River Opens the Floodgates

Rebellious Mum - 28 Sep 16

We are resolutely stopping at two. That’s it. Over. Done. I’ve had a good long serious chat with myself, and convinced my inner mother hen that another baby would be a Very Bad Idea. Then along came River Oliver.

A swaddled bundle of perfection, a newborn who you just know smells as delicious as he looks. Those tiny fingers. Those little eyes closed as he slumbers peacefully next to Jools on Instagram.

The whole nation uttered a collective “Ahhhhhhhhhh” and waited with bated breath for his name. “Dream Big, River.” Now it’s me who’s dreaming of baby #3.

Little River has opened the floodgates and entire nation is now broodily having that chat with their other halves. “Three is not that different to two..” “We’ve already got the pram/cot/clothes”.. “What do you think of nature names? You know, Poppy, Daisy, River?”

I’ve tried to look beyond the cute Insta snaps and remind myself of the reality of those newborn days. The tongue-tie. The silent reflux. The horrible post-natal hormonal roller coaster. The days I was so tired I fell asleep sitting up, newborn in a sling and the toddler gleefully squishing playdoh into the rug as I slumbered.

But is just no use. Little River couldn’t have come at a more appropriate time, when me and thousands of teary Mums are waving their big boys or girls off to school for the very first time and looking wistfully into the corner where the Moses basket used to be. Even Mr UnMumsy is reportedly wearing “three pairs of boxers” to bed.

So thanks Jools ‘n’ Jamie. Along with the demise of Turkey Twizzlers, and the revival of 70s kids clothes at Mothercare, you’ve got a lot to answer for. To a woman whose ovaries are about to explode with longing, those pics of adorable River Rocket are like offering a hungry Mum on a diet a plate of chocolate chip cookies.

Just.. One.. More.

©Rebellious Mum 2016

Rebellious Mum

"I'm an Art Director, Writer and Mum of two girls – one aged 4 who's on the autistic spectrum, and one aged 21 months. I’ve changed thousands of nappies, breastfed for four years solid, and seen every episode of In The Night Garden. Twice. But they will never crush my spirit. I am Rebellious Mum – hear me roar! Quietly though, the kids are asleep." Read more on my blog at rebelliousmum.com or find me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @rebelliousmum

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