Flying solo with a newborn

So last Saturday was a sad day in the R-M household as it marked the day that Mr M’s paternity leave ended and he headed back to work. So my word of the week this week is:

solo

 

We were really lucky as Mr M had saved a week of holiday for when we moved house, which ended up being four nights before we went into hospital to have Lottie, so his week off ran into his paternity leave and he ended up with three weeks at home, which is a lot more than many people get.

But it still wasn’t any easier when he went back. Friday night saw me getting a little bit teary, as it seemed like the end of a chapter. We had such a lovely time in our first few weeks as a family of three, getting to know our gorgeous daughter, working out the parenting thing together and generally supporting one another and enjoying  a magical time together.

I was also a little bit tearful as I was, quite frankly, terrified. I was being left in sole charge of this tiny human being and I only had three weeks of experience.

We have had our ups and downs this week, but overall I’ve loved having time with Lottie and I’m so lucky to be able to take maternity leave to look after her in her first months of life and to watch her grow and develop and change. At times it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done, the most exhausting and the biggest challenge, but then she looks into my eyes and coos at me and it’s all worth every single second.

I would love to share every moment with Mr M, but that’s just not possible, so my little lady and I are on an adventure and when Mr M is off, we will have to make extra special memories.

mother and daughter

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Comments

  1. September 12, 2015 / 7:08 am

    Oh, it is a magical time, and I do remember vividly the first day of going solo with my oldest – I was so teary and unsure. I don’t remember my first day with my son as vividly, as by then, it was all second nature, as I’m sure it will soon be for you. Hope you enjoy your time with your beautiful girl, and that’s a really lovely photo x Thanks for sharing with #WotW

    • heelsandhooves
      September 12, 2015 / 8:01 am

      Aaw that’s reassuring to know, thanks Jocelyn. We are getting into a bit of a routine now which helps with confidence I think and we are definitely enjoying the journey xx #wotw

  2. September 12, 2015 / 7:54 am

    Oh gosh, I remember that day well.. as soon as the front door shut I burst into tears as I was like ‘how do I do this alone!?’ Luckily he slept most of the time and I got on the ball quick once he woke. It’s nervewracking!
    Enjoy all your time as a family, as cliché as it sounds it honestly goes so quick.. I still can’t believe I have a 4yo!!
    X

    • heelsandhooves
      September 12, 2015 / 8:02 am

      Aah, I am glad it’s not just me being emotional about it! It certainly is nerve wracking, but we are getting there already. I can’t believe how quickly four weeks has gone, so I bet she’ll be at school before I know it! Thanks lovely xx