Maybe it's because my new baby days are officially behind me now or maybe it's because I'm more of a softie at heart than I realised but I'm really loving new baby news at the moment.
And then there's the gifting. It doesn't matter that I buy exactly the same thing each and every time (Bonds Zippy Wondersuits in both a tasteful grey toned stripe and a polka dot colourways), I'm always a bit 'first-time soon to be mum of a newborn' when I shop. A little bit starry eyed and a little bit day-dreamy as my hand brushes against each of the approximately 83 different styles on display. Only without the compulsive need to either go to the bathroom or the nearest Maccas the moment I've paid for my purchase.
If you've been a long-time follower of the blog, you might appreciate how much of a turnaround all this is from where I was five to six years ago. I referred to them as 'trying' at the time - the miscarriages, the treatment for the miscarriages, the decision to start IVF, the early weeks of that one special pregnancy.
There were tears often accompanied by one or all of the following: fear, anger, jealousy, powerlessness and yearning. At the time, it seemed and was all consuming. For me, time and motherhood have been powerful healers. It's not so much trying to 'hold on' to the past that sometimes sees me take my mind back to those days, it's a sense of awe at how much life can and does keep changing.
It's left me curious and excited about how time and change will work their often unexpected magic on the rest of my life.
Has time and change given you closure on something in your life?
It's crept up on me. At first it was just the predictable response to celebrity and royal pregnancy announcements but things are now decidedly next level. I'm only marginally less excited than the new mums who've included me in their shared album / social media updates on their little ones. I can actually see the likeness of mum or dad in the photos. On more than one occasion I have flipped through my own volumes of Preschooler SSG's baby photos (both the hard copy photo books and my iPhoto albums) to reminisce on a more personal level.
And then there's the gifting. It doesn't matter that I buy exactly the same thing each and every time (Bonds Zippy Wondersuits in both a tasteful grey toned stripe and a polka dot colourways), I'm always a bit 'first-time soon to be mum of a newborn' when I shop. A little bit starry eyed and a little bit day-dreamy as my hand brushes against each of the approximately 83 different styles on display. Only without the compulsive need to either go to the bathroom or the nearest Maccas the moment I've paid for my purchase.
If you've been a long-time follower of the blog, you might appreciate how much of a turnaround all this is from where I was five to six years ago. I referred to them as 'trying' at the time - the miscarriages, the treatment for the miscarriages, the decision to start IVF, the early weeks of that one special pregnancy.
There were tears often accompanied by one or all of the following: fear, anger, jealousy, powerlessness and yearning. At the time, it seemed and was all consuming. For me, time and motherhood have been powerful healers. It's not so much trying to 'hold on' to the past that sometimes sees me take my mind back to those days, it's a sense of awe at how much life can and does keep changing.
It's left me curious and excited about how time and change will work their often unexpected magic on the rest of my life.
Has time and change given you closure on something in your life?
Oh I love buying for new babies. There's nothing quite like those little outfits. What's occurred to me lately is just how out of touch I am now with all of that - maybe because my baby is 19 & all of our friends babies are also grown up. It seems & feels like it was another lifetime ago. Yet I remember every second of it. #TeamLovinLife
ReplyDeleteThe new baby days are definitely memories to be kept in our hearts for life, I think!
DeleteSSG xxx
How precious having a baby is and I don't think many realise the pain and expense some parents go through to hold that little bundle of joy in their arms. I'm sorry you had to go through all the pain and thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteSue from Sizzling Towards 60 & Beyond
Sue, I agree. The fact that pain and financial stress can be part of the journey of having a baby isn't something people talk about openly. Yet these are more common realities than I realised way back before the journey began for me.
DeleteSSG xxx
Becoming an empty nester around 5 years ago was probably the biggest change and adjustment period for me. You actually feel incredibly empty and worthless for a while until you find your feet and learn to be yourself again. Now I'm loving life again! #TeamLovinLife
ReplyDeleteThanks for your perspective from 'the other side', Kathy. I have really enjoyed reading along with your 'empty nester' adventures on your blog.
DeleteSSG xxx
Time is a great healer and it also gives us perspective. When we're in the middle of an upheaval it seems like that will be all our life is forever. I've had several major not-so-great events in life, but they pass and we learn and grow. I love how you can enjoy other people's new babies now you've moved forward too xx
ReplyDeleteYes! The bad times pass, we do learn and we do grow. Especially when we make the conscious effort to react and think this way.
DeleteSSG xxx
I wwent through similar struggles and disappointments. Yes I can now get wrapped up in new time mum news now. One of those brought her baby to show us at work yesterday. I find it fascinating how quickly they are expert at holding and cuddling that new bundle.
ReplyDeleteThose new bundles!!!! You never forget how to hold them once you've done it once!
DeleteSSG xxx
I've followed your blog since I first moved to Sydney in 2010. Now 3 years back Vancouver, I still love to hear about your adventures; especially ones involving your Preschooler SSG! I can relate to this post so much -today marks a year to the day since I started IVF and I have two perfect little girls, one of which I am holding as I type. Buying baby clothes now brings tears of a different sort! xx
ReplyDeleteHello Meghan
DeleteThank you for your lovely comment. Congratulations on your beautiful family.
SSG xxx
I watched my sister travel the road of infertility, it was heartbreaking and I felt so hopeless. She did go on to have one beautiful daughter, but then she found it difficult to deal with all the "so when are you having another baby" questions from others - because she knew that she probably couldn't have another.
ReplyDeleteYes, that question of 'another one'. Still haven't found a good answer to that one. Being too honest requires a lot of explanation that may not be situation appropriate.
DeleteSSG xxx
New reader here but I have too much experience in the miscarriage department (4). We have a wonderful 11 yo now who is growing too fast. Reading your blog takes me straight back to those wonderful early years.
DeleteAt least for me, time has all but healed 99.9% of those painful memories and those trying times now seem like part of the journey.
Oh those "when are you having another" questions set me teeth on edge. My standard response was "we would love another" and walk away.
You have went through such a battle to have Preschooler SSG, what a story you will have to tell him when he is older. A mother's love is incredible and every child is so incredibly special.
ReplyDeleteA friend with babies similar ages to mine has announced another pregnancy and I'm thrilled for her, and for getting to buy more cute baby clothes, but I'm also equally content with those days being behind me :)
That contentment at knowing your family is complete is a very good place to be. Leaves you with more energy to focus on the day to day child rearing and keeping safe :-P
DeleteSSG xxx
Thanks for this. I appreciate how much life changes! xx
ReplyDeleteLife is all about change. I'm learning to embrace it.
DeleteSSG xxx
I have watched so many people go through this journey. Yourself being one of them! Your little SSG man is such a little miracle. I mean, they all are, but some are just a tad more miraculous than others. #teamlovinlife
ReplyDeleteAwww, thank you Leanne XXX
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