Amayzine

Last week we had our first family shoot for Viva Mama and I was secretly a bit nervous. Now Otis is truly the sweetest and most relaxed baby ever, but then you would just see that he has an off day that day... Once on location, Mr. was happily chirping in his stroller. After half an hour in make-up, I looked at my watch: crap! How can I plan such a shoot during his afternoon nap? Totally didn't think about it. But after a little power nap of 15 minutes, Otis was on fire and we shot one beautiful image after another. Until dad came along and we had to take a few more shots for the cover. That poor little man was so tired that he kept falling half asleep while crying. In the end, they managed to take beautiful photos of a sleeping Otis in Jon's arms, which has become the most beautiful photo of the series. The final result will be in stores in December.

Now that Jon has filmed for ‘Bonbini Holland 2’ for two full months, we were ready for some quality time with the family. We didn't want to fly too far but still wanted to catch some sun and soon we ended up in Marrakech. Flashback: at the end of January we were still at this beautiful place with a big belly, how special is it that we are back less than a year later with a baby. This time we chose Le Riad, the five-star section of Club Med Marrakech. Now the ‘regular’ section was already quite luxurious, but Le Riad has a private pool, à la carte restaurant, beautiful, luxurious suites (with rooftop terrace) and - hold on - ‘all inclusive champagne’. Added to that is the crazy buffet restaurant where fresh oysters, smoked salmon, and chocolate fountains are the order of the day, which ensures that those extra kilos are not exactly decreasing. In fact: I wouldn't be surprised if I get asked when we are going for a second one upon returning home...

Not that it's not possible to work out here, on the contrary: every hour I could join a pilates, zumba, or bodypump class, but the past four days I haven't managed to get off that lovely sunbed, solely to immerse myself in an extensive lunch or dinner. Luckily, my husband is just as bad: he has had his golf balls and matching shoes ready for days, but is way too busy soaking up the sun with Otis on his arm (what a ‘babe magnet’, such a child) or soaking up vitamin D. ‘Tomorrow morning we are really going to work out’, I heard myself mumble last night. Cut to: after a huge breakfast with omelets, pancakes, and fresh fruit, we are already vegetating in the lovely Moroccan sun. This afternoon is my last chance for a pilates class and I really won't miss it this time, I promise. You are my silent witnesses...

On Instagram, I receive many messages asking if this place is baby-friendly. Besides the flight that fortunately went very smoothly (tip: breastfeed or bottle-feed your baby during take-off/landing to prevent ear pain), Club Med is a perfect destination with a baby. Upon arrival, there was already a baby crib, changing mat, bath, and bottle warmer ready for us in our room, and at lunch/dinner, there is a special baby section with fresh fruit, steamed vegetables, and a puree machine. Furthermore, we find it a great invention to travel with a car seat that clicks onto a stroller, so you have safe transport for your little one in every taxi. Another big plus: Otis still sleeps wonderfully in the stroller in the evening, allowing us to go out for dinner. He no longer wakes up from anything, not even when a group of musicians with drums suddenly stood around our table last night.

Normally, my winter sweaters are already at the front of my closet around this time, but with this summer trip in sight, I have kept the flowy dresses at the front for a little longer. Now those seasons are quite mixed up these days and the winter collection often consists of beautiful, thin fabrics that can easily pass for a summer outfit. I had already shopped this lovely Amatør set from the ‘Høliday’ collection for the holidays, but it turns out to be literally a perfect holiday set. During Christmas, just a nice blazer over it and I’m ready. Wonderful, those multi-purpose outfits. Although I must honestly say that I am also looking forward to my thick winter sweaters and a cup of hot chocolate by the fireplace...