Being a parent is the most wonderful thing that has ever happened to me, but it is also the biggest responsibility I have ever had. I wanted to be a mummy for so long and when Baby finally arrived the feeling was overwhelming. I finally had my long wished for baby, but also I had her future in my hands. As parents we are role models to our children; as they grow they are watching our every move and shaping their own behaviour to match ours. Such a responsibility to ensure that big milestones for baby are achieved and that we do our best to influence our children positively.
There are periods of a child’s life that milestones come thick and fast, these can be little milestones such a learning to smile or big milestones for baby such as taking their first steps. We can support our children in all of these achievements. We smile at our little ones so they learn to mirror our face and smile back, we hold their hands as they learn to walk and we chatter away to help them to develop their first words.
As a parent each one of these milestones is as exciting for you, as it is for your child, probably even more so as we are more aware of the challenges and realities of our baby’s journey.
Baby waiting outside nursery
One of the most significant, and largest, milestones for Baby so far has been starting nursery. During the first few months of Baby’s life, I could not imagine anything worse that leaving her in the care of someone else, of me not being there when she needed me. As time progressed it was obvious that she needed to experience nursery, to mix with children that weren’t chosen for her by default of being the children of her mum’s friends and to have experiences away from me.
For the first two years of her life we were barely apart, having no family to leave her with; so leaving her at nursery was a big shock for both of us. For the first week or so, I won’t lie, it was awful but quite quickly things improved and now 7 months later she would go every day if she had her own way. She still runs to me and gives me the biggest hug when I collect her, but her head is full of learning and fun, of stories about her day and of happiness from being with her ‘nursery’ friends. She quite simply adores it, she chats about her friends and her teachers, hugging them as if they were family.
Enjoying her first nursery sports day.
I am so glad that we took the plunge and let her go, nursery has been a fantastic experience for her so far and she learns things there that she wouldn’t at home. As much as I hate to admit it, it does her good to be away from Mummy sometimes too, to have her own experiences.
My baby’s journey is about to take another turn, as in fourteen months we pack up and move to France. Although she is still young we are starting to gently prepare her for her new life. On a recent holiday to France, we taught her three basic french words and although she probably didn’t understand exactly what she was saying she did repeat the words and that’s how all learning starts. As she grows older we will be able to teach her a little more, to make the transition as smooth as possible.
We want her future story to be a joyful place full of happiness, so as parents we will do anything in our power to make our influence on our baby’s future a positive one.
Sponsored by Aptamil with Pronutra+ Follow On milk. Discover more at aptaclub.co.uk. #ad
Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Aptamil Follow On Milk via Mode Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Aptamil Follow On Milk.
Comments 16
Oh goodness this post is bringing back so many memories of reading about Baby’s journey over the past 18 months. I completely felt the same when Rose started nursery but they do need it so much, I think. Love that she learnt three French words when you were away, she will pick it up so quickly once you are though and so will you! It’s edging ever closer isn’t it? Lovely post and fantastic video thank you so much for sharing xx
Author
Thank you so much for your lovely comment. They go through so much in their little lives don’t they. xxx
I can’t believe there is only 14 months until you go! I’ve followed Baby’s journey for most of her life, this is just the most beautiful post and has made me teary! xxx
Author
Thank you sweetie. I know it will go really quickly xxx
Oh hunny, this is so heart-felt!! It’s just all so bittersweet – all those times I craved a bit of time to myself but when he was first away I felt totally lost without him. I still get like that after a night away! But then they have so much fun and I believe it’s important for them to be given the space to grow and gain independence and remember they don’t always need us around (Reuben will even call me to where he’s playing to get me to pick something up for him, the monkey!). Lovely post and I think Baby will be so chuffed to have this to read when she’s older 🙂 xxx
Author
Thank you so much. I takes ages to get used to them not being around even for a few hours doesn’t it?! xxx
The milestones are when you really see how well they are doing aren’t they? We have a huge milestone next year (the ‘S’ word) it’s come around far too quickly for my liking. Love that you have started to teach baby French words. Beautiful post xx
Author
Thanks so much huni. I will be a wreck when it is time for School xx
Gorgeous post! I hated the thought of sending Ez off to preschool, but it was the very thing he needed, it’s helped him grow into a caring, happy little boy with friends he’s chosen for himself.
Author
Thank you. They have both thrived! x
This is one of the sweetest posts I have read. Your Baby is beautiful. I am excitedly waiting for the day that I have a little one to write about. We are hoping to start trying for kids in a year or so. I love that you are able to write about her journey and enjoy each and every step. It sounds like nursery was perfect for her. Thank you for sharing.
Author
Thanks so much. Nursery was just perfect for her x
Ah Aby this is lovely and it just shows how much Baby has grown up through your blog. x
Such a lovely post Aby! Isn’t it crazy how quickly time flies?! I can remember you talking about Baby starting nursery and it seems like yesterday. I’m so thrilled to hear she loves it now. It took Elsie months to get to love nursery but now she couldn’t be happier there and you’re right, they come on leaps and bounds and get so much from it. Love how you’re also getting her ready for the big move to! Or should I say j’adore?! 😉 You’re a wonderful, loving Mum my darling. Gorgeous read. XXX
Author
Thank you so much huni, such a lovely comment xxx
Hey Aby,
Good luck with your growing family.
Best wishes,
Mary