Week Six: Yet Another Birthday…
Week six. Six weeks of Hunter. Six weeks of nappies, night feeds, and navigating life with this tiny human who’s somehow already lifting his head like he’s training for baby Olympics. And the best part? He’s started socially smiling—not just the “oops, I farted” kind, but actual, intentional smiles that make your heart do cartwheels. I swear he’s flirting with me.
This week also marked our postpartum check-ups, which felt like a mini milestone in itself. We had the loveliest GP, Dr Mendoza, who also happens to be a qualified paediatrician (basically the Swiss Army knife of doctors). She gave Hunter a full once-over—weight, reflexes, general squishiness—and confirmed he’s growing beautifully on the 25th centile. He now weighs 4.2kg, which, according to Google, is roughly the same as a 22-inch LED TV or a domestic housecat. Unless you’re talking about Grandpa and Grandma Brum’s cat Maiya, who is a majestic 7kg and could probably babysit Hunter if she fancied it.
Hunter was an absolute dream during the appointment—no fuss, just charm. Then it was my turn. After a forceps delivery, a second-degree tear and an episiotomy (yes, I collect birth trauma like rare stamps), I was bracing myself. But honestly? I feel great. Whole. Like the moment he was born, I could finally breathe again. The weight of infertility, the longing, the waiting—it all lifted. I stepped into motherhood and it feels like home. A new chapter, one filled with love, family, and a tiny person who thinks I’m the centre of the universe (for now).
And because two birthdays wasn’t enough for Hunter’s little six week existence so far, it was also Auntie Sarah’s turn to celebrate. Hunter adores her—he goes full zen mode in her arms, like she’s his personal baby whisperer. To mark the occasion, we packed up the crew (me, Hunter, Neville, and Cooper) and headed to Avon Heath Country Park. Childhood memories galore! Forest trails, sunshine, cows, horses—it was all very “Enid Blyton meets baby sling”.
Sounds idyllic, right? WRONG. The traffic was a nightmare. If you ever consider the westbound M27 to A31 in summer, don’t. Just don’t. Every holidaymaker in the UK apparently had the same idea. We were late. Auntie Sarah was also late. So really, we were just fashionably synchronised.
Her birthday gift? A framed photo of her perfect nephew (obviously). But also… drumroll of doom… the family heirloom. Now, this isn’t your average antique. It’s a pen holder made of tree branches, hollowed out and covered in moss. Yes, moss. It looks like something a woodland creature might reject as too rustic. It was gifted to my stepdad years ago, and its hideousness became legendary. It’s now ceremoniously passed from one family member to the next, like a cursed object in a low-budget horror film. The rule? You must display or use it. I received it when Hunter was born and, in the spirit of maternal generosity, I passed it on to Auntie Sarah. Happy Birthday, indeed.
She was thrilled. And by thrilled, I mean she smiled politely and probably Googled “how to destroy moss-covered wood without summoning spirits”.
After the gift-giving chaos, we took a lovely walk through the country park. Dogs trotting, Hunter snug in his sling, sunshine filtering through the trees—it was bliss. And in that moment, I asked Auntie Sarah and Uncle Steve to be Hunter’s godparents. Their answer? A resounding yes! I couldn’t imagine better role models. They’ll teach him about camping, wildlife, and how to survive a family heirloom with grace.
Quick tip for fellow new mums: Max Spielmann offers four free baby photoshoots in your little one’s first year, plus a free 8x6" print each time. No booking needed—just turn up when your baby’s in a good mood (or at least not mid-poo). You can download your vouchers from Max Spielmann and start capturing those magical milestones.
And finally, the cherry on top—Hunter let me sleep for nine hours one night. Nine. Hours. I woke up confused, suspicious, and slightly euphoric. We’re rested, we’re happy, and we’re floating in our little family bubble.
So that’s week six: smiles, mossy pen holders, and a whole lot of love. Stay tuned for week seven—who knows what adventure awaits next?
