I know, I know…I used “the word”. Whoever wants the clothes pin can have it… 🙂

The advent of a beautiful new life is a true joy and blessing worthy of grand celebration and this Halloween-themed baby shower (oh no, I said the word again!) was definitely leaning much heavier on the “treat” side of the ledger.

To Micheal and Ms June, the precious gift that is coming to you is going to bring a grand adventure full of amazing “firsts” and likely many times (often late at night) where you might well have wondered what in the the world you were thinking to take on one of the toughest jobs in the world.

You can try to train up for the role of parent as best you can and I guarantee you the universe will toss more than a few spanners into the works not because the universe is trying to do you ill but rather that there is a belief that come what may, you two are exactly the two people in the world who your new child will depend on the most whether it’s to give them that bottle late at night or change their diapers seemingly every other minute or put a bandage on their boo-boo and give them a hug and a kiss and let them have at the world again.

It’s not an easy job by any stretch of the imagination.

But it’s arguably one of the most fulfilling ones you’ll ever know.

It won’t take long for that truth to be proven when that tiny little bundle of joy cuddles and snuggles with you with the absolute sense of safety and security that a child will have for their beloved parents whether it’s after having a nice bottle that puts them out like a light or the brief hug one gets when they’re asking after the car keys to go hang out with their mates.

Treasure every such moment and remember them fondly for that is what truly makes the job of father or mother truly worth having.

We must, indeed, all hang together or, most assuredly, we shall all hang separately.

Benjamin Franklin

The other truth most new parents often forget is that they’re not alone in this journey and the beauty of this particular celebration is that there’s a veritable army of friends and family who will be there for you when you should have need of them.

Lean into that network of support as much as you need to for that is what we are there for!

As it was for us in our time when we were where you are now and there were people we could lean on to help us from time to time, it’s only right and proper that we return the favour unto you when you need it.

And trust me, there will be times where you will need a helping hand.

I don’t think you’ll be lacking in available volunteers who will be more than happy to get some hugs and cuddles themselves and perhaps even spoil your child a bit (or in the case of grandparents, a metric tonne’s worth of spoiling!) until it’s time to hand them back to you.

Congratulations and all the best to you and Ms June and a final wish for Master Felix when he blesses the world with his presence and brings a bright light into our world…

May God grant you always a sunbeam to warm you, 
a moonbeam to charm you, 
a sheltering Angel so nothing can harm you. 
Laughter to cheer you, 
faithful friends near you 
And whenever you pray, 
Heaven to hear you.

Irish Blessing for Newborns