Will & Kate – Just some new parents
At the time of writing, there’s at least one couple in a hospital ward. Surrounded by experts and in perfectly safe hands, they will be in a situation that is impossible to prepare for.
Kate will be in pain. She may or may not be managing the pain herself but regardless she will physically be enduring something she’s never felt before. Will will be holding her hand, or rubbing her back or feeding her ice cubes. He’ll be trying to say encouraging things or maybe just breathing with his wife through each contraction. Emotionally he’ll be switching between awe, fear and boredom and physically, by this stage, probably be feeling pretty hungry (he’ll know to pack sandwiches next time).
By the time you read this they will (hopefully) be staring at a bundle of nerves, shallow breaths and potential. If the birth goes to plan there will be a moment when something very blue is lifted into the air and William will whisper under his breath “breathe little one, breathe, please breathe”. Then (more than likely) there will be a breath, then blue will turn pink and the breaths may turn into crying.
And two loving parents will also cry. And fall in love again with someone else.
Will. The next few weeks are going to be bonkers. I know lots of people think you will have it easy but I’ve got a feeling you’re a hands on sort of guy which means you’re going to want to be involved. Which means being awake. A lot. Hang in there mate, it does get easier and if your Nan (or someone she arranges) wants to drop over dinner and maybe watch the baby while you and Kate shower, or sleep – I recommend you take her up on it.
If you’ve got some leave saved up, maybe think about taking it about the six week mark. Your brand new sleepy offspring will come out of its shell about six weeks from now and that’s when Katie will need you most. Get something that lets you wear the baby and find yourself some nice night walks around London. I find it helps if you pat their bum in time to a song you can hum quietly as you walk.
Take lots of photos. They change quickly. Also, make sure to send your parents and grandparents photos often. I’d also make sure your Nan can use email or even better, get photos on her iphone.
Come the 2 month mark, I’m pretty sure our experiences will start to differ. You have far more people trying to photograph you than I have had recently but, at least for the first two months I’m sure you’ll be just like most other Dad’s and parents out there. Out of your depth, flat out exhausted and very much in Love.
Congratulations Prince William and good luck.
What’s your advice for the new parents? What’s the best bit of advice you were given? What’s the thing you wished or were glad you did?
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Sharing my Tuesday with Jess over at EssentiallyJess.com for I Blog on Tuesday
the illiterate infant 
My advice to new parents? The truth.
The first six months will probably be a blur and suck a lot – SLEEP! Where for art thou sleep?!!! But once baby hits six months the blur will become clear, and you will be able to think straight again… And you’ll think to yourself that it may have been a blur and sucked a lot, but it was bloody awesome!
MC x
#teamIBOT
Some good advice there! The best advice I got was to sleep/rest when the baby did, and not to use that ‘down time’ to clean the house etc. The laundry can wait. Although, I’m sure that’s not something Kate will ever have to worry about!
My advice to new parents? The truth.
The first six months will probably be a blur and suck a lot – SLEEP! Where for art thou sleep?!!! But once baby hits six months the blur will become clear, and you will be able to think straight again… And you’ll think to yourself that it may have been a blur and sucked a lot, but it was bloody awesome!
MC x
#teamIBOT
P.S. If this comment comes up twice, my apologies. My computer is disliking internet browsers today *sigh*
Mine is 7 months old now and I am still in the blur! More like 18 months for me!
I wouldn’t mind having the nannies, babysitters and waiters that the Royals have. That would be sensational!
My advice. Just nod politely (like you’ve been trained) at all the advice from everyone in the world coming your way 🙂
poor bugger.
I hope he reads this Kevin. Yes, a sling is definitely essential. My husband has one in pink. It is quite becoming, and a good way to attract the ladies. At least, he gets lots of smiles from the grandmas.
I’d tell them to get the baby on a flexible routine quick smart! This kid is going to need to learn to do what it’s told from day dot!!!
I wish I had slept when the baby slept, I just seemed to clean up or cook – SILLY ME! I’m sure they won’t have to worry too much about lack of sleep, I’m sure a nanny will help and they won’t have to cook, clean and do all that annoying stuff that gets in the way of enjoying a newborn!! 🙂
Yes totally good advice… I like all this fuss around this new princely child… it’s symbolic and emblematic and these things are important. A battery-operated swinging chair was a total lifesaver for me.
Great post Kev, especially the first part, your description is spot on!
I’d have to say I totally agree with Miss Cinders, the first 6 months are hard but there will never be anything like them again and you’ll definitely look back and remember it all fondly.