If you read my blog and specifically our Me and Mine and Siblings posts regularly then you would be forgiven for thinking that we are outdoorsy people. That we are the kind of family that goes for long walks and endless days outside come rain or shine and will take the children anywhere without a care in the world, lapping up the fresh air and the chance to let the little ladies run around. And of course to a certain extent and in an ideal world that most certainly would be us. But then sometimes a picture doesn’t tell the whole story, there is a bit of reality thrown in too and that reality is me.
I have a joint condition which means it isn’t always possible to throw caution to the wind and do whatever we choose, life takes a bit of planning and winter, and the rain, seem to make this so much worse. So you can imagine how February feels. It is on these days that we aren’t such a normal family. No sooner has summer rolled around and my condition is a little more manageable, then we have Eva’s allergies to contend with! Eddy and Roma? Well they just come along for the ride holding all the pieces together.
Despite these obstacles in our way though we do love to go out and about and I never want to let mine, or Eva’s issues in life stop them from exploring and doing all that they can. That goes for me too, I never want it to get in the way – or at least as little as possible – or to let it define me, which is sort of why I don’t talk about it often and this is something I am still working on even in my 30’s. To this end, aswell as ensuring that we get a family shot each month I adore the Me and Mine project for the fact that it is an incentive to get outside, to try a new, or even familiar, place to make memories and it is always such a lovely day.
Now the reason I say all this is that at the weekend we decided to go along the river on the way to town and, with my sister in tow, to take these family shots. We had a really lovely time and even though it was probably only about half an hour, that time spent outside together with no distractions was priceless. I love to watch the girls just running around, puddle splashing, showing one another leaves and conkers and just being so carefree. However despite the fact it was such a short time, by the return home I was laid up on the sofa unable to move for the rest of the day. I actually fell asleep whilst Eddy took the girls swimming and even through all my pain I almost never do this and mostly adapt our situation or just keep going. But that day I just couldn’t and I haven’t really been able to shift it since. So last night when I really should have been writing, I rested, and cried at how unfair it is that I have to go through this every day, that I don’t want to have to miss out, that I want to jump up and walk for miles or be able to wander around a theme park without worry, and that really we should move to a warm country to help!
Anyway despite this little blip, February has been generally lovely. It has been bookmarked by big milestones, right at the beginning Roma turned 2 and right at the end Eva lost her first tooth. Sandwiched between those have been wonderful ordinary moments too, we have had the most wonderful half term meaning 10 whole days with Eva at home and when I think back on this month, half term is definitely the highlight. We had simple days at home dressing up and doing craft, cinema and park dates, seeing friends, painting pots at a ceramic cafe, a trampoline park trip and spent the weekend and Daddy’s 1 day off at the Sealife centre and LegoLand discovery in Manchester too.
So looking back it has been a mixed month really, February will always be special for Roma’s birthday and half term, and it will always be a little sad too with baby loss on my mind and lets face it the wishing of spring to come. I am really excited about March, there are no big milestone or moments planned but I have definitely come to realise that we don’t always need these to be happy. What we really need is each other.
This is our life, sometimes tough, mostly happy, always ours.
xx
I am so sorry that you have been having a tough time, I hope it eases up soon! These are some beautiful photos though, I love the reflections in the puddles
Thank you Bex, I am sure the warmer and brighter weather will ease things soon. x
Such beautiful photos from your day out and I love the reflections in the puddles and the photo where Eddy is lifting you into the air. So sorry that February has been a tough month though. I hope that March will be a much better one. #meandmineproject
Those puddles were definitely well placed weren’t they? For once I was glad for the rain! Here’s to sunshine in March x
I always adore your shots – especially with the girls in their beautiful matching outfits! I can only imagine how tough it must be for you – you never let it show in your photos though.Here’s to warmer weather soon! xx
That’s really kind thank you, yes I hope March brings some much needed sunshine – and so I can dress them in more than just matching coats too! x
I love that you bring your sister along to take the photos, such a good idea! I’m sorry you are going through such pain every single day. I would never have known and you do a great job of making sure your girls don’t miss out x
We did it last month and it made things so much easier we asked her again! I have told her it is now a monthly thing of course. x
What lovely photos and what a beautiful family you have!
thank you x
Lovely photos!
It must be awful to have your condition, but you seem to handle it wonderfully! Its far to easy to take our bodies for granted. But this weather has been awful!
Did you enjoy SeaLife? My husband used to be in charge of the underwater walk in the big tank, called SeaTrek there. I’d definitely recommend it if you ever get the chance! It’s been ages since I’ve been!
Have a marvellous march!
Thank you, I do try to not let it stand in my way too much. We really enjoyed the manchester Sealife and actually watched a girl do the SeaTrek which looked amazing x
Oh Laura, I’m sorry you’ve had a tough time with pain, I can only imagine what it’s like dealing with that every day. I love your photos, the reflections in the puddles are brilliant! Hopefully the weather will start to warm up now and you’ll have a lovely March xx
Thank you yes I think the mild weather will be good for everyone touch wood x
Beautiful photos Laura & I love the girl’s matching coats 🙂 Hope March is a bit better for you xx
I cannot resist a bit of yellow to brighten up a rainy day!
These are gorgeous shots, I love the puddle reflections and the matching coats and hats. So cute! So sorry that you’ve been struggling with pain, you would not know it in these photos. I hope that the weather warms up soon and brings some relief to you! #meandmineproject
Thank you I do think that at least the wet weather gave us those lovely reflections if nothing else!
Lovely photos, I’m just sorry it came at such a price. Time and again I’m seeing on the posts this month that February has been a bumpy sort of month for people, so here’s hoping March is better.
I do think that by February everyone is just waiting on spring to start, at least I am not alone in that. x
Oh you poor thing, I really feel for you lovely, I hope you are feel even the slightest bit better. These are gorgeous photos and that last one – oh my! You need to print, frame and treasure that #meandmineproject
I am plodding along just waiting for the sunshine now but taking it easy and I am sure it will all blow over for now pretty soon, thank you x
So sorry to hear you’ve been so poorly lovely. Hope the pain eases soon. Sending healing vibes! xx
Thank you once the sunshine picks up I am sure it will help x
Oh I love the matchy matchy outfits. They are just adorable. You’ve got some lovely family photos xx
I cannot resist a bit of matchy matchy for as long as I can get away with it at least!
Oh I love the reflection. I have problems with my joints too (not as bad though by the sounds of it) and the cold weather makes it worse for sure. Beaufiful pics and beautiful family x
It is so tough when you feel like in your head you could do anything but then your body fails you isn’t it? I am sorry you suffer too, on any level it really isn’t nice x
Ahh love the photos they are beautiful and so creative. It’s so cute to see them matching hats and coats. I always try to match my two but it’s not easy. lol Hope you have a wonderful month ahead. #meandmineproject
Thanks Jenny I adore finding new ways to make memories with these photos each month. I bet i isn’t easy matching boy and girl, I find it hard as I don’t really want match, but sometimes you just have to! x
What gorgeous photos – I love the reflections in the puddles and the yellow coats. My favourite is the last one though – beautiful. Have a fab March lovely xx
Thank you lovely x
Oh my days what gorgeous photos – can’t even pick a favourite! Sorry Feb was rubbish, I hope March is better for you xx
Thanks Katy x
These photos are just lovely. Sorry to hear February sucked but here’s hoping March is being a better month to you! x
Thank you x