The magic of becoming a new mum
9 months – that is ages!!! Say’s who???
My husband and I were ecstatic at the prospect of becoming parents but still wonder where the time has gone.
It all seemed kind of surreal until we got the first photo of our little jelly bean. Even looking at the first scan picture now brings out a smile. Knowing that you are now responsible for another human being, as daunting as it can be, is a wonderful feeling that is just too hard to put into words.
We took the opportunity to tell our immediate families of the pending arrival on Christmas Eve while hosting both families at our place. To say that sound barriers were broken that evening would have been an understatement. The only problem was everyone had to contain their excitement and not spill the beans for at least another 6 weeks.
The first trimester was definitely the hardest and not for the reasons you’re thinking. I didn’t have morning sickness or weird cravings; it was the choice we made to keep the news to ourselves and immediate families. When you have friends around you wanting to know when you are having children, or you attend friends’ weddings and don’t have a drink (offering to drive is always a good excuse – not that I ever drink that much anyway) or even people you know sharing their excitement at finding out they too are expecting, it can be quite tough holding back the excitement and not jumping on the table to announce your own news.
We took the news and process in our stride and have, in what we believe, freaked people out at how calm we were for first time parents, especially during the last weeks where I was still working from home, cleaning the house when I could be bothered, driving and willing to go out and have a walk around the shops.
I was adamant that my little girl would not wait till her due date, but just like her parents she came into this world when she was good and ready – 1 week over. Every twinge I would hold my breath and think “Is this it???” and wait for the next one which true to form never eventuated. When it was time I KNEW and wondered how I had mistaken the previous twinges.
My husband and I didn’t have a name finalised prior to the birth, we had a list of names that we both agreed on and said we would know which name was most appropriate when she arrived – and that we did. We decided on naming our beautiful baby Brooke Isabelle.
I always knew I wanted to be a mother and that it was something that I could do, but never did I imagine just how much I would love the experience and just how well I would adjust to doing everything between feeds with just one hand. I occasionally miss work, but my whole outlook on life has changed, everything now revolves around Brooke, what new movement will develop, what new sound she will make and most of all I just don’t want to miss one of her gorgeous smiles.
If I could offer any advice to another first time mother to be, it would be:
“Relax, enjoy the experience. Everything will change for the good when you hold your baby in your arms for the first time.”
My top 5 products for a new baby:
1. Coles baby wipes thick fragrance free (Search 8032849)
You can never ever have too many baby wipes! These are so handy and the little snap shut lid these have is very handy.
2. Baby Love infant nappies (Search 6613206)
The special “poo pouch” these nappies have is really handy.
3. Johnson’s Baby Shampoo (Search 8584153)
The most traditional baby product on the market. Even the smell of it makes me feel cozy inside and takes me back to when I was child.
4. Bonds Baby Bibs (Search 7714741)
You can never have enough bibs! Bibs catch dribble and all hosts of other things that can come out of babies mouth.
5. Coles Nappy Bags Scented (Search 5475967)
Let me tell you, nappies are not the most plesant smelling items in the whole world. I love these nappy bags because they contain the smell and make disposing of nappies easier.
Coles online has also made my shopping easier as I can spend more time at home playing with little Brooke.
What are your top product tips for parents with a new baby?
As a new mum myself under unusual circumstances I can identify with this blog completely. I had a concealed pregnancy culkninating in my being rushed to hospital with tummy pain and then being told I was in labour. As I had no tummy I was astounded especially as I’m a chef with a fulltime demanding hourload. My son Daniel was born healthy and happy and I’m loving being a mother.