Introducing Will (finally!)

I've been meaning to write this post forever!! Well actually I've been meaning to write it for the past 12 weeks... but it feels like forever (in a really, really good way). Our little baby boy Will was born on the 26th February, weighing 8 pounds, 5 ounces. As most of you know, our darling boy was born via our beautiful gestational surrogate in Canada. What does that mean, you say!? Well it means that Will is 100% genetically mine and my husband's, however, my body can't carry a baby to full term... and so we went down the surrogacy path. Which may I just add, is one of the most amazing and special journeys you could ever possibly imagine.

We were in Canada for 7 weeks all up - and loved every single second of it! We arrived 2 weeks before Will was born and then stayed for 5 weeks afterwards. (On a side note - to say I developed a massive love of bacon and maple syrup during that time is pretty much the understatement of the year!).

Anyway, I've been dying to tell you all about Will. I can't even blame sleep deprivation for how long it's taken me to write this post. Nope, Will is a kick-ass sleeper (and I'm totally going to jinx myself by writing that). Notice how I said that 'Will' is a great sleeper? Yes, just Will. I on the other hand, lay awake wondering if he's ok and listening to every darn sound he makes! Mums... please tell me that I'll stop doing this soon. Puh-leeeeze??!

My (not-so-little-anymore) boy is honestly the most amazing thing that has ever happened to us. You don't realise how much you can love someone until your baby is born. I'm not usually a very emotional person, but I get teary every single day just looking at him. He's turning me into a blubbering mess. Speaking of looking at him, Will is the splitting image of my husband. Seriously, if my husband was a baby, they'd be twins. It's scary. On the other hand, he definitely has his Mumma's personality. Yep, that kid is going to be one massive chatterbox. He also hates the cold just like me. 99% of the time (ok maybe not quite that much!!), Will is super chilled out and relaxed - but boy oh boy, he'll let you know when he's not impressed about something - yep, he's fiery like his Mum too!

It's amazing how much life has changed since Will arrived. I mean, don't get me wrong, I knew things would be different... but I don't think anything can quite prepare you for the lack of sleep, inability to ever drink a warm cup of tea again, or the sudden urge to take up coffee drinking! Even though all those things are true (darn right they are!), I can honestly say that life is a zillion times better. Gone are the days when I would have everything planned down to the minute. Now it's all about chatting away on the change mat, singing along to The Wiggles, having no concept of time whatsoever, and pretty much just blowing kisses on Will's tummy. Life is crazy/fun/tiring/amazing all at once!

A lot of people have been asking me how the blog is going with Will around. WELL!!! I really didn't do much at all while we were in Canada, but I've slowly been getting back into it. It's not like this is some crazy, hard job. I mean, I bake cookies and cakes! But on a serious note, I've just been getting up a bit earlier in the mornings before Will wakes up and doing a couple of hours and then trying to race through a bit of work during his day sleeps. Actually, that day part is only semi-true... usually I plan to do work and then just end up Googling random baby things. Why oh why does the internet have to be such a huge distraction?!

I just can't believe how much Will has grown over the past 12 weeks. He's one super long boy (he definitely doesn't get his height from me). He also guzzles his formula milk like there's no tomorrow. I was pretty worried about changing his formula when we left Canada (you can't buy any of the same brands in Australia and Canada), but he was fine. Honestly, I don't think he even noticed.

And now I'm starting to get excited thinking about baby food in the coming months! My little baby is going to be eating food soon... what is that all about!!?? Where has the time gone? Mind you, I say that I'm excited, but as soon as I have to clean up mess after mess, those words might come back to kick me in the butt. Speaking of food, please, please tell me when you started your baby on solids!? I really want to know! I keep hearing 6 months... but then on the news the other day it said that 4 months is the new recommendation!? And then there's the whole baby-led weaning vs. baby purees thing. WHAT!!?? It's all so darn confusing. But regardless of all that hoo-ha, I'm honestly hanging out to start making baby food. Yes, in my dream little world I really want to be all Earth-Mother-like and make Will's food myself, but there's a fair chance I'm going to have days when I go to the cupboard and thank god for pre-made baby food. Just keeping it real people. Keeping it real.

And so that's where we're at right now - with one super gorgeous, cheeky little boy who just loves to smile, hold his own hands (cuuuute!) and has worked out how to blow bubbles (umm... great). I promise to give you little updates about how he's going, and of course, once he does start eating, expect some baby puree recipes... and then toddler food. OMG I cannot even think that far ahead. My brain only works in 5 minute time slots nowadays!

xxx