Embracing the "Messy Reality"

If you had to describe our typical evening routine between 5 PM and 8 PM using only three words, what would they be?

If I had to narrow it down to just three words, they would absolutely be: Bath, Giggle, and Milkies.

It sounds so simple, but those three words hold so much of our daily reality! The bath is our gentle transition time—a way of physically washing away the business and chaos of the day. Then come the giggles. Honestly, they are usually a mix of genuine joy and that slightly frantic, over-tired energy every parent knows so well! Finally, 'milkies' brings the calm. It’s that quiet, winding-down moment where the house finally goes still and we just get to be close. It’s certainly not always a perfect, seamless sequence, but it’s our rhythm, and I wouldn't trade it.

What is one piece of popular parenting advice you tried, completely failed at, and eventually just threw out the window?

For us, it was the classic 'drowsy but awake' rule and traditional sleep training.

I want to preface this by saying I know so many amazing parents—including some of our closest friends—who swear by sleep training. I think it is truly wonderful when families find a method that brings them much-needed rest and peace! But when we tried it, we just couldn't get to grips with it. Leaving our daughter to cry, even for short intervals, just didn't sit right in my own gut.

It took me a little while to realise that what works beautifully for one family doesn't have to work for yours, and that is completely okay. We eventually decided to let go of the 'rules' and instead embraced a gentle, holistic approach, like simply breastfeeding her to sleep. Throwing that advice out the window taught me to trust my maternal instincts and do what felt right for our unique little girl.

What is a 'mum win' you had this week that might seem tiny to anyone else, but felt huge to you?

My biggest 'mum win' this week has been experiencing a real shift in how I communicate with Rae.

For such a long time in the beginning, it can feel like you are just talking at your little one. Sometimes it leads to them getting frustrated or upset simply because they don't understand yet, and honestly, that phase can be so tough and emotionally draining.

But this week, something just clicked. When I am trying to show her something new or comfort her, I can actually see the understanding in her eyes. She is truly connecting with me in return. It feels like we’ve finally broken through this invisible barrier. It might seem like a standard developmental milestone from the outside, but feeling that deeper, two-way connection with my daughter has felt absolutely amazing.