Happy New Year

HARRY’S nearly a year old now and I’d like to think I’ve learned a little bit about being a parent.

I’ve learned, for instance, that as well as being the most rewarding and exciting thing I’ve ever done, it can also be quite tough at times, particularly when you’re in need of a good night’s sleep.

I’ve also learned that grandparents are seriously underrated; shipping Harry off to nan and grandad’s for the night is a luxury that helps remedy the aforementioned sleep deprivation.

Other important lessons include: learning not to relax, it’s impossible as soon as a baby learns to crawl or walk; being prepared for anything before leaving the house (two changes of clothes for Harry sometimes isn’t enough); and the power of bribery – a shampoo bottle is the current favourite – when confronted with a baby who doesn’t want his nappy changed.

Perhaps the most important lesson, though, has been that late nights are now a thing of the past.
Since Harry was born, I can probably count on one hand the number of times Melissa or myself has been awake beyond half ten. However, we decided to make an exception for New Year’s Eve – my brother and his wife had come over from Nottingham so it would have been rude to slope off to bed before seeing in the new year.

So, with Harry safely tucked up in bed, we had a couple of drinks and managed to see in the new year, enjoying a very pleasant evening in the process.

Unfortunately for us, Harry, who had been a little off colour for a couple of days and hadn’t been eating a great deal, woke up at 6am on New Year’s Day feeling much better – and hungrier.

Of course this meant there was no chance of a lie-in leaving us with a stark reminder that late nights and babies just don’t mix.