An Awfully Big Adventure
February 11, 2010
As most of you will now be aware, our little one made an appearance at 6.53pm on 23 January 2010, weighing 6lbs 7oz. We named her Eleanor May. Being a Fifield, she is genetically programmed to be early for everything- including the start of her own life. (The Fifield Early Gene is so strong that it even gets you if you marry into the family!) She was 2 days early, and very eager to enter the world – without anything so conventional as doctors, delivery rooms or pain relief for Mama. Fortunately the good people of West Suffolk Hospital know how to move fast! Loads of people have asked me about the delivery. It was traumatic for both of us and I’ll leave it at that. It all worked out ok in the end and we praise God for his goodness in that.
The first two weeks were a whirlwind. I can hardly remember anything about them. Before she was born people said to me that I had no idea how much my life would change. I knew that they were right. But until she arrived I couldn’t grasp how little I knew about how much my life would change. Feeding, sleeping, dressing, bathing – it all sounds easy, but it’s a truly massive learning curve. I love it, although the collic last weekend almost had me returning her to the hospital with a sternly worded letter. My tiny Moon Monkey has no concept of day or night, which has been the biggest challenge for me personally. All she knows is hungry, wet, dirty and sleepy. And Magic Dad Cuddles. (Although I suspect she has a built in sensor for detecting when I’m desperate for the loo or about to eat!)
3 weeks later and we’re still constantly amazed at the tiny girl we’ve been given. I know all parents think that their baby is the most beautiful creature ever created, but in our case I’m certain that we’re right! She is perfect. We’re getting used to the cycles of the day that Ellie lives in. Life is beginning to take on a new sense of normal… although we’ve still got so much to learn!
February 11, 2010 at 2:09 pm
Eleanor keeping you on your toes I see!
Cute picture….awwwh… she is perfect!
February 11, 2010 at 2:17 pm
Oh Jemma, she is so gorgeous. I have to say that i envy you these early days when your child is so small and needs you so much. Make the most of your time with her and have lots of cuddles. Once you get a routine life certainly does get easier- i will never forget the feeling of wonder that i managed to get dressed and out of the house one day before 9am.
Take care all of you and give her a big kiss from me!!
love Cathie
February 11, 2010 at 3:08 pm
Lovely post Jem. It’s funny, it doesn’t matter how cute other babies are your own is always cuter. I simultaneously know I’m biased as she’s my own, and that it’s actually scientific fact that there is no better person in the entire universe than Hannah in the past, present or future. Though I’m sure when another Russell arrives I’ll have to revise my statement to say that they are equally as perfect.
The life changes happen so fast you almost don’t notice. Hannah started off needing a feed every hour or so in the night, then we had months of her sleeping 12hrs through the night and now she’s getting up 2-3 times a night (though I suspect a lot of this is due to illness and teething). And it is funny how you just get used to it.
Glad you’re loving it. It feels like a cult to me, in a way. Once you join it, you just can’t understand why everyone else doesn’t want to have children immediately.