To my girls

Dear Charlotte,

You are now four and make me prouder by the day. You are so brave and strong. When you fall you pick yourself up quickly and say, ‘I’m okay!’. You don’t want sympathy (even though I’ve always offered you my open arms to comfort you) and I admire your strong resolve to pick up and venture forth. When you are scared you sometimes scream and I can see your whole being filled with fear, rage and confusion (like when the little puppy on the beach surprised you today). When others are hurt you reach out to comfort them. I admire your independent spirit. You are so much smaller than your peers, but that never stops you from showing them that size is no barrier to achievement, though you constantly have to push this message. This frustrates you deeply at times. We are about to embark on a big journey to visit your family in England. I know you are a little scared, but I also know you will make us proud. I love you Charlotte. Your Mummy xx

Dear Sophie,

You are 18 month’s old and today the wonder in your eyes at ‘The Faraway Tree Fairy Shop‘ in the Fairy Dell filled me with joy. You are already showing so much independence and I know you understand most of what we say, but can see the frustration you feel at not being able to participate in all that you see your big sister do. This journey to the UK will not be easy for you, it comes at a challenging time in your young life, but I also know you will grow from the experience and delight in meeting so many people that can’t wait to meet you for the first time. You are an extremely loving, perceptive and humorous soul. You are reaching an age when you are just being to try my patience, but this is all part of the journey you need to take on the long road to independence. You teach me to laugh more and being my second child it is easier for me to see the funnier side of your mini-paddies and to know this phase will pass – your big sister taught me that! I love you so much, your Mummy xx

Here you both are, with Bethany, delighting in the beautiful Paua shell creations outside The Chocolate Fish Cafe at Scorching Bay.

And delighting in hot chocolate and sausage rolls for lunch with Marrisa and Bethany!

The Chocolate Fish Cafe (‘Simple and Loveable’ describes it perfectly) is a favourite summer and winter spot. It’s more than the setting that makes it special for us. The girls would say it has the ‘x’ factor for the chocolate fish, the individually hand-painted chairs and the toy basket. I would say friendly service, great food, good people watching and a positive vibe of people with smiles and fresh sea air. Dogs would say it’s the only cafe in Wellington with dedicated dog bowls of water all over the cafe and free dog biscuits.

It delighted me to see you both so free on the beach today and Charlotte beginning to comprehend the meaning of good friendships. Sophie, you got stuck in with the big girls and stepped knee deep (shoes and all) into a big puddle, but came out laughing.

You both went to sleep so happily tonight and Charlotte, you looked a dream in your new PJ’s from Grandma Lee.

Sweet dreams of fairies and chocolates. May the gentle sway of sea breezes sweep you away till morning comes and may smiles awake you when you rise.