MEMORIES: A Journey through my Childhood and Creating a Keepsake Box with Hartnack & Co.

Looking back through old photographs and keepsakes is one of my favourite things to do when I go back to my family home. My parents have boxes of photo albums that are filled with snapshots of my childhood, which are not only funny to look through but also comforting. Though I can't remember a lot of what happened all those years ago; it is really special taking the time to discuss childhood memories with my family and help keep them alive. Also, now that Isabella is that bit older she loves seeing what I was like as a baby, even if every baby out there is referred to as 'Poppy'.

MEMORIES: Our first night at home with Isabella

I'd read so many baby books, attended all of our antenatal classes and as a result thought I knew what that first night at home with our brand new bundle of joy would be like. Oh how wrong was I. Isabella was born on a Friday afternoon and by Saturday evening we were standing in the hospital car park trying to work out how the car seat went into the car and I very much had the post birth {painful} penguin walk. In the space of 24 hours we'd gone from a couple to a family of three, life had changed forever. At the time my husband had a three door car and due to Isabella crying I somehow clambered into the back of the car to try and comfort her. The problem was I was new to being a Mummy, she was new to the world...I didn't know what to do to comfort her and she didn't know how to tell me what was wrong. All the while my husband was making the 40 minute drive back home, trying not to let Isabella's crying distract him. I just remember staring at her the whole way home though, she was so tiny and helpless. She needed us to survive and that's quite a responsibility. 

HOLIDAY: Putting, Cake and Hole in One ❤️

Our final day on the East coast was spent back in Lowestoft, as both my brothers were getting a train back to London. We did putting again and I may have come last...again...but I did get a hole in one!! I've played at that putting for probably something like 15 years and I think this is my first ever hole in one!! Such a proud moment. As a reward I treated everyone to cake and tea afterwards at The Thatch, a lovely cafe on the seafront and right next to the putting. We then had a wander around Lowestoft town centre, sent my brothers back to London and drove home. I was so exhausted I slept the whole way, such good road trip company!

HOLIDAY: Southwold, Beach Huts and Crazy Golf ❤️

 

On the third day of our holiday we ventured in land a bit more to visit Fritton Lake where there is a pitch and put golf course, rowing boats and a big adventure playground for children. Unfortunately we couldn't get hold of anyone to find out their opening times, we went anyway only to find out that the golfing was shut so had to turn around and head back to Lowestoft! We settled on a wander around Southwold and some crazy golf in Lowestoft. Southwold is always so busy in the summer, so it was lovely experiencing it without the mass summer crowds. The beach huts are so quaint, though what you can't see is the power of the wind...I wrapped my scarf around my head to avoid windswept hair and earache!

HOLIDAY: Walberswick, Seaside and Cottage ❤️

 

On to our second day on the East coast (you can read about our first day here). Walberswick is a really lovely village right on the seafront, it's known for its crabbing events and has the cutest little row of shops and cafes. If you're ever in the area I'd highly recommend nipping in for a browse around The Parish Lantern and a wander along the beach. 

HOLIDAY: Lowestoft, Golf and Sunset Walks ❤️

 

Lowestoft holds a special place in my heart for two reasons - my Grandma was born there and my Grandparents had a caravan there, which I visited for every year of my life up until the age of 21 when we had to get rid of it. Holidays to Lowestoft were filled with the same activities, namely putting, beach trips, fish and chips, golf, arcades, trips to Walberswick and Southwold etc. So when my Dad suggested we all go for a little family holiday there now that Isabella is here I jumped at the chance. My husband had visited the caravan once and we've been back once together since getting rid of it in 2011, so I was looking forward to creating more happy memories there. 

BABY: A couple of different ways to remember those key moments...

I love creating happy memories but am not always the best at remembering them years down the line. Having a baby has bought so many happy/exciting/unique memories and I'm determined not to forgot them!