Category: Family Life
Baby Passport Photos
When we were in New Zealand I took Imogen to a shop to have some photos taken for her New Zealand passport application.
Alas, the cameraman didn’t even get as close as clicking the camera’s button. Imogen didn’t want to stay still for a second. He kindly told me I could take some mugshots of my toddler at home and he would let me know if they’d do for a New Zealand passport.
The rules for baby and toddler passport photos seem to be much stricter in New Zealand. Babies cannot have their eyes closed and he clearly stated (looking at Imogen) that any ‘frizzy or loose’ hair must be tied away from the face.
Keeping Imogen’s eyes open isn’t a problem now she’s a toddler and alert 24/7 (or so it feels like it). But tying her hair back is tricky and getting her to look perfectly straight ahead at the camera is nigh on impossible. Her hair still isn’t quite long enough to tie back without clipping the shorter strands at the sides. So trying to get a hair tie in and then clipping the sides of her hair back meant I literally had three seconds to snap away before she pulled the ponytail out and ran out of the room… giggling loudly as I chased her down the hallway!
As these photos show, this is why you shouldn’t try and take baby passport photos…
Come on, just give up Mummy!
Grandparents
We’ve had the most incredible and memorable time with Gran and Pa in New Zealand and enjoyed playtime in the park, picnics, eating ice cream, swimming in the pool, Wellington Botanical Garden, dressing up in fairy wings, days out in Wellington, splashing in the paddling pool, Birthday celebrations, walking in the bush, visits to Te Papa Museum, watering the garden and discovering wildlife, looking after Molly, eating outside, playing with Play Doh, seeing family and friends, playing in the garden, swimming in the sea, reading stories, paddling in rivers and days filled with fun, kisses and cuddles.
We returned home to London last night and Imogen is dearly missing her grandparents in New Zealand. Everyone we met on our journey home heard all about Gran and Pa, Imogen simply won’t stop talking about them. Daddy’s listening to stories of the adventures they had.
The distance between us makes it difficult to see one another regularly. As hard as it is being so far apart we have to look on the bright side and we’re already planning our next reunion.
Sea Fun at Days Bay
Some of the best beaches in Wellington are found in Days Bay near Eastbourne. There are cafes, restaurants, shops and several stretches of beautiful coastline with warm clear water.
The East by West Ferry takes passengers from Days Bay across the sea to Wellington city in 20 minutes. It would be the perfect location to live if you work in the city and want a relaxed lifestyle with the beach on your doorstep. There are some incredible walks in the Eastbourne area which is surrounded by hills and New Zealand bush.
Wellington city in the background, just across the sea from Eastbourne.
Beautiful hills, native bush and stunning coastline at Days Bay.
