Those first few months

Those first few months,⠀
Triggered. ⠀
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The difficulty we had deciding who was holding her triggers memories of trying to find our groove as a team when we had no idea what positions we were playing in.⠀
The disagreements about how to hold her,
whether we should have taken the pram, whether she was too hot, too cold or needing another nap. ⠀⠀⠀
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The worrisome facial expressions as she was passed between us triggers memories of playing in front of a crowd for the first time. ⠀
The anxiety about someone else wanting to hold her when we hardly knew them, about her crying inconsolably in our arms or about her being woken in the pram by someone wanting to “just take a peep”, all while trying to be “relaxed” and not “overly protective” parents. ⠀⠀⠀
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The awkwardness in general triggers memories of having to practise new skills daily which always took time to learn.
Taking ten hours to get her into her car seat for the first time and a further ten to get the car temperature just right before our first car trip home from the hospital. ⠀⠀
Worrying about driving with her for weeks afterwards and then driving at 30 km consistently no matter the speed limit. Covering myself up while breastfeeding in a discreet corner while trying to get her latched in public.⠀
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The breastfeeding dress I wore triggers memories of suddenly having to account for and to a tiny coach with every decision we made as players.⠀
The extra time taken to get out of the door due to leaking breast pads, nappy explosions or sick down my freshly washed top. The decision to stay home rather than meet friends because she was being fussy or trying to find my credit card in my disorganised baby bag while keeping her asleep in my arms in front of a massive line behind me. ⠀⠀⠀
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It all seems like a distant memory, but it’s not. ⠀ The journey through the parenthood game is quick. You learn and adapt quickly, almost as quickly as your child does. ⠀
They want you to play your best for them, to listen to them and to take the lead on the field. ⠀
And you do, everyday. ⠀
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We may not have won medals but we sure have come so far as a team.⠀
Oh those first few months.