This is a document that accompanied a collection of the various home videos we took of Claudia during 1998-1999. Although written to accompany the video, it gives an overview of what she was doing at various stages.
Looking back, it feels as though we have been unbelievably slack
for not taking more videos (although it would be all too easy to spend your
time observing your child through a video camera rather than playing with them…).
The first section was taken some time after we returned from England – I’m guessing early November 1998. It’s great to see so many things that haven’t changed – like her smile and her cute expressions that remind everyone of Fraser. Of course, it’s also great to see so many things that have changed – like the fact that her tongue stays in her mouth these days!
Following on from that is a section taken on Christmas or Boxing Day 1998 (in little padded reindeer pyjamas). Fraser tries so hard to get the infectious giggle happening…
We spent some time leading up to New Year 1998 staying with friends at Apollo Bay, on the Great Ocean Road. Claudia’s first exposure to the Ocean makes amusing viewing (although Fraser was sorry we left her nappy off under her little swimsuit!). Never did a child wear so much sunscreen – we undressed her, covered her in baby SPF15+, then put on her swimsuit, re-touched arms and legs “just in case”, put zinc cream across her nose and then added the hat. It looks so big on her – but doesn’t fit at all this year!
Claudia had her first solids in early January 1999 and took to them immediately. The first feed seems to go on forever, as we change angles to see how she is taking it!
There’s a short bit of film from some time in March 1999 (a guess – it may be February) as Claudia started saying “bu bu bu”
The last part of the video we filmed on Sunday November 14th 1999 to send to Justine, Malcolm & Helen in Sydney. Then we decided to also send it to Sheila and Michael in York (UK), and Mary-Clare, Rob, Laura, Cameron & Emily-Rose in Christchurch (NZ). Of course, knowing our track record for getting to the post office it may be 2005 before any of you see the video!
Claudia showed off pretty well, especially considering she wasn’t used to the camera. You can hear her words for highchair, balloon, camel, banana and Puff, and find out what noise a car makes. She even shows you some of her favourite toys (although I’d foolishly left her Wombles in the car).
We apologise (abjectly) for the poor quality of our camerawork, but hope you enjoy this little message from Claudia.
Lots of Love
Melissa and Fraser (and the Starlet herself – of course)
Copyright © Melissa Rogerson 1999-2000.