A (new) baby on board

October 20, 2014

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Looking back to when I was pregnant, way back in the swirly mists of time, I wrote a post on things I’d completely forgotten about newborns, about, well, that really. I was worried that I couldn’t and wouldn’t remember anything about tiny babies, used as I was to brilliant mini-giant toddlers who eat the food off your plate, sleep all night and actually have an opinion (“Topsy and Tim please! No, that one”)

Well the new baby has been here a few days, and we’ve been holed up at home in the really cosy baby bubble that seems to consist of feeds, changing babygro after babygro and eating cake. And the good news (apart from all that)?

You do remember, and it is lots easier second time round.

I also think, with the benefit of 4am hindsight (I’m writing this on my phone during a nightfeed) that I was possibly too negative about everything beforehand and had also forgotten all the really good bits.

So here’s a mini round-up of the first few days – a postcard from the babymoon – I’ll be quick, though, as you know, sleep:

* Oh, newborns. The baby smell, the tiny skinny frogs legs, the little wrinkly feet that were kicking inside you only hours before. Having a sleeping baby curl up on your chest. Making up a hundred silly and affectionate nicknames. Sniffing her tiny velvety head. The warmth and heat and goodness.

* New things: it’s much more relaxed. We are much more relaxed. The birth was so much better, more on this later. It’s amazing how your expectations change about things like sleep. Alex and I were discussing how Florence is a ‘really great’ sleeper (as she goes between 1.5 to 2ish hours a night – sure I would have been horrified by this last time).

* And yes, remembering all the old things. Holding, comforting, swaddling and so on – they do come straight back to you (admittedly after a few nights where she would only sleep on one of us though). But F is, obviously, a different baby and it’s interesting finding out what works for her.

* I also didn’t focus enough on the other great parts to come, like the first time E met her sister, and how heart achingly cute she’s been with her since. There are new challenges, too, it’s not easy and I know it will get tricky when it’s 4am and we’re all crying, and I’m still completely exhausted, of course, but trying to take it all as it comes.

* Three things from Day Three: two giant ‘my milk has come in’ boobs (eat your heart out Dolly Parton) and the tears. Oh man, the Day Three – to five and beyond – emotional roller coaster. But it’s all baby swings and roundabouts. Breastfeeding has started off much better this time, which is a massive relief, so there’s no added anxiety on that account.

* But did I mention how amazing newborns are? It’s worth every pregnancy moan, and after-pain, and the lack of sleep. This whole post is all helplessly hormonal and shamelessly sentimental, but you know what? I’m completely besotted.

14 Comments

  • Kim Carberry

    October 20, 2014 at 12:28 pm

    Aww! It sounds like things are going really well! So glad to hear….
    Beautiful photos x

    1. gillian

      October 26, 2014 at 10:28 pm

      They are so far, hoping it’ll be OK when Alex goes back to work (this week, yikes) So lovely having a newborn again though, she is so lovely! x

  • Kohl Mama

    October 20, 2014 at 3:51 pm

    Oh how adorable are those photos! You’re making me broody again which is not allowed as my second is only 8 months! What a gorgeous post, thanks! X

    1. gillian

      October 26, 2014 at 10:27 pm

      Sorry! But thank you though 🙂 xx

  • Michelle

    October 20, 2014 at 5:11 pm

    So glad to hear – c-section on Thursday and I have many of the same hesitations that you did. Like – will I remember anything? And – all I remember is tears, tiredness, and crankiness the first time around. Nice to hear that there are so many positives!

    1. gillian

      October 26, 2014 at 10:24 pm

      That’s all I remembered from last time too! I was really worried it was all going to be exhausting and awful. I’d completely forgotten all the really good parts (and they seem so much better this time round). Hope you’re getting on well! x

  • Rachel @ The Ordinary Lovely

    October 20, 2014 at 9:11 pm

    Beautiful pictures! I loved the second time around much more than the first even though I was busier with having a two year old too. It was a wonderful, wonderful time and I hope you continue to enjoy it xxx

    1. gillian

      October 26, 2014 at 10:14 pm

      Thank you! Am enjoying it much more this time; hoping it continues post paternity leave xx

  • Hannah | MakeDo&Push

    October 21, 2014 at 8:50 am

    She is just scrummy! What a gorgeous post – as you know, you’ve made me even more broody! xx

    1. gillian

      October 26, 2014 at 10:09 pm

      Thank you! And sorry! 🙂 x

  • Gaynor {Our Day by Design}

    October 22, 2014 at 1:57 pm

    Yay, so glad it all came back to you! Bet its amazing seeing E with her.

    Im hoping for the same as at the moment people keep asking me things and I can honestly hardly remember from last time!

    I’ve just bought that same star cover for my widgey pillow too! x

    1. gillian

      October 26, 2014 at 10:08 pm

      It is so, so lovely seeing them together! Honestly it does all come back – and it seems much easier. Really love the star cover – I always hated the original one we had (loads of small animals) so was thrilled they did one that was lots nicer! x

  • Another Bun

    October 27, 2014 at 6:17 am

    Aah this is lovely – and reassuring too! Enjoy every sweet, squishy moment with her!

  • 10 unavoidable truths about life with a newborn | A Baby on Board

    July 22, 2015 at 11:43 am

    […] our brand sparkly new baby, and it’s still going pretty well at the moment. It is lots easier second time round – albeit with different challenges – and everything really does come flooding back. […]

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