Newborn Notes to My Self, Part 2
It’s been 8 weeks since baby boy arrived Earth-side, and the experience is as surreal and heartwarming as the first time I heard his heartbeat. Unlike the love-at-first-sight narrative we so often hear, my experience was different—less immediate, less hit-by-a-train instant. Instead, it has been a gradual, steady unfolding of love, deep and consuming, like roots growing quietly beneath the surface. It’s an unconditional love, but the reality is we’re still getting to know each other.
With each passing week, im in awe of his growth, development, and curiosity. He’s more alert, smiling and interactive, using his intense gaze and baby babble to indicate what he wants. His little personality is beginning to shine through — and all the while I’m soaking it in, trying to foster his sense of security and love as he becomes himself and we get to know each other.
If I’m using a metaphor, this love isn’t a tidal wave; it’s a irreversible rising tide. It seems almost taboo to say that, but it’s my experience and it doesn’t mean I’m any less invested. It means I’m present, careful, observative of this new human in front of us. I’ve learned to let go of the pressure to feel anything on anyone else’s timeline and simply be present.
These are my newborn notes part 2 at month 2 of this journey.
1. Babies hiccups a-lot(!) Laugh at the high pitched squeaky noises they make, it seems like they happen often, but they won’t last forever. Those tiny, rhythmic jumps are strangely endearing—a little reminder of how new they are to the world.
2. Nappies don’t always work. One moment they’re curled up on your chest, the next you’ll feel a warmth spread across your lap, soaking into your pants. If you’re quite sure that you didn’t pee (hey, postpartum it could happen), it’s bub. Moment’s like this you just have to laugh it off — you can shower later.
3. Laugh at the messes. Spit-ups, explosive diapers, and milk dribbles are part of life now. There’s no such thing as a perfectly tidy day with a newborn—and that’s okay. Chill and enjoy the chaos.
4. Baby can produce real tears now. For the first few weeks, their cries come without the wet cheeks. Then, around the third or fourth week, the tears arrive, and suddenly you’re wiping away tiny droplets rolling down their face. It’s a bittersweet moment, equal parts adorable and heart-wrenching, as if this is the start of them expressing a whole new level of emotion. Those tears, though small, remind you just how big their feelings can be in such a tiny body.
5. Hold them when they’re calm, not just when they’re crying. These peaceful moments will ground you, reminding you to savour the quiet in between the constant motion.
6. Talk to them constantly. Your voice is their favourite sound, a safe sound. You know this because he falls asleep on your chest when you’re talking on the phone. At playtime he’s already started to babble back, laugh and smile. Narrate your day, tell them stories, just share your thoughts. These little conversations are priceless and the foundation of your relationship.
7. Put the phone down and enjoy the little moments. Pulling out your phone to capture everything becomes a habit. There are just too many cute moments, you’ll miss them trying to capture them all digitally. Those big yawns, winks and arms reaching skyward are tiny acts of magic and while you want to capture everything, some moments should be sacred for you to experience without the lens. Being present in these moments will fill your soul with warmth and love.
8. Make memories from precious bathtime. Seeing him on his dad’s chest in the bathtub is a magical scene. Seeing their bond grow is a blessing and bubs’ wonder at warm water is worth every drenched sleeve. Baby is even starting to wail less when being moisturised.
9. Let others help, even when it feels awkward to ask. You’re getting better at this. You know that break for you is a gift to baby, too. You’ll come back recharged, ready to love them even harder.
10. This phase is fleeting. The sleep deprivation, the round-the-clock feeds, and even the endless nappy changes—it all feels eternal in the moment. But one day, you’ll look back and miss this baby phase. One day they’ll be charging forward into their own lives.
For me, this love is proof that the most beautiful things don’t always happen all at once—they grow, naturally and deeply, with every moment you share.
To my past self: soak it all in. You’ll never be this version of “you” again, and neither will they.