Crossing the world from Australia to Thailand to Denmark, ending my maternity leave, ending 2013. A sense of loss, a sense of anticipation and anxiety, a reminder of and reliance on great friendships, and a wonderful holiday. The emails tell the story, starting with this one:

> Sent: Monday, 2 December 2013 1:17 AM

> To: Diana; David; Charlotte; nicholas; Jennifer; Rebecca

> Subject: Hi from Bangkok

>

> We have made it and everything went more smoothly than I'd dared to hope. No

> blowouts, no tears (oh maybe a few from me), no squeals, a bassinet, happy neighboring passengers, successfully distracting toy

> collection and even a decent nap.

>

> We're both exhausted and sensibly Astrid has gone to bed. I will follow

> soon.

>

> Thanks all for your help and support this week. We couldn't have managed

> without you.

>

> Love Soph

This production is made by me, Sophie Harper, in partnership with Wondery. I’m supported by generous listeners and the Australian Cultural Fund.

Thanks to my family, my friends, and my daughter for allowing me to talk about your lives.

Thank you for the reviews, messages, and donations! I’m very very behind with my replies, but hearing from you means so much!

Music from freemusicarchive.org - CC NC License:

Love Breaks, Deliberate Acts of Kindness and We’re Not That Different by Candlegravity; Pattern 4 by Cyan341.

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Drop of Water in the Ocean by Broke For Free.

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I’ll be back for Christmas, in about two weeks.