visit

Mum and grandmum have now left. They arrived last Tuesday morning and left this afternoon. Their company and help have been invaluable. During their time here they have cleaned the flat, hand-washed all Baby O's clothes and bed linen for the Bugaboo and crib, ran loads and loads of laundry, ironed, washed the curtains (which I had never done since we moved to the new flat!), stitched curtains and tea towels, embroidered bibs, and most of all kept me company. I am now officially on maternity leave and the flat is empty without them. I miss them already. 

Here are some pictures of them in action:

And a close-up of all the bibs they made. I can't decide which one is my favourite...

Aren't they adorable?