Tag Archives: Newborn

Introducing Eva ‘A Little Bit’

We made it! After what felt like a two-year gestation period, several hundred fake declarations that ‘This baby is definitely coming this weekend/night/day/shopping trip/dinner date’ etc; panicked tears that we had no buggy, moses basket, carseat and would never have enough time to buy them… our baby was 9 days late anyway (incidentally, maybe the givers of ante-natal refresher classes should stop saying things like ‘There’s no WAY you’ll go over on Baby Number 2’ – ya know?).

To a background of my favorite sounds: Dublin city waking up – seagulls, traffic building back up, people getting on with their day, Eva Elizabeth Fynes was born at 7.22am on the 2nd of July. She was exactly the same weight as Jacob had been – 7lbs 13oz – perfectly formed and, most amazingly – A GIRL!! We still can’t believe we have a girl!!

Al and I spent most of the rest of the day in teary disbelief, but we are in love, through and through (not with each other, with the baby. Ok, a little bit more with each other). Jacob came in to meet his new little sister that evening with Granny & Grandad and his gentle, tender kiss for this tiny new baby would break your heart.

Although we’ve been monitoring Jacob’s delayed pronunciation of words (E.G. He’ll ask me if I’m drinking a “TUP OF TOFFEE’ in the mornings), I have never been happier for him to get this one a tiny bit wrong.

‘Who’s this?’ I asked him, gesturing towards Eva.

‘Little Brother’, Jacob replied, very matter of fact.

‘It’s baby sister’, I corrected him.

‘Ohhhh’ his eyes opened wide. ‘Baby sisssster‘.

‘That’s right. And do you know what baby sister’s name is?’

‘Oh yes mummy’, Jacob replied.

‘You tell me what her name is’.

‘It’s Eva A Little Bit’.

I. LOVE. HIM.

And Eva.

I have loads of stories for you about the whole experience, but for now, thanks for all the love you’ve shown us in the last 6 days since she was born xxxx

My Kids & I xxx

My Kids & I xxx

5 Things To Avoid When Dealing With New Parents

  1. Posting their news on your Facebook page. You got the text, and if you’re known for being a big mouth, you’re probably lucky that you got a text at all. This news does not belong to you. Don’t go all Town Crier on it and lash it up online. Leave that to the actual parents. Nobody likes a Thunder Thief.
  2. Being hungry or thirsty. If someone has just had a child, they are most likely in a current state of shock/panic/nausea/all of the above and do not need to play host to you if you call to visit. Do NOT ask for a second cup of coffee, sandwich or enquire as to what’s on for dinner. Be a dear and bring them something to eat when you arrive.
  3. Arriving On Their Doorstep As A ‘Surprise’!! This especially applies if you live abroad and if these new parents really aren’t expecting you. I’m sure in your heart you were doing something lovely and exciting, and you went to all that trouble of taking the red eye to get here right at the minute that the baby turned one week old. But listen – UNEXPECTED GUESTS ARE THE DEVIL OF NEW PARENTS’ LIVES. Unless you’re SuperNanny and you’ve decided to move in (for free) for 6 weeks, or you’re the man who owns The Lotto and you’ve come to drop off an enormous cheque….back right off.
  4. Criticising anything to do with any aspect of anything for at least six months. A guest who came to visit our son when he was three weeks old said ‘Um, this glass smells kind of garlicky??’ He was told to f*ck right off out the door by this raging hormonal mess of a new momma and we haven’t seen him since. Actually, I’m still not over it. You will take that garlicky glass and you will like it or you will wash it for yourself when I am not looking.  That way, we will all get out of Afternoon Tea alive.
  5. Pausing when the baby’s new name is announced. There will be no pausing. Pausing indicates that you aren’t sure about something. Like, you’re not sure that these parents have made the right choice about their own baby’s name and you might have a better idea yourself. It’s none of your business and you can totally abbreviate it/slag it off from the comfort of your own kitchen when you get home later. For now – get your game face on.
Don't Go Wrecking My Mamma's Head, Capiche?

Don’t Go Wrecking My Mamma’s Head, Capiche?

 

*See more from Sharyn Hayden at www.sharynhaydencomedy.com