Going out for the night

We had our first night out since Sophie's arrival last night - going out for a meal with a group of friends. When Jessica was a baby we used to take her with us but now that she has a more fixed routine, we can't really bring her along as it is too late for her and she would get grouchy and tired. Much better for her to have time with Grandma and go to bed at a sensible time! Sophie, however, has no fixed routine as yet and so came out with us and slept through most of the evening!

Family time

I love spending time with my family. I often wish that I lived a bit closer to them so I could see my mum, siblings, nephews and nieces more often (although being Miss Independent means there is a little part of me that likes the distance and having my own space!) Living further away means that often family members will come and stay for a few days which is always nice. I'm hoping that I'll have a few visits over the coming weeks - firstly so my family can meet Sophie but also because I know how helpful they will be!

Reality check

Giving Sophie a cuddle earlier, I was thinking about how Jessica is having to adjust to not getting my full attention and having to share Mummy and I said to Sophie "you'll never know what it is like not to have Mummy's full attention as you'll always have to share Mummy."  "You hope," Michael said quietly, pulling me up short. "We hope," I repeated, saying a silent prayer that Sophie will always have to share Mummy with Jessica. This is the reality of being a heart parent - those little moments when you are reminded that the future is always uncertain.

Adjusting

Although Jessica's reaction towards Sophie is stil very much wanting to hold her and give her kisses and cuddles, it seems the reality of having to share attention with her baby sister is starting to hit home. We are getting bouts of crying for no obvious reason, clinginess and refusing to do things (the word 'no' is a favourite for Jessica to use but results in tears when we use it!) Poor little love, her world has changed and it will take some time to adjust - lots of cuddles and patience needed to help her get through this transition period.

Partial paternity leave

It has been lovely having my hubby around over the last week or so, being on hand to help with Jessica and allowing me to rest and recover from Sophie’s birth. He has had to juggle quite a lot as one of the downsides of running a business has been not really being able to switch off and have proper paternity leave – he still has to sort out some work things each day. At least he has been able to be at home though and we have been able to have some proper family time together adjusting to being four.

Fireworks

It's been quite a while since I've been to a fireworks display - I think it was probably the year before Jessica was born. I've never really been a big fan of fireworks. Perhaps having a rocket come back down inches away from where I was standing when my in-laws had a fireworks display in their back garden has something to do with my aversion. I remember the next day the garden looked like the battle of Agincourt had taken place with all the rocket sticks sticking up everywhere. Seeing that was enough to put me off fireworks for life.

Little differences

Sophie's birth has now been registered so she is now all official. At this point in Jessica's life, she was back in theatre having the second part of her hybrid procedure which made for a very anxious day for us. So many differences - even in very little things. Taking Sophie's sleepsuit off, for instance, and feeling how warm her feet are. Jessica's feet are rarely warm apart from when it is really hot during the summer and we always had to put socks on her underneath her sleepsuits when she was a small baby which we don't do with Sophie.

Venturing out

Sophie is one week old today!  After spending the whole of the last week enjoying a bit of a babymoon and being snuggled up at home together, we finally ventured out into the world today to go to church and introduce Sophie to our lovely church family.  It was so lovely to go out as a family of four - both our girls were so good during the service - Jessica played happily on the floor with some toys and Sophie just slept through it all.  Our friend Brian came over in the afternoon and took some lovely family photos of us.

Looking back

Sitting watching Strictly Come Dancing this evening and remembering this time last week - feeling Pod wriggling away and having a few niggles. I remember stroking my bump and telling Pod to at least wait until it had finished before deciding to arrive. In the end, it all started just after the clocks went back. Watched Strictly tonight with beautiful Sophie in my arms which was lovely but part of me missed Pod's wriggles. Can't believe it has been nearly a week already since Sophie's birth - it has gone so fast, such a lovely week of being cocooned together at home.

Beautiful moments

I love all the little milky-drunk smiles that Sophie gives me after she has had a good feed - they are so beautiful and melt my heart every time. Watching Jessica with her baby sister is also so beautiful - Jessica is so very loving and affectionate and just wants to keep kissing and cuddling Sophie. Like most toddlers, she is a little too enthusiastic and we have to keep reminding her to be very gentle. Still haven't ventured out yet - just enjoying the beautiful moments and the feeling of being in our own little cocoon concentrating on our little family,