2021 so far

So we’re almost 4 months into 2021 and it’s been much like the last 365 days, hasn’t it? With hope on the horizon, I’m hoping the lockdown lethargy starts to fade, and as the world opens up again I’ll have the inspiration (and motivation) to write more. I’ve actually just bought a physical journal to start keeping a sort of scrap book for the kids, something they can paw at over the years and add to which aren’t just photos on my phone or on the gram. Anyway, here’s a little rundown of how the new year has been treating The Duthies so far.

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I had two weeks off over Christmas and New Year, which mostly consisted of hanging in the house with the kids, playing with their toys and watching Disney+ on repeat (I say we subscribed for them… but it was really for us) Then I went back to work and we finished filming series 2 of Guilt for BBC. It was a really enjoyable job to work on, we had a good time and felt safe with strict Covid procedures in place. Filming during a pandemic brings a whole new element of difficulty and fear to our job. However I am so grateful to be working again safely and earning money. I really hope the rest of the creative industries will follow not far behind us.

Poor Bronson had a tricky start to the year, when one of his nails became infected and had to get removed. Unfortunately the infection didn’t stop there, and it managed to spread into his bone which resulted in getting the whole toe amputated a few weeks later! The healing process for him has been long, hard (and expensive for us) but his vet was absolutely amazing and the vet nurse at the practice started jazzing up his daily bandages with super cute artwork. It really made us smile and made the whole recovery period feel a lot less daunting. Bronson has been a little star throughout and he’s finally allowed to go back out on big adventures with Aunty Gail his dog walker next week. I tried taking Bronson into work with me one day, but lets just say he failed his trial shift and is defo NOT an office dog (welp!)

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At the end of January we celebrated Pete’s 32nd birthday, with a Haar at home box while the kids went for a sleepover at my Mums. Then mid February, Reuben turned 3. I still can’t believe it! He’s coming on so much with his speech, his knowledge of numbers and colours, and although we’ve not cracked the potty training yet I’m trying not to worry about it too much. There’s been so much for him to adjust to over the last year, and I think he’s coped like an absolute superstar. I’m very proud of him, and Juno too. They’ve started back at nursery and are absolutely loving it. The two of them are thick as thieves now and it’s really adorable to watch. Juno has had two covid tests this year, which breaks my heart as they were really not enjoyable for her (or for Pete to do on her) Both tests came back negative – her symptoms (cough and temp) each time were likely just the aftermath of teething, and then of her one year jags. But better to be safe than sorry, and I’m glad that her nursery have strict guidelines in place to keep the kids safe.

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Juno turned 1 at the very end of February. Saying it’s been the quickest year of my life would be an understatement! I feel like a lot of time we’ve been in survival mode. Existing rather than really living. I’m gutted that she’s missed out on so many of the experiences that Reuben had in his first year, but I’m sure we will make up for it very soon. I still have some family and friends who haven’t met Juno yet, and I’m so excited for them to get to know her because she really is a brilliant little gal. She also started walking on Reuben’s 3rd birthday, a couple of weeks before she turned 1 – way to steal your bro’s limelight haha! We finally moved her into the room with Reuben and it’s actually been going great so far. I was nervous about the transition but they are both enjoying the company and most nights will sleep through from 7pm – 6am. I think it might have been my snoring waking her up during the night when she was still in with us… sorry Bebe.

I had a little feature in the BBC Scotland show Bump Birth Baby at the start of March (which is still available to watch on iplayer) It was super scary sharing such a raw and vulnerable side to mental health and motherhood, but the feedback from everyone has been amazing and so supportive.

All in all, despite 2021 still kinda feeling like groundhog day, some really wonderful things have happened! Two of my closest friends had new babies, me and Pete had our 2nd wedding anniversary and celebrated 6 years together, and the most vulnerable people in my family have received their first dose of the vaccine. I’ve started an exciting new job for ITV which will take me up until mid July as well. As the mornings and evenings start to get lighter, I can physically feel a weight lifting from my shoulders. I think the sunshine and the creeping in of spring brings a new perspective and fresh hope. I have an overwhelming sense of apprehension some days, but then others I can definitely see the light at the end of the tunnel. Hope you’re doing okay too.