Greece is the word...

Daddy Drake has absconded to Greece for six whole days! Leaving last Wednesday morning for a family wedding, I wondered how the change would affect Elin. He's never been away from either of us for this amount of time, so I know I was feeling a little apprehensive about it, but at least I would know where he was and what he was doing. For poor Elin, I guessed that at some point she would simply realise she was missing Daddy and that this would be confusing or upsetting for her.
Thankfully, she is neither confused nor upset yet and we are more than halfway through the enforced separation. (Sorry, Paul!) However, any doubt I had that Elin had noticed Daddy's absence was quashed during his phone calls, and in particular, one wonderful video-call.
When he rang us via video call from the beautiful Island where the wedding was being held today, Elin's face visibly lit up once again, just like it had done identically during every one of his calls since he left. But this time, whether she could see him on the screen or not I'm not certain, but what I am 100% certain of is that she knew it was Daddy, she has been missing him and she desperately tried to communicate with him. Firstly, on hearing his voice there were peals and peals of laughter. Then, as she started to listen intently, her gorgeous big brown eyes widening and her whole body stilling, she started to 'talk' back to him. Not something she does very often whilst sitting up, it's easier for her to get a resonant sound out whilst lying on her back or side. It was absolutely wonderful, and as the camera panned around the guests they all got to see one very happy little girl watching from home in very rainy Wales as the Groom made his speech on the beach, with the ocean as a backdrop on the beautiful Silver Island. How amazing technology is,  for a few minutes we felt like we were there. That moment will stay with me for a long time and I know Paul could not have wished for a better reaction whilst he is so far away and missing Elin like crazy!  She's learning, our girl. She's growing and understanding more and becoming so much more aware of her surroundings. A small thing, and a giant thing. A wonderful thing. I just wish there had been some way of filming it for all you lovely blog readers to see, maybe we'll try again tomorrow, but for now you'll just have to take my word for it.  In the meantime, congratulations to the beautiful Bride and Groom and their idyllic wedding... and hurry home Daddy Drake, it's been too long and we miss you!!!  Happy Bank Holiday folks xxx

The Island 'Silver Island', privately owned and traditionally used for Yoga retreats. Lucky wedding party!! :-)