Aubrey’s first year

Here we are already, my final blog.

The cliche thing, but time really does fly. I have found this one hard to start, I suspect this may be due to the mix of emotions I am feeling as I reflect on Aubrey’s first year. A norm for parents, I am sure.

I am so proud of the tiny little human Aubrey is. Her personality grows everyday with her infectious smile, cheeky grins and utter sass she already shows. As parents, I am celebrating our survival. All jokes aside, the first year is a tough but a wonderful experience. Anyone about to embark on their journey into parenthood, surround yourself with a solid circle and be prepared for the best thing you’ll ever do. It brings highs and lows, lack of sleep, endless self questioning but pure happiness. We are beyond grateful for the support we continue to get from our family and friends.

It’s amazed me the amount of development that happens in the last few months of a babies first year. Aubrey started taking her first steps at the end of February, and it’s safe to say the last month has unlocked a new level of chaos, as walking is allowing her to explore independence. She is in every cupboard, looking under all the sofas, shutting any door she can behind someone and ensuring the entire emptying of her toy box throughout the house happens daily. Aubrey has a a few words at this point too, and our favourite one being ‘dirty’. Aubrey is a lover of being outside finding the dirt and we have started early on the helping out, as she enjoys placing her dirty nappies in the bin. When out and about Aubrey waves at every passing person, car and dog. Often following with her own version of ‘woof woof’ or clapping as she is so pleased with herself if someone waves back.

We have been enjoying a lot of time at home and taking things at a slower pace since the new year. I have wanted to try and enjoy the mundane, soaking up all the small moments with her. As I approach my return to work in the coming weeks and Aubrey starting nursery, I am pleased I did this but I still feel the emotional pull that I will be giving her over to others to care for her. I think many will agree, for those needing or wanting to maintain a career but also be a present Mum feel this sadness. I am lucky to have had an entire year off but I wish for more time or to have slowed it down, as everyone says, they just don’t stay small for long.

We have now celebrated Aubrey’s first birthday! We were spoilt with sunshine, allowing Aubrey to celebrate at the beach. She has been thoroughly spoilt by all and even had the luxury present of a cold (the joys). So I think I can officially say hello to toddler season, filled with germ sharing, the fun of her falling over everywhere we go, and her undoubtedly learning the word ‘NO’. Wish us luck everyone! However I really can’t wait for what this next year holds and to watch Aubrey continue to grow and shine!