Week One: A Beautiful Chaos
What a whirlwind of a week it has been! It’s hard to believe that just seven days ago, my life changed forever with the arrival of my son, Hunter. The moment I held him in my arms for the first time, I felt an overwhelming rush of love, excitement, and a pinch of apprehension for this new adventure. It’s been a week filled with love, laughter, and a fair share of bodily fluids—more than I ever encountered in my nursing career! Yes, Hunter has managed to pee on me not once, but twice, and I’ve learned that being a parent is a whole new level of messy. It’s certainly not the “clean and sterile” environment I was used to, but it’s all part of the charm of new parenthood.
Getting to know Hunter has been an incredible journey, one that is both exhilarating and exhausting. Each day brings new discoveries about this tiny human who has suddenly become the centre of my universe. I’m slowly figuring out what helps him settle and sleep, even if those wake windows are brief and fleeting. His eyes still remain closed most of the time, and I often find myself just watching him sleep, marveling at how peaceful he looks. But when those big blue eyes finally open, it’s like the world lights up. It’s a beautiful sight that makes all the sleepless nights worth it—the way he locks eyes with me, as if he knows I’m his mum and that we’re in this together.
Feeding has presented its own set of challenges, especially knowing that on day one, his stomach was only the size of a strawberry. I quickly learned that 20–30mls every three hours is more than enough for my little guy. The learning curve has been steep, but every successful feed feels like a small victory. I’m absolutely thrilled to share that my milk came in this week! After investing in the Spectra Synergy breast pump, I feel like I’ve made the best investment ever. Not only am I building a supply of the good stuff for Hunter, but it also allows others to share in the joy of feeding him. I can already envisage family members taking turns, bonding with him over a bottle while I take a moment to breathe and recharge (or eat something that isn’t a biscuit grabbed mid-feed).
It’s been a busy week filled with appointments. I’ve seen the midwife almost every day, making sure that both Hunter and I are adjusting well. Each visit brings reassurance and support, which has been invaluable during this time of transition. Hunter had his blood spot testing done, and I was bracing myself for a cry, but my brave little boy surprised me by staying calm throughout the process. I couldn’t be prouder of him! It’s remarkable how resilient these little ones are, and I find myself feeling so protective of him, wanting to shield him from any discomfort (and also from the cold wipes—those things are savage).
One thing that has truly amazed me is how quickly he’s trying to lift his head. Those neck muscles are developing faster than I expected! It’s incredible to witness his growth and strength, even in these early days. Each little milestone feels monumental, and I can’t help but cheer him on as he pushes himself to work those tiny muscles. He’s also dealing with newborn jaundice, which can be concerning, but we’re making sure he gets plenty of sunshine and vitamin D to supplement his milk. It’s comforting to know that with time, this will pass, and he’ll be even healthier and stronger. I’ve become a bit of a sun-chasing ninja—if there’s a patch of light on the rug, you’ll find us sprawled there like cats.
The fantastic news is that he didn’t lose any of his birth weight, which means he’s feeding really well! It’s such a relief to see him thriving, and I find myself constantly checking in on him as he sleeps, marveling at how fast he’s adapting to the world outside the womb. Each day, I feel more confident in my abilities as a mum, and I’m learning to trust my instincts more and more. I’ve even started to decode his cries—though let’s be honest, sometimes it’s just a guessing game between hunger, wind, or existential dread.
Looking ahead, we’re already starting to think about Hunter’s first holiday in October. It’s a big decision—should we visit Uncle Matty in Canada for an exciting adventure or head to Europe for his first plane trip? The thought of travelling with a newborn is both thrilling and daunting, but I can’t help but dream of the memories we’ll create together. First things first, I need to order his passport! It’s a small but significant step toward our future adventures, and I can already picture Hunter exploring new places, soaking in different cultures, and meeting family along the way. I mean, if he’s already this expressive at one week, imagine him in a beret in Paris—iconic.
As I reflect on this first week, I’m filled with gratitude and excitement for the journey ahead. Each moment, no matter how messy, is a precious memory in the making. From the sleepless nights to the tender moments of bonding, I cherish every experience. Hunter has opened my heart in ways I never imagined possible, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for us. Here’s to many more adventures with my beautiful boy! 💙
As I navigate this new chapter, I find myself constantly amazed by the strength of the bond we’re building. Every cuddle, every coo, and even every change of nappy brings us closer together. There’s a special kind of magic in those quiet moments when we’re simply enjoying each other’s company. I know that this is just the beginning of a lifelong journey filled with love, laughter, and perhaps a few more surprises along the way. I can’t wait to see what the coming weeks and months will bring as we continue to learn and grow together as a family.
