New firsts

Your baby’s lasts.

They happen.

And not just when your baby is a baby.⠀

But when they are a toddler, a child, a teenager, and a young adult.

And even though I only have a toddler and a preschooler at this stage, I know this.

Because in my eyes, no matter how old they get, they will always be my babies.

Lasts can be hard. Emotional. Fraught with mourning.

Even if you wanted the next stage to hurry, that sudden loss of what was and never will be again can leave your heart exposed in a way you never thought possible.⠀

Because often you don’t know when the lasts are lasts.

You only realise when the lasts are replaced by new firsts.

I know this.

Because I’ve been there.

And I want to share something I’ve learnt so far.

Something we tend to not focus on as much.

I know the lasts can be hard to come to terms with.

And I know the new firsts can be bitter sweet.

You should let yourself feel that.

But the farewelling of one chapter can be the welcoming of such an exciting new one.

The last nursing session can be replaced with more stories at bedtime.

That last crawl to your ankles, can be replaced with a new walk to your hips.

That last middle of the night cuddle, can be replaced with those excited footsteps running down the hallway first thing in the morning.

The new first is different to the last, but it’s still beautiful.

You are still so needed.

You are still so loved.

And you always will be.

New firsts are beautiful beginnings.

They don’t just have to be the end.

You have so much to look forward to.