Brought to you by Bord Gáis Energy
The first days, weeks and months of new parenthood can be a lot of things; exhilarating, confusing, tedious, happy, delightful and strange.
Amid all the frantic reading of the baby book and the endless nappy-changes, there can be moments when you find yourself questioning just what this parenthood game is all about?
You’ll quickly realise that part of the magic of being a parent is witnessing each and every first; the first smile; the first word; that wobbly first step.
Milestones come thick and fast in the first 12 months.
Our advice? Ensure the camcorder is fully charged at all times and keep your phone close for impromptu photo shoots.
Here are six firsts to look out for:
1. The first time they grab your finger
The strength and determination in that tiny, perfect hand; their powerful little grip… it’s all oddly reassuring. “Maybe she’s more robust than I realised.” you’ll think to yourself.
2. The first smile
It’s probably just wind but you’ll scramble for the camera anyway, snapping away until there’s at least one hundred photos of that gummy grin.
3. The first time you feel truly overwhelmed
If you’ve spent most of your adult life taking care of business like an absolute boss, the vulnerability of first time parenthood could throw you for a loop. Remember; it’s completely normal to feel a little out of your depth at first.
Our advice? Take the help; accept the casserole from the nice lady next door; allow your mate to walk your dog and ask your brother to take out your bins. Ask your mum or a mate to pop in for an hour too – just 60 minutes of precious sleep or a long bath can revive a new mum like nobody’s business.
4. The first time you manage to leave the house with the baby
It’s just seriously hard to exit a house with baby in tow, and when it’s successfully accomplished, it’s like the stars have aligned.
You will feel like Martha Stewart and Mary Poppins rolled into one.
5. The first words
The camcorder is rolling. Your little prince is just about to utter his first, precious words. You’ll be expecting a ‘MAMA’, loud and clear, an ode to your sacred bond and all the sleepless nights you lost to looking after his every whim. You are already beaming with pride at the though of it.
Inevitably his first word will be ‘DADA’ (traitor!) ‘NANA’ (seriously?!) or worse, something random like ‘LALA’.
Enjoy this while it lasts – the next word they learn is usually ‘NO’.
6. The first time you put the baby down for a nap and WALK AWAY
That’s right, an infant nap without feeding it to sleep, rocking it to sleep, driving it to sleep, pramming it to sleep… it’s the holy grail. Someday, it’ll happen to you!
Some important moments in life should be uninterrupted. With Bord Gáis Energy 365 Boiler Care, we look after your boiler, heating and hot water so you can focus on enjoying those special moments.
