Things I Am Learning (or re-learning)

#12 is my favorite - "you are safe"???
What an awesome big brother!!!

I was also wondering how you had time to update your blog... Pol's now almost 4 months (he was born Oct. 30) and only now am I starting to have time to do stuff and not on a regular basis... depends on each day!
So cute about daddy having Anna's photo on his phone.
She truly is adorable. Congrats Ali!

And just a last comment (they keep coming to mind) I love your today thoughts... too true!

Reading your list brought back so many memories and emotions that I had 9 months ago when my daughter Audrey was born. (My son Jacob was 2 at the time). It's almost like reading my own journaling. It's comforting knowing that other mothers go through the same emotions and experiences. We are not alone!
The next month or so may be difficult while you're trying to heal and adjusting to life with a newborn and two kids. But after a few months you'll look back and realize how sweet life is with a boy and girl (especially the shopping part!). :)

ali,
congrats on baby Anna, she is lovely! Not sure if you know about these, but if you're getting a cold you need to try it out. It's called a neti pot. You can get it at any drugstore, grocery store, etc. I know you like things as natural as possible and with feeding Anna you probably don't want to take any unneeded meds. Google neti pot if you don't have one. I have stopped colds/sinus infections in there tracks by using this. Blessings....

Your comments on how Simon is with Anna just melt my heart!

Oh wow - I can totally relate to all of these. My 2 year old seems so BIG now with our new little one in the house. And I adore watching her sleep and watching her take in her new surroundings. But oh dear - you're a rock star for nursing AND typing. I haven't attempted that one yet!!

THIS is sooooooo sweet.....
...."It's OK Anna, you are safe" when she cries.
I love that big brother outlook...

The smell of the top of a newborn's head. Intoxicating! That is my most vivid memory of those days. When I hold a newborn, the smell initiates flashbacks of each of my children at this precious stage.
I recall when we were expecting our second child (a daughter) looking at my son and thinking...it isn't fair to him, or to this baby...how could I ever love another child as much as I love him. Then Liz arrived and I fell head over heels in love. Now...at 23 and 21, they are still best friends, covering each other's back. She is a midshipman in the Navy ROTC unit at Vanderbilt, and he a senior at U of Maryland who has actively protested the war in Iraq. What amazes me about them...is neither sees the other's life choices as contradictions of his/her own, rather they are there cheerleaders for the other and respectful of their differences...actually seeing their choices as complimentary of the others. Which is all the more amazing considering our son is also on the spectrum.

Thank you - for sharing - for being so "real" and giving voice to the many things we all (as mothers especially) feel. . .take comfort that you are not alone - we're here - supporting and rooting for you.
Hillary

Wow! Your little daughter is so tiny and cute!!

Congrats on your very lovely family Ali! your daughter is beautiful and I'm so happy for you that the bond between the "kids" ;) is so great. I had to chuckle about hearing your washer breaking down right before the baby came. Both times when I had my boys, our dishwasher broke down! And yeah, so the second time around that dishwasher was only 2 1/2 years old. Really not pleasant to suddenly have to handwash dishes with new baby in tow. So I feel for you on the washing machine and it will be a great relief for you when you get it! :)

Oh Ali...you sound very positive but I can tell that you are a little down...Just like anything in life "transitions" effect everyone differently. We are inherently cautious of change. "Fight or Flight" is the core of our existence. You know that "this to shall pass"... and then you and your family will be onto a new stage...and so on. Take Care.

Ali,
Your family is just beautiful. Your #7 brings tears to my eyes. My children are 22 and 24 years old and I miss my babies so much. I try not to think about it. Yes I love them as adults but gosh I miss my little ones. It slips away in the everyday activities and before you know it it's all over. This time in your life is precious but you seem to get that better than I did at the time.
God bless, Joanna

Sweet, sweet girl,
Be kind to yourself. Simon will ease into this, just as all four of you will. I remember quite vividly that after my brother was born (we're four years apart), I dreamt that my mom, my dad, my brother and I were all in a space ship in space suits (this was the late 60s). Suddenly, the space ship opened up and my brother fell out, leaving my mom and dad and me together. I was blissfully happy. When I awoke, I was equally happy to find my brother sleeping safely in his crib.
The green-eyed monster is powerful. And temporary.
Rest. Eat chocolate. Be good yourself.
Lots of love!
XXX

I know how you feel , i felt these things when i had my daughter and my son was 10 and a half years older than her.. all of a sudden they are so much older in your eyes compared to the smallness of their sibiling. for us we gather once a week in my king size bed for cuddle time all four of us. it doesn't matter what is going on we stop everything and have a halk hour of total snuggle time... she is now three and he is 13 and we still do this once a week. it is a special time just for family!! enjoy your moments, (((HUGS)))

Good post. Your daughter's gorgeous!
P.S. I guess it's time to make an "Anna" category for your blog.

I don't think I've ever posted a comment on your blog before, Ali, but I've been following along for years. This post brings back SO many memories for me and is even making me teary-eyed over my morning coffee. Going from "kid" to "kids" is such an exciting and challenging transition. Someday it will be difficult to remember what just one "kid" was like! I can also tell you that now, with "kids" who are 9 and 6, it just keeps getting better and better...and better! Thank you for this wonderful posts and the beautiful pictures of Anna! Ah, sweet memories. All the very best to you and your family!

Simon saying "It's OK Anna, you are safe" when she cries, made me cry :)
She is so beautiful! I remember those first days and weeks of being a mama to a new baby as the most magical, and the most challenging, of my life.

Sending love and strength and good energy your way, Ali.

My mantra with each of my 3 newborns:
Tommorrow will be a tiny bit easier than today.
And its SO true. You get get better, the kids get better adjusted. So thankful that more days are winners rather than losers;)

You are truly a great mother. Although Anna obviously needs more attention, you don't expect more from Simon, but expect more from yourself to make that special time for him. I have a friend who always wanted a daughter and when she had one, her son was forgotten. And to this day, 5 years later, she puts her daughter first.

So true about feeling sad about how things used to be with that first child. I so remember being weepy, feeling guilty and feeling the loss of how it was just with her and I. It changes and grows; and those feelings go away with time. I love how you said it out loud. I don't think enough people acknowledge that loss and those feelings. ( She's gorgeous, by the way!) Kate

My baby girl will be one on Thursday & I am re-living lots of things through you (some that I've already forgotten in such a short time)(my son is also 7 years older than my daughter). It's just starting to not feel odd to say 'the kids'
I'm glad you choose to share your life with us online.

I have a 6 week old and can relate to almost your entire list. The last one gets me through every single day. Also, showers are the most peaceful things ever and one handed typing should be an olympic sport. Congrats on your sweet girl!