Right now.

Ohh the greatness in those last special days waiting... Best of luck to you. What I learned from my two sons ( 6 years apart, so I did forget inbetween )is that as soon as I thought I got I, understood them or found a nice routine - they changed! Lesson learned was - trust the baby to tell you what she need in her own special way - just open your heart and listen - to her, the baby!

Such a magical time---right before birth. A prenatal yoga teacher once compared this stage between expecting your child and holding your child to that moment when a trapeze artist must let go of one bar before grabbing hold of the new one. Daneen Parry uses that same image to discuss fear of transformation in general :
"... in my knowing place I know that I must totally release my grasp on my old bar, and for some moment in time hurtle across space before I can grab onto the new bar. Each time I am filled with terror. It doesn't matter that in all my previous hurtles across the void of unknowing, I have always made it. Each time I am afraid I will miss, that I will be crushed on the unseen rocks in the bottomless chasm between the bars. But I do it anyway. Perhaps this is the essence of what the mystics call the faith experience. No guarantees, no net, no insurance policy, but you do it anyway because somehow, to keep hanging onto that old bar is no longer on the list of alternatives. And so for an eternity that can last a microsecond or a thousand lifetimes, I soar across the dark void of "the past is gone, the future is not yet here." It's called transition. I have come to believe that it is the only place that real change occurs."

My best piece of advice: for the first month or so with another child in the house, follow the Get Three Things Done rule: if you can get three things done that aren't baby-related/Simon-related, you've accomplished enough for one day. And yes, brushing your teeth counts. Before you know it, you'll be getting 4 or 5 things done—or more—but give it plenty of time : ) Best wishes to you as you welcome the new baby into her home!

I hope you enjoy that long quote as much as I did.
Now on the practical side...so many people ask what they can do--refer them to one good friend who can coordinate each of them bringing a meal (my good friends did this---and since I had a repeat c-section too, they waited till the baby was a week old, which I appreciated--and they kept their visits very short!).
There is such a tiny window for those newborn photos and when you are in lalala-land of newly in love with your baby, they don't seem too important. So arrange now for someone experienced to come take some photos of you and your babe. I wish I had!
It is a priceless time, but it can also be an overwhelming time. Two things helped me---remembering that it gets easier and the "next stage" always comes too soon, and secondly, that any one moment does not define you as a mother. I wish I had that mantra when my first was a baby and every cry seemed like failure to me.
Sorry for the long post---just so happy for you. Best wishes!

Second c-section will be easier, just keep ahead on those meds and don't let the hubby sleep on the remote to call the nurse. Enjoy your blessings and congrats to sweet Simon on the future little sister. Changes for him too. It will all work out, reflect as you do so well. Love to you.

Oh, the wonderful smell of a newborn! They are so sweet and soft.
My advice is to honour your new baby's personality. Having a second (or third) child can be pretty humbling because it can really throw into question everything you 'thought' you knew about parenting. What works for one doesn't always work for the other(s).
I already know you'll be doing the only other thing I would recommend - capture the big and little moments and record them in words and in photos. You won't have as much time as you once did, but you'll manage!

Ali- I had a second boy when my first-born son (Kenny) was 4. And far from being something that "takes away" from the love I have to give to Kenny, little Bert has multiplied the love in his life tenfold! Bert and Kenny love each other so much (with of course some sibling fighting sprinkled in too) that my heart runs over. Now Kenny has my love, his dad's love, and this little brother's love in his life. And Bert of course, has all these people's love from the start! My one piece of "advice" from one c-sectioner to another: "try" to take it easy if possible! But you will do great. Thanks for all your wonderful ideas for ways for me to show my love to my kids.

No advice for you here...'cause I know you'll be a fantastic, patient and loving MOM! It's also super nice that your Mom came to help...just enjoy and best wishes to you and your family! So excited for you!

I have heard the Miracle Blanket is a must have for baby swaddling.

So exciting. I just delievered my 3rd via c-section 3 months ago. My best advise - take the meds and stay as long as you can in the hospital. Use the nursery and help given. Enjoy the quiet time alone with the baby - because once you come home - life and craziness begins! It is so wonderful and worth it. I couldnt imagine life with kids - especially not 3- and now I cant imagine my life without them. Best wishes!

My sister just had a baby girl and I had the opportunity to help her for a whole week. The things I can tell you are...rest, recover, rejoice, enjoy, breathe, and take every moment in stride. Remember to put the baby down every now and then so she can stretch and not keep her in a snugglie every moment of every day. Give her to Chris so you can spend some 1 on 1 time with Simon and so Chris can bond with Miss A. Cherish every moment because they don't stay little for long. Good luck and prayers being sent your way.

Ali,
The best advice that I could give is another book for you but it is a quick read and has made a HUGE difference in my life. It is a very natural approach to parenting and introducing a baby into your life. It's called Secrets of the Baby Whisper: How to Calm, Connect, and Communicate with your baby. Amazing. Easy, sensible, ensures that your baby from an early age comforts herself to sleep and could be cared for by anyone, even if you are breastfeeding. I have to say, I used this approach with both of my girls and it made my life much easier than I think it would have had I not read this book. Best wishes to all of y ou and I can't wait to hear the news.

I had a boy 4 years after having a girl. It all comes back to you but in a different way. I was able to make decisions quicker (is he sick, etc) but everything else still felt so new! It's a great feeling.
I did not push the big sister help mom for all the baby stuff. When people asked her if she was a big helper I would chime in and say "Yes she is a BIG helper! She is very PATIENT when I am feeding the baby or putting him to sleep." That totally counts in my book and it was a tremendous help for me and encouragement for her to hear it.

My advice is acctualy about the soon to be big brother. Every kid feels jealous of a new baby brother or sister, some more, some less. Be sure to have some time alone with Simon everyday, to play, or watch a movie, or just talk and be together. If you help him with his homework, try to keep doing that, so he doesn't feel like the baby is "stealing" you! The last thing is something a friend told me, and I think it makes sense: when you arrive home from the hospital, let you husband enter the house holding the baby, not you, so you can give the big brother a big hug when you come in. Another thing you can do is bring a little something for Simon, a small toy or book, and tell him it's a gift from his baby sister! A great ice breaker, right? You will love having a girl and a boy! All the best!

What an inspiring post and so glad you are enjoying this time of your life!
Two tips:
1. Never wake a sleeping baby. Sounds easy, but then someone says, "well, let's wake her now, so we can feed her or so that we can go out later and she'll sleep, etc., etc., etc." Ignore them. Never wake a sleeping baby.
2. When the baby is crying, remember there's usually only five possible causes: hunger, pain (gas, diaper rash, etc.), wet bottom, tired or bored. Try to solve each one in turn, and you can end the crying. Sounds easy, but when sleep deprivation sets in, it's nice to have the list hand to review. LOL!
Rinda

Definitely try to freeze some meals prior and/or do simple meal planning. It is nice to have warm food just out of the oven.

Ali- it is really amazing how it all comes back. I have had three c-sections, the last two were my choice. I don't regret it at all. And my last little one has been a great baby and I think it is because I am much more calm and relaxed. I wish you a happy and safe delivery and many calm nights in the weeks to come.

(1) Keep a basket with extra diapers and wipes as well as a changing pad in the living room so you don't have to keep going into the nursery everytime the baby needs changing.
(2) Sleep when the baby sleeps. Try to ignore the impulse to "just get a load of laundry in" because YOUR nap will never come.
(3) Get out of the house any chance you get (especially alone) and don't hibernate. It can lead to PPD.
(4) Don't be afraid of asking for help. You are not any less a mother for needing help and support from others.
(5) Don't forget to be your husband's partner. It's easy to do when children's needs are so important.
Good luck with the new little one!

Thanks for the book suggestions!
My advice???
If your baby is healthy and gaining weight...make her wait once in a while for the next feeding. Don't feed her everytime she cries. I did this with my second one...he had to wait for three hours after every feeding. If he was fussy before that I would put him in the snuggly and go for a walk. A baby gets used to this very quickly and you know when they are hungry!

Ali
best of luck to you and the family on your blessed event. Simon will be a tremendous BIG BROTHER. love the way a new baby smells and feels, savor all the moments. My favorites were the midnight feedings when it was just the two of us( baby and me).

Since I have now had my third baby I can tell you something. You WON'T remember it all, BUT you will be less stressed about it. If that makes any sense ... for example, I could NOT get my second baby to latch on (yep, I am a nursing mom) and was so frustrated with myself - I mean I had done this before, right???? The LC said, well, the last time you did this, the baby was one year old and able to help himself to the milk. So, just remember, you won't remember how to do it all ... and your mind is cloudy from lack of sleep and body aches. But you are calmer cause you know not to sweat the small stuff. And to take it one day at a time. I hope that all makes sense! Actually, it is perfectly right if it DOESN'T! Ha! But my thought are with all of you (and do remember to enjoy it ... and get kisses from her sweet neck ... THOSE are the best!)

No baby advice here. You don't need it - that maternal baby instinct is still there.
However, I would say to enjoy the time before the birth, during the birth and after the birth with your mom. Since my first child was an emergency delivery and my mother lives far away, I didn't get to experience the before or during with my mom. My mother was only able to come after the birth of my son - which was wonderful. But when my second child, a girl, ended up being a scheduled c-section, my mom was able to be with me before the birth, during and after the birth. I did not realize what I (actually all of us) had missed out on the first time around. It was such a joy and comfort to have my mom with me. Although my husband was great, there is still nothing like having your mom around!
Enjoy! and Best Wishes!

Good Luck Ali, and to Chris + Simon. You are going to have so much fun.
Also thank you for sharing what you will do for yourself during this time. Its something I need to print out and remind me as I go thru each day.
You truly are an inspiration.

What a magical time!! You are on the cusp. So close....
Good for you for staying in the moment. This is one you don't ever want to forget.
Can't wait to hear that she has safely arrived.
Baby hugs!
Kari

Mm, love what you say about embracing each day as it comes, being gracious with yourself, and appreciating/being who you are right now. Great words in times of change/transition. =)