I was nervous. With no real reason other than I didn't know what to expect. I was pretty sure we were 'on track' for most things but what if there was something massive I'd missed? Something not in the mummy manual - something that I had failed to spot. Quite rightly Hubby told me to stop being ridiculous.
However this wasn't enough to stop me fussing about what clothes bubba should wear- too scruffy; I can't be bothered to dress my child, -too formal; I've put too much effort in, must be hiding something, -cotton trousers; what's this mummy thinking, is seven degrees out... Once I had finally decided I then ruined it all with my breakfast choice for bubba. Never start with porridge if you are looking for the freshly-bathed baby look. A good amount of
Cheeky Wipes later and we resembled an almost clean mother and child.
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| off to see the health visitor |
We popped along to the local library's
Baby Rhyme Time for our daily dose of baby interaction and off-key singing. However this had the effect of tiring little one out so by the time we arrived at clinic nap time was long overdue. The late-running health visitor and hot waiting room did little to help matters. Dragging what felt like ten coats, the changing bag, sling and baby through to the clinic I was awaiting an epic meltdown. However I hadn't banked on the supply of amazing toys in store. I had simply not realised a silicone pastry brush could result in such fascination.
The questioning was less intense than I thought. Does he point? Does he eat? Does he clap? As though bubba was a circus animal putting on a show. At least he demonstrated his latest party trick - bum shuffling across the floor in search of a shiny pepper pot. Though this behaviour was noted as unusual as he has been walking with support for two months. However the process as a whole seemed to involve no judgement.
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| yes - he does eat... |
Whilst I had been worried about being judged it dawned on me that was exactly what I wanted! Once bubba was weighed and measured she annoyingly failed to notice his lovely
Wee Notions I Love Mummy Milk nappy, and marked down the date of his last breastfeed (that morning) without a word.
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| feeding at 11 months... |
I came away pleased by her note in our red book - all age appropriate development - but what I was secretly after was a Well Done. You've managed to raise a baby that is well nourished, happy, doing well. I know I can see that for myself. But its been a big effort. The least they could do was give me a sticker for my troubles...
