Have you ever wondered what it is really, no REALLY like entering this new world of parenthood? Our mummy bloggers daughter is growing far to quickly! Episode 5 sees tears and decision making, returning to work, feeding, sleep training and planning a holiday! We hope you enjoy….
Friday 26th February
“Express yourself…”
After 28 weeks of breastfeeding, the time has come to add some formula – I can just about express one bottle a day but not enough for a full day at nursery. So this week, with a conference coming up, I replaced one of the evening feeds.
I must admit, I was a little disappointed when LO didn’t protest – perhaps I was hoping she’d put her hand out and proclaim, “Halt, this is not the ambrosia nectar I am used to!” – but it does make things easier at least. Her feeds have reduced now anyway with weaning, so it feels like a comfortable compromise.
Daddy was left in charge of the nursery run and with cool-bag, ice block, bottle and pump I was off for my first working day for 7 months!
Unfortunately, my boobs weren’t quite on the same page as me, and during the morning workshops there was an increasing risk of eye injury as they continued to swell, only to be relieved at lunchtime by expressing in the disabled loo – thankfully, husband had suggested not to wear a buttoned shirt, so everyone in the front row survived!
Pleased to say my brain operated at fairly normal capacity, and LO had a whale of a time at nursery – including baked beans for dinner! Perhaps the thought of returning to work may not be so awful after all.
Wednesday 24th February
“Stuck in the middle…”
I am stuck. One hand through the bars of the cot patting a snotty baby to sleep, the other trying to reach the decongestant, Brahms’ lullaby playing on continuous loop. This is all in preparation for nursery – having more of a routine to nap times. Unfortunately, I have another, quite pressing issue – I need the toilet. I really need the toilet. She’s almost asleep, the tale-tell whimpers are getting quieter and quieter, but if I move too soon it’ll be curtains for nap time – if I move too late it’ll be curtains for the carpet! Tick, tick, tick… gently. removing. hand… relief!
Friday 19th February
“What a way to make a livin’…”
The time has come to face reality: I have to go back to work.
The form-filling takes a while, as my brain needs to adjust to using a more formal language than has recently been required for reciting nursery rhymes and The 3 Bears over breakfast. Then it’s a matter of waiting for my flexible working to be approved.
Thankfully, on the advice of a friend we sought out a nursery place much earlier as now there’s practically nothing available.
The home visit is done and the day of her first nursery session is here.
A reasonably successful settling in session – teething aside,- but I am already the parent who leaves her child’s stuff behind after only 1 hour! Thankfully I pre-empted this momentary lapse and labeled a few key items (cardigan, car seat, Sophie the giraffe) before leaving the house!
Friday 12th February
“Isn’t she lovely, made from love…”
Five minutes peace. The sun is beaming through the window and her little mouth is moving as if feeding (even though she’s stopped and been asleep on me for at least 5 minutes) and I am happy. Tired, yes. And at least 101 things I could be doing (the washing machine has just beeped it’s rude reminder, there’s sock fluff everywhere, and we’re due at swimming lessons in half an hour) but I am happy. And I know that all too soon these peaceful, shared moments will be memories. So, I’m not turning on the TV today, or reading the research journal I need to comprehend before my next conference. I am simply going to be, to exist, with her, if only for this 5 minutes of peace.
Thursday 11th February
“Heads turning as lights flashing…”
With the sleep training in full swing, we are contemplating a short holiday abroad with the LO before my maternity leave is over. However, that requires a passport, which of course requires passport photos…for a baby!
For reasons unbeknown to me, I decided to attempt this task by myself and approached the supermarket photo booth. My first doubts crept in when I was required to insert my £5 (choke, splutter) before taking the photos – quite a commitment I thought. The instructions seemed simple enough, and as a baby doesn’t even need to have their eyes open or look directly ahead how hard could it be? Hard. Very hard.
After two attempts, and the reality that the passport office would be unlikely to accept either the top of her head or a blurred smudge of a face as a form of identification, I enlisted the lovely customer services assistant to press the button on cue. So as the two of us battled with a rather fidgety baby we finally got a half decent photo. The only tragedy is that if accepted, it will taunt her for the next 5 years!
Lesson learnt: many hands make light work.
Friday 5th February
“All night long…”
Quite unexpectedly a wave of confidence came over me this week and sleep training has begun.
Night #1 Eeek! Having been fed LO was drowsy but awake so into the cot she went and I waited…for about 2 minutes before battle commenced! Classic fm and earplugs helped immensely as we engaged the ‘Gradual Retreat’ programme (with a gentle tummy rub). I did the first stint then hubby took over so I could eat my (very cold) lasagne. After crying on/off for about 2 hours (her not me!) – silence! On hands and knees we crept out of the nursery. This was repeated throughout the night, each crying phase shorter and less effervescent with longer gaps of sleep between. My sleep totalled 3 hrs, but small sacrifice if it works!
Night #2 Be prepared. Insulated mug of tea; tub of biscuits; kindle. A repeat of night one but only 15 minutes of tears, then peaceful sleep ensued for two whole hours! A quick feed then another two! A final feed then a luxurious 4 hours – bliss.
Night #3 Husband fed and put LO to bed, 3 minute cry and done. I actually didn’t know what to do with myself!
Lesson of the week: go with your gut
