Christmas Newsletter
December, 2020
2020 Highlights
Living in New Zealand - what more do I need to say?
However, the best news for us is that I am hapū and we are expecting our first pēpi in March (or maybe April!) next year. We are stoked! A huge thank you to everyone who is celebrating our journey with us, offering love and support - we are so grateful to share this chapter with you.
Life
The Covid situation was initially a bit of a mind f*ck but overall, we were really fortunate. We loved being home together and used the time to slow down, eat nutritious meals, and find pleasure in simple, everyday things. We made sure to get outside and walked around our block a lot! Unfortunately, we had a lot of cancelled trips, particularly to Auckland, which meant that I missed out on family time. This was challenging for me but it made visits later in the year even more special.
Despite the late start to the season, Dan loved playing rugby for Christchurch again. I began the year with Heart and Mind Yoga, transitioning to OptiMum Pregnancy Yoga in Terms 3 and 4. I have recently started swimming again and love the weightlessness of being in the water.
We continued to renovate our two bedroom home. The biggest change is our new kitchen - light, bright and modern with lots of bench space and storage. It feels so much more open and spacious. We love it! Dan also renovated our laundry, and built a beautiful gate leading into the garden. I am so lucky that he is a ‘projects man’ - practical and handy with an eye for detail. Next step… setting up the nursery!
Health
2020 has been filled with uncertainty. In terms of mental health, I have learned that there are many things I cannot control, but I can control my response to them. I am continuing to build my inner strength so I am better able to choose steadiness and contentment in difficult situations. I’ve found it helpful to have a mantra - some I have taken from my yoga class are…
“What if I know I am enough?”
“What if I have acceptance?”
“What if I choose to change my mindset by changing my breath?”
Pregnancy is a journey. Every day, I wonder at the marvel of my body and its ability to create life. We are now in the third trimester (a privilege and blessing!), and this journey has been transformational. It has required strength, resilience and vulnerability - a willingness to accept and embrace the unknown, and to ask for support when needed. Some of the physical challenges, including intense morning sickness until 24 weeks, have tested me. I am extremely grateful for the love and understanding I continue to receive from my beautiful husband, whānau, and my work mates at Bromley. I talk, sing and dance with our little darling every day and love all of the wriggling!
Work
Dan has just completed another busy year as Contracts Manager/Detailer with Division Architectural Engineering, working on a range of projects throughout Canterbury and the wider South Island. Though there were some challenges, he was fortunate to be able to complete work from home during lockdown - and was ready to get back into it when we dropped back down the levels!
I continued to teach at Bromley School, picking up an extra day in another of the Y5/6 classes - three days a week in total. During lockdown, we provided tasks for our children on Google Classroom and Seesaw, and stayed in touch with each other via Zoom. One of my favourite things about Bromley is the focus on gratitude and positivity - it is such a special part of the community. I always feel listened to and respected, as well as completely valued for being myself. I will miss being surrounded by such beautiful people on a daily basis next year.
My business as a marriage celebrant has continued to grow and I have LOVED meeting so many beautiful couples and vendors. A special highlight for me was becoming qualified as a Validated Member of the Celebrants Association of New Zealand which means I am now able to perform registry ceremonies in the local community. My role brings me great joy and I am looking forward to the weddings I already have booked in for next season!
Future Adventures
We fly up to Auckland tomorrow to enjoy Christmas with my extended family, spend a few weeks relaxing at The Mount, and celebrate my Poppa’s 90th birthday.
Next March, we look forward to welcoming our Little Bean earthside and embracing our role as parents. Lots of learning ahead!
Meri Kirihimete e hoa! Have a safe and happy break, wherever you are in the world.
A weekend away in Akaroa!
Aroha nui,
Vic & Dan xxx