What I’ve learnt from our first month

They never said it would be easy, but they did say it would be worth it and its been more than I could have dreamed of. Yes, I am slightly sleep deprived. Yes, I have realised I can go without looking at my cellphone for hours and yes, I have not had a shower for longer than 2 minutes, but I have had a month of angel-gazing and am looking forward to many more!

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Exactly 1 month ago, our 9 month journey together stepped into another dimension. Our son’s first scream in this world is now echoed every night at 2 am, 3 am, 4 am, 5am … But, there is nothing more incredible than looking into his face and recognizing that he is our little miracle and that our genes created those perfect lungs (with incredible capacity) and vocal chords 😉 I have realized that my perfectly planned schedule seems absolutely laughable now in hindsight – that not every baby slots into the 3 or 4 hour feeding schedule and that a social calendar is something that exists in a diary – but reality is a bit further from perfectly planned sundowners (unless we all walk around while I gently rock our little one to sleep). Café Del Mar on the iPod has made room for lullabies, my wardrobe is less fashionable and more practical and I eat when I can and whatever is possible to cut into bite size pieces. I cannot remember the last time hubby and I enjoyed a hot plate of food together (and together means at the exact same time, without one walking around lulling baby to sleep!), but I can now eat sushi again (Bonus: it’s bite-sized and best enjoyed cold!).

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Motherhood is a rollercoaster of emotions – you constantly doubt yourself, but have to keep reassuring yourself that you’re the only mother your child will know and that instinct is a powerful tool on this journey. There are so many books available and even apps on your smartphone (more about the best apps I’ve found in a later post) to guide you through the process, but even with all the advice, learn to block out the noise and instinctively know what your baby needs.

One month in, I can truly say that nothing can prepare you for the fact that your heart will always beat outside your ribcage for the rest of your life – that the consistency of baby poo can become an intriguing topic of conversation and that your life will never be the same again… But trust me, it’s all positive. Deep breath and relax – people have been raising babies since the dawn of time! You’ll be fine.

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Modern Mommy Written by:

14 Comments

  1. Carly
    Wed, 23 April 2014
    Reply

    Motherhood is an amazing journey and gets better with time . My son is 7 years old and my daughter is 1 years old and the LOVE I feel for them is like nothing else I have ever experienced and everyday I look at them and thank God with entrusting me with such beautiful children . Enjoy every minute you have with your son .

  2. Lerato Khubone
    Wed, 23 April 2014
    Reply

    Congratulations Jo-Ann. The first few months when it’s just you and baba is so wonderful. My younger sister said to me know you are the best mother for your own children

  3. Zenobia
    Wed, 23 April 2014
    Reply

    I know how it feels my son is turning 3 this month. It will get better enjoy every moment and Congratulations!!!

  4. Nadine
    Wed, 23 April 2014
    Reply

    Congratulations its such an amazing experience… my boy is 5 mths this Sat can’t believe how time flies! I found swaddling and white noise apps work and in beginning boys feed pretty much on demand , but every baby is unique..enjoy it!!!! These little angels bring so much joy

    • Wed, 23 April 2014
      Reply

      Thanks Nadine – will post a blog soon on my favourite pregnancy and baby apps.

  5. Nadine Williams
    Thu, 24 April 2014
    Reply

    Congratulations on the arrival of the little one. I got myself a baby wrap sling that helped alot with the little one and being handsfree to do other things. I discovered that for 9 months he was used to the beat of my heart whilst he was sleeping or awake. So that separation is difficult to adapt to. Keep well and motherhood is truly a blessing!

  6. Jill Overberg
    Fri, 25 April 2014
    Reply

    Hi Modern Mommy,

    Happy belated 1 month birthday to your little one. May you and hubby always be thankful that God gave you a son to love, cherish and enjoy.
    Know that time flies and they grow up so fast, they become a lot stronger and bigger but they will always be your *baby* in your eyes. Trust me I know. My son is turning 11 years old on 30 April 2003 and I still call him my baby #nostalgic

    Keep well and stay blessed.

    Mwah,
    Jill

  7. Roxanne
    Fri, 25 April 2014
    Reply

    Loved this article. In afrikaans they would say “jy slaan die spyker op die kop”. It’s exactly how you said it! 1 Amazing roller coaster ride but All wort it!
    My son turns 3months tomorrow & at times I still find myself shedding a tear out of gladness, that God blessed me with such a beautiful little person. Enjoy your son & many more wonderful months ahead of exciting happenings & baby experiences.
    Looking forward to your baby app blog.

  8. Janine
    Sat, 26 April 2014
    Reply

    Hey Joanne, congrats on the little one, u are really a great inspiration, I look up to you in so many ways, we are the same age and share our birthdays in the same month..

  9. Mon, 05 May 2014
    Reply

    Beautiful!

  10. Chantelle Lawrence
    Fri, 09 May 2014
    Reply

    Hi Jo-Ann

    This has to be the best and one of the most honest posts I have read regarding being a first time mom. You have stated so simply what most tend to complicate. My son turned 1 a few weeks ago and reading this has actually been the best advice since becoming a mother. Thank you!!

  11. Riki Maragela
    Fri, 16 May 2014
    Reply

    Congratulations on the birth of your beautiful first born. May God give you wisdom, patience and many beautiful moments as a family. Take each day as it comes. You are the best mom for your child even when you have help. ie nanny. You his mom. God gave woman the ability to raise kids. Listen to your baby and your instincts. Get dad involved. Remember date nights and time between the sheets. When baby is sleeping in his room enjoy it goes quick. Take many photo’s. My son Adam is 6 . He started grade 1 this year. Andrea my daughter is four. Welcome to Motherhood. As Oprah said the most difficult but rewarding job.

  12. Thu, 22 May 2014
    Reply

    Congrats on your amazing little boy, motherhood is by far the best experience any female can experience. With so much tears of joy, love, little feet and baby cries….one cannot ask for anything else to find peace and content. May your journey be a humble, peaceful and exciting one….and to many more …

    new mom, presenter last night, I must say well done. wish you was presenting at our Mercedes Benz Century City last night would have been an honour to meet you.

    All the best.

  13. Christine Pillay
    Mon, 26 May 2014
    Reply

    Wow so true hey!!! Totally identify with this. I’m mom to 7 month old Keziah Rose (she just turned 7 months today). And I so get your article. Like most new mothers you feel overwhelmed trying to get it right. I too cannot remember the last time my husband and I shared a meal together at the same table 🙂 But its all so worth it.

    P.S: Caught you on Top Billing last week….in between feeding Keziah and you are looking amazing! Lol kinda jealous:-)

    Enjoy!

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