Home for Christmas

To have time with friends and family over the festive season was just brilliant.  Even the plane journey was pretty good, despite me practically having a panic attack on the tarmac waiting for the first leg of our journey to begin.  Eva was an absolute angel, from the minute we left our house to drive to the airport, waiting for the shuttle bus to take us from the car park to the terminal, through check-in and security.  She even managed a little sleep in the restaurant while we ate our dinner.  What a champ.  Flying to Dubai, she slept for 10 hours, to the point that we were on constant look-out, expecting her to wake up at any second.  Of course this meant that neither of us got a wink of sleep and our tally of movies watched was practically 0.  Bob maybe managed 1.  Having said that, I would rather not watch movies and have Eva sleeping, well, like a baby than have an agitated 7 week old baby on a 14 hour flight.  The second leg was just as good, although admittedly she was getting a bit over it by the time we landed.  No surprise there, we were all over it.  Despite feeling less than human when we landed in Glasgow, we all got a second wind and an adrenaline hit as we walked through the doors to be greeted by our parents.  We were home.  Smashin'

Having left Melbourne in 39C heat, we all got a bit of a shock stepping out into the 6C wind, most of all Eva who, by this point, had begun to wonder where the hell we had taken her.  The grandparents were fussing over her by now, the grannies trying to wrestle her into an oversized snowsuit on a bed of bumpy suitcases and the granddads taking a step back, waiting on their chance to be 'allowed' a cuddle from their other halves.  Comical to say the least.  Back to Brookfield for a cup of tea and a seat by the fire, and a catch up with Helen, Steven and our 1 year old nephew Fraser.

This was the first time we would meet Fraser (minus the Skype) and he was certainly a little character, trying to toddle his way around, pointing at random objects.  Once he'd gotten over his initial curiosity and wariness, he was a little smiler and happy to play.  To see their daughters with their own children, geez, my parents must have felt old!  Introducing Granny Mo and Grumps……

What an absolute hoot we had for 4 weeks.  We stayed for the first few days in the west, catching up with friends and visiting the (great) grandparents in Greenock and Skelmorlie.  It seemed like we have never been away and lovely to show our little Eva off to everyone.  Taking a trip to Princes Square in Glasgow on 23rd Dec was challenging with the crowds, but very festive and christmassy, and we managed to meet with Granny Barr and Auntie Lindsey, who at this point was 27 weeks pregnant with 'Madge'.  We had friends come to visit us and of course, Eva was spoilt with gifts and cuddles.

Christmas Eve was spent with my side of the family, having a christmas dinner and exchanging gifts in the evening.  Then, having spent Christmas morning with Fraser, we drove through to Edinburgh and had another Christmas dinner with the Barr side of the family.  We had been looking forward to having a bath (!) and sitting in front of the log fire, both of which we got to do on Christmas Day/Boxing Day. Bliss.  Eva had a great time and once again, was spoilt rotten with clothes and toys and books.  Her favourites were 'That's not my snowman' book and the Freddie the Firefly toy.  They are still the favourites and she is nearly 4 months old!

Over the next few days, we enjoyed Brian and Polly's wedding on our own wedding anniversary, and Eva's christening, both of which were taken by Rev.Dr Barr himself.  Then the next two weeks were spent relaxing with family and friends, heading to St Andrews for the day (and buying a new driver, an essential apparently!), shopping and more shopping, popping down to the Cramond Inn for a wee drink, and going out on a 'date' as new parents.  It was lovely to have babysitters!  And we didn't stress out too much…..

Before long, it was time to head back to Australia.  It was the first time I really felt quite sad at the airport - I guess things change when you have a little one to think about.  Were we being cruel pulling her away from all her family?  We both feel we have a few years before Eva starts to wonder where her family is, and at that point, we will need to consider whether we'll come back to Scotland.  Until then, we hope she'll enjoy being in shorts and t-shirt, going to the beach and starting playgroup with her new baby friends.  It was certainly lovely to escape the cold and return to 25C and sunshine! xx