Memories – #LifeIsReborn

January 6th 2014, the children are back at school for the first time, and I am sat at my desk thinking about new life, new beginnings – Life is Reborn.

That special moment in your life when you first see, first touch your child is imprinted on your memory as a new parent.  A new life, not only for the baby that has been brought into the world, but for me, that new life was also for myself and my husband, Tall Dad. I remember the moment I saw both of my girls, and warmth that started from my chest and felt like it was going to burst right out of me.  An instant mind-blowing love that made me feel dizzy with excitement. 

I remember that moment, looking at each of my girls thinking, WOW…we made this little person! It’s almost like meeting someone you have known and loved all of your life, and yet you don’t know what they look like or what kind of personality they will have.  However, I also remember that feeling when you bring your child home for the first time, and the terror of ‘What do I do now?’ and ‘What if I do it all wrong?’.

My Daughter Miss N, is now 11 but was 6 when Miss A was born.  These are my most favourite images from that time.  The moment she first met her new sister in the hospital, so frightened, but very excited.  She asked if she was allowed to tickle Miss A on her cheek, and Tall Dad captured the moment on camera.

When I ask her about those moments now, she remembers feeling scared, as A was so little.

Then we took her home, and this moment was when Miss N first held her new baby sister.  I think you can see the love and happiness in her relaxed smile. She had wanted a brother or sister for so long, and it had finally happened!

When I had Miss N, the circumstances were a little different, Tall Dad and my Mum had been with me for hours, as it had been a long and difficult labour.  Towards the end, the Doctors were worried about the baby and me, so I was rushed into the operating theatre.  Tall Dad, was so frightened (as was I)  but my Mum stepped up, and came into the theatre with me.  I will never forget that, and if possible, it made me love my Mum even more than I already did.

My Mum describes the moment that she first held, and saw Miss N as being just as wonderful as when she had both of her children.  She found it overwhelming and a humbling experience…she was filled with love! It’s all there in her face…

 

Finally, I wanted to add this photograph of 4 generations from the same family, as it always reminds me of that time.  Magic moments, that need to be captured.

I was asked to write about my thoughts by JOHNSON & JOHNSON®, following the premier of the new Life is Reborn advert.  Here it is :