Hey mama,
Everyone talks about the big milestones — the first word, the first step, the first birthday.
But some of the moments that really stuck with me were the tiny ones — the quiet little firsts that crept up and stole my heart.
Bringing Ollie home from the hospital feels like it happened just yesterday. But somehow, he’s now a big boy bundle of personality — crawling, grabbing, babbling, and constantly trying to eat whatever he gets his hands on.
Watching him grow has been both beautiful and terrifying.
The days sometimes feel endless — but the months? They slip through my fingers like sand.
One of the first moments that made me stop in my tracks was the first time he truly focused on a toy. His eyes were still learning how to track and focus, and he’d get so frustrated trying to grab something soft. He’d swat and miss and grunt a little. 😅
We gave him the Baby Ollie “HarmonyPals” Musical Plush & Teether Toy — something soft, safe, and colourful that made gentle sounds when moved. I remember how determined he looked, slowly figuring out how to grasp it. When he finally held on, he looked so proud of himself. I nearly cried.
Another first that stands out? Cutting his nails.
No one tells you that newborns come out with these teeny, paper-thin talons. Sharp enough to leave marks on their own faces — and too small to trust anyone else to cut.
Four days in, I looked at his little fingers and knew it had to be me.
I grabbed the tiny baby scissors from the Baby Ollie “SnugBasics” Grooming Kit with my heart racing. I’ve never been so afraid of hurting someone in my life.
But I did it.
No nicks, no tears — and to celebrate, I carefully stuck those tiny nail clippings to a piece of sticky tape... and put them inside my phone case.
It might sound gross to some, but to me? It's a trophy.
A reminder of one of the first moments I felt brave as a mum.
Motherhood is full of those tiny wins — the kind no one applauds, but you’ll remember forever.
So if you’re in the thick of it right now, keep your eyes open. The big milestones are lovely, but the little firsts? That’s where the magic hides.
With love (and tiny fingernails in my phone case),
Renata (Ollie’s mum) 💛