Lauren’s update

My little girl is so happy and healthy and she has been thriving. She started crawling at four months old and now at 8 months she is just about walking.

She's a cheeky little soul and has a naughty streak. She loves to do things to entertain and to make you laugh. She is a determined little lady who wants nothing more than to keep up with her brother. If he's doing something she wants to be involved.

I've found it was more isolating this time. I'm not sure if this is because this is my 2nd baby. Mothers in social circles are not very welcoming if they are a first time parent and you already have a baby.

I'm not sure if this is because there is a lack of understanding that each baby is different and that you still need the support and friendships for yourself and for your little one. It could just be because of Covid and that there were no group classes or mothers coffee groups to attend.

It may have been harder to connect with people because they were afraid of coming into close contact with others with young babies with no immune systems. The fear of the unknown is sometimes a greater fear than the thing itself could ever be.

I have sat alone in the evenings being so grateful to have them and to watch them play and grow, and that they don't understand what is happening in the world around them. Their innocence brings me a sense of peace.