Thank you, thank you. Please, hold your applause. I am so delighted to receive this award – it’s something I have worked towards for over nine months. Hard (pleasurable) work.

But like most awards, I wouldn’t be here tonight if it wasn’t for the help of some amazing people. (Shucks, I have tears).

Firstly, I would like to thank my husband, for providing 50% of the genetic material as well as being a huge support during, and after the birth. He has stuck with me through the endless bitching, the hormone drops, the crying…the lack of intimacy. He has done the cooking and dishes just about every night. He has been a kind and consistent father to my older daughter, easing her through a difficult transition. So, thank you.

Thank you to big sister Elka for taking on this huge change, unrequested. She has been relentlessly entertaining through it all. Loving. Adoring. Providing copious kisses. Her world has been rocked, and although she has tested a few boundaries, and has now decided to use Eve’s sleep time as play-with-mummy-time and if-I-don’t-get-what-I-want-squeal-loudly time, she has endured this enormous change famously.

Thank you to my mum – amazing mum, who stayed over nights before the birth in case I went into labour. Who slept in a bed with Elka nights Gregor worked following the birth. Who has entertained Elka, cuddled Eve and made sure I always had a cup of tea. Thank you to Dad as well for providing general grandfatherly love and affection.

Thank you to the numerous friends – you know who you are – who popped over to keep me company and brought me news of the outside world. Who made me lunch and tea. Folded my washing, did my dishes, put my house back into order. Thank you to those who brought around cloth nappies and all sorts of necessary items. Thank you thank you.

Oh, really gushing up now!

Thank you to my sister-in-law for the nappies and maternity wear. Essential.

Thank you for all the gorgeous presents for both girls, and the phone calls of congratulations.

Thank you to the Heart Mama Facebook community for all your comments and support.

Thank you to the mid-wives, who took me through prenatal care and gave me the space to have the most beautiful birth.

And last but not least, thank you to my precious girl, Eve, for being the most amazing, accommodating, gentle baby I could have wished for.

Raising children takes a village. When having a baby, life is so much easier when the village chips in.

Eve, two months
Eve, two months

And please join me at the Heart Mama Community on Facebook.

Linking up with Maxabella Loves for 52 Weeks of Grateful