Achievement #2

We made it through 6 months of colic and once out the other side- I realised it wasn't that bad after all!

The pregnancy was easy and so was the birth, so it was a big surprise to have a "fussy" and "miserable" baby. Lil L cried and cried and cried and wouldn't sleep.

Those first few weeks were so hard. They're a bit of a blur now. Although I never doubted that we'd come out ok- I thought it would go on for ever at the time.

And here we are... none the worse for the experience. If anything it taught us all patience, understanding and a "never give up" attitude.

Life isn't perfect and it will throw curve balls every so often, but only because we're strong. Because we're fighters and because we'll be ok in the end. That's how fairy tales are meant to be.

"Life itself is the most wonderful fairy tale.".... Hans Christian Andersen

24 June 2010

Dear Lil L

From the moment I first saw you on that scan at the doctors office- I fell in love and knew we were meant to be together. I love you. And I love having you in my life.

Love Mom.

Fact#3

When you're pregnant, everyone thinks they have shares in your belly that give them the obvious right to touch and feel you and talk to your unborn baby.

It was the strangest thing. Complete strangers would come up to me and want to tell me all about their birth experience or give me some sort of advice on how to be a good mother, or speculate about the sex of my child based on how I was carrying.

My advice: for fear of offending old ladies, smile and take it all with a pinch of salt. At the end of the day, when it's just you and your baby, it's your decision anyway!

Pregnancy

I loved being pregnant. I was fortunate enough to be free from the sufferings of morning sickness and nausea that usually accompany pregnancy. At my worst- I was more tired than I ever had been and towards the end (and I carried for 41 weeks) I experienced some mild back pain. So, I really do count my lucky stars for what I truly believe was an exceptional and awesome experience.

Pregnancy highlights:

1. Feeling the flutters of my baby moving around inside me for the first time

2. The first time my partner could feel the baby move

3. Watching feet kick out all over my belly

4. My first scan, and then finding out that my baby is a girl

4. Specific cravings for childhood favourites like peanut butter and jam sandwiches

5. Thick, healthy hair

6. Not being able to see past my belly

7. Sleeping on my side

8. Needing to pee urgently all the time

9. The irrational overprotective instinct that I would do anything to protect what was growing inside me

10. Big boobs (although by the time I stopped breastfeeding I was over these!)

11. Mothering advice from complete strangers

I'm pregnant!

I knew that I would be a mother one day. I didn't know when. And I couldn't have guessed if I tried.

The day I found out I was pregnant, although it was a surprise, I was elated. From the moment I got confirmation of the positive result, I knew that (even if only to me) I was carrying the most important person in the entire world. Nothing in my life would be more important than being a mother and looking after my baby. And nothing still is.

The weeks following were filled with moments of sheer joy and excitement, coupled with moments of fear and apprehension. Would we be able to support our child? Would we be good parents? How could we prepare for this?

But, deep down inside, I knew that this was what I was born to do and that this was the perfect time for me to do it. I was going to be a mother, and I was going to love it!