Newbie Tuesday roundup: New babies!

Ten years ago last week, I was a new mother for the very first time. It was a much anticipated, sorely fought for, and quite frankly mind-blowing time! And so began not just a chapter, but a whole sequel novel of my life.

I had a throwback to my past last week when I read Things I have Googled while Pregnant, by The Diary of a Clueless Mother. Thank goodness I was internet-illiterate 10 years ago or I’m sure my browsing history could have caused some serious red faces – and not just my own! As it was, I had a good chuckle at “Can my cat tell I’m pregnant?” and “When can I stop breastfeeding?” Poor girl hasn’t even started yet and already she’s looking for a way out 😉

Of course, what she really needs to be worried about hasn’t even begun yet. Cut it Kid also had me snorting my tea at this picture of what her child gets up to at night time. Add to that their ability to be seriously more clever than we are at 1 o’clock in the morning, and you’ll have some idea of what the future looks like post baby!

It is a learning curve, that’s for sure, and I found myself reminiscing fondly about those early days when I read Learnings of a New Mama fr0m Mama Ramblings. It’s lovely to read a post about all those early frustrations, that is written so positively. I think I was tearing out my hair at that stage, so to see someone taking the early stresses happily in her stride, is an inspiration.

Then there are the baby questions and presumptions. I had my fair share of unwanted comments when pregnant, and will never forget being touched by complete strangers. But it continues with every subsequent baby! At Two Monsters and Me, the questions centre around her babies all being boys. “Oh no, are you disappointed?” doesn’t seem like a very supportive question, and yet people still feel justified in being cross for you when you keep producing babies of the same sex. I’m sure I’ve done it myself! I wonder what it is that gives everyone a case of foot in mouth the minute they notice an expectant mum?!

Here’s a decision I bet most of you didn’t make the day your baby was born. The Bristol Parent shares Rachel’s story; Rachel’s baby, Edward, became the youngest member of the UK Organ Donor’s register when he was just a few hours old. At a time when I was taking photographs, sipping champagne, and grumbling about lack of sleep, Rachel was considering the importance of giving the gift of life to others in dire need. It’s a humbling read, and has made me think hard about my own choices, and the choices I make for my family.

But at the end of the day, in spite of all the ups and downs, once you’ve got them you’d never be without them. If you don’t believe me, let me tell you that I concur wholeheartedly with The MisAdventures of Spiderwoman‘s 10 things to love about a 5 year old boy. Oh yes, you will love them all… 🙂

If you have a new blog, please say hi and leave us a link. And welcome to the (blogging) world!

About Helen Wills

Helen Wills is a mum of 2 children in primary school and blogs at Actually Mummy on parenting issues, school, travel, and life according to the kids. Since starting her blog in 2011, Helen has won 2 national awards, and puts a lot of her success down to the amazing online community of bloggers at BritMums. As her children grow older, her writing is increasingly influenced by their opinions, and her blog reflects this drive to get the most out of family life. Helen works from home in copywriting and social media. She is on Twitter @actuallymummy.

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