Her very own room!
I know some parents are happy to have their own room back, but for me, I found this process hard. I loved having the bub in my room. I loved hearing her little breaths in the silence of the night. I didn't even mind getting up to her for a quick feed and an extra cuddle.
I found it hard to accept that it was time for Mama and Papa to have their space back again and to give the bub her first taste of independence.
Then I experienced a full 7 hours sleep. THERE IS NO TURNING BACK NOW!
I realised that the husband's various noises (he is quite the conversationalist in his sleep)was waking her and she now goes through the night without needing me.
Now if you look further down this page you may be a little confused by the photographs of her Papa setting up her room pre-arrival. This was in fact a nesting phase. Before Olive arrived I set up a room with all her things. As soon as I laid eyes on her and smelt her, I knew she wasn't going to be in her own room for a while... until the other day.
Yes, she is 7.5months and some wonder babies accomplish this at 4 months, but I am super proud of my little delight.
And so we celebrate. With swinging.
And home made play dough.
Visiting our local aquarium for some fishy fun.
And visiting our local library for some reading and exploration!
Olive's feet 3.5 months
I love watching Olive at the beach. Sand between her toes, smelling fresh air, Mum & Dad relaxed... oh to live by the sea.
Slow down baby girl...
4 months and she decides to stand on her own. Slow down baby girl.
Olive Francesca
Born Christmas Night
You are Mama's delight.
What a beautiful girl. I cannot express what is was like to see her for the first time. I will never forget it. My heart is full. I've never known love like this before.
One week to go. One week to go and I have been called in for an extra appointment. She can't wait any more - I am being induced!Bit disappointed as this means I cannot give birth to Olive in the labor ward, but at the end of the day, as long as she is safe, that's all that matters.I decided to make some fudge whilst I waited for the appointment to keep my mind off things!
Two weeks to go. Decorated Christmas tree. Christmas presents all bought and wrapped. Freezer cleaned. Office re-arranged, cleaned and re-decorated. Christmas cooking/baking tomorrow.... Waiting, waiting, waiting...
Can you tell I'm not particularly gifted at waiting
patiently!
3 weeks to go. I was asked today what I am most looking forward to...
I can't wait to meet her. I can't wait to see her in her Dad's arms. I look forward to watching her grow up. To walk alongside her as she discovers her passions, strengths, convictions and hopefully faith. I feel honoured to be entrusted with such a precious gift. I look forward to watching her grow up in a community. A community of people who are able to instruct, encourage and love Olive Francesca.
My hope for Olive.
That she would grow to be a woman of great faith. That she would dance and sing praises to God all the days of her life.
Bassinet ready
Bassinet is now up in our room. Olive, your Mum and Dad are ready. Well... as ready as we think we can be. What does 'being ready' really mean when you are expecting your first child?
My friend had her baby 6.5 weeks ago in the front seat of her car! I bet that wasn't her idea of ready. More like "ready or not, here I come!" Picture this: driving down the highway on your way to hospital trying not to push, yet alas, a little boy makes his appearance.
Text I got from her the next day. "Nothing like Lucus starting life with a bit of drama. He was born in my trackies in the backseat as Craig drove". (Names changed for privacy)
Love it!
Well Olive - your bed is ready to go. My trackies have retired for summer - but Im as ready as Ill ever be. Make your debut my love.
