finding my feet

I don’t think it’s a coincidence that around the same time that your baby starts to walk around furniture and stand on his own, you find your feet again.

Regardless of how many children you have, the first year after birth requires so much patience and adjustment – it really is life-changing for every member of the family. But as the first birthday approaches there’s this profound moment of gratitude – we did it! We made it! We’re ok! It’s a major milestone that deserves a long, releasing exhalation and at least two slices of cake.

In a few weeks time we’ll celebrate Percy’s 1st Birthday and while I can’t quite wrap my head around the fact that he’s been here a whole year,  I am noticing a distinct sense of relief that that accompanies this stage. As he starts to gain momentum; reaching, climbing and getting prepared to take his first steps, I find some breathing space. Of course, he crawls back before long and clings tight when perched on my hip but there’s been a leap forward that can’t be ignored. I can leave the house for a few hours at a time and he’s happy without me and will, on occasion, fall asleep without a feed (during the day, haven’t quite conquered the night, yet). He can play with blocks and books and toy cars and while it may only be twenty minutes of space I can get a lot done in that time.

I can only describe this stage as being a little lighter and freer than the last. There’s a sense of opportunity that awaits as we all put our best foot forward into the second year; revelling in first steps and words before we launch into the throes of toddler tantrums and toilet training.

 

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Showing 6 comments
  • Kelly
    Reply

    I completely agree-6 months is when you definitely find your feet again. I currently have a almost 2 month old and although I'm feeling better with my second child-I don't feel like I have it all together. Maybe we never do…

  • Eliza the Roamer
    Reply

    I am so glad you are feeling that bit of freedom in the wind. I was talking with a friend the other day, and she said she could quite happily keep having toddlers, just not babies. I am the reverse. I found toddler-dom was the undoing of me. I just don't have the patience or calmness of mind that is required. But looking at babies, gosh I get clucky!

  • Elisha Ross
    Reply

    Isn't it just the bees knees to be able to leave the house without a baby, if just for an hour knowing they wont be screaming the house down for you. My moment came at 11 months when I no longer had to take Ollie to camera club with me anymore and my hubby didn't freak out having 3 toddlers at home by himself. A nice plateau for a change anyway. I know this tiny feeling of freedom and space very well.

  • Jess B
    Reply

    I am so glad to hear you say this. I've been clinging to the knowledge that this will come. My beautiful No.5 (Annabelle) is nearly 8 months and I feel like I'm just keeping my head above the water most of the time. I know things will change with time. Thanks for putting it into words for me!

  • AnnaPrasad
    Reply

    Your words really resonate with me, I have a five year old and an almost one year old. I have loved being able to escape for a couple of hours, makes mothering easier I find. Anna @ http://www.annatestadoro.com

  • Jenna michelle Pink
    Reply

    This time between one and two has been perhaps my favourite time so far – although my two year old does make me laugh a lot with all the silly things he has to say. I definitely began to come back out of my shell after Eli's fist birthday and the cloud from the pnd began to lift.

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