Tips to keep the family fit and active.

I've always had a soft spot for children. I've had 3 of my own who are now all adults. My eldest daughter, now in her thirties was trained as a Norland Nanny and has been nannying for the past 10 years. Our deep love of children is inherited and probably goes back a few generations as my mother came from a large family and had 10 brothers and sisters.  None of my own offspring have yet considered producing a grandchild for me so I get my fix of cuddles and coaxing smiles from the babies and children I am lucky enough to work with when booked by their parents to plan a naming or welcoming ceremony.   

It is a wonderful privilege to work with parents to design a bespoke ceremony which officially welcomes their child or children into the family. These celebrations can take place anywhere.  Some of the lovely Naming ceremonies I’ve been involved with in the past year have been:  

In the beautiful rural family home of the baby girl’s great aunt. This ceremony was organised by the baby's Mummy who is a very creative and talented wedding planner.  The celebration included a vintage tea party afterwards and a time capsule for gifts and messages for baby Flora. We closed this ceremony with a release of bio degradable with wishes written out on Wish Tags by every guest present.

In the vaulted Music Room of an independent school, when one the guiding adults played his own composition on the beautiful grand piano which he dedicated to his baby nephew. 

In a grand Cotswold stone wedding venue where the parents of the twin baby girls were married almost 3 years to the day.  We closed this ceremony with a butterfly release.

  Also a totally different double naming ceremony held in the marquee on the beach in Bournemouth which is the towns newest and most unique wedding venue. These parents were a delightful bride and groom whose wedding I had conducted the year previously and who booked me again, this time for their children’s Naming Day ceremony. You can see a short film clip of this ceremony which included and champagne reception afterwards for adults, and sandcastle building for the children!

I'm full of admiration for the Work it Baby programme. I've always had a battle with my weight but when my children were small I did have a much more active life. Since starting my business in 2010 my lifestyle has become more sedentary. The family dog I used to walk daily has now gone to live with my eldest daughter and her partner in their pretty little cottage in the country and I've become deskbound while working on my script writing or spending a lot of time in the car driving long distances across the country for meetings and appointments but I do try and fit in a weekly Pilates class and a morning swim at my local gym whenever I can.  

You never know - I may put Kirsty and Wendy to the test and turn up for a class one day as I would just about come within the category of having had my child 36 years ago! 

I'd love to hear from any of you who might like to show off your new toned post-baby figures in a smart new outfit at your own child's Naming Day ceremony.  

I also design and conduct personalised wedding and wedding blessing ceremonies, renewal of vows and commitment ceremonies. 

Your can contact me via my website at www.gracetheday.com or by phone on 07760 110 007