Tag: family portrait

Ninth Family Portrait (31st May 2021)

Post author By Jocelyn Allen
Post date 2 August 2021

Family portrait. Tiago and me are sat on the floor and B is sat on Tiago's lap wth one hand resting on T's arm, and one one resting on my arm. — **Ninth Family Portrait (31st May 2021)**

#WellThisWeekendWeHadOurFirstNightAwayFromMyNansHouseSinceWeMovedIn
#ICanNotBelieveThatWeHaveBeenLivingHereForSevenMonthsAlready
#IWasSupposedToWriteAListOfThingsToTakeButOfCourseIDidNotAndWeForgotAFewThings
#TheMostMajorThingWasBsNoiseMachineThatPlaysWhileSheSleeps
#WeUsedMyPhoneForNapsAndThenTiagosForTheNight
#OfCourseTheBatteryDiedButIThinkBOnlyWokeUpVeryBrieflySoThatWasGood
#WeWentToLiverpoolAsWeAreStillInTouchWithPeopleFromOurNCTGroup
#AndTheFirstBirthdayPartiesAreStartingToHappenSoWeWentForAJointParty
#ItWasAShameThatNotEveryoneCouldBeThereForItWasNiceToSeeSixOfThemTogether
#BWasSuperShyWhenWeArrivedAndHeldBackOnOurPicnicBlanket
#AfterAWhileSheWasQuiteContentCrawlingRoundPickingUpEveryonesBearShapedPotatoSnacks
#ItRemindedMeOfGoingToSchoolDiscosAndJustSeeingHowManyBagsOfCrispsICouldEat
#ThePartyHatsDidNotLastLongButTheyAllSeemedToEnjoyThemselvesAndItWasNiceToCatchUpWithTheOtherParents
#TheNextDayWeWentToMeetFriendsInTheCentreToHaveLunch
#ItWasBsFirstMealAtARestaurantAndOurFirstSinceMovingToBirmingham
#SheJustHadBitsOfOurFoodAndIShouldHaveTakenAPictureOfHerCoveredInTomatoSauce
#ItWasSoHotOut
#LuckilyTheRestaurantManagedToGiveUsSomeShadeAsIWasWorriedAboutBGettingTooHot
#IThoughtItWouldHaveBeenReallyHotAtTheBirthdayPartyButItWasNotSoIDidNotDressAppropriately
#LiverpoolLookedLikeItWasBackToNormalAsThereWereSoManyPeople
#WeWantedToGetAPictureWithTheBeatlesStatueButItWasTooBusy
#IFeelAwkwardHavingAPhotoTakenWithSoManyPeopleWatchingToo
#WeWentToOpenEyeGalleryBrieflyToSeeFriends
#WeUsedTheBabyChangingFacilitiesAndItWasTheFirstTimeWeHaveChangedHerNappyInAPublicPlaceSinceMovingIThink
#WePlannedToGetOnTheRoadWhenItWasTimeForBsSecondNapSoSheCouldSleepInTheCar
#OfCourseInTheEndWeLeftReallyLate
#BWasOvertiredAndCriedALotInTheCar
#SheEndedUpSleepingFor10MinutesAboutTwoHoursLaterThanSheShouldHave
#ThoughIWasABitRelievedAsIWasWorriedSheWouldNeedASuperLateBedtimeByThatPoint
#HerRoomWasHotWhenWeGotBackSoWeTriedPuttingHerInAShortSleevedVestAndLuckilySheSleptTheWholeNight

2nd August: I’m not totally sure on the photo editing. I had edited it differently, but I did not like it. I prefer this, but I’m still not sure. I like how B has one hand on Tiago and one on me though.

#WellThisWeekendWeHadOurFirstNightAwayFromMyNansHouseSinceWeMovedIn #ICanNotBelieveThatWeHaveBeenLivingHereForSevenMonthsAlready

I was anxious about it all, but it was nice to get away and see people.

#IWasSupposedToWriteAListOfThingsToTakeButOfCourseIDidNotAndWeForgotAFewThings

All that packing for one night… We took way too much stuff but I would rather take too much than too little. It took me a minute to remember how B’s cot folds up, but I managed it.

I do need to make a list for day trips and overnight stays though.

#TheMostMajorThingWasBsNoiseMachineThatPlaysWhileSheSleeps

Great. I remember saying to myself that I needed to pack it. Annoyingly I had gone in her room and noticed that I nearly forgot to take her nappies, but the noise machine is tucked out of the way.

#WeUsedMyPhoneForNapsAndThenTiagosForTheNight

This is what we played.

#OfCourseTheBatteryDiedButIThinkBOnlyWokeUpVeryBrieflySoThatWasGood

T’s phone needed to be charged so we had it plugged in for a bit, but we were worried about it being on all night so T went in to turn it off, and of course his phone died.

I did hear her briefly wake up at one point and that might have been why. It was good that she slept without it, but I thought with other people around it was a good idea to use it.

#WeWentToLiverpoolAsWeAreStillInTouchWithPeopleFromOurNCTGroup

NCT being the National Childcare Trust. We did a course with them to learn about looking after a baby, but also as we wanted to meet people as we didn’t know many people in Liverpool. And then we left.

#AndTheFirstBirthdayPartiesAreStartingToHappenSoWeWentForAJointParty

We can’t go to all of the parties (if it was a shorter drive then we would do), so it was nice that there was one for three of them. Shame we don’t have a group like them in Birmingham.

#ItWasAShameThatNotEveryoneCouldBeThereForItWasNiceToSeeSixOfThemTogether

The last time we saw some of them they were very small and not doing much. Now they are all crawling, standing up and one was walking! There are eight in total.

#BWasSuperShyWhenWeArrivedAndHeldBackOnOurPicnicBlanket

She just buried her head in it. I think it was because we were next to a lot of Dads and she doesn’t really see a lot of men. She’s usually less shy if there are a lot of babies around.

#AfterAWhileSheWasQuiteContentCrawlingRoundPickingUpEveryonesBearShapedPotatoSnacks

I don’t let B eat a lot of salt so she was in heaven. She was also eating a lot of triangular shaped adult snacks. I was surprised she ate so much dinner afterwards…

#ItRemindedMeOfGoingToSchoolDiscosAndJustSeeingHowManyBagsOfCrispsICouldEat

I think I ate seven once. Classy me.

#ThePartyHatsDidNotLastLongButTheyAllSeemedToEnjoyThemselvesAndItWasNiceToCatchUpWithTheOtherParents

They looked cute with them on. B’s was too big for her so I had to tie a knot in it.

#TheNextDayWeWentToMeetFriendsInTheCentreToHaveLunch

It was weird parking there as we always walked from home when we lived there.

#ItWasBsFirstMealAtARestaurantAndOurFirstSinceMovingToBirmingham

It seemed like a big occasion. I took no photos.

#SheJustHadBitsOfOurFoodAndIShouldHaveTakenAPictureOfHerCoveredInTomatoSauce

We looked at getting a meal for her, but we thought she would have barely eaten it. They had a kids menu, but it seemed for a lot older kids.

#ItWasSoHotOut

I had to take my shoes off as I was melting.

#LuckilyTheRestaurantManagedToGiveUsSomeShadeAsIWasWorriedAboutBGettingTooHot

And someone let us move as I could not have sat in the sun for that long.

#IThoughtItWouldHaveBeenReallyHotAtTheBirthdayPartyButItWasNotSoIDidNotDressAppropriately

It was fairly cold at the park for the party, so I thought the next day would be more of the same. I had shaved my legs in a hurry before we left Brum and cut my ankle quite badly (I’ve never cut myself that much shaving in my life). If I had known it would have been so hot I would have had no leggings on and worn sandals. Oh well. That’s what we get for being away from home and not checking the weather as much.

#LiverpoolLookedLikeItWasBackToNormalAsThereWereSoManyPeople

I was surprised on a day so hot that people were in the centre. I would have chilled in a park or a garden or something… but we had plans and they did too.

#WeWantedToGetAPictureWithTheBeatlesStatueButItWasTooBusy

Gone again are the days of it being super quiet. I guess it was a weekend and it was hot. I used to walk past it with B everyday on our walks.

#IFeelAwkwardHavingAPhotoTakenWithSoManyPeopleWatchingToo

There’s also a queue of people watching and yeah I find it awkward.

#WeWentToOpenEyeGalleryBrieflyToSeeFriends

We wanted to go for longer but it was already getting late.

#WeUsedTheBabyChangingFacilitiesAndItWasTheFirstTimeWeHaveChangedHerNappyInAPublicPlaceSinceMovingIThink

Bit weird to say, but again it feels worth mentioning. Our friends said they could hear B singing/talking from the reception area.

#WePlannedToGetOnTheRoadWhenItWasTimeForBsSecondNapSoSheCouldSleepInTheCar

We travelled to Liverpool when it was time for her first nap. We had left a little earlier and the first wake window is meant to be 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours. She fell asleep pretty much on 2 hours 45 minutes.

#OfCourseInTheEndWeLeftReallyLate

We know she can get away with being awake a little longer if she has to.

#BWasOvertiredAndCriedALotInTheCar

I was hoping to have a nap myself and read more of Pregnant Then Screwed, instead I was doing a lot of singing and stressing out.

#SheEndedUpSleepingFor10MinutesAboutTwoHoursLaterThanSheShouldHave

She woke up crying a lot. 🙁

#ThoughIWasABitRelievedAsIWasWorriedSheWouldNeedASuperLateBedtimeByThatPoint

You can’t win can you?

#HerRoomWasHotWhenWeGotBackSoWeTriedPuttingHerInAShortSleevedVestAndLuckilySheSleptTheWholeNight

Lighter sleeping bag or shorter sleeved top? We went for shorter sleeved top and it seemed okay. If it’s this hot in May I am worried for August, but we’ll hopefully get better at judging what she needs to wear.

Thanks for reading! If you’re enjoying my blog (and/or the work I make) please consider supporting me by ‘buying me a coffee’ on Ko-fi – thanks!

Tags eating, family portrait, restaurant, travelling, weather

Oh Me, Oh Mãe

Eighth Family Portrait (24th April 2021)

Post author By Jocelyn Allen
Post date 26 May 2021

#IHaveSaidBeforeThatIHadWishWeHadDoneAFamilyPortraitEveryMonthSinceBWasBorn

She’s been around for 11 months and this is our eighth, so we haven’t missed many really.

#ButItDoesNotFeelLikeThatLongSinceTheLastOne

Now I feel like if we want to keep doing them monthly then we need to take them at the end of the month. I thought maybe we could try next Saturday instead, but it’s 1st May. So nope, today is the day!

#ItIsTheWeekendAndTiagoSaidHeIsUpForDoingOneThoughSoWhyNot

We are yet to take it, so hopefully we’re all still in the mood later.

(26th May: Well, we managed it. It’s not the best picture, but it was the best out of a bad bunch. Originally I edited it so that she had two left arms (and one was holding a ball), but I didn’t do it very well so I had another go with it last week or so and I much prefer this.)

#HeHasJustComeBackFromHavingHisSecondVaccine

I think that maybe I need to start being proactive and try to find a spare vaccine. There must be some going to waste every day?

Tiago asked a steward and they said to call around 11am, but that the person at reception might be annoyed. Can’t wait to call…

#LastTimeHeHadToTakeTheNextDayOffWorkSoItMadeMoreSenseToGetItOnASaturdayThisTime

He said he is already feeling sick, but I guess we’ll have to see. I’m trying to get my work done ASAP so I can look after him if need be.

(26th May: He was fine.)

#TheWeatherIsNiceSoWeCanJustLazeAroundInTheGardenAtLeast

We don’t have any plans this weekend, so it’s a good time to have a lazy weekend.

#ThisWeekWasGoodAsWeDidALotMoreThingsButMaybeItWasTooMuch

Typical I want to do lots of things, and then I do lots of things and it feels like too much.

#IThinkWeNeedToLimitThingsToOnePlanADayAndThenMaybeHaveANoPlansDay

On Thursday we had no plans and I felt super tired so it’s definitely a good idea. If I know we have some plans here and there then I feel better, so now it’s about finding the right balance. Maybe as I get used to socialising again we can do more.

#YesterdayIThoughtWeWouldSeeIfBWouldTakeHerMorningNapInThePushchairWhichSheHasNotDoneInMonthsss

I was nervous.

#IThinkSheOnlySleptFor10MinutesAndSoIWasStressedInsteadOfEnjoyingSeeingFriends

She seemed to be asleep and I was standing outside of the kid’s playground as I thought the squeaky gate might wake her up. Went through the gate and thought I’d got away with it even though it SQUEAKED, then after not very long I realised she was awake. Fail. We can try again in the future, but maybe it’s best if it is a walk and not somewhere where there are a lot of kids. Luckily I knew we had the rest of the day to make it up.

#ThenWeHadBookedOntoAWalkForAnHourAfterwardsAndBWouldNotSleepDuringThatTime

I had debated just going home, but thought I shouldn’t as it used to be fully booked and I have whined before about people not turning up. I nearly couldn’t find anyone as the person was running late, but just as I was about to give up I found them.

#ThenOnTheWalkSheWasFussySoILeftEarlyAndOfCourseSheFellAsleepOnTheWayHome

I was so stressed out by this point and not in the mood to talk to people anyways. I think we will give the walk a miss in future as B doesn’t like to be stuck in her pushchair for an hour – which I have said before.

I was also glad to go home as it was a warm day and I had washed my water bottle, but it tasted so much of soap. I rinsed it out loads yesterday and it still does. Blergh.

#ILetHerHave20MinutesAsItWasLunchtime

Usually when I stop pushing her she wakes up, but she was in a deep sleep. I felt bad waking her but I was not sure what to do with her schedule. I was hoping if she had a shorter nap that she would be tired enough to have an earlier nap.

#LuckilySheWentOffToSleepWhenIAmUsuallyWakingHerUpFromHer2ndNap

Hurrah. It was only 2 hours after I had woken her up, and she is usually awake for 3 and a half hours after her first nap so it went well. I tried to nap, but it was difficult. I think I only had 10 minutes, then I read some of the 3rd Narnia book – The Horse and His Boy. I am really enjoying the series.

#AndSheOnlyWentToBed30MinutesLaterThanUsualAndSleptWellInTheNightSoItAllWorkedOut

Hurrah.

#ItAllSoundsLikeReallyBoringStuffButDueToThePandemicIHaveNotReallyHadToBeSpontaneousAndFlexibleWithHerRoutine

So it is super stressful for me. Though some parents may read this and be like ‘you need to chill more’. Hopefully with time! I had packed lunch for her in case we wanted to have lunch out after the walk – maybe next time!

#AndIWorryAboutHowThingsThatHappenDuringTheDayWillAffectHerSleepAtNight

I just want her to sleep well as she hasn’t been so much lately – until the last couple of nights. T said maybe she is going through a leap. Checked the app. Lightning sign over the next few weeks. Okay.

#LuckilyIThinkSheAdaptsPrettyWellSoINeedToStopBeingAStressHead

I think having the blackout blinds in her room helped yesterday as well.

#WeSeemToHaveFoundTheRightClothesForHerAtBedtimeAsSheHasSleptALotBetterAtNightTheLast2Nights

At the moment she has a long sleeved vest on and a 2.5 tog sleeping bag. We tried the long sleeved vest with the 1 tog (too cold?), and a long sleeved suit with the 1 tog (too hot?).

#WhenIPutHerInHerPushchairNowSheSeemsToKnowThatSheNeedsToBeBuckledInAndAlwaysReachesForTheBottomPartOfIt

She’s done it the last few days now. I find it really cute.

#ItMightJustBeSomethingThatSheLikesToMessWithButILikeToThinkThatSheIsHelpingMe

She did something similar in her highchair today too – reaching for the strap on one side. However she does like to hold onto her highchair and chew on the buckle when it’s just hanging around.

#YesterdayIWasJustRandomlyFilmingBAndItLookedLikeSheWasTryingToDoAYogaSequence

She put her hands on the floor, then kneeled and put one foot on the floor, then lifted her arms in the air.

#TheOtherDaySheWasLaughingAtAPigeonDrinkingWaterFromABirdBathAndShakingItsHeadAfterwards

I was too late to film it. I just got her looking away from it, doing a loud scream, then turning back to see it was flying away.

#ItIsAmazingHowMuchSheHasChangedSinceWeMovedHereNearly6MonthsAgo

We hadn’t even started to wean her before we moved here, and now she is picking chunks of butternut squash out of her porridge and chewing them down fairly nicely – there was a little choke this morning.

#NanHasBeenSoKeenToGoToTheHairdressersThatSheWentAWeekEarlyForHerAppointment

I was thinking it was a bit soon considering they had called her two days ago.

#LuckilyTheySqueezedHerInSoSheIsHappy

She was also happy to get out of the house for a bit.

#WeHaveDecidedToTryToGoToPortugalThisSummerForAWeddingButTiagoNeedsToSortHisPassportOut

The trip used to be a right faff without a baby and a pandemic, so let’s see how it goes. Two flights, probably starting off from Manchester or London, maybe getting cancelled due to Covid, maybe having to isolate somewhere, yeah I am already stressed. Tiago hasn’t seen his family in 18 months and he hasn’t been to his home island in 2 years…

(26th May: H got his passport last week. I knew it came quicker than we thought it would, but wow that was fast. The site said it was a 10 week wait…)

#IPlannedToTakeBToSomeCharityShopsWhileTiagoWentToGetSomePhotosDone

Baby clothes, baby books, baby toys – let’s see what they’ve got!

#IHadTakenSomeForHimSomeWeeksAgoButTheWebsiteSaidTheyWerePoorDueToUsingFlashEtc

The only room with a plain/empty wall in this house is B’s room, and the windows are on one side of it. Hello shadow. So I tried with flash and they said it was rubbish, so I said Tiago should go to a shop and get it done. I did B’s fine, but I think they are less fussy with babies.

#WeEndedUpJustGoingInOneAsWeGotChattingToANiceLadyForAgesSoWeWillHaveToGoBackAnotherTime

She just asked what I thought of the sunglasses she was trying on, then noticed B and we got talking about the pandemic, classes, life etc.

We have less plans for next week, so let’s see how it goes!

Thanks for reading! If you’re enjoying my blog (and/or the work I make) please consider supporting me by ‘buying me a coffee’ on Ko-fi – thanks!

Tags family portrait, naps, sleeping baby, vaccine

Oh Me, Oh Mãe

Seventh Family Portrait (28th March 2021)

Post author By Jocelyn Allen
Post date 21 April 2021

Tiago holding B, while I hug both of them. B's face is covered by her hand which has been edited onto her face and enlarged. — **Seventh Family Portrait (28^th March 2021)**

#ItIsAShameThatWeHaveNotManagedToDoAFamilyPortraitEveryMonthSinceBWasBorn
#IGuessSevenOutOfTenIsNotBadConsideringIDidNotRealiseItWasGoingToBeARegularThing
#BIsTryingToStandUpAsMuchAsPossibleTheseDays
#SheUsesAStepladderTheSofaAllOfMyNansLittleTablesAndThingsLikeGlassShelvesWhichWeHadHiddenAwayWithCushions
#SheIsGettingStrongerEverydayButSheStillHasALotOfBumps
#TheDentistWentOkayTheOtherDayThoughIKeptApologisingForHowBadMyTeethAre
#SheSaidThatWeShouldLetBHavingAGoAtBrushingHerOwnTeethToo
#INearlyLaughedOutLoudAsWeAreFindingItDifficultEnough
#ButWeJustMakeTheSoundOfAnElectricToothbrushAndSheLetsUsBrushHerSoleToothAndHerGums
#MyBackToothIsPlayingUpAndWillProbablyNeedToBeRemovedAtSomePoint
#ItWasSoWeirdRemovingMyMaskWhileBeingSoCloseToStrangers
#IFeltAwkwardRemovingItAndSheSaidThatALotOfPeopleSayTheSame
#ThisMorningTheClocksChangedAndLuckilyForUsBWokeUpAtSevenThirtyWhichWasSixThirtyOldTime
#SheWokeUpAtSixThirtyYesterdayTooWhichIsBetterThanSixSoLetsSeeWhatTimeSheWakesUpNowWithTheTimeChange
#IKnowIShouldHaveGoneToBedEarlierLastNightButIKindOfResentedTheFactThatIShouldSoIDidNot
#MyNewJobIsSoTiring
#IHadANapAfterIGotInTodayWhenBHadHersAndIDidTheSameYesterday
#TheNapAlwaysEndsUpBeingAbout35MinutesAndIWakeUpFeelingSuperGroggy
#IRecentlyFoundTheEyeMaskThatIGotForMyJustInCaseHospitalBirthBag
#ItHasBeenGettingSomeUseAndItDefinitelyHelpsMeFallAsleepQuicker
#WeDidThisShootAfterWeAllWokeUpFromOurNap
#WeWouldHaveJustPhotographedUsInBedButIRealisedThatOurLastFamilyPortraitWasUsLyingInBed
#SoWeMovedBsCotAndDidTheShootInHerRoom
#AtOnePointSheActuallyTookASetOfPhotosAsSheWasMessingWithMyComputerAndPressedTheButtonToShootASet
#SheSpentTheShootTryingToStandUpThenBeingAnnoyedAtUsTryingToKeepHerInShotOrSheWasCrawlingAwayAndBashingMyLaptop
#ItIsNiceToBeOutOfTheHouseMoreButItIsWeird
#MyBodyIsDefinitelyNotUsedToAllTheWalkingButHopefullyItWillGetOverItSoon
#IAmEnjoyingIntroducingBToMoreMusicThoughSheDoesJustSeemToLoveJumpByVanHalen
#InTheLastWeekIHavePlayedLauraVeirsJulyFlameAlbumALotWhenFeedingHerAsItIsQuiteRelaxing
#ICanNotBelieveHowMuchSheChangesWeekToWeekAndHowMuchOfASmallHumanSheIs

#ItIsAShameThatWeHaveNotManagedToDoAFamilyPortraitEveryMonthSinceBWasBorn #IGuessSevenOutOfTenIsNotBadConsideringIDidNotRealiseItWasGoingToBeARegularThing

There are definitely themes within this project with the 3 big ones being the family portraits, ‘portrait of a mother of a … month old’ (which I also have not done every month) and imitating B.

#BIsTryingToStandUpAsMuchAsPossibleTheseDays #SheUsesAStepladderTheSofaAllOfMyNansLittleTablesAndThingsLikeGlassShelvesWhichWeHadHiddenAwayWithCushions

The stepladder that I sit on to feed her in her highchair, the sofa that my Nan sits on, the tables that house things like photo frames and vases, and the glass shelves under the TV which she pushes the cushion away from to do so. Fun times.

#SheIsGettingStrongerEverydayButSheStillHasALotOfBumps

I am trying to be chilled out about it, as you could bubble wrap her and she’d still hurt herself.

#TheDentistWentOkayTheOtherDayThoughIKeptApologisingForHowBadMyTeethAre

I just felt embarrassed. She’s like ‘do you eat a lot of sugar?’, but I said I’m paying for my teenage/early 20s sugar sins.

I was known in high school for my addiction to a certain sugary drink and I was sure one day I’d get a tattoo related to it. I’m glad to say that I have no tattoos. I had that certain drink while at a hospital for a pregnancy scan (when pregnant with B) and they wanted her to change positions. They told me to get a sugary drink and walk up and down the corridors. The drink tasted disgusting (probably due to less sugar) and she did not move.

#SheSaidThatWeShouldLetBHavingAGoAtBrushingHerOwnTeethToo #INearlyLaughedOutLoudAsWeAreFindingItDifficultEnough #ButWeJustMakeTheSoundOfAnElectricToothbrushAndSheLetsUsBrushHerSoleToothAndHerGums

I keep referring to her teeth, but she does just have the one for now. I am dreading future teeth arriving. I hope they just all turn up at once.

#MyBackToothIsPlayingUpAndWillProbablyNeedToBeRemovedAtSomePoint

Great. I’m not looking forward to that day.

#ItWasSoWeirdRemovingMyMaskWhileBeingSoCloseToStrangers

The dentist and her assistant.

#IFeltAwkwardRemovingItAndSheSaidThatALotOfPeopleSayTheSame

I just kept it on until she said to take it off as I just felt so weirded out by it.

#ThisMorningTheClocksChangedAndLuckilyForUsBWokeUpAtSevenThirtyWhichWasSixThirtyOldTime

I say luckily enough, but B has been waking up at 6 a lot for a long time.

#SheWokeUpAtSixThirtyYesterdayTooWhichIsBetterThanSixSoLetsSeeWhatTimeSheWakesUpNowWithTheTimeChange

I am guessing it could be 6 new time, which will be 5. I hope not… I hope all the standing up has tired her out.

#IKnowIShouldHaveGoneToBedEarlierLastNightButIKindOfResentedTheFactThatIShouldSoIDidNot

I think I should go to bed early tonight though!

#MyNewJobIsSoTiring

It is a different kind of tiring to mothering all day.

#IHadANapAfterIGotInTodayWhenBHadHersAndIDidTheSameYesterday

Family naps as T also had naps too. He’s not used to looking after B so much at weekends without me either.

We just had a chat and he said he used to feel recharged on Sunday nights for work and now he feels knackered. We’ll have to see how things go.

#TheNapAlwaysEndsUpBeingAbout35MinutesAndIWakeUpFeelingSuperGroggy

So we bring in B from her room and sit in bed until we wake up a bit.

#IRecentlyFoundTheEyeMaskThatIGotForMyJustInCaseHospitalBirthBag

The one that I used for 4 days and have on my head in this photo.

#ItHasBeenGettingSomeUseAndItDefinitelyHelpsMeFallAsleepQuicker

Hello instantly dark room.

#WeDidThisShootAfterWeAllWokeUpFromOurNap

We planned to do it before the nap, but time flew by and we weren’t in the mood.

#WeWouldHaveJustPhotographedUsInBedButIRealisedThatOurLastFamilyPortraitWasUsLyingInBed

Yeah, this one.

#SoWeMovedBsCotAndDidTheShootInHerRoom

My old ‘studio’ wall, which I also use for my dance videos.

#AtOnePointSheActuallyTookASetOfPhotosAsSheWasMessingWithMyComputerAndPressedTheButtonToShootASet

I ordered a new remote as my other one was going weird, but I’ve been using my laptop to just keep shooting frames and I like this method. It’s a lot easier with a wriggling baby…

#SheSpentTheShootTryingToStandUpThenBeingAnnoyedAtUsTryingToKeepHerInShotOrSheWasCrawlingAwayAndBashingMyLaptop

Classic. She does love smacking my laptop a bit too much.

(21st April: I think the final shot is a bit messy with the composition, but this was the reality of trying to do a shoot. I’m never sure what to use to cover B’s face, but I liked how her hand was so I instinctively copied and pasted it, then enlarged it to cover her features better. It fits well with something I like in photos – hands.)

#ItIsNiceToBeOutOfTheHouseMoreButItIsWeird

With my job. I really need to check the weather before I go out as it changes so fast. Today I just wore a coat the whole time as it was spitting constantly (the weather).

#MyBodyIsDefinitelyNotUsedToAllTheWalkingButHopefullyItWillGetOverItSoon

I’ve had my period this week, so hopefully I won’t be so tired next week.

#IAmEnjoyingIntroducingBToMoreMusicThoughSheDoesJustSeemToLoveJumpByVanHalen

She just looks up at our Alexa a lot.

(21st April: Weirdly as I got to this bit it came on. I need to find her more songs as we listen to it way too much.)

#InTheLastWeekIHavePlayedLauraVeirsJulyFlameAlbumALotWhenFeedingHerAsItIsQuiteRelaxing

We used to listen to Bryan Adams a lot, though I was playing The Knife while feeding her dinner today.

‘Heartbeats’ used to be my alarm for years. Tiago heard it and said ‘this used to be your alarm, I hate this song’. Whenever I hear it I do just think of my alarm.

#ICanNotBelieveHowMuchSheChangesWeekToWeekAndHowMuchOfASmallHumanSheIs

Well, these hashtags jumped around a lot at the end, but yes it is so weird. It almost feels like she has always crawled, but 9 months ago she could not even hold her head up by herself. Bizarre.

Thanks for reading! If you’re enjoying my blog (and/or the work I make) please consider supporting me by ‘buying me a coffee’ on Ko-fi – thanks!

Tags brushing teeth, bumping head, dentist, family portrait, standing, time change, working

Oh Me, Oh Mãe

Sixth Family Portrait (6th February 2021)

Post author By Jocelyn Allen
Post date 25 February 2021

#BHasStartedToSquealAndScreechALotInTheLastWeek

Typically it’s always after someone else mentions that their baby is squealing a lot.

#ICallHerMyScreecherCreature

She seems to like any names that rhyme – Pissy Missy has made her laugh on a few occasions…

#NanMadeMeLaughTheOtherDayWhenSheAskedBIfSheWasAnOperaSinger

I would love it if B did something to do with music. We attend enough music classes. This week we did one everyday again.

#SheAlsoKeptSayingHowCleverIWasAfterIOpenedAJarOfMarmalade

I could hear her telling Tiago how smart I was. Then later on she was telling me that I can do anything. This did start after I opened a jar of marmalade for her.

Nan’s a great cheerleader, though I wish she understood what I do with most of my free time and cheer me on with my art things. I feel like I need it…

#BNowAlsoLikesToJustEatTheLabelsOnAnything #SheWillBeSatInHerHighchairWithFoodInFrontOfHerAndSheJustWantsToEatTheLabelOnHerBib

Tiago got her up and looked after her this morning. I came into the room and B was eating a label on a cuddly toy…

#IAmWorriedThatBsFirstWordWillBeSkipDueToMeAlwaysSkippingSongsWhileSheEats #SometimesINearlyCallHerAlexa #IWasWorriedThatSheWouldThinkThatWasHerNameButIfISayAlexaSheLooksInTheDirectionOfTheMachine

My sister got us a device for Xmas. We didn’t think we’d need it, but it has become really useful – my hands are usually covered in porridge when I want to change songs. I just wish they’d sort out the volume control on them as turning the volume up by one usually makes it way too loud, or turning it down by one makes it too quiet. Hard life.

#NowWhenSheDropsHerCupFromHerHighchairSheClosesHerEyesAndAnticipatesTheSoundOfItHittingTheFloor

It is quite cute when she closes her eyes, but now I know she knows what she is doing.

She’s started to pick the cup up herself, but she drinks from it in weird ways. I’ll have to imitate it for a photo one day…

#SheHasHadSomeReallyDryPatchesOnHerBodyForAWhileAndItIsStartingToUpsetMeABit #WeApplyCreamALotButWeJustNeedToApplyItMore #IHaveOrderedSomeOtherStuffThatAFriendRecommendedSoHopefullyItComesSoon #SheHasADryPatchDevelopingOnHerFaceNowWhichMakesMeFeelWorse

I think I have mentioned it, but I’ve also not because I feel so bad about it.

Some days it does seem to be getting better, but then it goes bad again. I showed my Mum and she said to keep applying cream, though I’m hoping this other stuff will work.

#IUsedToGetReallyDrySkinWhenIWasYoungerThough #IRememberHavingAReallyDryPatchRightByMyEyeForAbout6MonthsOrSoWhichMadeMeFeelWonderfulInHighSchool

Mmm crusty eye. I’ve got a bit of a dry patch by my left eye right now – I think my eye has been getting dry from being on a computer more lately, so I was itching it and now the skin is upset. Great.

#AnywaysAfterMyLastEntryISpokeToTheWomanWhoChecksOnMeEveryCoupleOfWeeks #SheSaysIAmDoingEverythingPossibleButIJustNeedToBeMorePositiveAndKickNegativeThoughtsAway

I mentioned that the other night I was watching the monitor and then got really worried about B. I knew I was being silly, but sometimes you just get stuck in these thoughts.

I’ve mentioned before about me finding it easier to be negative about things. I finished reading Untamed last week and there was a bit where she talks about becoming more positive and then someone commenting that they now find it hard to relate to her. Food for thought.

#SheAskedHowTiagoIsAndIFeltBadAsIHadNotReallyThoughtAboutHowRecentEventsMightMakeHimFeel #WeHadTalkedAboutItABitButIWasTooObsessedWithWhatOrWasNotHappeningToMyBodyAndHowIWasFeelingSoIMadeSureWeSpokeAboutItLater

Sorry Tiago – I was a bit too wrapped up in my own thoughts and feelings. These hashtags today are making me feel awkward. Maybe this whole project is a bit too self obsessed. Maybe I am self obsessed? I was wondering about that the other night.

Merriam-Webster says ‘excessively preoccupied with oneself or with one’s own concerns’.

Hmm, yes and no. I feel like I could write an essay about this, but I want to finish writing this so I can make some scones for B while she is still asleep (and catch-up on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK).

#BIsGettingVeryQuickAtRemovingTiagosGlassesFromHisFace

Super speedy.

#IJustRealisedThatHeUsuallyTakesThemOffForTheFamilyPortraitsSoSomePeopleMightNotBeAwareThatHeWearsThem

I am hoping a family portrait will accompany this. I want to try to include Nan, but let’s see.

(7th February: Well, we did a shoot. We tried to do some more ‘typical’ family portraits, but it ended up being a bit more documentary which is quite nice actually. Typically I talk about Tiago not wearing glasses in them, but he ended up having them on this time. Maybe we’ll get Nan in a future shoot.)

#WeProbablyStayedUpTooLateLastNight

11 o’clock. Just faffing on our phones…

#BWokeUpAtFiveThirtyButLuckilySheWentBackToSleepAfterAWhileAndThenTiagoGotHerUpAt7

I could not get out of bed to go to her at 5.30am. I talked to her through the baby monitor, and then turned the heating on in her room via my phone. Eventually she went back to sleep.

Tiago tends to get up with her. He tells me to rest, but my brain is usually just thinking about what I want to do today. I did some yoga and posted a blog post. Then I came back to write the hashtags after Tiago said I could have another half an hour. I planned to write the blog post then too, but nope!

#TheNightBeforeIWantedToGoToBedEarlyAsIWantedAGoodNapBeforeWakingUpForATalkAtMidnight #ObviouslyIBarelyNappedAndThenICouldNotSleepForTwoHoursAfterTheTalkAsIFeltSoInspired

The talk was so good – it’s online here.

I knew they would probably put it online afterwards, but I did not want to miss it just in case. I also like to try to attend events when they happen as it is somewhat easier to see it live than watch a recording – did that make any sense? I was just lying in bed watching it, which I probably would not do with a recording – I’d feel like I had to sit at my desk and work on other things which is not necessarily bad.

#IFeelSoGuiltyForMakingWorkAboutMyselfButThenIRealiseThatALotOfOtherPeopleAreDoingIt

All the artists were making work about themselves, their families and/or about something very personal.

I think now with pandemic a lot more people are turning inwards too so I don’t know why I find it so awkward.

#INeedToStopFeelingSoGuiltyAboutSoManyThingsAndJustCareLess

An article did once call me the Queen of Awkward, and I think that is still the case.

I’ve been thinking about trying to get funding for my work. Trying to balance ‘normal’ work, personal work and looking after a baby is a bit tough. Other people get funding to make their personal work, so why can’t I?

#IWantToGetMoreIntoPoetryAndOrCreativeWritingButIDoNotReallyKnowWhereToStart #LastNightISuddenlyFeltInspiredToTryToWriteAPoemButItJustSeemedToTurnIntoMyHashtagWriting

I am writing this more just as a reminder to myself. Maybe there is more I can do with the hashtags? I want to experiment with and learn about other art forms. I think with photography I just know how it all works and though my confidence is low I will show it, whereas with other art forms I just feel a bit lost and unsure. A few years ago I was painting a bit and sharing them, but then I felt awkward and I started a project that required me to travel so it got put on the back burner. I need to go back to things and I need to make time to try things.

I can’t believe how much free time I used to have that I completely wasted. I should have relaxed more, tried new things and just lived a bit more.

Oh well.

Thanks for reading! If you’re enjoying my blog (and/or the work I make) please consider supporting me by ‘buying me a coffee’ on Ko-fi – thanks!

Tags baby noises, dry skin, eczema, family portrait, guilt, sleeping baby, weaning

Oh Me, Oh Mãe

Fourth Family Portrait (21st November 2020)

Post author By Jocelyn Allen
Post date 4 December 2020

Family portrait - Tiago and B sat on an exercise ball with me holding onto both of them. B's face is covered by a pasted section of her feet. — **Fourth Family Portrait (21^st November 2020)**

#HurrahWeFinallyManagedToDoAnotherFamilyPortraitShoot
#ThisPhotoCouldHaveBeenTakenInLiverpoolAsItIsJustUsAgainstAPlainWall
#TiagoInstinctivelySatWithBOnTheExerciseBallSoIThoughtIWouldJustInsertMyselfIntoThePicture
#IFoundTheBallWhileUnpackingAndThoughtIWouldInflateIt
#IPumpedItUpInTheHallwayThoughAndItWasTooBigToGetThroughTheDoorway
#SoIHadToLetSomeAirOutAndAmYetToFullyInflateItAgain
#BHasQuiteEasilyTransitionedTo3NapsADayInsteadOf4ThisWeek
#ThoughSheIsNotSleepingThroughTheNightAtTheMoment
#WhichMayBeDueToTheTransitionOrTeethingOrFeedingOrAnythingAndEverythingIGuess
#YesterdayIThoughtThatBWasImitatingGivingMeAKissOnTheCheek
#ButIThinkSheWasActuallyJustTryingToTeethOnMe
#WeHaveSomeBabyRiceToGiveHerWhichIPlannedToStartHerWithThisWeekend
#TiagoWasWatchingATVShowAboutKidsAndFussyEatingTheOtherDay
#WeWantHerToHavePositiveExperiencesAroundFoodSoIThinkWeWillStartWeaningWhenWeAreLessStressed
#MovingIntoSomeoneElsesHouseHasBeenABitOfAShock
#BWantedToDrinkFromMyWaterBottleTheOtherDaySoSheHasACupWithWaterInItNow
#IThinkSheWasHopingThatItWouldBeFullOfMilkThoughSoSheSeemsDisappointed
#WithBHavingOneLessNapADayMyTimeForMyselfHasBeenReduced
#IShouldStartTakingHerForWalksDuringHerAwakeTimeAndJustTalkToHerAboutWhatWeSeeOutside
#ThenICanUseHerNapTimesToDoChoresAndABitOfWork
#ItSeemsToRainDuringMostOfHerWalksAtTheMomentButIStillGoOutAnyways
#TheOtherDayIReallyNeededANapButISpentBsNapTimeLookingForPlayAndStayGroups
#TheyAllSeemToBeClosedUntilNextYear
#BOnlyHadAShortNapSoIFeltMoreTiredAndABitDeflated
#IDoFeelABitMorePositiveInSomeWaysThough
#IJustNeedToGetBackToDoingToDoListsAndTryToPlanMyDaysBetter
#MySpaceToWorkInIsNotPerfectAsTheCeilingIsNotThatHighAndItSlopesInPlaces
#ButItWillDoAndIJustNeedToMoveThingsAroundMore
#HopefullyIWillSeeACoupleOfFriendsIndividuallyForWalksThisWeek
#AndIAmYetToMakeDanceVideosHereSoHopefullyIWillTomorrow

Hello, it’s 21st November. I’m going to quickly try to write this blog post while T and B are having a nap…

#HurrahWeFinallyManagedToDoAnotherFamilyPortraitShoot

I did plan to do it last weekend, but it never happened.

I got a bit stressed today thinking it would not happen again, but we did it, and Tiago said it was nice to just take pictures and not think about much else.

#ThisPhotoCouldHaveBeenTakenInLiverpoolAsItIsJustUsAgainstAPlainWall

Classic.

(Though in Liverpool often the pictures were quite blue due to the UV covering we had on the windows – now they seem quite red.)

#TiagoInstinctivelySatWithBOnTheExerciseBallSoIThoughtIWouldJustInsertMyselfIntoThePicture

They were lying on the bed originally, but the light was fading so I thought we should stand against the wall in my ‘studio’. This seemed nicer though.

#IFoundTheBallWhileUnpackingAndThoughtIWouldInflateIt #IPumpedItUpInTheHallwayThoughAndItWasTooBigToGetThroughTheDoorway #SoIHadToLetSomeAirOutAndAmYetToFullyInflateItAgain

An exciting story.

#BHasQuiteEasilyTransitionedTo3NapsADayInsteadOf4ThisWeek

Well her naps have been all over the place. The app I use to keep track of things thinks she is still on 5 naps a day, but I was confused the other day as I do not remember dropping it to 4. I guess it just happened though when I moved her to the 1 hour 30, 1.45 x 2, 2 x 2 (wake window) schedule.

Now it is more 2 hours, then 3 x 2.5ish.

#ThoughSheIsNotSleepingThroughTheNightAtTheMoment #WhichMayBeDueToTheTransitionOrTeethingOrFeedingOrAnythingAndEverythingIGuess

It’s hard to tell why…

#YesterdayIThoughtThatBWasImitatingGivingMeAKissOnTheCheek

I say imitating as she was not actually giving me a kiss – more just putting her face against mine with her mouth open.

#ButIThinkSheWasActuallyJustTryingToTeethOnMe

Lovely.

#WeHaveSomeBabyRiceToGiveHerWhichIPlannedToStartHerWithThisWeekend #TiagoWasWatchingATVShowAboutKidsAndFussyEatingTheOtherDay #WeWantHerToHavePositiveExperiencesAroundFoodSoIThinkWeWillStartWeaningWhenWeAreLessStressed

I said we were going to start at 6 months, but I think it would not hurt to try a bit earlier. However, I think we need to be completely relaxed when we do otherwise I think it will not be such a great experience for B. Perhaps next weekend?

#MovingIntoSomeoneElsesHouseHasBeenABitOfAShock

I feel like I should not talk about certain things, so I’ll leave it at that.

(4th December – Things are fine now.)

#BWantedToDrinkFromMyWaterBottleTheOtherDaySoSheHasACupWithWaterInItNow

I usually drink from a water bottle instead of a glass as I get worried that it will get knocked over, so B was trying to grab it with her mouth wide open. I went to give her some, but I thought that maybe it wasn’t that safe. So now she has a sippy cup.

#IThinkSheWasHopingThatItWouldBeFullOfMilkThoughSoSheSeemsDisappointed

I think she is actually just teething on it more than anything else.

#WithBHavingOneLessNapADayMyTimeForMyselfHasBeenReduced #IShouldStartTakingHerForWalksDuringHerAwakeTimeAndJustTalkToHerAboutWhatWeSeeOutside

I imagine us sitting on a bench with her staring up at the trees. Maybe then some people might talk to us? I sound desperate to talk to people… My sister is sending her a pram suit, so once we get that then maybe I can try her on the local swings too.

#ThenICanUseHerNapTimesToDoChoresAndABitOfWork

Fingers crossed.

#ItSeemsToRainDuringMostOfHerWalksAtTheMomentButIStillGoOutAnyways

I guess now isn’t the time to be sitting on benches and discovering playgrounds, but we can try. There are always some nicer days…

#TheOtherDayIReallyNeededANapButISpentBsNapTimeLookingForPlayAndStayGroups

I just lay in bed intending to have a nap, but felt like I needed to find a group. At the moment I like the idea of classes or a group, but I like the idea of going somewhere and just talking and chilling a bit.

#TheyAllSeemToBeClosedUntilNextYear

Great.

#BOnlyHadAShortNapSoIFeltMoreTiredAndABitDeflated

I was hoping she would sleep for an hour, but she had half an hour.

#IDoFeelABitMorePositiveInSomeWaysThough

I think I just realise how lucky we are, so I shouldn’t be so darn negative all the time. It’s boring to whine so much.

#IJustNeedToGetBackToDoingToDoListsAndTryToPlanMyDaysBetter

I used to write to do lists, but I haven’t lately. Now that I have a desk to work at and I’ve found a notepad and pen I guess it is easier to start again.

#MySpaceToWorkInIsNotPerfectAsTheCeilingIsNotThatHighAndItSlopesInPlaces #ButItWillDoAndIJustNeedToMoveThingsAroundMore

It is more than I thought I would have really, so that is good. My one concern about moving was where would I make work.

#HopefullyIWillSeeACoupleOfFriendsIndividuallyForWalksThisWeek

That would be nice. I’ve only seen family since moving, which is lovely of course, but it’ll be great to see other people too.

#AndIAmYetToMakeDanceVideosHereSoHopefullyIWillTomorrow

Fingers crossed. Hopefully I will be inserting a video below of new ones…

(4th December – I’ve managed to make 5 videos over 2 sessions so far. That’s better than nothing!

Here’s one…

)

Thanks for reading! If you’re enjoying my blog (and/or the work I make) please consider supporting me by ‘buying me a coffee’ on Ko-fi – thanks!

Tags baby classes, dance videos, family portrait, naps

Oh Me, Oh Mãe

Third Family Portrait (2nd October 2020)

Post author By Jocelyn Allen
Post date 19 October 2020

(I wrote this on 2nd October 2020, whilst dancing in my chair to You Know Me Better by Róisín Murphy on repeat. I haven’t listened to music properly in a while and it feels really good.

I’ve been making a big batch of dance videos every 2 weeks now and I’m looking forward to hopefully making some more tomorrow.)

<19th October – I made some, but I’m not sure if it was the next day. I am planning to dance to a new Róisín Murphy song in my next bath of videos.

I’ve been trying to post this all day, but I just haven’t had the time. I’m hoping that I can now while B is supposed to be having a catnap, but I can hear her making noise…>

Me dancing to the song, whilst 3 months pregnant…

Anyways…

I think this photo sums up our family quite well in some way. Me looking at the camera, and Tiago and B not. It almost looks like two photos have been edited together or something.

#WhoopsICanNotBelieveItHasBeenAMonthAndAHalfSinceTheLastFamilyPortrait

Time just flies by. I honestly thought we had already taken a third one, and I was trying to remember the image as I could only remember the second one that we took in August.

#WeHadPlannedToDoItEarlierInTheDayButInTheEndItWasGettingLateAndBWasGettingRestless

T said we could try again tomorrow when ‘we’re all clean and stuff’, but I’m sure one of them will do, and I want this project to be an accurate portrayal of how we look day to day.

#TypicallyIHadToldSomeoneThatHerSleepingWasNotThatBadAndThenSheTookAgesToSettleAtBedtime

I think she got overtired. We follow a schedule, but it just gets a bit messy around bedtime and I usually end up feeding her twice in that awake period.

<Her second nap was unusually bad today. I wonder if she is teething or something.

I had to go and check on her as she is definitely not sleeping now. I only want her to sleep for 20-30 minutes, but it takes more than that to try to get her to sleep at times…>

#HerBedtimeIsUsuallyBetween7And8WithADreamFeedAround10 #AndTheLastFewNightsIHaveNotFedHerUntil7InTheMorning #ThoughSheNormallyWakesUpQuiteABit #LastNightSheWokeUpLessButIStillFeltLikeIHadOnlySleptFor5Minutes

Some nights it feels like I’m up every hour settling her; last night I only woke up twice.

The second time Tiago was awake too and he said that she did one cry and I sat upright straight away. I had assumed that she had been crying for a while and I had only just woken up.

I always feel tired…

<I’ve got B up – the catnap was a failure, so I’ll just feed her shortly and then put her to bed early. T is holding her while I finish this and drink some water.

This morning I didn’t have a nap for the first time in ages, as it’s usually when she naps the best so it’s a good time to get stuff done.>

#IHaveBeenHavingANapEverydayLately

And not feeling bad about it.

#IAmNotSureIfItIsParentingTheWeatherLifeOrEverything

To be fair the coding course is quite mentally tiring, plus everything else. The weather is colder and it is getting darker earlier, which just makes me want to hibernate. Annoyingly it’s the best time of the day to work – it’s currently 20:44. I did some coding earlier in the day, so I think I will just read my book a little tonight instead. Exciting.

#IThinkMyPeriodMayHaveStarted

Just a small amount of blood. I am hoping it goes away quick and is just my body preparing for them. Fun times.

*Cue a massive cramp.* Ergh.

#IHaveNotHadOneSinceSeptember2019AndTypicallyWeAreGoingSwimmingTomorrow

My period tracker app says my period is 350+ days late.

It’s not the end of the world obviously, but to not have had one in so long and then have it start when I am going swimming for the first time in an even longer time is just bloody annoying – does that count as a pun or something?

#IWasHopingToGoWithoutThemForABitLonger

I have heard that some women have not had them for a year or so after giving birth because of breastfeeding.

#YesterdayTiagoCommentedThatBWasLookingABitTooBigInHerBassinet #SoLastNightIAssembledTheChairElementOfHerPushchairAndSheWentInItForTheFirstTimeToday

I was thinking that maybe we should ‘upgrade’ her, so when I saw that other Mum friends had moved their babies to chairs I knew it was time.

It’s weird not being able to see her so well, but hopefully she will like looking around at people and things. It’s strange putting her in it, but I guess before long it will become normal. She looks nice and snug in it.

<I am still finding it weird. There is a little flap to check on her, but as she is usually wearing a hat I can’t see what she is doing, so I have to peep around the front.

When it’s windy her footmuff blows up at the bottom where she is too short to have her feet at the moment.>

#NewRulesGotAnnouncedForLiverpool #NoMeetingUpWithOtherPeopleInsideForAnyReason

It did seem a bit dumb that I could not see someone at their house, but I could see them in a place full of other people.

#AndMeetingUpOutsideIsNotRecommended

I did not know this. I just found out tonight. Great…

I get it – they can’t just make lots of exceptions, but there are no baby groups, I can’t get support from my family and now I can’t see the few friends that I have in Liverpool. Obviously it affects everyone and not just us, but it is annoying. What can we do though?

#TheNotRecommendedStuffIsABitAnnoying #EitherWeAreAllowedOrWeAreNot

Meeting in restaurants or pubs was not recommended before, which meant some people probably didn’t but others did.

We met a couple of friends for a hot drink outside of a cafe the other day, and saw a friend for a walk last weekend. Good job we saw them as now we’re not supposed to. It’s all a bit frustrating.

<Well, we’re under tier 3 restrictions now, but it does say you can meet outside.>

#AnywaysWeWentToTheCityCentreTodayToGetFalafelWraps

We had wanted to try them from a particular place for a while. I thought we would go today rather than at the weekend as it would not be so busy in town.

#IFoundTheWholeExperienceSoStressfulThatIWillNotBeWalkingThereAgainAnytimeSoon #PeopleDoNotCareAboutSocialDistancingAndIJustFeltAnxiousTheWholeTime

I think having a pushchair makes it more difficult as you can’t just easily get away from people fast. People have no problem walking super close to you.

A preacher guy wasn’t wearing a mask and came so close to me to try to give me a leaflet. I just said ‘No!’ loudly as I was so freaked out by him coming close to me. I think he made a ‘Ooh’ sound back or something.

#ItWasTooColdToEatOutsideSoWeWalkedHomeWithThem

We just wanted to get home and B needed to be fed.

#TiagoAteHisWhilstIFedBAndAfterAWhileIWasSoHungryThatIDecidedToEatItOverHer

She usually eats for about 30 minutes and I was so hungry.

#YesterdayWeAlsoStartedToPutHerInHer3To6MonthsOnesies #SheHasALotOfTheSamePatternsAsHer0To3MonthsOnes

I remember when the 0-3 months ones were too big on her, but now they’re quite snug so it’s funny seeing her in oversized clothes again.

#SheHadANiceNewOneOnTodayAndIGotFalafelWrapJuiceAllOverIt

Typical.

#CleverMe

I should have known it was going to happen. I should have put a tea towel over her… Fail.

#IAskedTiagoIfHeHadAnythingToSayInTheHashtagsButHeSaidNo

He is the man of many words.

#IAmNotLookingForwardToHimGoingBackToWorkNextWeek

I just want us to hang out together as a family all day everyday…

Thanks for reading! If you’re enjoying my blog (and/or the work I make) please consider supporting me by ‘buying me a coffee’ on Ko-fi – thanks!

Tags family portrait, lockdown, naps, periods, pushchair, sleeping, sleeping baby

Oh Me, Oh Mãe

Second Family Portrait Session (16th August 2020)

Post author By Jocelyn Allen
Post date 28 August 2020

I’ve managed to get a few posts of ahead of myself for now as I want to catch up soon and then write other posts that aren’t necessarily related to my project. I write most of it then add in other more recent things when I go to hit ‘publish’.

I’ve had a go with playing with a picture that obscures B’s face, but let’s see if I like it when I come to post this.

(I think it will do for now, but perhaps I will revisit the pictures that obscure B’s face at a later date and do something else with them – or maybe not.)

Tiago, B and me lying on the sofa — **Second Family Portrait Session (16th August 2020)**

#IHaveWantedToDoAnotherFamilyPortraitSessionSinceNotLongAfterWeDidTheFirstOne
#AndThatWasOnThe28thOfJune
#ItSeemsEasierToDoThingsIndividuallyThanAllTogether
#BSleptThroughTheWholeShootAndHasJustWokeUpNow
#SheDidALoudCryLikeSheDoesWhenSheIsDreamingInHerSleepButThisTimeItWokeHerUp
#WeUsuallyWakeHerUpToFeedHerIfItHasBeenAWhile
#ButTheOtherDayAndTodayItWasImpossibleToWakeHerToFeedHer
#AFriendCalledTodayAsHerBabyHadBeenAsleepAllDayAndSheWasConcerned
#WhichMadeMeFeelBetterAsBWasDoingTheSameThing
#TheyBothWokeUpAfterAWhileAndWereFine
#AHealthVisitorCameACoupleOfDaysAgo
#BHasPutOnMoreThanHalfOfHerBirthWeightAndHadNoConcerns
#SheSaidToRingOurGPForAPrescriptionForSomeCradleCapShampoo
#IRangAndTheDoctorHadNeverHeardOfTheOneSheRecommended
#ButWeGotItSoThatWasFine
#TheHealthVisitorAskedUsIfThereWasAnyDomesticViolenceInOurHome
#ItSeemsAnOddThingToSayOutLoudToBothOfUs
#SurelyItIsSomethingYouAskIndividuallyOrSomethingButIGuessItWouldBeDifficultAndIGuessSheHadNoConcerns
#SheWouldHaveUsuallyVisitedUsBeforeButItWasDelayedDueToCovid
#SheIsOnlyAllowedToVisitTwoHouseholdsADayWhereasBeforeSheWouldVisitThreeOrFour
#IRushedToThePharmacyLaterOnAsIWasWorriedTheyWouldCloseBeforeIGotThereButTheyHadExtendedTheirOpeningHoursSinceLastTime
#AMemberOfStaffPeeredInsideHerBassinet
#SheSaidBsEyeLookedSwollenAndIWasLikeYeahIKnowIAmMassagingItDailyAndItIsCommon
#SheSaidYeahItIsCommonAndThatBothHerKidsHadItAndIRelaxed
#TheOtherDayAManWasHoldingAToddlerAndSheSaidBaby
#SoIOpenedUpTheBassinetCoverSoTheyCouldSeeHerFromADistance
#ButTheGuyStoodSoCloseToMeThatIDidNotFeelAbleToTalk
#HeProbablyThoughtIWasReallyRudeButItFreakedMeOut
#IDidNotWantAFamilyPictureInOurUnderwearButItIsSoHotAndThatWasWhatWeWereWearing
#IWasNotPlanningToUseALightButItWasTooDarkToNotUseOne

#IHaveWantedToDoAnotherFamilyPortraitSessionSinceNotLongAfterWeDidTheFirstOne
#AndThatWasOnThe28thOfJune

Let’s see when we manage to do another one…

#ItSeemsEasierToDoThingsIndividuallyThanAllTogether

Well it’s easier for me to photograph myself when T is looking after B, but I often feel bad for making T be in my photos as I know it’s not his most favourite thing.

Lately I’ve been taking more pictures on my phone or quickly doing a shoot during the day when B is asleep and T is working.

#BSleptThroughTheWholeShootAndHasJustWokeUpNow (and) #IWasNotPlanningToUseALightButItWasTooDarkToNotUseOne

I felt bad using the light, but B didn’t seem to care at all about it. I tried not to take too many pictures and because her eyes were closed I guess it helped. If she had been awake I would have made her look away from the light.

#SheDidALoudCryLikeSheDoesWhenSheIsDreamingInHerSleepButThisTimeItWokeHerUp

I would love to know what she dreams about. When she was first born I used to joke that it was two milky boobs running away from her and she was trying to catch them…

She does cry in her sleep a bit. It’s weird/funny/cute when you check on her as you think she is awake and upset as she lets out a cry, but she is smiling in her sleep.

#WeUsuallyWakeHerUpToFeedHerIfItHasBeenAWhile

We try to follow a schedule where you feed her every 3 hours until the night. We’ve been following those schedules since she was born for feeding, but failing on the napping side. However this week I suddenly decided to work on making her take naps more. Next week I need to work on me taking naps, while she naps!

#ButTheOtherDayAndTodayItWasImpossibleToWakeHerToFeedHer
#AFriendCalledTodayAsHerBabyHadBeenAsleepAllDayAndSheWasConcerned
#WhichMadeMeFeelBetterAsBWasDoingTheSameThing
#TheyBothWokeUpAfterAWhileAndWereFine

I laughed in relief when she said she couldn’t wake her baby up. I’m not sure if it was the weather or what…

#AHealthVisitorCameACoupleOfDaysAgo
#BHasPutOnMoreThanHalfOfHerBirthWeightAndHadNoConcerns

I wasn’t worried about her weight as she is definitely growing and getting heavier. Apparently you can get your babies weighed in children centres but they’ve been closed due to Covid. I didn’t know this, someone told me. I feel like I don’t know much about how having a baby should be in a non-Covid time, which is probably for the best as I don’t feel like we’re missing out on things really. I guess I probably would have taken her to an exhibition, but I’ve only taken her to see work outside so far.

I think the local children’s centre called yesterday. They got my details and asked if I wanted to sign B up for future classes. I said yes, but they don’t know when they’ll be able to run again and it will be invite only. I think I am starting to realise what B is missing out on now, but luckily she is too young to know and we are making do.

#SheSaidToRingOurGPForAPrescriptionForSomeCradleCapShampoo
#IRangAndTheDoctorHadNeverHeardOfTheOneSheRecommended
#ButWeGotItSoThatWasFine

She said she usually prescribed a cream over shampoo, but said the health visitor must know that it’s good. Eventually she found it and sent the prescription through to the pharmacy.

#IRushedToThePharmacyLaterOnAsIWasWorriedTheyWouldCloseBeforeIGotThereButTheyHadExtendedTheirOpeningHoursSinceLastTime
#AMemberOfStaffPeeredInsideHerBassinet
#SheSaidBsEyeLookedSwollenAndIWasLikeYeahIKnowIAmMassagingItDailyAndItIsCommon
#SheSaidYeahItIsCommonAndThatBothHerKidsHadItAndIRelaxed

I was feeling a little judged, but was relieved when she said her kids had the same thing.

#TheOtherDayAManWasHoldingAToddlerAndSheSaidBaby
#SoIOpenedUpTheBassinetCoverSoTheyCouldSeeHerFromADistance
#ButTheGuyStoodSoCloseToMeThatIDidNotFeelAbleToTalk
#HeProbablyThoughtIWasReallyRudeButItFreakedMeOut

I still find it odd when strangers get so close. Maybe they don’t think I present much of a risk as I have a baby so they know I’m being cautious, but I don’t know about them.

#IDidNotWantAFamilyPictureInOurUnderwearButItIsSoHotAndThatWasWhatWeWereWearing

I’ve said this before and I’ll probably say this a 100 times, but I want this project to be a true reflection of our family life. Hanging out in our underwear has been a big part of it so far, though B does have a lighter baby grow on here. The general rule is babies should have one extra layer than you, but sometimes it is just nappy weather for them.

I bought the blanket at the end of my trip to India in 2017 for a commission. It had just been sat in a bag since then until after B was born and I started to nest.

I have a habit of buying nice things and being too scared to use them, but with the pandemic my mentality has changed a bit, and I feel like I should enjoy things as you never know what is around the corner.

Thanks for reading! If you’re enjoying my blog (and/or the work I make) please consider supporting me by ‘buying me a coffee’ on Ko-fi – thanks!

Tags doctors, family, family portrait, parenthood

Oh Me, Oh Mãe

First Family Portrait Session (28th June 2020)

Post author By Jocelyn Allen
Post date 9 August 2020

This is a short post with a couple of photos from our first family portrait session. I feel a bit bad that it took us 2 weeks after she was born to do it, but I’ve been meaning to do another one since and it’s already been 6 weeks.

First Family Portrait Session (28th June 2020)

#OurFirstFamilyPortraitSession
#IHaveWantedToDoItForAFewDaysButYesterdayWeWereFinallyReady
#AndTiagoWantedHisHairCutSoIWantedAPictureOfHimWithHairAndHisBeard
#WritingThisADayLaterAsIDidNotHaveTimeYesterdayOrRatherIWasBusyWithOtherThings
#IDidNotUseFlashAsIDidNotWantToScareOrHurtBThoughSheSleptThroughTheWholeThing
#IPutMeAndTiagoInOurMatchingTopsToReferencePicturesFromMyPregnancyProject
#ThoughLaterOnInTheDayWePutBInAStripeyOnesieAndIHadAStripeyDressOn
#SoWeNeedToDoAStripeyPictureAtSomePoint
#IBreastFedMoreYesterday
#IFeltMoreRelaxed
#HerLatchSeemedBetterThoughInTheNightItWasNotAndNowMyNipplesAreSoSore
#AllSheDoesIsEatSleepAndGoToTheToiletWithPlaytimeIfAndWhenSheIsAlert
#TheDaysSeemSoLongInAGoodWay
#ThoughTheLastTwoNightsWeHaveGoneToBedTooLate
#LastNightSheHadBadWindAndWasAwakeMostOfTheNight
#WeNeedToStartHavingANapAt8PMAgain
#WeHaveSomehowManagedToMisplaceOneOfOurFabricWrapsForCarryingHerIn
#ItHasToBeInTheFlatButWhoKnowsWhereItIs
#IKeepLosingMyPhoneToo
#IDoNotWantToSayItIsBabyBrainAsIFindThatTermSoRude
#IThinkItIsJustACaseOfConstantlyMovingAboutAndHavingToGoFetchThings
#IStillUseMyPhoneButIFaffOnItALotLess
#IReadTheNewsForAbout10MinutesYesterdayWhichIsMoreThanIHaveInAWhile
#IDoNotWantToJustBeInABabyBubbleButItIsKindOfNice
#IAmDefinitelyFeelingALotBetterAboutParentingNowThatIAmHavingNaps
#NotSleepingForTwoWeeksReallyMessedMeUp
#IWouldJustGetSoTiredAndThenHaveAMeltdown
#ItIsGoodIHaveThisProjectNowAsICanNotBeBotheredToWriteInMyNormalDiaryInAsMuchDetailAboutLifeAnymore
#IOrderedOneOfThose5YearDiariesWhereYouWriteAFewLinesEachDayThisMorning
#ThatSeemsMoreManageable

First Family Portrait Session (28th June 2020) II

I tried putting different things over B’s face. A blue box seemed a bit too boring, so I tried drawing on them. Originally I drew a lot of flowers, but it looked a bit too much. I still want to keep experimenting with what to put over her face though, so these might not be the final photos.

But here is the first photo of us as a family – not long after she was born – with a boring white box over her face:

Some comments relating to the hashtags:

#ThoughTheLastTwoNightsWeHaveGoneToBedTooLate
#LastNightSheHadBadWindAndWasAwakeMostOfTheNight
#WeNeedToStartHavingANapAt8PMAgain

We are still going to bed too late… Tiago will often say ‘okay let’s go to bed soon’. I’ll try to settle B, T will fall asleep waiting and I’m up until 1. Last night I think we managed to go to bed at 11pm though. We need to work on making the room a lot darker a lot earlier as think this might help. Sometimes if we’re not ready to sleep we don’t push things though. I’d rather feed her a little more in hope that she’ll then let me sleep longer.

#WeHaveSomehowManagedToMisplaceOneOfOurFabricWrapsForCarryingHerIn
#ItHasToBeInTheFlatButWhoKnowsWhereItIs

I know you’re desperate to know if we found it. Yes we did. It was behind the pillows on the bed…

#IKeepLosingMyPhoneToo
#IDoNotWantToSayItIsBabyBrainAsIFindThatTermSoRude
#IThinkItIsJustACaseOfConstantlyMovingAboutAndHavingToGoFetchThings

I’m losing my phone a lot less now (or maybe I like to think that). I still don’t like the term ‘baby brain’. I think ‘tired brain’ is more accurate.

#IStillUseMyPhoneButIFaffOnItALotLess
#IReadTheNewsForAbout10MinutesYesterdayWhichIsMoreThanIHaveInAWhile
#IDoNotWantToJustBeInABabyBubbleButItIsKindOfNice

Now I’m back to trying to use it less and read more instead of faffing.

I finished reading a book yesterday, which I started after she was born – The Son and Heir: A Memoir by Alexander Münninghoff.

#IAmDefinitelyFeelingALotBetterAboutParentingNowThatIAmHavingNaps
#NotSleepingForTwoWeeksReallyMessedMeUp
#IWouldJustGetSoTiredAndThenHaveAMeltdown

I still need to learn to rest more. With the blog I need to learn to be more efficient, especially if I want to catch up and post my project in real-ish time. Sometimes I feel like I need to explain/share a lot though – like with yesterday’s post about feeding.

Some days I plan to do a lot of work, but I end up faffing and I don’t completely relax either. So, I’m trying to get better with planning my time – working well when B is asleep or T is looking after her, and then having better quality time with B when she’s awake. I’ve already failed with the planning as I haven’t allocated time for relaxing/resting when B is asleep too.

I was guilty of not having a good life balance before having a baby, so now it is more important than ever. She has already grown so much and time is flying by…

Thanks for reading! If you’re enjoying my blog (and/or the work I make) please consider supporting me by ‘buying me a coffee’ on Ko-fi – thanks!

Tags family portrait, fatherhood, life balance, motherhood, new parents, parenthood