We’ve made it through the first 12 weeks or the fourth trimester as it’s also known.
It’s a term used to describe a time of great change and development in your newborn, as he/she adjusts to life outside your womb. But it’s also a time of massive change for you.
In the midst of the tiredness, frustration and the ‘I can’t get anything done’ moments, I feel like my heart could explode with love and I’m not going to lie, I have still had the odd teary moment, especially when baby Cathal looks into my eyes and smiles. I can’t help it, a surge of gratitude washes over me and I feel so much love, it almost hurts.
Please tell me it happens to others or am I the only eejit?!
‘It gets easier’ they said, and I wasn’t sure I could believe them at the time but then magically, it did. Gone are the two and three hour feeds at night and it means everything. The difference in our days is huge.
I have perfected the art of one hand eating, doing household chores with Cathal in his baby carrier (I would be lost without it!) and dry shampoo is a lifesaver!
Who knew 12 weeks wasn’t the same as saying your baby was 3 months old?! Well, I didn’t. Damien and I, no longer call each other by name; we are simply Mommy and Daddy. That happens to everyone right?
And the question I often ask myself is, ‘what did I do with my time before?’
Honestly, I wish I could whisper (or scream!) to my pre-Cathal self to use my time wisely and drop my ‘must do that tomorrow’ mantra. Oh well!
Now that we're at the twelve-week mark, there are three things I've found so important for Cathal and us as parents.
Playtime
While he loves his naps, Cathal needs lots of stimulation at this stage, everything from arguing with the monkey on his activity mat to spinning the attachments on his bouncer to endless songs being sung to him and ‘conversations’ being had with him.
Life is busy but incredibly rewarding, as we can see mini changes and developments on an almost daily basis.
He’s also been for his first swim and he loved it. It’s definitely something we are going to be doing a lot more of.
Embrace the fun
The Irish proverb
‘Mol an óige and tiocfaidh sí’ is bang on; praise and encouragement are so important for their tiny, brilliant minds and in turn for their development.
Cooing, smiling and in the last few days laughter, I mean proper belly laughs are in full swing and we can’t get enough of it.
Baby talk is at an all-time high and dressing him up in his
‘My first Halloween’ and
‘Cutest Pumpkin in the Patch’ outfits have been hilarious and adorable. Take it from me, you will only regret it if you don’t dress your baby up, as he/she will never have another ‘My first…’. So, go for it! Luckily most high street stores stock them and they won’t break the bank.
Fail to prepare, prepare to fail
Cathal has already become my greatest motivator as being prepared and organised is the only way to get through the days with relative ease and comfort. I’m not saying that I’ve nailed it yet, in fact, I have a long way to go but I’m getting there bit by bit.
Until next week….
Go with the flow!
Síle xxx
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