Well, 2025 is here and along with the some chilly gales, the wind has blown in our new baby. Little Atticus (Attix) was born on December 6 ― although not so little, weighing 9lb 3oz. So, I’m typing this slowly with one hand as he’s napping on my lap. I could move him to the bassinet but I just don’t really want to.

Partly because he’s a wonderful hot water bottle (and it’s freezing!) and partly because with the appreciation of hindsight that my two teens have given me, I know this phase will be over before I know it.

This also helps at 2am … and 5am … I know it won’t last for ever.

Admittedly, the lack of sleep hits harder in my late forties than it did in my early thirties. A friend of mine ― in the same boat ― recently said: “I never once woke up gladly, but when I was up it was lovely.”

That’s exactly how I feel about it. The wake up is the hardest part, but once you’re up and feeding a tiny perfect human in the light of the Christmas tree, it’s pretty magical.

I’m also lucky to have the most amazing Irishman who handles the lion’s share of the night anyway. The new-parenting phase is often referred to in relationships as “roommate phase”.

It’s so easy to lose your connection to your partner. I’m trying to view it as “team-mate phase” instead ― there’s nothing more important than feeling like you’re in this together while you figure out your new normal.

Watching him become a dad is my favourite part of this journey so far.

And while they have put their foot down at helping with nights, the teens have been amazing too.

They love to hold Attix while he naps and it’s so good to have the extra spare hands. We call them the baby whisperers because they both have a knack for calming him when he cries.

They haven’t braved the dirty diapers yet though … maybe that would be pushing it. I can live in hope? You never know! I’ve tried to persuade them to give up school and hang out with me on maternity leave, but apparently, they have big hopes and dreams to pursue. How selfish! Just kidding.

Fortunately, we also have my mum flying in tonight, so for now the circle of help just keeps getting wider.

I do like to clean and tidy before she arrives but this tiny human has been a bit of an obstacle.

As luck would not have it, our dryer also gave up the will to live yesterday. So the bad news is that the house has drying laundry draped everywhere.

The good news is that this hides an awful lot of baby clutter and dog hair.

The only real problem with Mum arriving is that I now really do have to think properly about meals.

Mum has always been a planner and so organised when it comes to this. I’m more of a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants dinner prep person (which admittedly, doesn’t always work out well for me.)

I’m definitely focused on food quality and we have healthy snacks galore, but cooking has been pretty hurried, especially since we’ve used up the stash of healthy meals I pre-prepped and froze before the baby arrived.

So, I’ve kind of cheated and just went online and ordered everything I could from Miles deli ― my go to spot when you don’t have time to cook but want to eat as if you have!

To be fair, Mum will be amazing at pitching in with the cooking. When she’s not soaking up the baby, I’m pretty sure she will be helping with the cooking and I already have a wishlist!

Right at the top is this immune-boosting sweet potato soup. It’s so good, packed full of nutrients and such a great winter warmer.

The only key thing to know is that this doesn’t have much protein, so make sure you have a dose of protein on the side.

Oatcakes and hummus would be a great plant-based choice. You could also add leftover shredded roast chicken, or have some smoked salmon and crackers for something really quick and easy.

Those are the kind of lunches I have been pulling together a lot lately ― soup, healthy crackers and smoked salmon or hummus for quick and easy protein.

Remember, healthy doesn’t have to be complicated. Keep it simple!

Sweet Potato, Red Pepper & Coconut Immune Boosting Soup

Ingredients:

1 tbsp coconut oil

1 small red onion, roughly chopped

1 garlic clove, crushed

2 carrots, washed (not peeled) and chopped

1 large sweet potato, (orange) washed (not peeled) and chopped

1 heaped tsp freshly grated root ginger

1/4 tsp turmeric

Water, or low sodium, organic chicken/vegetable stock

1/2 red pepper, washed, deseeded and diced

1/2 cup coconut milk (cooking variety) – well mixed

little white pepper and salt

Method:

Melt the coconut oil over a medium heat and gently sauté the onions and garlic til they soften (don’t brown them.)

Add the carrot, sweet potato, ginger, turmeric and salt (a little!) and pepper. Stir, then cover and let the veg “sweat” for a few minutes.

Pour over water or stock and bring to the boil. Then simmer gently til all the veg are very soft (about 20 mins but up to 45.)

Add the white pepper and coconut milk, stir through and turn off the heat. When the soup has cooled enough, blend until smooth! If too thick, just water down a little.

• The advice given in this article is not intended to replace medical advice, but to complement it. Always consult your GP if you have any health concerns. Catherine Somorjay Burns BA Hons, Dip ION, BNTA is a fully qualified Nutritional Therapist trained by the Institute for Optimum Nutrition in the UK Join Catherine on Facebook: www.facebook.com/nutrifitandnaturalnutritionbermuda or instagram @naturalbda.