We made it to 6 months!

1/2 a birthday cake for my 1/2 birthday!

S I X M O N T H S O L D ! Six months old... My baby girl is halfway to 1 and I am feeling all sorts of emotional. How did we get here so fast? Nothing and nobody can prepare you for how quickly it all happens. One minute you're feeling like a beached whale (or a cute panda) and the next thing you know, your baby is saying "Mama" and trying her best to start crawling. I wish I relished in the newborn phase more. I wish my health allowed me to snuggle and sniff and stay in bed with my 2 day old baby... and then my 2 week old baby... But, we all know things don't always go to plan, and that is okay. I may not have had those first-time-mom moments, but I do have the rest of my life to make up for it. Nova has grown so beautifully in these last 6 months. [quotcoll orderby=”random” limit=1 tags=”T01″] She's strong and feisty and determined. She is so super cautious about everything and everyone (she 100% gets that from me... her dad says,) and she has her definite favourites (from inanimate objects, to people.) She is sitting and rolling and still not a fan of sleeping or pooping (eish... it's rough guys!) She refuses to take a bottle or a pacifier (again... eish) and she knows exactly what she does.not.want! She gives me a run for my money and since having her my number of grey hairs have gone from 1 to 5; and she is the greatest little treasure, so full of awe and wonder and I will never know how I got this lucky.

I've learned a WHOLE lot about myself, my husband, my babe, friends, family and even God, throughout these 6 months - and so I thought I would share just 6 short and simple things which I have learned (even though none of you asked.) 1. Babies are forgiving. You're the best Mama for her.

2. Ask for help. Whether you need a nap, a shower, a conversation or a meal. Just ask.

3. The 12 week mark is a game-changer. Push through until then. You can do it.

4. Do whatever is best for your baby. Whether it's breast/formula or cots/co-sleeping. Don't allow the outsiders to sculpt your family dynamics. YOU know what is best for your baby, so follow your instincts (and if you feel like you actually just don't know; limit the amount of people you seek advice from. Every Michael and Matilda has an opinion, so choose carefully who you want to listen to.)

5. Your marriage is going to look a bit different. Change is not a bad thing.

6. You'd be surprised at how good you feel after washing your hair. Make time for you, Mama. Even if it's just 5 minutes in the shower.

There are so many other things which I have and am learning. Each day is a new lesson and just when I think I have it waxed, it all changes again. I'm learning all about grace, patience and joy - and I genuinely believe that those are 3 things which can keep you going through the sleep deprivation and out of whack hormones. This is the wildest ride I have ever been on, but when I look at this wide-eyed, precious little thing, I can't help but to think of my late Granny's favourite song, "somewhere in my youth or childhood, I must've done something good." (to have been blessed with this gorgeous girl, that is.) x