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text message that made me fall in love


Today’s post is not so much about travel as it is about the adventure of life. I’m gushing because I have become an Aunty (or as my brood call me ‘Tia Jo’) for the fourth time. I would like to celebrate instead through my medium of blogging – for lack of a better option (Pity the poor person I sit next to on this flight!)  the birthday of Miss Isla Byrne (middle name to be confirmed). Isla safely arrived at 2.21pm at 8 pound 11ounces of joy at Kew Hospital, Invercargill, New Zealand. She will start her life surrounded by love and happiness and god honest relief. Relief that as a Byrne she was not born on the morning of April 1st when she was due. Forever to be the joker.  Honestly as a Byrne it is inevitable, but the added annual celebration clash would just be problematic for birthday cakes, gifts and cards.

What I love the most about Isla is that despite the fact I have never set eyes on her, heard her cries or touched her soft baby skin, I love her. Completely unconditionally in a way only an Aunt or Uncle can understand. With tear welling joy, heart wrenching satisfaction for her safe arrival and overwhelming hope for a bright and happy future. I have been like this with Sophie, Joshua and Emily in their own turn. And today I remembered each of the happy moments hearing of their arrivals.

For Sophies arrival (the first definitely the most memorable) was with her Aunty Vicky and my besty Megan at the gates of Hyde Park queuing to get into the James Blunt concert. We fast wet her head at the Pimms Double Decker Bus bar. For Joshua I was in London staying at Tor’s standing in her kitchen when Stephanie called. I celebrated with his Aunty Liz, Uncle Tom and Aunty Vicky with champagne at the Hackney Hilton (T&V's flat aptly named for all the tourists that stayed there). And with Emily I was in London again and I distinctly remember the gushing from her mother Fiona. Much the same as I heard briefly today before my credit ran out. Goddamnit!. Being introduced on skype mere days after her arrival to her fantastic mop of hair and her doting family. I can’t wait for a repeat scene in the days to come.

Grinning like a Cheshire Cat
at Hanoi International Airport
For Isla I was on a bus going to Hanoi airport when I received the text message from her Mum. And on the date of her birth I will see Singapore, Chennai and Kochi. In each I will celebrate her safe arrival. Isla is happy and healthy, she has loving parents, sisters and extended family. She couldn’t be off to a better start. Little Isla has a wonderful world to discover, but for today I sure can’t wait to meet her soon. And that the coming days are filled with long nights sleeping and endless hugs for her Mum and Dad. 

Well Done Team Byrne! 

Love Always Tia Jo XXXXX
 
Introducing Harold
from Harrods in Singapore,
best airport rip off ever
 11 hour delay not so great!
Harold and I about to board
the plane for Chennai, India
Harold and I have a cuddle in
Chennai airport bound for Kerala




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