Things I Am Learning (or re-learning)

oh man ... #7. that's my most vivid post-baby-#2 memory. about two weeks after harper was born, i broke down sobbing to my husband about how much i missed henry, who was five at the time. you spend so many years getting to know just one kiddo and having your whole day and life revolve around your relationship with him, then suddenly there is another person making room in your heart, and you don't want to divide love so of course you make room. but unfortunately time and attention DO divide, because we don't yet have the ability to add hours to the day. you'll find that balance, once you take the time you need to get to know anna. and then you and chris will take turns having that one-on-one time with each child and you'll find a way to divide the time fairly. hang in there ... you'll find your way back to simon.

Hi Ali,
Loved reading your list. I have 2 girls - 6 months & 3 1/2 years - and I can totally relate to those early days (including my mum leaving to go back to Australia). Natalie seemed huge compared to Baby Emma!
Now, 6 months on, it finally feels more "normal" with 2 kids - we're getting more sleep, I can actually get us out of the house at a reasonable hour, and I don't think twice before I say "the kids" or "the girls" :)
All the best to you and your sweet family.
Megan
PS - My dryer died about 3 days before I had Emma and the new one couldn't be delivered for over a week, so I know how that feels!

She is so beautiful. Simon must be a very proud big brother.

Amen.

"you are safe". simon is doing a wonderful job as big brother because those are three words that every human being longs to hear and truly believe in their heart. wishing you all the very best...

she's adorable.
relearning can bring new blessings along the way. enjoy the journey as four.

I agree....set no goals....enjoy each moment....and invest in an amazing variety of pj's....it makes staying the day in your pj's some fun!! :)

Oh, I love that "It's OK Anna. You are safe." It doesn't get any more precious than that, does it? :)
Corinna

this post brought tears to my eyes. thank you for your honesty. i have/am feeling somewhat the same as you. in the fact of wanting to spend one on one time time with my oldest. i too, am thankful for my wi-fi, laptops, & the pump!
i always joke with friends, telling them not to expect capitol letters in my emails while i'm nursing.
i so agree with the comments as to not setting goals, expect to create, clean, or even take a shower! bad thing for me and i know you as well, we are goal setters.
best wishes to you, chris, and the "kids".
thank you for this post. it truly touched my heart.

I have two girls and remember going from one child to tow. It takes a bit of getting used too but after awhile it just clicks, you can't imagine life without them being there. What a touching post, brought back early memories and a few tears. All the best to you and your new family.

Oh Ali, my heart just melts everytime I read your blog these days. Both of your children are beautiful! As a woman who was personally unable to have children I am experiencing a wonderful vicarious thrill.

Hugging you tight! She is soooooo beautiful and so are you xo

Anna is gorgeous and blessed with a gorgeous family!!!
I am in the same boat. I have a 6.5 year old boy & I just a baby girl on Jan 14. I blogged about #4 but the one that really touches me is #7.
I know exactly what you mean. I thought it was me. But as I talk to my friends (and now here in your blog) I see that all moms go thru this and I dont feel so bad. It has gotten better though. I still miss my boy and our afternoons cuddled in the couch watching Home Alone or Baby's day out (over and over and over), I just miss our time together but I'm gonna make it a goal that as soon as our little Mia starts to crawl and/or is able to play in her playpen etc Im going back to that tradition with my boy and hopefully she will join us.
I read the poem that the other poster posted and I can sooo relate, I feel much better now.
So thank you for your awesome post and may God bless your gorgeous family.

8. Taking a hot shower is one of my favorite parts of the day.
ME TOO!

#11 got to me...I am sure you will document everything Simon says to his sister but the one about her being safe when she cries is a keeper for sure. That one brought tears to my eyes! I'd love to see a page on that one. Take care Ali and enjoy that sweet girl. My third baby is already 10 months old and it is killing me that he is growing so fast.

Did you get a front loader or a top load machine? I changed from an old top loader to an "efficient" front loader during my cloth diapering experience... not such good results... not enough water to rinse them well in the front loader. Have to get creative with white vinegar rinses and/or mini shower attachments on your toilet... I got all my tips from MDC (Mothering Magazine discussion forums)

I can relate to you on few things there. I have a 2yr++ lil grl and a 3mth++ lil boy.
1.People were amazed that I still managed to blog while I was having contractions right down to the point where I was about to go in labour. And blog some more right after the delivery.
2. I know the feeling. It feels (good kind of) strange saying in plurals. Kid=kids, child=children
3. I, too, miss my daughter even right before my eyes. I know she feels abit left out ever since her brother arrived. I always make an effort to spend quality time with her like we used to. There are times where she is frustrated with her baby brother, however, she can be such the sweetest big sister ever.

Your children are absolutely beautiful! As I sit here tonight I have the opportunity to blog hop; something that is extremely rare for me. My daughters are now 9 and almost 15 (she points this out to me - LOL!)and life just seems to get busier, and busier. It is my oldest daughters first dance tonight and so now I wait for her to come home so that I can listen to her stories of the fun she had. Kids are amazing and I wanted to stop in to "see" your precious new baby and tell you congratulations. Please rub your cheek against your precious little ones hair and just breathe in that baby "smell" for me one more time. Then when you need to let those tears roll, because even though it is a wonderful and beautiful thing, it can be exhausting. Tears do help relieve some of the inner stress. Then the smile comes back, together with a renewed determination. Life changes once more for the better after a good night's sleep. So hand that bottle off to daddy once in a while, he will treasure those moments as well. Congratulations from an admirer and fellow mother! Best of luck in your new journies ahead!

i just cried a little over #12. totally forgot about the "you are safe" thing. yes. wishing you lots of balanced days and happy moments. it goes 20x faster the second time.

Hey there Ali,
Congrats to you all on the Birth of Anna. Truly a beautiful name for a beautiful baby.
I love that you are documenting so much. The joys of scrapping. My eldest is now 14, nearly 15, and I think you have inspired me to document this hard time we are going thru right now. Hindsight is a good thing, but even better, knowing that thru the struggles with have with our kids, we love them UNCONDITIONALLY is such a good thing.
May your family be blessed, as you inspire and bless others!
Dee

Such an encouraging post. :) I've filed it under my 'motherhood-ness' bookmark, along with a handful of encouraging articles that I think will come in handy when I decide to take that 'motherhood' leap. :) praying for you and yours!

She is absolutely beautiful!

This post was beautiful and honest. I appreciate how similar my experience and am thankful you brought back the memory of those tender moments with my daughter Izabelle and my son, Parker.
Your kids are both so amazing! You are blessed!

I know I am far behind the curve here - and that you have hundreds (perhaps thousands) of admirers/readers to read the comments of, but I have to say that your gentle honesty inspires me all the time and I thank you.

#15- My son did the same thing. It passed. He was totally in love and sweet to his little sister, but short-tempered and acted out physically with the kids at school.
Anna is beautiful.