Thursday 23 January 2014

Sweet Child O' Mine

Well Sweet Child (as I shall call her) is a month old today...how?!



A month ago, I laboured alone apart from the last half hour when the husband arrived, when I grabbed the gas and air, announced to the midwife that I might possibly need a wee (TMI sorry) and produced my third treasure in just two pushes. Yep it wasn't a wee, it was a baby......

(Oh and let me tell you, after two epidurals and a HIDEOUS previous birth experience, I feel I am allowed to shout it from the roof tops that this birth rocked. It blinking hurt, but it was also incredible).

Sweet Child is settling in well and I can't hold on to the days - they are zooming by. She weighed 6lb 9oz at birth and weighed in at 8lb 2oz this afternoon.  Isn't it amusing how some adults go to get weighed and everyone applauds them when they have shed some pounds, but you are only congratulated as a mother when your precious little one is swiftly becoming a chubster. Otherwise you get a withered look apparently from the health visitor.

Anyway, I am still on cloud nine. My beautiful voluptuous bump has turned into a heap of saggy excess "matter" and you can probably see my boobs from the moon, but my gosh, I wouldn't swap it for all the choc in Thorntons.

It's fair to say I am besotted so if you hate all things baby, look away now. This ain't no cherry tree bargain blog post. This is a post to show why I no longer visit charity shops (for the time being!) read, crochet, have leisurely long baths, blog frequently etc etc. I get nothing done all day. I just indulge in skin-to-skin with the baby and cherish very minute because I will never do this again. Oh no, the husband wants the snip. I wanted to hold a "two brick job" ceremony at Christmas, you know, do the job properly but oddly enough he was rather reluctant...

This teeny tiny little dot has stolen my heart and all the spare time I had up until four weeks ago. I had forgotten how motherhood is such a full-time job in the early days and weeks. The feeding alone is massively time consuming. Some of you may remember I am a breastfeeding peer supporter for new mums and it's my complete passion. It doesn't work for everyone and I do believe the pressure is piled unnecessarily onto new mums to be a success in breastfeeding but you have to work unbelievably hard and constantly to get there sometimes and it isn't always possibly for women.

I found it difficult for the first few days. Especially as Sweet Child sleeps more than my other two did in a whole year and only feeds for five minutes at a time. So I spent hours pumping furiously and eating oats to increase my milk supply. I made savoy cabbages a new fashion accessory and gritted my teeth through the sore nipples. But now I know her, I realise Sweet Child is just a very efficient feeder. This baby girl has only given me one hellish night in the past month. Imagine! I know it won't last so I am making the most of it. She is a very happy and chilled baby. I need one of those this time, believe me I've DONE sleep deprivation and it's not recommended.

Right, want some pics? No? OK, look away now then, quick.....go and make a brew or something.

Minutes old




She lived down my dresses for the first week or two!








Just before being discharged on Christmas Eve

Day old


First walk on beach

The Prince used to wear this


Such a knowing look!

Oh.........

Too cute





Here come the girls

Unsure at bath time

Life down my dressing gown is good apparently

Baby bunting




In the pink (god I love pink!!!)



So that's why I've gone all quiet! Plus I've been bombarded with visitors daily and am trying to get some rest in between.

I will probably hit a few cherry tree shops soon although I've lost my mojo for anything else at the moment. Life with three children is crazy. But wonderful and she slots in perfectly.


The best surprise the Husband could have given me!

32 comments:

Aunty Bee said...

Congratulations to all of you, she is absolutely gorgeous.

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Dear and fabulous GEM! SHE IS SUPER DUPER WONDERFUL! Do tell, do you think she looks a lot like your husband? I THINK SO! You look so happy and I am applauding for you to just give her and the rest of the family YOUR BEST, as you stay away from any distractions. Bravo my friend. WELL DONE! Love, Anita

Julia said...

She is absolutely gorgeous Gem. I think she looks a lot like the princess. Enjoy your time with her so small, as you know, they grow up too quick!! xx

thriftwood said...

Aw Gem she's absolutely beautiful! And you look amazing too ... I was like a wrung out dishrag post birth! Gorgeous photos, what a lovely family ... Enjoy!

Love Claire xxx

sandiart said...

Oh my lord, she is gorgeousness itself.....and how the heck do you still look so b.....gorgeous yourself. My third (daughter Kaila) was like that, just went with the flow, fitted in perfectly, was a happy bubs, must be the third!!!
Happy days Gem with your little family, much love to you all.
xoxo Sandi

Jay said...

Gem she is absolutely adorable, your pictures are stunning too. You described my third baby experience there, so very different to my previous two when I struggled to cope. Well done & enjoy some quality family time x

honeycat said...

Gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous. I feel all emotional now. What a beautiful little baba. I'm sooooo happy for you all. I remember so well the early days of breast feeding, we've just stopped, she stopped just like that, at fifteen months.
And you look amazing too. Massive congratulations. Mmm, feeling just a little broody now.
Melanie x

Miss Magpie said...

Just beautiful, and you look absolutely glowing! here's hoping she remains as chilled and well resting as she is now.

Anonymous said...

You look absolutely joyful and sound it too. It's such a nice change to read about someone being so happy when they have a baby. You are shiny bright with it. You made me feel happy reading it :)

I'm so pleased for you, she looks wonderful and you look truly radiant. It's a wonderful thing, truly. She is beautiful. Well done for doing it all, its not easy!

Jennifer Hays said...

Hi Gem, I found your blog just the other day while you were still on babymoon and I'm a new follower. Your blog is wonderful, you're very funny. Your baby girl is gorgeous! Congratulations to you and your family. I'm looking forward to reading along with your adventures.

Tami said...

She's perfect absolutely gorgeous Enjoy these times my baby is 23 and just today I was thinking about when they were younger.

Lynn said...

How come you don't look like I did a month into new baby time?!!
Your baby looks so cute and so do your other children.
Enjoy - you turn round one day and they are suddenly grown!
L.x.

fee @ chipper nelly said...

you look ace, she looks beautiful, and so glad to hear it's all gone well Gem.
I quite fancy a snuggle down your dressing gown - realise how weird that sounds!!!!!
sending love to you all
fee xxxxxxxx

Unknown said...

Beautiful, both of you xx

YarnRoundHook said...

She's a beauty!
All those baby photos made me cry, she's so tiny and you look so happy - lovely!
Many, many congratulations to all of you x

Anonymous said...

Aww Gem, well done, sweet child is so gorgeous, I feel so broody after reading this, It looks utter bliss., I can see you are enjoying every moment. Love to you all at this wonderful time. Xxx xxx

Sarah Jane said...

Oh Gem congratulations. (My prediction about you having a girl was right). She is wonderful and looks so much like you. Such happy family pics. The first few weeks are so hard but you look like you're all settling right in. I remember the endless parade of visitors when my little miss was born too. It's easy to say but try and relax as much as you can. Make the most of family visits to get some sleep! xxxx

melanie said...

She is gorgeous! Such a lovely baby :) I love all things, baby, I had my first 15 weeks ago and have loved every single moment of it :) x

m said...

Wow you sound so happy! Not surprising though with such a lovely baby! Congratulations :-)

Annaboo's House said...

Ahhhhhhhhh!
She is well gorgeous. And perfect in every way. You lucky, lucky gal.
And btw, you are looking every inch the yummy mummy too. I clearly suits you.
Enjoy every second.
Sarah xxxxx

Sharon said...

She looks as scrummy as I don't know what and I can't believe how amazing you look. Never would have thought you had a baby a month ago! Many congratulations. xxx

Grammy Braxton said...

Gem, she is absolutely beautiful. What a wonderful Christmas present. Enjoy your time. Congratulations!
Hugs, Sharon

Sarah said...

OMG, what a wonderful post!! She is just GORGEOUS!!

I got your texts, been having trouble with signal on my new (supposedly fancy) phone. I can't wait to see you and don't mind at all if Sarah visits the same day as me. Am happy to wait until things have settled so don't feel you have to squeeze me in!!

Hugs,

S x

Jo said...

You look amazing in those hospital pics - how have you just had a baby?? She is very beautiful and your photos are gorgeous. Enjoy every minute xx

Pink Milk said...

Oh Gem, what an absolute treasure. She's simply womb-pangingly beautiful! As for you, you look AMAZING. Gosh, your post has brought a lump to my throat. xxx

kmmms said...

HOW did I miss this post before?@!
I just love that pic of her smiling in your dressing gown. What an amazing dream she must have been having. She's clearly totally contented and dreamy.
CANNOT wait to meet her, get busy with the diary girlfriend
xxxx

Unknown said...

You all look flaming gorgeous, must be what being super happy does to you Huge congratulations and loving all those pics
Nelly xx

Trees Planet said...

Very nice family. Your babies are so cute. Best wishes to you.

Betty Button Pie said...

Congratulations! She is gorgeous xx

Gem said...

Oh Gem she is gorgeous, absolutely adorable. You've made me feel all broody hehee. Must wait though, I've already ordered my wedding dress, can't be having any changes now haha Much love x x x x
P.S started an email to you at the beginning of the week, I will get it finished and sent (soon, hopefully) x x

Przygody z drutami said...

She is wonderful, congratulations, bye, ania

tradesy coach said...

The dress is beautiful and much more than I expected. I love it. This dress caught my eye because it was standing out, though I was a bit skeptical initially.