New Age Boat Kids

My wonderful daughter was 7 years on September 15th, she makes us very proud and completes our life. I just thought I would do a piece about her and growing up on a boat.

Now -Mia 2 weeks before her 7th Bday

In the operating theatre - 1st photo

Mia was keen to start her life and arrived 3 weeks before her due date (which was 2.10.2010,  I thought this would be a cool date to have, I like my even numbers. Her current best friend Laila was born on 20.10.2010 - awesome).

During August 2010, Richard and I cruised on our narrow boat Foxy Lady to Lechlade, which is at the top of the Thames (Isis to those in the know). Once Richard had finished his holidays we moored up at Pangborne for a week or so, as Rich could easily commute from there. We decided that we would live as near to The Royal Berks Hospital as possible, which would be by Tesco in Reading, and its a bloomin' good job we cruised when we did. The weekend before she arrived me and Rich, and my mum who was visiting from upt' north, chugged on down to Reading. We got to Reading on the Sunday, and by Wednesday she was born, my mum went home on the Tuesday, and therefore missed being at her birth by less than 24 hours. Mia was breach, and because I had a lack of amniotic fluid, she was going to be born by a planned Cesarean.
The day she was born, I basically woke up in the morning, with tummy ache (contractions) this increased quite rapidly, so Richard rushed off to get the car to take me to hospital. He was gone about half an hour, and by the time he got back I could barely walk. If we had still been moored on Pangborne meadow, it may well have been a case for the air ambulance, I would no way have been to able to walk that far to a vehicle.
By 10.45am Mia was born, weighing 5lb 1ounce, by crash cesarean, and we were allocated to Iffley ward. This is an area on the Thames, and has a locked named after it, we moored here for a while during my pregnancy and have fond memories of it.

Mia at Tesco nearly aged 7

We stayed on the Thames in Reading for a couple of weeks, then we roped (scuse the pun) friends in to help us to journey back to Newbury, as this is where we regarded as home. At the time we were continuous cruisers (nomads) and we would usually stay in Newbury for winter, close to facilities, and close to friends.

Baby Mia on her first trip out (at Tesco)

It was interesting, and long winded when we went to register her birth at Shaw House in Newbury, as we didn't have a permanent address. We are pleased to say that her birth certificate states that her residence when born was Caversham Lock, Kings Meadow, Reading. The photo at the top right of this page is her on the boat in Caversham Lock a few weeks ago. We go on a pilgrimage every year to the Thames and visit Reading.

Growing up on a narrow boat means Mia has many skills, we are happy that she enjoys boating and is keen to learn more every year. As a toddler it was stressful boating with her, but now she has complete freedom. Her first boat trip from Reading to Tyle Mill was when she was a few weeks old. This years summer cruise Mia has become more competent than ever, and can wind locks, push gates and swing bridges open, and she even steers the boat.

Foxy Lady crew - she was tiny

Mia cruised us into Wallingford

Whilst I was in hospital Richard was still preparing the new bedroom. Living in a strange shaped home means you cant always put ready made furniture in it. To make the best use of your space it is best to fit your own boat out. Richard has became an amazing carpenter, he has                                                                created some beautiful things for our home.

The moses basket lived on here

Same space today

Mia now has a beautiful unique bedroom (cabin) that is the envy of many friends. Her bed is slightly narrower than a proper single bed, but the length is the same, so could sleep an adult. Underneath she has some toys, and books, and a large dolls house. Its difficult to take decent photos on a narrow boat as you cant get far enough back to take a full shot, But you get the idea. Our daughter is under the impression that most things you possess are hand made by your mummy or daddy. Daddy made all the woodwork and mummy did all the textiles. Which makes her space that bit more special.

When Mia was about 2 and a half, we were fortunate enough to be invited to join a community of boaters in Newbury. This meant we would have a permanent base, which stood us in good stead for Mia going to school. There are so many interesting stories I could tell you, but I guess I might leave that to Mia, perhaps when she is older she may want to share her experience with the world.
One thing I will add, is that she all she has ever know is off-grid living, and therefore has respect for energy resources. She has a natural love for the outdoors, and cares very much about wildlife and the environment. She knows more about nature than many adults do!