As my partner begins his new career in the Airforce, my daughter, Meabh, and I are taking full advantage of this — and exploring this world.

From the throes of motherhood and the loss of an identity I once perceived to be spontaneous, chaotic and transitional, I’ve realised life can be just as it once was — I just now have a little buddy to share it with.

Sometimes I feel different from other mums — the all-consuming joy that motherhood seems to bring to some makes me wonder, am I doing it wrong? I often find myself feeling quite selfish and unable to reinvent my playful side to meet the needs of a child. But I’ve slowly come to realise it doesn’t have to be that. I love Meabh deeply, and we’re going to continue to bond through things we can do together that don’t leave me feeling suffocated, and excite her too.