Hello

I'm Hayley, im 28 and a first time mummy living in Hampshire, England. I decided to start a blog to document my journey through motherhood so i had something to look back on and share with my family in years to come. This includes all the ups and downs, difficulties and highlights along the way. I aim to give a very honest and real account of what its like being a mummy to my little boy Reuben.

Reuben was a surprise gender baby and even though we had 3 scans throughout my pregnancy, one being at 34 weeks, we managed to avoid seeing anything we shouldn't. For me this made my pregnancy so exciting and i just couldn't begin to imagine who or what the little person growing inside me was going to be like. The only thing i was sure of was the baby was a real wriggler. and he still is today! You could literally see him moving around whilst i was in labour! Not that i noticed...i was to busy sucking in as much gas and air as possible!

Reuben Arrived at 22:19 on the 15th August 2017. 1 day after due date and 30 hours after a sweep. I feel quite lucky that he didn't keep us waiting to long and my body was able to go into labour naturally as i know many first time mums go over due or end up with induction. These babies will only come when they're ready!

The moment Reuben was born and placed on my chest for the first time my whole life changed completely. The emotion and wave of feelings that pass over you in that moment is indescribable and different for every mother. For me i couldn't believe he was a boy, i couldn't believe he was here and id given birth to him, i couldn't believe he was mine! I knew nothing about him, i had so much to learn as a mother, but i had never felt a love like it. The love you have for your child is completely different to that of a parent, sibling or spouse. I instantly felt an unbreakable bond with my little boy that i am forever grateful for.

Later when we finally got to the ward around 2am it finally hit...we have a child who is relying on us completely and i have no clue what i'm doing! this is where my journey of motherhood truly began!