Heureux anniversaire

One week old today! Where has the week gone?

Yesterday was an eventful day for bubba Zoe [and Mum]. We started the day feeling very smug and happy with our baby raising skills; we are sleeping and feeding easily, and nappy changing is becoming second nature. My lovely boss has given us a nappy service as a gift, and they called to say they would be delivering a week's worth of nappies tomorrow. Joy. What more could mother and baby want?

Then the early childhoood nurse called around. While clearly a nice lady with a real interest in the welfare of babies, this woman questioned the amount of time we spend feeding, suggesting that things need to slow down. This was a clear contradiction of what I have read and was told by most of the midwives at the birthing centre. And certainly not supported by the generally happy and healthy disposition of bubba, who when put on the scales had gained another 10g in 2 days ['but she has just had a feed'].

I also made the mistake of putting bubba on the floor of the loungeroom while she was here. This was clearly the height of poor hygiene, and my visitor proceeded to tell me so. Ewan just sat and watched in horror. The irony is, I've never put her on the floor before to change a nappy, and while down there, I could see that the room did need a good vacuum. There were a few other suggestions too - I should not walk my dog for at least another few weeks [how very cruel], and should not be offering both boobs at a feed. Apparently I should be expressing milk as well, which means sterilising equipment. I don't think so! So at the end of her visit I was left feeling very uneasy about my parenting skills [and quite tearful too - had not realised how fragile the emotions are still are, but I guess that's me anyway]. A little bit angry too. I am going to heed the advice of my GP though, who said that we would receive lots of conflicting advice, and I should simly go with my instincts, as generally they are right.

We were able to put that behind us when we went on our first outing last night - to Aunty Sally's linen party. Most of the girls there are fairly new mothers, and could sympathise. A few also breastfeed, so I could benchmark what I'm doing with their experience. So a good bitch session set things straight, and it seems a few girls had the same experience with the same woman.

Zoe enjoyed the party. She was oohed and ahhed over plenty, and had lots of cuddles and a few presents too. Unfortunately, it was also the beginning of her high needs period of the day, so I spent a lot of time in the bedroom feeding, but with plenty of company. I guess I enjoyed myself too, and was able to prove that small outings are not out of the question, even if only to Aunty Sal's three blocks away!

Other milestones achieved this week: umbilical stump fell off; Aunty Mellie visited for cuddles; first bath at home with Mum and Dad [was a bit bemused, but don't think she found it unpleasant].

We will celebrate her anniversary today with some lovely banana cake that cousin Ella's nanny made for us.