Otto Mallorie | May 2024
“Thank you so much - you had tears in the audience, you made the day wonderful”
I loved driving over the English border into Wales and seeing the street signs change into Welsh, and it was true Welsh hospitality when I arrived at little Otto’s naming day. Well, strictly speaking Welsh (his dad, Adam) and Northumbrian (his mum, Rowena) so a real double whammy of welcoming warmth. Otto’s parents had gone all-out on making the day a celebration - from classics like balloons, drinks and a spectacular cake to the more elaborate touches like a massive gazebo in the garden and a pizza van parked up in the driveway. I had a long journey home looming, from Wales back up to the north east, but I didn’t want to leave. Pizza? GOOD. Iced biscuits? GOOD? Baby cuddles in the sunshine? GOOD.
Given Rowena is from my neck of the woods in Northumberland there were a few familiar faces which was gorgeous (and comforting!) and I also had the chance to meet Otto’s adoring aunts who I’ve chatted to on Instagram for yonks. The whole occasion felt such a treat, such a cosy family affair.
Forecast rain held off (thank you kindly, rain clouds) and we were able to be out in the garden as planned for the ceremony, guests on hay bales. It was a moving occasion, Rowena having gone through gruelling IVF, surgeries and cancellations to get to this point - and all through lockdown. Otto is such a longed-for addition to their family and it was absolutely palpable. It’s always funny at a naming when the child themselves as no clue the celebration is entirely in honour of them, but Otto beamed through it and I was happy to share the limelight at the front! His giggles and gurgles gave light relief to the rather brutal tale of Rowena and Adam’s journey to parenthood.
Friends Emily and Jess read poems - Jess’ from beautiful book Here We Are by Oliver Jeffers - and then we had an upbeat moment of reflection as we listened to The Happy Song by Imogen Heap. I hadn’t known it before the day but I could see why it was a hit with baby Otto - all beep beep cars and choo choo trains. It was a fun choice as the grown ups head-bopped along on their hay bales and little ones had a full body-boogie.
I just adore-dore-dore you every day more
Wherever we are