Overnight, his once regular playdates with baby-buddies became little waves through windows as social distancing came into force. We have settled into a daily walk routine, passing the houses where children now sit, noses pressed against the glass – often decorated by drawings of rainbows symbolizing hope - watching the world go by in what I can only imagine was a state of confusion and scared. I am an adult and I am scared.

I’m really excited you’re here on this journey with our team and with all of the amazing mamas that have participated thus far. Grab your coffee (or your wine - no judgment, girlfriend) and dive into some of these stories.

At some point in our parenting journey, it’s almost inevitable that we will experience large ‘soft play’ centres. Whether it’s somewhere that friends suggest to meet up or your child gets invited to a party at one.

The first layer you have to uncover about working through your maternity leave plan is communicating with your boss about being pregnant. You might feel anxious or nervous about telling your boss that you are pregnant. I know I did! I wanted to find the right time to tell my boss I was expecting, but I didn’t know how he would react.

It’s important to find like-minded mums who share your core values.  People that you can talk to honestly and openly – who will support rather than judge.  People who will know when to offer advice and when you just need someone to listen sympathetically.

**We cut the cake. Pink filling! I shout, "I knew it!" I hug my boyfriend and hope he's not too disappointed. I cry happy tears.** I day-dreamed about the moment we would cut the cake all the time. I was anxious - excited and scared. I don’t really know what I was scared about, it was probably just the hormones.

A couple of days later and I was lying in bed with my husband, I had cried myself out. He had been there to wipe all my tears away. I felt so guilty when he broke down that night. I hadn’t even considered how this had affected him.

I can’t believe the time is near, You’ve nearly been on Earth a year. Your first birthday has come at last, The nights really were long but the year so fast. I look back at what I’ve learnt so far, My first year of motherhood, my first as Mama.