A Graduation Tribute!!

Caitlyn Elizabeth McLean....

Congratulations!! You are officially helmet free...for good.....forever and ever more!!!

Friday week, on the 27th of November Caitlyn wore her helmet for the last time.

It also marked her turning 8 months old and it was the day before our first holiday as a family of four!! What a relief it was that she could experience it all, each and every part of it. Even the part where she has figured out it hurts like allgetup to fall over onto tiles without a helmet on...OUCH.

Each morning and each night we went for a walk on the beach and she laughed and kicked and waved her arms about in that Baby Bjorn like a mad women. She loved feeling that wind whip her hair around.

But what her mama loves is this........

 

Seeing this amazing little girl sleep peacefully, unencumbered for the first time in so long. Being able to stroke that sweet little head, nursing her in the crook of my arm without bits digging in, having her nestle her head on my shoulder and not smash my face with a helmet. Not having a head that smells like a sweaty gym sock.

Don't get me wrong, Caitlyn isn't the best sleeper, nor is she the easiest going baby in the world, she isn't overly snuggly and doesn't like to be held too tight or too much and she has allergies that are frustrating me no end. But, walking along that beach with the wind in her hair, watching her brother run and jump and chase birds, she would laugh so hard that she would snort and its those moments that make all this worth while.

In 3 short months we went from this....

 

 

To this....

 

 

And Finally to this...

 



I couldn't be more pleased how this all turned out. The anxiety you feel at first quickly washes away. It becomes a just another part of each day. In saying that, I am so grateful though that this little journey has come to an end.

I know that when we are out and about now, if people smile at her or watch her, its for no other reason than just being Caitlyn and that its not about her helmet.

So it will now go to the back of the cupboard as a keepsake and reminder. Maybe one day she will ask about it. That tiny little butterfly helmet that has made things so much easier for her now as she grows. 

xxoo