26/52

"A portrait of my child, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Clementine: The littlest wanderer on our big day out in Sydney (more on this later). All tuckered out and having a nap on mom's chest. Photo by Pia.

Joining in on Jodi's 52 project.

P.s. now that google reader is over, you can find me on bloglovin' here.

on becoming a mummy blogger

I can't help but notice that ever since I became a mom last month, my blog has morphed into a never ending series of photos of Clementine. I feel kind of bad that when you come here now it's all baby, baby, baby!

I suppose I've always struggled to define exactly what my blog is about. When people ask me I've always answered simply, "It's about my life." And right now, as my life is all about motherhood I suppose it's only natural that my blog reflect that as well. That said, I do hope to find a better balance of baby/non-baby related content. I know that as Clementine grows bigger and less dependent on me I'll have more time for adventures and creating, and when the time comes I'll blog about that.

I'd love to know if any of you have experienced the same thing with your blogs. What would you say your blog is about? And has this ever changed with time?

Photo by Gui Jorge

25/52

"A portrait of my child, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Clementine: She thinks her dad is pretty damn funny.

I just found out that my camera will be ready for pick up tomorrow, after one very expensive repair (argh). I've missed it so much it's crazy.

Joining in on Jodi's 52 project.

love to dream swaddle up

 

One of the very first things the midwives taught us after Clementine was born was how to swaddle her using two hospital blankets. In fact, the first portrait I posted of her as part of the 52 project features tiny Clemmie, swaddled up like a burrito. We learned quickly that left with her limbs free, her startle reflex would wake her up as soon as she fell asleep. Not fun for her. Definitely not fun for us sleep deprived new parents.

The problem was that when we got home we could never quite replicate what they did at the hospital. In her sleep, our squirmy little one would break free and so I started researching other options. I figured that the solution was some kind of suit, so when Love to Dream contacted me and offered me one of their swaddles to review I jumped at the chance.

This Aussie company, founded by a mum of course, makes these suits which allow you to swaddle your baby with their arms up, for self soothing. And my favourite part - all you have to do is Zip. It. Up. So much easier than trying to negotiate two blankets and a wriggly baby at 3 am! And as a complete stripe-aholic, I also love this new design of theirs.

As I type this, the little one is fast asleep in our bed in her stripy swaddle. Sleep tight Clementine.

24/52

"A portrait of my child, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Clementine: About to get in the bath, looking sceptical.

Another iphone photo this week because my real camera is broken, which sucks. I'm crossing my fingers and hoping it's fixed quickly and cheaply because I am really missing taking photos of my girl.

Joining in on Jodi's 52 project.

my newborn survival tips

In many traditions, new mums stay home for the 40 days following birth to rest, recover and bond with their new baby. While I found the idea inspiring, I knew that I wouldn't be up for 40 days of strict confinement at home. But I loved the idea of staying close to home and resting as much as possible. For the first two weeks especially, my husband and my mom took care of all of the housework and cooking. To be honest, I needed it. Clementine's birth was long and difficult, with my pre-labour lasting for 4 sleepless days and nights before spending 24 hours at the hospital in active labour. I was totally unprepared for how hard and painful recovery would be and I spent most of the first week lying down.

 I know that it hasn't been long since I became a mother, but my memory of the first 2 weeks is already quite hazy. Days and nights blended together into a whirlwind of diapers and sleeplessness, kisses and coos. I remember in our first nights at home, being up at 3 am frantically downloading womb sounds apps on my phone and willing, begging the baby to sleep. Since then, I've been jotting down my newborn survival tips and I've included them below in point form. I'm no expert, but here are the things that I've found helpful:

• Cosy Pajamas - bring the softest, cosiest, most flannel pajamas you own to the hospital. I would recommend a dark colour, ahem.
• Underwear - Bring big, black, unsexy underwear to the hospital.
• Pads - Make sure to have on hand lansinoh cream for your nipples, and lots of pads, maternity and nursing. 
• Newborn sizes - Buy baby clothes in various sizes. Several people told me not to bother with size 0000, and guess what? One month old Clementine is a slight little bub who still only fits into size 0000. You just never know how big or how small your baby will be.
• Baby carriers - I would recommend having at least one baby carrier. We were given 2, and bought one second hand and all three have come in handy. Your baby will love to sleep on you, and this lets you have skin to skin time while being hands free. More on this in an upcoming post.
• Bendable straws - It sounds strange, but when you're nursing you'll end up in some funny positions where it's hard to drink from a glass, and you will be thirsty. Having someone hand you a drink with a straw is so helpful.
• Coconut water - When I began breastfeeding, my thirst was unquenchable. I still get thirsty now when I nurse and my favourite drink is a fresh coconut.
• Toilet paper - Have soft toilet paper at home. Enough said.
• Salt baths - To heal your perineum post-birth, aim to take one salt bath a day. Just add 1 cup of table salt to your bath; a few drops of essential oil is nice as well. I love lavender or rose geranium.
• Ask for meals - At my blessingway, my friends organized a meal rotation with everyone taking turns to bring us a meal. I expected to receive one simple dish, but each of my friends has gone above and beyond dropping off amazing 3 course meals! It's made my life so much easier.
• Fit ball - We learned this tip off a friend, who holds his new baby while bouncing on a fit ball. It works a treat when Clementine is unsettled or needs a nap. 
• Sleep when the baby sleeps - Everyone will tell you this, because it truly is important in those early weeks. I had at least one nap a day for Clementine's first 3 weeks.
• Accept help - If someone offers to watch your baby so you can sleep, buy you groceries, vacuum your house or bring you food, say yes! It takes a village.

What's your best tip for new mums?

p.s. these photos were taken by my good friend Sonja, of Jelly Babies Photography. I can't wait to share the rest of them soon.

my mom

"We cry for home, and for flowers on tables, and biscuits in little tins, and for mother; and we feel embarrassed, and foolish too, that we should be crying for such things; but we should not feel that way because all of us, in a sense, have strayed from home, and wish to return."
            - The Dog Who Came in From the Cold, Alexander McCall Smith

This quote jumped out at me last night as I lay in bed reading my book. It was a sad day and I cried a lot, for little things that remind me of home and for my mother. She flew back to Canada yesterday, and I miss her already. This is the hard part about being an expat, the airport goodbyes and the months or years without seeing your people, your family, in person.

In the 4 weeks that my mom was here she cooked, shopped, cleaned, ran errands, did laundry, bathed and dressed the baby, and kept me company. She took Clementine, anytime, day or night to help me out. The early shift quickly became grandma time, allowing me a couple of blissful hours of extra sleep. Our days settled into a comfortable rhythm of late mornings followed by an outing, whether it was to run an errand or simply go for a walk and grab a coffee with a sweet treat. Afternoons were for naps and reading, and in the evening we would watch the news while I nursed Clementine and my mom cooked dinner. It was simple, and lovely.

I am so glad that my mom was able to spend so much quality time with her granddaughter, and so grateful for all the help she gave me. Thankfully it's just under 2 months until my husband, Clementine and I go to Canada for two whole months. I can't wait!

23/52

"A portrait of my child, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Clementine: You can hardly see her, but here she is enjoying one of her favourites places to be. Napping on her grandma's chest.

Joining in on Jodi's 52 project.

the sky

 

The sky yesterday was so beautiful. We went for a walk through the Waverley Cemetery and along the bluffs, but I couldn't stop taking photos. We were looking for whales - my mom is determined to see one before she goes - but they must've been hiding.

In the cemetery we strolled through the tombstones reading out our favourite names. My two picks: Estelle Isabel Tickle and Elsie Maude Winter. Those have to be two of the best surnames I've ever heard. Can you imagine going through life with the last name Tickle? I feel like it would put a smile on your face every time you said it out loud. It reminds me of a friend of mine, her maiden name was Button. Cutest ever. If you could pick a name, any name, what would you choose?

p.s. would you take your husband's name?
p.p.s. how did you choose your baby's name?

1 month clementine

Today our darling Clementine is one month old. It's true what they say - it goes by so fast. Being a mom is a funny thing; sometimes I want to press pause and just enjoy my baby exactly how she is right now. The way she stretches her arms out as she wakes, her squeaks and squawks, the look on her face when she's milk drunk... I could just take it all in forever. But other times I can't wait for her to get bigger, to start smiling, to call me mom.

At one month old Clementine is becoming more aware. She's awake for longer stretches of time and it's such a joy to watch her big blue eyes following us. She loves to sleep on our chests, smiles in her sleep and makes the loudest noises.

Tomorrow I'll share some tips on surviving the first month (you know, because I'm an expert now...) but for now, I just want to stare at these photos. Sorry there are so many, I just couldn't cull them.

Clementine, I love you more than I can possibly say. You bring so much joy to all of our lives, and the fact that the offers to babysit you now number in the dozens just goes to prove it.

 

22/52

"A portrait of my child, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Clementine: None too keen on having her photo taken. Just like her dad.

Joining in on Jodi's 52 project.