There is a reason why you aren’t supposed to travel right now. You may never know why but when something holds you back it’s because it’s saving you from what would have happened.
I can’t wait to see Neo’s first Christmas! It’s my favorite and when my children were young it brought back all that magic. Now my kids are young adults and they begrudgingly play along because they know how important the holidays are to me 😂
SLEEP TIP!!!! Gosh I really hope you guys see this! Record yourself singing on your phone. Leave it in the room with him and walk away! I swear to you this saved me when my 5yo daughter was small. She didn't cry (as much) as she still thought I was in the room and just tuckered herself out standing and rolling around the cot! ❤ good luck. You are doing great! Xoxo
This would be a better place if there were more dads out there like Louis and loving moms like Raya. You guys are doing an excellent job. Sending you guys love and light 💕
With babies and growing toddlers… the best philosophy is “This too shall pass!” All stages are fleeting. Some last longer than others and some are harder than others, but overall you will look back and miss these days when Leo was so little and precious. ❤
I feel for you both with the immigration troubles. I wonder whether consulting an immigration lawyer could help? It must cause such unrest and uncertain! Thinking of you. ❤
Regular dates are definitely a good idea. I find that taking some kind of a dance course together is a great way of communicating and feeling/seeing each other without necessarily exchanging words…your little boy is such a cutie 🥰
Also , Burning The Clocks Winter Solstice parade is on December 21st . It’s a Brighton tradition and the parade is beautiful. There are lanterns and a firework display on the beach ! Not sure Neo will be able to stay up that late and it’s chilly , but maybe have a date night for just the two of you ? It really is special
Make sure you have date nights every week! I am 59 and our children now have children and we know how important it is to have quality time together just you two! So we try to babysit as often as we can for them!
You guys have got this! Sleep regressions are real. The only way I made it through my daughters 8 month regression was co-sleeping. 😅 he’s going through a brain growth spurt which makes it harder to regulate his emotions and whatnot. I’m sure you know this. Also, The first date with my partner and I 4 months after we had our daughter was totally spent talking about her. It made us realize what a huge part of our life she had become. ❤
Ah the ebb and flow of life! One year you're planning and experiwncing planning an epic magical wedding and travel and then the next you are cozy at home with your snuggle baby. We can always find struggle, but what if we found pure gratitude? Love instead of fear. 💗 One thing that came to me about Neo's sleep (not a mom), is the room he ia in. No judgement, i can completely understand the lack of energy or just focused on other things. But sleeping in a tidied room may help. Clear the energy, let it flow. I know that helps me. 💖 So much love to y'all!
Also if hes been congested, watch his ears. The congestion can dran into his ears. Where he is fine during the day but worsens at night when he lays down. Just some things to watch for
Both my babies went through that stage where they'd been sleeping really well then suddenly it's difficult to get them to sleep and they keep waking up and standing up. My daughter walked at 9 months and she's always been a climber so we struggled to keep her contained at that stage. Also be aware it's that age where they're teething and a lot of the sleep struggles are sparked from that. Calpol and teething gels might help keep Neo asleep once he falls asleep. Honestly though, if you stay with a routine as much as you can, try and keep him seeing new things and moving about as much as possible so that he's tired enough to need that sleep when it comes to bed time, then he'll be over the worst of it before too long. At the time you're going through this stage it feels so difficult, but in the bigger picture it's a pretty short stage that comes and goes in the blink of an eye.
Hey! A great way to think about the lack of light is that on the 21st of december we gain a minute a day of light and it quickly turns into 2 minutes! Not long to go until the light creeps back in! I find that this helps mentally when navigating the uk winters!❤️🙏❤️
Hi Raya and Louis, I’m sorry you can’t travel at the moment, I understand how frustrated and sad you feel but I’m sure with plenty of friends around you, you guys can make the best of it. There is the whole of the UK you can visit we have some beautiful scenery and coastal locations to discover I know it must be hard with family being so far away but like you say you will be seeing them at Christmas, you will be able to travel again soon!!. Little Neo is really coming on bless him I bet he will be walking by Christmas. 🎄 looking forward to Vlogmas. Sending lots of love your way xxx 🥰💗💙
From a mom of 4 in the US: 1. You 2 are doing amazing! 2. Way to go for being committed to breast feeding! 3. Good job for getting daily fresh air and activity for physical and mental health! 4. It’s normal to find something that works to sooth your child only for it to not work the next day. It is normal for children to try to get what they want when they want it (humans can naturally be selfish until we’re trained out of that.) From very young, they have to be taught that they’re ok (self soothing), eating a variety of healthy foods is best (it’s normal for a 2 year old to only want 1 or 2 food item), etc. It’s ok if he’s “uncomfortable” while learning those things even when it’s uncomfortable for us. 5. Enough people support and you that will vouch for you so Neo would not be taken from you. 6. Welcome to the most wonderful/rewarding and yet hardest jobs…being mom and dad. It’s hard because you care so darn much.
Totally understand these challenges! We have a 2 year old and 2 month old. Right when you think you have your skills down, they change! The best phrases that bring me down to earth when things get hard are ‘everything is a phase’ and ‘growing is hard’ (for both baby and parents). Both my husband and I are ambitious as well. It’s hard to put your life on pause and feel like you’re loosing yourself along the way. I call the fog ‘babyland’ because I feel like it’s hard to get your mind out of it sometimes. But I promise it’ll happen more and more. Someday not too long from now you’ll look back and see just how much everyone has grown and be amazed. You’ve got this!
Great to see your videos! Would love a video about baby items you have used a lot and those you bought but didn’t really suit you. Then another video on you becoming Vegan and how it is to be vegan traveling and if Neo will be raised vegan. A week of your life, just a chill video is nice as well. Plenty of ideas, simple is also very good ☺️
Being a grandmother maybe my ideas are old fashioned...but my take on getting a child to sleep is letting them learn how to self soothe ....today's parents want to stay until the child is asleep...taking one hr for a 30 minute nap. There is nothing wrong in allowing a child to cry...go in and reassure them...then leave again but don't wait with them while they're falling asleep. Eventually they come to realize ghat you will be there when they waken but they have to learn how to quieten down...relax...and fall asleep by themselves. Having you do it for them doesn't let them learn how to do it. Good luck!
Neo is a little cutie! And so well behaved after a nap! Don't worry about creating interesting content. Everything you do is interesting, even though it may not seem like it. So sorry that Raya can't travel abroad and is missing out on special events from family and friends. That must be tough. At least you have each other and cute little baby Neo! There is a season for everything: a season for travel and a season to nest. Enjoy this nesting time! You may look back at it years from now and realize that it was kind of special in its own way.
I am so grateful for your sharing your experiences as parents. I would love to see just daily life and routines with Neo as I watched Louis daily for 6 years so seeing daily life with Neo more would be amazing! You guys are crushing it. Love always xoxo
Oh gosh. When you got upset speaking about your totally valid mama fears, it broke my heart. I’m an American mum with a boy born in the uk so it really hit home. I’m rooting for you guys and looking forward to the vlogs. I love MyCellpH. ❤
Be assured that when you think you've got a good handle on things, that will end and be patterns occurs. But that also ends and things ease up. The hard things will get better. Have faith. ❤️
There are sound machines that people use for kids sleep. Check it out, plus they put the child in a little sack sleeper. It just covers them . And also helps them sleep.
Life can be a bit complicated, but know this, it could be better but also it could be worst...always count your blessings...better days ahead for sure!! Btw, Neo baby is absolutely adorable, he is a huge blessing for sure!!
Rather than say, you’re struggling, tell the universe that you are abundant, you are grateful that you are living your best life That’s how you manifest you are the creator of your own life. You have the power to turn your life around by just thinking yourself into a positive state. You’ll see your life begin to change and to improve day by day, just have faith and walk the path. God leads you in with no fear. ❤️
Can really relate to this, my daughter is now 16 months and her sleep for the first 7 months was awful. What saved us was a course from the Mummy and Daddy Sleep academy, which helped get her into a pattern of good sleep - within 5 days we were able to just put her down in the cot after bath/milk/story and she would just fall asleep. No ssshing or rocking etc.
Definitely make time for the two of you outside of kids because it goes by so fast. Seems odd to think of it now but, before you know it, they go off to school and it’s back to the two of you again. It’s important that you still have an enjoyment of each other! ❤❤
I went for a UK spousal visa when we were both in Australia, and it was so much trouble because you need to be working the last 6 months, but also have a job lined up in the UK at the same time, which was a nightmare. You may not have this issue being a digital nomad, so if you are still working from uk but can live abroad it may make it a lot easier than it was for me.
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It’s a pleasure to be a part of your journey, whatever you get up to. It’s the beauty of life to see all different seasons of the journey and to see how you grow into them. Thanks for sharing and I’ll share what someone wise once told me - you’re doing better than you think you are. Big love 🙏
Neo is learning and exploring this new life, I feel for you and understand sleep deprivation as my first full night of sleep was after one year. Feel better and hopefully get some sleep and rest in. You've got so much going on and need at least rest. My heart breaks for you on the visa situation, hoping you're finding good legal advice. Family coming is wonderful and can't wait to see! ♥
I raised 6 lovely children. Wherever he sleeps, put something in there that provides white noise. We used fans. Doesn't have to point at him, just be in the room. It helps so they don't hear all of the noises outside of their room. He'll outgrow this stage and be getting his driving permit before you know it.
All you need to do is find that baby all the stores and neighborhoods with the best light and holiday decor displays and you will have the happiest baby alive. Just looking at his face (queue the wide open eyes and mouth when at that that wonderful colorful display while in London (I think?). Decorate your home with flashing lights and bring him out each evening for a short stroll to see the neighborhood lights. You will have such fun with him this Christmas! The holidays will have a whole new meaning you never imagined when seeing them through his beautiful eyes. Enjoy that darling, inquisitive baby. And thanks for sharing with us. Love from Florida 💕🙏☀️🐶😊
It’s so hard to be first time parents. As soon as you find a rhythm they change. FYI-that lasts a lifetime 😊 And the next one will be totally different. Take care of yourselves and you will be able to go with the flow. Sending hugs 🥰
Can’t agree more! Teen age years are a real shock. Ours our now married and having their own children. We love having healthy adult children they are so much fun!!!!! ~Cara ❤
I can't wait to see this Christmas content! And please, guys, don't worry about content, we love to see your videos no matter what! I can feel and understand your frustration about the visa, Raya, there's nothing worse than to wait for some paper work to be resolved. But please, trust that everything happens for a reason, and you know that
Sending all three of you lots of love and good thoughts! Everyone has different struggles but it says a lot about you that you recognize and work together. Love that you found time for each other which is so important
Neo is so precious! You guys are doing great. I’m so sorry about your struggles. Trust me we are not worried about content while you’re in the UK. We love YOU not what you post or where you travel
Hi, I feel how difficult the first baby is, and the issues that come up with them, please keep this mantra "This Too Shall Pass" Every day, is a new stage. He's so excited to try out his new tricks, why bother sleeping? If you're sleeping in the same room, put a screen to block you out of his line of vision, after all you are his best mates :D come on guys let's play. Peace, Love and Faith. never forget please. PS, he is just fabulous
We had an incredibly hard time with our first-born (who's now a young adult), and my MIL's advice, at the time, was: This is just a short phase. And it will move on soon. The change is constant! Just as you think you've cracked it, they're into a new phase and the rules have reset. But the good news is you'll learn to work with them in every phase change, and you will get through every tough patch too. It can feel intense and relentless, but it changes super quickly. Hang on in there; lack of sleep will be making it feel worse for you. He'll be sleeping through again very soon, and you'll feel more human again. 💜
Believe in the process! Handle what's in your control, keep trying, get creative, ask for help, but when stuff's out of your hands, just trust and get ready to chill out for a bit. You are all together, that is the most important thing!
Neo is so darn cute! Where are the grandparents who would get such joy fawning over this adorable little boy? As a grandmother, myself, I could not stay away.
As a parent I’d just like to suggest watch his “napping” time……maybe try to keep him up during the day as long as possible and/or let him nap during the day but……gently wake him if he’s been sleeping at least one hour….❤️❤️❤️❤️you are INCREDIBLE parents….
I actually haven’t used them but I have seen date night cards. So they force you to talk about things other then work or the kids. I feel that’s a great idea. Another great idea that I have seen is to go with say $20 pounds and go to a big box type store and buy items for each other and do a at home date night for nice children have gone to bed. This is something hubby and I have thought about doing so maybe facials and massages etc to pamper each other ❤❤
Festive craft foot print or hand print Christmas cards so fun to do with a baby but also a nice keepsake of how tiny they were. Lots of ideas on Pinterest and Google. You guys are doing amazing by the way
We lived in zone 2 when our kids were little and part of our tradition was to meet with friends and take the kids to see Christmas lights in the city…Oxford Street, Regent street, Covent Garden. We would get them each a hot chocolate (or baby chino) and let them experience the magic of the city at night (even though it was only 6pm 😂)
Blogmas sounds great!⛄ Neo is normal, changes and stages continue...usually as soon as you think you've figured things out. Happy journey thanks for sharing your light,brighter in the dark😁🕯️❤️
You’re doing great. That’s the thing about children, they’re always changing. Just when you think you’ve got it down, they’ll throw you for a loop. Hang in there. Just make sure you stick to a nap and bedtime routine. Also, make time as a couple too. That is very important.
Lots of love to you ❤ We know the feeling of missing out on important family and friends events and gatherings, dealing with complicated visa situations, being separated from your loved ones etc. It sucks. So big hug to you. There’s this saying that always lifts my spirits that goes something like “The biggest downside of having lived in different countries and loving people around the world is that you’ll never feel 100% at home again. “
Get him on a sleep routine schedule. Naps need to be 2 or 3 times durning the day but they need to be just 30min and then wake them up. So when it's time for bed he can sleep for a good amount. Also make sure the room is dark and no electronics or tv on when he wakes up . Also try sound machine
1- YOU GUYS ARE DOING A GREAT JOB!!!! 2-it’s awesome that you’re making time for each other. Try making a date night rule. The first 20- 30 minutes talking about Neo and than only about yourselves and your plans for the same amount of time. It will get easier and is healthy for your relationship. 3- I don’t know if you’ve tried swaddling Neo so his arms are in tight. But sometimes when a baby starts in their sleep their arms with jerk which will wake them. If their arms are snug to them they tend to sleep through it. Would also help with his standing at bed time. Good luck. ❤
You guys are wonderful just the way you are. ♥ We all face struggles and challenges in life, and they can be tough at times, but I feel that getting through those times will eventually make you stronger as a person and as a parent. 🌠Your little one is lucky to have you as his mum & dad. Looking forward to your daily vlogs. 🤗
Neo is just adorable, sounds like a normal regression he’s going through. It will get easier. Hang in there guys. Christmas is gonna be magical for you guys. I can’t wait for the content. Have you guys thought about asking a solicitor for advice on the visa situation and if they can push it through quicker x
We've learned with our daughter that she will go through mood swings, bad sleeping habits, etc. for an entire week and it's much better afterwards. We call it her "growing week" bc it seems around the time she starts gaining new skills cognitively and physically.
I’m about halfway through the video and wanted to say a couple of things. With the babies sleep, y’all will have to make sure he is getting enough calories during the day and not playing so much with his food or y’all spoon feeding him as he “plays” with the food otherwise he will be up more at night. Sleep also requires more training at that age in part because their free will is developing and there is actually behavioral training involved in getting them up stay lying down and going to sleep. At this stage you really start to feel like parents when dealing more with your child‘s free will can start seeming like defiance. Like sleep issues, training them to not touch certain things, gradually training them with eating more food and having less breast feeding. How we deal with this stage and going into the toddler stage can set the tone for what kind of parents we are. If we are going to be more permissive parents and not be assertive in managing our child or are we going to be more assertive in how we handle our child in our parenting of them. My son was a strong willed child (not saying Neo is going to be), but I had to be a much more assertive parent in gaining his compliance and respecting my authority. Anyway, enjoy the process as it becomes more demanding as we enter the phase of training and raising our children.
Neo is the cutest baby🤗🥰It's so cool to see him growing and developing and I love the inquisitive look he has on his face, especially when you take him out and around!
Love you guys! You're doing better than you think you are, and it's always nice to get encouragement and advice from other parents. We were never meant to do things alone! MUCH love from Oklahoma!!
I always bought my son one very special ornament and gave it to him Christmas Eve to put on the tree. I put the year somewhere on each one. When he got married he had 28 beautiful special ornaments which really mean something to him. Now I'm doing it with his two young children. It was always something very special for me to chose each year and he got to the point when he was 8 or so that it was a tradition he looked forward to on the 24th. I often bought them at a craft market and they were always a version of Santa Claus (or Father Christmas as you say in England)
I am American and went through the visa process from Belgium ( where we were living at the time ). The government rejected my visa once and told me to go back to America to apply , but the process can take months ! I was able to go through the process from Belgium in the end , but had to live with my in -laws for four or five months in Brussels while my husband moved to the UK to find work and appeal my rejection. If you can get an immigration lawyer that might make trying to go through the process faster . We did everything by ourselves and it was a nightmare! But check because even when you get a visa , you may not be able to leave because it will mess up your permanent resident process . I really do feel for you both because I know what you’re going through . I live near Brighton if you want to talk about it to someone who understands . Thinking of you both
I know nothing about the processes re one parent of an infant having a different nationality from said infant and the red tape involved re resolving that situation. However, I want to give a shout out to you for giving constructive and positive advice that could prove helpful to Raya, Louis and Neo! I know it's not my circus but I think it's cool you want to help and have given some positive suggestions!
My husband and I just had our first son as well on Nov 19th. I find always letting yourself know how much your better half means to you helps. Reminding yourself why they are your person and why you don't want a life without them. It's easy to get frustrated and only fixate on the negative. Congratulations on little man's milestones ❤ smart little cookie 🍪
I had 4 kids, every night routine was bath, book, bottle bed, say good night and close the door. they might cry for a bit but this is how they learn to soothe themselves. My daughter is following the same routine with her kids.
There's a big difference in exclusively breastfed and bottle fed babies/toddlers or ones using pacifiers. They often self sooth with it without needing the parent. Also one child being alone in the bedroom and more helping and soothing each other helps.
For the sleep issues, I recommend sleep trining. Do your research as there are several methods. Look for a sleep consultant. I did it when my son was 5 months old after his sleep regression, and ever since (he's 10 months now), he sleeps 12-13 hours a night, and two naps of 1,5 hrs. Its simply amazing and changed our lives. Parenting doesnt need to equate to sleep depravation. Neo is absolutely adorable!
My best friend got the spouse visa approved in 6 weeks by coming back to Australia and applying out of country. I think they paid lawyers a fair bit to go through them too
It’s so unfortunate that you didn’t check all the visa details prior to Moving to UK however they will not separate you from your child so stop the stressing which is harmful to your health and focus on what you can do - daily gratitude practice will have the challenges before you long before you know - you are blessed with family -each other and your health
We didn't have any issues with skill development impacting sleep, but every awake window was spent practicing the skill, over and over again in a variety of places, situations, and games. The overnight practice pretty much went away. No pushchairs just constant play and movement
Hope things speed up for you guys! I miss the Costa Rica content. Wishing you guys the best. Love ya. You guys are so right... I'm so use to you guys being everyone you know. But this place you guys is amazing as well ,
My three children are all in their thirties now. Even when they were very small, it was a priority for my husband and I to make time for each other. It is so important in my opinion. Even when time and money was short, we would sometimes have a special, late dinner when the babies were in bed. As they got older, we would swap babystting time with other parents in our area. We raise our children to be independent, contributing adults who will, one day, fly away. Having connection with your partner is essential, because eventually, it will be just the two of you again. You two are doing just fine, making your way in these early days of parenthood.
1. I hope everything works out! 2. I am dying for Louie grow into letting the dreads go. Its been YEARSSSSSS omg they are grey now, no worries same , Im aging with grey too....All I picture is when people show washing their dreads and wooaa , dude just let them go
Hey mum of 4 here!! @RayaandLouis it sounds like Neo is teething, please dont throw away your sleep strategies Louis, they will work again in the future! You said hes had flu like stmptoms, runny nose, loose stools, disturbed sleep ? - hes even pulling himself up the cot to teeth on the bar across the top. Mushing food rather tham eating it becuase some textures feel better than others on itchy gums (and its super fun to explore) but yes, definitely sounds like teething to me. Keep up the great work you're both doing amazing! ❤️
Have you tried making the room super dark and rocking him after you gave him a chance to put himself to sleep? When I put my little man down for a nap I let him cry for 5 minutes at first and than increasing the time before you go in. If he stands up however I go in right away without talking to him and put him down. It takes about 3-4 days before he realizes the drill and goes to sleep right away. Our issue has always been the regression after he has been sick or when we travel and he isn’t on a schedule! I hope you find this helpful!
It is so special to see this video as a mom and step mom to 6 kids that aren’t so young anymore. When our kids were young we were in the THICK of it. Now ours are 15, 13, 10, 9, 7, and 5. The thing that has gotten us through is that we take care of each other so much. We appreciate each other endlessly and we prioritize the relationship ship between the two of us above all else. Also, it’s so special seeing you guys walk around and see things we saw just last month when we were in London, even the butterfly show! We live in the US but were visiting London for the second time.
There is a reason why you aren’t supposed to travel right now. You may never know why but when something holds you back it’s because it’s saving you from what would have happened.
I can’t wait to see Neo’s first Christmas! It’s my favorite and when my children were young it brought back all that magic. Now my kids are young adults and they begrudgingly play along because they know how important the holidays are to me 😂
I believe this too!🙏
I've also heard that Costa Rica isn't a particularly safe place
@@jewelrussell8288Costa Rica is probably as safe as where they are right now
Literally came here to say this. There’s a reason for this season in the UK.
SLEEP TIP!!!! Gosh I really hope you guys see this! Record yourself singing on your phone. Leave it in the room with him and walk away! I swear to you this saved me when my 5yo daughter was small. She didn't cry (as much) as she still thought I was in the room and just tuckered herself out standing and rolling around the cot! ❤ good luck. You are doing great! Xoxo
Vlogmas in England?!?! Yes, please! :D Neo is going to LOVE all of the Christmas lights.
This would be a better place if there were more dads out there like Louis and loving moms like Raya. You guys are doing an excellent job. Sending you guys love and light 💕
Can’t wait for vogmas! You guys are wonderful. 🥰
With babies and growing toddlers… the best philosophy is “This too shall pass!” All stages are fleeting. Some last longer than others and some are harder than others, but overall you will look back and miss these days when Leo was so little and precious. ❤
I feel for you both with the immigration troubles. I wonder whether consulting an immigration lawyer could help? It must cause such unrest and uncertain! Thinking of you. ❤
Hi Raya and Louis, I suggest writing to your local MP with the application details and get them to chase it.
Regular dates are definitely a good idea. I find that taking some kind of a dance course together is a great way of communicating and feeling/seeing each other without necessarily exchanging words…your little boy is such a cutie 🥰
Also , Burning The Clocks Winter Solstice parade is on December 21st . It’s a Brighton tradition and the parade is beautiful. There are lanterns and a firework display on the beach ! Not sure Neo will be able to stay up that late and it’s chilly , but maybe have a date night for just the two of you ? It really is special
Make sure you have date nights every week! I am 59 and our children now have children and we know how important it is to have quality time together just you two! So we try to babysit as often as we can for them!
You guys have got this! Sleep regressions are real. The only way I made it through my daughters 8 month regression was co-sleeping. 😅 he’s going through a brain growth spurt which makes it harder to regulate his emotions and whatnot. I’m sure you know this.
Also, The first date with my partner and I 4 months after we had our daughter was totally spent talking about her. It made us realize what a huge part of our life she had become. ❤
Ah the ebb and flow of life! One year you're planning and experiwncing planning an epic magical wedding and travel and then the next you are cozy at home with your snuggle baby. We can always find struggle, but what if we found pure gratitude? Love instead of fear. 💗
One thing that came to me about Neo's sleep (not a mom), is the room he ia in. No judgement, i can completely understand the lack of energy or just focused on other things. But sleeping in a tidied room may help. Clear the energy, let it flow. I know that helps me. 💖 So much love to y'all!
Also if hes been congested, watch his ears. The congestion can dran into his ears. Where he is fine during the day but worsens at night when he lays down. Just some things to watch for
Both my babies went through that stage where they'd been sleeping really well then suddenly it's difficult to get them to sleep and they keep waking up and standing up. My daughter walked at 9 months and she's always been a climber so we struggled to keep her contained at that stage. Also be aware it's that age where they're teething and a lot of the sleep struggles are sparked from that. Calpol and teething gels might help keep Neo asleep once he falls asleep. Honestly though, if you stay with a routine as much as you can, try and keep him seeing new things and moving about as much as possible so that he's tired enough to need that sleep when it comes to bed time, then he'll be over the worst of it before too long. At the time you're going through this stage it feels so difficult, but in the bigger picture it's a pretty short stage that comes and goes in the blink of an eye.
Hey! A great way to think about the lack of light is that on the 21st of december we gain a minute a day of light and it quickly turns into 2 minutes! Not long to go until the light creeps back in! I find that this helps mentally when navigating the uk winters!❤️🙏❤️
Excellent focus! True in Canada too.
Hi Raya and Louis, I’m sorry you can’t travel at the moment, I understand how frustrated and sad you feel but I’m sure with plenty of friends around you, you guys can make the best of it. There is the whole of the UK you can visit we have some beautiful scenery and coastal locations to discover I know it must be hard with family being so far away but like you say you will be seeing them at Christmas, you will be able to travel again soon!!. Little Neo is really coming on bless him I bet he will be walking by Christmas. 🎄 looking forward to Vlogmas. Sending lots of love your way xxx 🥰💗💙
From a mom of 4 in the US:
1. You 2 are doing amazing!
2. Way to go for being committed to breast feeding!
3. Good job for getting daily fresh air and activity for physical and mental health!
4. It’s normal to find something that works to sooth your child only for it to not work the next day. It is normal for children to try to get what they want when they want it (humans can naturally be selfish until we’re trained out of that.) From very young, they have to be taught that they’re ok (self soothing), eating a variety of healthy foods is best (it’s normal for a 2 year old to only want 1 or 2 food item), etc. It’s ok if he’s “uncomfortable” while learning those things even when it’s uncomfortable for us.
5. Enough people support and you that will vouch for you so Neo would not be taken from you.
6. Welcome to the most wonderful/rewarding and yet hardest jobs…being mom and dad. It’s hard because you care so darn much.
Yes!
Lavender oil in a defuser always works wonders with white noise on xx
Totally understand these challenges! We have a 2 year old and 2 month old. Right when you think you have your skills down, they change! The best phrases that bring me down to earth when things get hard are ‘everything is a phase’ and ‘growing is hard’ (for both baby and parents).
Both my husband and I are ambitious as well. It’s hard to put your life on pause and feel like you’re loosing yourself along the way. I call the fog ‘babyland’ because I feel like it’s hard to get your mind out of it sometimes. But I promise it’ll happen more and more. Someday not too long from now you’ll look back and see just how much everyone has grown and be amazed. You’ve got this!
Great to see your videos! Would love a video about baby items you have used a lot and those you bought but didn’t really suit you. Then another video on you becoming Vegan and how it is to be vegan traveling and if Neo will be raised vegan. A week of your life, just a chill video is nice as well. Plenty of ideas, simple is also very good ☺️
Being a grandmother maybe my ideas are old fashioned...but my take on getting a child to sleep is letting them learn how to self soothe ....today's parents want to stay until the child is asleep...taking one hr for a 30 minute nap. There is nothing wrong in allowing a child to cry...go in and reassure them...then leave again but don't wait with them while they're falling asleep. Eventually they come to realize ghat you will be there when they waken but they have to learn how to quieten down...relax...and fall asleep by themselves. Having you do it for them doesn't let them learn how to do it. Good luck!
Neo is a little cutie! And so well behaved after a nap! Don't worry about creating interesting content. Everything you do is interesting, even though it may not seem like it. So sorry that Raya can't travel abroad and is missing out on special events from family and friends. That must be tough. At least you have each other and cute little baby Neo! There is a season for everything: a season for travel and a season to nest. Enjoy this nesting time! You may look back at it years from now and realize that it was kind of special in its own way.
My gosh… You guys are so great, even when you're struggling. I love that you try to stay so positive. Just the cutest little family
Taking a pause is welcome to me. It’s at those times I humble myself and am thankful for ALL that I don’t and ALL that I have.
I am so grateful for your sharing your experiences as parents. I would love to see just daily life and routines with Neo as I watched Louis daily for 6 years so seeing daily life with Neo more would be amazing! You guys are crushing it. Love always xoxo
A real father and son look alike moment, looking at the lights.
Oh gosh. When you got upset speaking about your totally valid mama fears, it broke my heart. I’m an American mum with a boy born in the uk so it really hit home. I’m rooting for you guys and looking forward to the vlogs. I love MyCellpH. ❤
Be assured that when you think you've got a good handle on things, that will end and be patterns occurs. But that also ends and things ease up. The hard things will get better. Have faith. ❤️
There are sound machines that people use for kids sleep. Check it out, plus they put the child in a little sack sleeper. It just covers them . And also helps them sleep.
Life can be a bit complicated, but know this, it could be better but also it could be worst...always count your blessings...better days ahead for sure!! Btw, Neo baby is absolutely adorable, he is a huge blessing for sure!!
Sending love to you all! ❤ I’ve been struggling for a bit, too. For so many reasons. Hang in there! You guys are amazing!!!
Rather than say, you’re struggling, tell the universe that you are abundant, you are grateful that you are living your best life That’s how you manifest you are the creator of your own life. You have the power to turn your life around by just thinking yourself into a positive state. You’ll see your life begin to change and to improve day by day, just have faith and walk the path. God leads you in with no fear. ❤️
Can really relate to this, my daughter is now 16 months and her sleep for the first 7 months was awful. What saved us was a course from the Mummy and Daddy Sleep academy, which helped get her into a pattern of good sleep - within 5 days we were able to just put her down in the cot after bath/milk/story and she would just fall asleep. No ssshing or rocking etc.
Definitely make time for the two of you outside of kids because it goes by so fast. Seems odd to think of it now but, before you know it, they go off to school and it’s back to the two of you again. It’s important that you still have an enjoyment of each other! ❤❤
I went for a UK spousal visa when we were both in Australia, and it was so much trouble because you need to be working the last 6 months, but also have a job lined up in the UK at the same time, which was a nightmare. You may not have this issue being a digital nomad, so if you are still working from uk but can live abroad it may make it a lot easier than it was for me.
It’s a pleasure to be a part of your journey, whatever you get up to. It’s the beauty of life to see all different seasons of the journey and to see how you grow into them. Thanks for sharing and I’ll share what someone wise once told me - you’re doing better than you think you are. Big love 🙏
It’s fun to watch Neo’s delight in all the things he sees😊 And traveling or not, we always enjoy your content
Neo is learning and exploring this new life, I feel for you and understand sleep deprivation as my first full night of sleep was after one year. Feel better and hopefully get some sleep and rest in. You've got so much going on and need at least rest. My heart breaks for you on the visa situation, hoping you're finding good legal advice. Family coming is wonderful and can't wait to see! ♥
I’m so sorry for all of the struggles you’re having. I’m so glad you have things to look forward to.
I raised 6 lovely children. Wherever he sleeps, put something in there that provides white noise. We used fans. Doesn't have to point at him, just be in the room. It helps so they don't hear all of the noises outside of their room. He'll outgrow this stage and be getting his driving permit before you know it.
All you need to do is find that baby all the stores and neighborhoods with the best light and holiday decor displays and you will have the happiest baby alive. Just looking at his face (queue the wide open eyes and mouth when at that that wonderful colorful display while in London (I think?). Decorate your home with flashing lights and bring him out each evening for a short stroll to see the neighborhood lights. You will have such fun with him this Christmas! The holidays will have a whole new meaning you never imagined when seeing them through his beautiful eyes. Enjoy that darling, inquisitive baby. And thanks for sharing with us. Love from Florida 💕🙏☀️🐶😊
It’s so hard to be first time parents. As soon as you find a rhythm they change. FYI-that lasts a lifetime 😊 And the next one will be totally different. Take care of yourselves and you will be able to go with the flow. Sending hugs 🥰
Can’t agree more! Teen age years are a real shock. Ours our now married and having their own children. We love having healthy adult children they are so much fun!!!!! ~Cara ❤
Absolutely each child is different!
I can't wait to see this Christmas content! And please, guys, don't worry about content, we love to see your videos no matter what! I can feel and understand your frustration about the visa, Raya, there's nothing worse than to wait for some paper work to be resolved. But please, trust that everything happens for a reason, and you know that
Sending all three of you lots of love and good thoughts! Everyone has different struggles but it says a lot about you that you recognize and work together. Love that you found time for each other which is so important
Neo is so cute. My Jackery just came this week. I’m so excited. All of the vanlifers have inspired me to get emergency prepared. THANK YOU!
Neo is so precious! You guys are doing great. I’m so sorry about your struggles. Trust me we are not worried about content while you’re in the UK. We love YOU not what you post or where you travel
Hi, I feel how difficult the first baby is, and the issues that come up with them, please keep this mantra "This Too Shall Pass" Every day, is a new stage. He's so excited to try out his new tricks, why bother sleeping? If you're sleeping in the same room, put a screen to block you out of his line of vision, after all you are his best mates :D come on guys let's play.
Peace, Love and Faith. never forget please.
PS, he is just fabulous
Our son is now 21 and has been in college for awhile. Since he got his license at 16, we had more time for ourselves. Neo is so cute!!!
Life is full of ups and downs. That's how it goes sometimes.
We had an incredibly hard time with our first-born (who's now a young adult), and my MIL's advice, at the time, was: This is just a short phase. And it will move on soon.
The change is constant! Just as you think you've cracked it, they're into a new phase and the rules have reset. But the good news is you'll learn to work with them in every phase change, and you will get through every tough patch too. It can feel intense and relentless, but it changes super quickly. Hang on in there; lack of sleep will be making it feel worse for you. He'll be sleeping through again very soon, and you'll feel more human again. 💜
Love, love, love you all energetically such a beautiful and inspiring family. Neo is special 🎉❤
Believe in the process! Handle what's in your control, keep trying, get creative, ask for help, but when stuff's out of your hands, just trust and get ready to chill out for a bit. You are all together, that is the most important thing!
Prayers you get your passport soon. Things come and go but it is fun seeing you traveling we're you are now
Neo is so darn cute! Where are the grandparents who would get such joy fawning over this adorable little boy? As a grandmother, myself, I could not stay away.
First time catching one of your videos and you all are radiating love and joy so I immediately subscribed!
Ah thank you so much!! We usually radiate it more 🙈 good to have you here!
As a parent I’d just like to suggest watch his “napping” time……maybe try to keep him up during the day as long as possible and/or let him nap during the day but……gently wake him if he’s been sleeping at least one hour….❤️❤️❤️❤️you are INCREDIBLE parents….
Such a sweet calming beautiful family 😍🥹
Much love & light 💖 🙏 from my family to you all & keep yourselves well. 🙋🏻♀️
House mate, here checking in. I love you all and miss you so much!
We are about to be parents. You guys are definitely being a breath of fresh air to watch and how you are handling parenthood. ❤
I actually haven’t used them but I have seen date night cards. So they force you to talk about things other then work or the kids.
I feel that’s a great idea.
Another great idea that I have seen is to go with say $20 pounds and go to a big box type store and buy items for each other and do a at home date night for nice children have gone to bed.
This is something hubby and I have thought about doing so maybe facials and massages etc to pamper each other ❤❤
Festive craft foot print or hand print Christmas cards so fun to do with a baby but also a nice keepsake of how tiny they were. Lots of ideas on Pinterest and Google. You guys are doing amazing by the way
We lived in zone 2 when our kids were little and part of our tradition was to meet with friends and take the kids to see Christmas lights in the city…Oxford Street, Regent street, Covent Garden. We would get them each a hot chocolate (or baby chino) and let them experience the magic of the city at night (even though it was only 6pm 😂)
Blogmas sounds great!⛄ Neo is normal, changes and stages continue...usually as soon as you think you've figured things out. Happy journey thanks for sharing your light,brighter in the dark😁🕯️❤️
Content with you guys could be as little as a day in your life. I love to see the ocean and your sweet baby.
Waiting for your visa is super hard. We waited almost 2 years getting our Green Card so I really fell for you. Neo is sooo cute.
You’re doing great. That’s the thing about children, they’re always changing. Just when you think you’ve got it down, they’ll throw you for a loop. Hang in there. Just make sure you stick to a nap and bedtime routine. Also, make time as a couple too. That is very important.
Lots of love to you ❤ We know the feeling of missing out on important family and friends events and gatherings, dealing with complicated visa situations, being separated from your loved ones etc. It sucks. So big hug to you. There’s this saying that always lifts my spirits that goes something like “The biggest downside of having lived in different countries and loving people around the world is that you’ll never feel 100% at home again. “
Get him on a sleep routine schedule. Naps need to be 2 or 3 times durning the day but they need to be just 30min and then wake them up. So when it's time for bed he can sleep for a good amount. Also make sure the room is dark and no electronics or tv on when he wakes up . Also try sound machine
1- YOU GUYS ARE DOING A GREAT JOB!!!!
2-it’s awesome that you’re making time for each other. Try making a date night rule. The first 20- 30 minutes talking about Neo and than only about yourselves and your plans for the same amount of time. It will get easier and is healthy for your relationship.
3- I don’t know if you’ve tried swaddling Neo so his arms are in tight. But sometimes when a baby starts in their sleep their arms with jerk which will wake them. If their arms are snug to them they tend to sleep through it. Would also help with his standing at bed time. Good luck. ❤
Have you try to swaddle baby, it might be a nightsaver as well as really comforting and helping for some babies, not for all.
Oh !!! I'm so excited to see you every single day!!! Christmas is my favorite also!! and this is my special treat! Thank you so much!
You guys are wonderful just the way you are. ♥ We all face struggles and challenges in life, and they can be tough at times, but I feel that getting through those times will eventually make you stronger as a person and as a parent. 🌠Your little one is lucky to have you as his mum & dad. Looking forward to your daily vlogs. 🤗
Neo is just adorable, sounds like a normal regression he’s going through. It will get easier. Hang in there guys. Christmas is gonna be magical for you guys. I can’t wait for the content. Have you guys thought about asking a solicitor for advice on the visa situation and if they can push it through quicker x
Such a beautiful family. For all the journeys, experiences and relationships that you've shared, this is such a great place to be.
I hope you vlog some Christmas recipes that are close to you both! That would be so nice.
Neo is getting so big and Christmas will be fun.
Your son is so adorable.it is so important to make time for just the 2 of u.
We've learned with our daughter that she will go through mood swings, bad sleeping habits, etc. for an entire week and it's much better afterwards. We call it her "growing week" bc it seems around the time she starts gaining new skills cognitively and physically.
I’m about halfway through the video and wanted to say a couple of things. With the babies sleep, y’all will have to make sure he is getting enough calories during the day and not playing so much with his food or y’all spoon feeding him as he “plays” with the food otherwise he will be up more at night. Sleep also requires more training at that age in part because their free will is developing and there is actually behavioral training involved in getting them up stay lying down and going to sleep. At this stage you really start to feel like parents when dealing more with your child‘s free will can start seeming like defiance. Like sleep issues, training them to not touch certain things, gradually training them with eating more food and having less breast feeding. How we deal with this stage and going into the toddler stage can set the tone for what kind of parents we are. If we are going to be more permissive parents and not be assertive in managing our child or are we going to be more assertive in how we handle our child in our parenting of them. My son was a strong willed child (not saying Neo is going to be), but I had to be a much more assertive parent in gaining his compliance and respecting my authority. Anyway, enjoy the process as it becomes more demanding as we enter the phase of training and raising our children.
Neo is the cutest baby🤗🥰It's so cool to see him growing and developing and I love the inquisitive look he has on his face, especially when you take him out and around!
Love you guys! You're doing better than you think you are, and it's always nice to get encouragement and advice from other parents. We were never meant to do things alone! MUCH love from Oklahoma!!
I always bought my son one very special ornament and gave it to him Christmas Eve to put on the tree. I put the year somewhere on each one. When he got married he had 28 beautiful special ornaments which really mean something to him. Now I'm doing it with his two young children. It was always something very special for me to chose each year and he got to the point when he was 8 or so that it was a tradition he looked forward to on the 24th. I often bought them at a craft market and they were always a version of Santa Claus (or Father Christmas as you say in England)
If you have food in your belly and a safe dry place to lay your head you have no complaints or should not have ant! Be grateful!
I’m sorry you can’t travel Raya, I can feel your pain 😢 but when you do travel it will be so joyful I am looking forward to seeing them 🥰🥰
Thank you for speaking on your IG stories on important topics. I hope all gets better ❤
I am American and went through the visa process from Belgium ( where we were living at the time ). The government rejected my visa once and told me to go back to America to apply , but the process can take months ! I was able to go through the process from Belgium in the end , but had to live with my in -laws for four or five months in Brussels while my husband moved to the UK to find work and appeal my rejection. If you can get an immigration lawyer that might make trying to go through the process faster . We did everything by ourselves and it was a nightmare! But check because even when you get a visa , you may not be able to leave because it will mess up your permanent resident process . I really do feel for you both because I know what you’re going through . I live near Brighton if you want to talk about it to someone who understands . Thinking of you both
I know nothing about the processes re one parent of an infant having a different nationality from said infant and the red tape involved re resolving that situation. However, I want to give a shout out to you for giving constructive and positive advice that could prove helpful to Raya, Louis and Neo! I know it's not my circus but I think it's cool you want to help and have given some positive suggestions!
Baby Neo is so beautiful. Raya even with little sleep you look gorgeous and glowing. 😍
My husband and I just had our first son as well on Nov 19th. I find always letting yourself know how much your better half means to you helps. Reminding yourself why they are your person and why you don't want a life without them. It's easy to get frustrated and only fixate on the negative. Congratulations on little man's milestones ❤ smart little cookie 🍪
Your content is you. I think we will watch no matter what. Just love your little family❤❤❤
I had 4 kids, every night routine was bath, book, bottle bed, say good night and close the door. they might cry for a bit but this is how they learn to soothe themselves. My daughter is following the same routine with her kids.
There's a big difference in exclusively breastfed and bottle fed babies/toddlers or ones using pacifiers. They often self sooth with it without needing the parent. Also one child being alone in the bedroom and more helping and soothing each other helps.
For the sleep issues, I recommend sleep trining. Do your research as there are several methods. Look for a sleep consultant. I did it when my son was 5 months old after his sleep regression, and ever since (he's 10 months now), he sleeps 12-13 hours a night, and two naps of 1,5 hrs. Its simply amazing and changed our lives. Parenting doesnt need to equate to sleep depravation. Neo is absolutely adorable!
😢no sleep training
Sorry Louis! It was a Coot, not a moorhen. Easy mistake. lovely to see Leo and family out and about in London. He is lovely.
My best friend got the spouse visa approved in 6 weeks by coming back to Australia and applying out of country. I think they paid lawyers a fair bit to go through them too
It’s so unfortunate that you didn’t check all the visa details prior to
Moving to UK however they will not separate you from your child so stop the stressing which is harmful to your health and focus on what you can do - daily gratitude practice will have the challenges before you long before you know - you are blessed with family -each other and your health
We didn't have any issues with skill development impacting sleep, but every awake window was spent practicing the skill, over and over again in a variety of places, situations, and games. The overnight practice pretty much went away. No pushchairs just constant play and movement
I am looking forward to your Christmas month vlogs. May blessings greet you every day.
Hope things speed up for you guys! I miss the Costa Rica content. Wishing you guys the best. Love ya. You guys are so right... I'm so use to you guys being everyone you know. But this place you guys is amazing as well ,
My three children are all in their thirties now. Even when they were very small, it was a priority for my husband and I to make time for each other. It is so important in my opinion. Even when time and money was short, we would sometimes have a special, late dinner when the babies were in bed. As they got older, we would swap babystting time with other parents in our area. We raise our children to be independent, contributing adults who will, one day, fly away. Having connection with your partner is essential, because eventually, it will be just the two of you again. You two are doing just fine, making your way in these early days of parenthood.
1. I hope everything works out!
2. I am dying for Louie grow into letting the dreads go. Its been YEARSSSSSS omg they are grey now, no worries same , Im aging with grey too....All I picture is when people show washing their dreads and wooaa , dude just let them go
Fog is coming @ClickOnProfile288
Hey mum of 4 here!! @RayaandLouis it sounds like Neo is teething, please dont throw away your sleep strategies Louis, they will work again in the future! You said hes had flu like stmptoms, runny nose, loose stools, disturbed sleep ? - hes even pulling himself up the cot to teeth on the bar across the top. Mushing food rather tham eating it becuase some textures feel better than others on itchy gums (and its super fun to explore) but yes, definitely sounds like teething to me. Keep up the great work you're both doing amazing! ❤️
Have you tried making the room super dark and rocking him after you gave him a chance to put himself to sleep? When I put my little man down for a nap I let him cry for 5 minutes at first and than increasing the time before you go in. If he stands up however I go in right away without talking to him and put him down. It takes about 3-4 days before he realizes the drill and goes to sleep right away. Our issue has always been the regression after he has been sick or when we travel and he isn’t on a schedule! I hope you find this helpful!
It is so special to see this video as a mom and step mom to 6 kids that aren’t so young anymore. When our kids were young we were in the THICK of it. Now ours are 15, 13, 10, 9, 7, and 5. The thing that has gotten us through is that we take care of each other so much. We appreciate each other endlessly and we prioritize the relationship ship between the two of us above all else. Also, it’s so special seeing you guys walk around and see things we saw just last month when we were in London, even the butterfly show! We live in the US but were visiting London for the second time.