Taking on the task of writing another book so soon after giving birth was always going to be a massive challenge, but I have relished the past six months of being a multi-tasking working mum of one. There has been a lot of tea, packets of biscuits, and more than a couple of sleep deprived ‘writer’s block’ meltdowns when I’ve been ‘that’ close to lobbing my laptop out of a moving car window.
However, here we are, I’m delighted to have completed this book and am incredibly proud of all the hard work that has gone into it, with the help of a lot of lovely people.
Mum, Dad and Liz, without your plentiful babysitting and constant support, this book quite simply would not have been written. You’re the best grandparents in the world for Little Man. I am indebted to you, thank you.
My wonderful agent, and Super mum, Samantha – thank you for your unrelenting support, help, and belief in me. I am blessed to have an amazing friend and agent in you. Claire, the most loyal publicist in the world – thank you for always going above and beyond.
My editor Charlotte, the most incredible, eagle-eyed, creative, and downright knowledgeable woman I know. Your encouragement, ideas and passion for this topic have been instrumental in the book becoming what it is. Thank you for keeping me on track, and trusting in what I wanted to achieve with this book. Copy editor, Lucy – your input at the latter stages has been the icing on the cake – such valuable advice and I’m honoured you decided to work on my book. Also a huge thank you to all the Bloomsbury Team, Sarah, Lizzy, Henry, Katherine… best publishing team ever.
Reetta, I am blessed to know you and am honoured you agreed to do yet another book with me. I couldn’t do it without you or your wisdom and expertise, you’re an amazing woman and fellow mum.
To my wonderful Mummy and Daddy friends – thank you for being a huge part of this book and trusting me with your innermost thoughts, feelings and experiences. You have all humbled me, I am so fortunate to know you, and I am honoured to be able to share your valuable stories with other mums and dads.
My husband Alex, thanks for being my teammate and helping me in getting this book written. Looking after our son, juggling work, and making sure we all eat… you’re the best hubby and daddy in the world – ti amo per sempre bello.
And last, but certainly not least, my precious Vincenzo George, my biggest thank you goes to you my darling son. Without you, this book simply wouldn’t have been written. I love you more than I ever thought possible. Your arrival into the world wasn’t in the way I’d hoped, it wasn’t either of our ‘fault’, just one of those things and thank goodness you came out safely, I am thankful every day that you did. I had a few hiccups in those early days and weeks, but you are without question, the best thing I have ever done. My most perfect creation and the apple of my eye.
Regardless of how honest and open I am in this book about some pretty rubbish and upsetting feelings, and it’s important I am because I want to help other mummys and daddys like me, I need you to know that you were, and are, totally worth it. I truly love you with a gut-wrenching emotion words couldn’t ever do justice to. You are perfect, and you are mine. I hope in years to come you’ll be as proud of your old Mum as I am of you.