I seriously can’t believe that my little sweet boy is now over 5 months old. It just blows my mind. The past 5 months have been a whirlwind for sure. There have been ups and downs, tears but oh so many smiles and points where I’ve had absolutely no idea what I was doing but somehow muddling through these first 5 months of motherhood. I wouldn’t change it for the world.
With a bit of perspective, I found those first 3 months very difficult. I loved my little bundle of joy so much but was sinking in postpartum hormones. Having had a forceps delivery with an episiotomy along with third degree stitches, I was also recovering from surgery straight after labour and my body needed time to heal. My body felt so alien… both my stomach and bottom felt like they were going to fall off for the first couple weeks and all the while I had to try and feed my little boy. Another trip into hospital to try and sort out breastfeeding left me with an oversupply and then it took well over 12 weeks to get into a swing with breastfeeding and sort out the oversupply issues of mastitis, milk blisters and lumps. Looking back on it all, it’s no wonder I felt so overwhelmed coupled with functioning on very little sleep!
But you know what? It’s gotten me and Rory to where we are today. It’s made me a stronger person and I feel so much love and respect for all mamas out there. I’m seriously in awe of us all! I was majorly underprepared for postpartum – I really don’t know what I was expecting… Just to get up and go about looking after my little boy whilst very tired I think! How wrong I was! I do wish I could do something to help others be more prepared than I was. I’m definitely going to rack my brain to think of what I can do – more blog posts? Write a book? Just something to bring resources together to help mums to be to be prepared and feel less in the dark than I was.
Rory has come on leaps and bounds in the past couple months. He’s the most happy little boy who loves to throw smiles out to anyone who’ll give him one or that will play with him. He’s got the funniest belly laugh that cracks me up every time. He has the most striking blue eyes and a cute little button nose. He’s constantly trying to get on the move and doesn’t want to sit still – I think he gets that from me! He’s started trying to fling himself out of my arms if he sees something he wants and babbling away all the time. I love all his little sounds and he just makes me instantly happy. I love our cuddles when he’s feeding which instantly chill me out and I find I have a sense of calm come over me. He can’t seem to understand why he won’t move when he flails his arms and legs around during tummy time – all in time my sweet boy! Most recently he’s started sitting up with some help. He can support himself for a good 5-10 seconds before starting to topple. I love him so much! The world is his oyster and I want everything for him. Seeing the world through his eyes as he discovers something for the first time is just amazing. Having this perfect little boy just puts everything into perspective.
We’re going to start weaning him soon and I really can’t believe we’re here already. I’ll have to do a post on all the bits we’ve found and what we’ve found useful. It really is a minefield out there with the different advice.
I now see what everyone means when they say the days are long but the years short. I’ll be going back to work in 4 and a half months which means it’s over half way through my mat leave already. My SMP has now kicked in so I’ll be trying to be more mindful with my money. I’m extremely grateful of this time I’ve had off and know I’m very lucky to be in my position. My sister had to go back after 6 weeks in the States so it’s at the forefront of my mind to make the most of this time.
In no time he’ll be on the move so I need to start making the house a little bit more baby friendly and getting baby locks for cupboards! Another thing on the list to buy is a baby playmat – if anyone has any suggestions hit me up!
Also, if anyone has any tips for games or playtime ideas for 5/ 6 month olds let me know! I’m always on the look out for new ideas!
Until next time,
Cathers xx
