Reminiscing

As VCR's become a form of ancient technology I decided to do the mature thing and convert our family tapes to digital. Although I haven't actually started the converting I begun to wander down memory lane.

My goodness, Jacinta and I were so cute! I really do try and say that with a whole lot of modesty.

The first couple of videos are full of baby Ashleigh (and yes up until the days of primary school I was always referred to as 'Ashleigh' never 'Ash'). I should put a little disclaimer here reiterating that although my lack of hair and feminine clothing might have you think I was a boy for the first four years of my life, the close ups from my first bath will be sure to put your mind at ease.

There were also clips of a near drowning otherwise known as my Christening, family milestones and my first Christmas.

Hats off to Dad, who was generally behind the camera for giving no context to the situation whatsoever. It makes for an entertaining game to try and work out where we were, who we were with and why this was so important to get on tape.

Soon enough little Jacinta Amber was born and it was obvious right from the beginning that I was so excited to have a little sister. The love we shared from the start is so special to see now.

I think we hit maximum cuteness when I was five and Cint was about three and a half. For some reason my clothing always showed off my little beer gut and crowns were a must in any outfit. Cint still preferred to crawl rather than walk and we were cheeky without pushing the boundaries of being too naughty.

There is one clip of a fight that started to break out and it is an exact representation of how every single fight starts between the two of us. Cint wanted a hug but I was busy dancing to my beloved Hi-5 so I pushed her away. She then continues to come back at me until she realises she won't get her way and starts crying. It wasn't long after that that Mum had to intervene as the clip comes to an abrupt ending.

Watching us in those everyday situations is the best.

We were more than happy to dance to Mum and Dads country music or just talk to Mum through the camera. I love that we grew up in a time of playing together rather than with technology.

Looking back on my childhood makes me kind of emotional. Seeing Cint and I with our whole lives in front of us, with no worries in the world just makes my heart swell. I am so lucky to have these memories documented and am seriously considering editing some of them and putting them on YouTube as there is some super classic moments.

#ashleighdwan #beyondthestory #journalism