Things I Am Learning (or re-learning)

Ali. I am enjoying this peek into your life. Your writing is so personal. I feel as if I am also feeling what you are feeling. I do not have any children of my own, so that is really something. I think next big step for you may be writing a different kind of book. You have the ability to speak to others through your writing. Blessings to you and "your kids."
Michelle D.

Sending you all my best thoughts and wishes for peace and baby sleep...
Take care, Susan

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts! I remember so clearly the overwhelming peace and happiness I also found just staring at my baby's face those first few weeks after she was born. The most beautiful poem of beauty. Unaltered, true beauty. And yes, that mother-daughter bong is a strong one for sure! Your baby is gorgeous!

So beautiful! Reading how your life has changed with the arrival of the new little one can only help prepare me for my own that will be arriving in a couple months. She is precious!

Ali,
My youngest is 15. But I can so remember how exhausting it was. I am relieved that Simon has parents and teachers that understand his excitement and all that he is going through. How lucky his little sister is to have him. The neat things he will show her! Thanks for sharing, this was a very heartwarming peek.

It is different and sometimes tough. I remember feeling like I didn't hold my 5 years old enough or that I was missing too many parts of his day. My older son had difficulties, at first, to the transition of not being the only child. It took about 6 weeks for all of us to adjust. Hang in there. "The days are long, but the years are short."

Going from one to two children definitely is an adjustment but one you will get used to with time...
Its so great that Simon loves his little sis so much.. will be fun to watch them grow up together and discover each other as they change and grow!
Its normal for Simon to "adjust" ... Ryan always surprises us ... even when we do all the Right things to prepare him... ie pictures, schedule, social stories, etc... they just have to go through it... kwim?
Even typical kids go through it but for our kids, changes are especially hard... I truly believe change is what makes them adapt better in the long run though...
Enjoy these precious new moments of discovery ...
You have a beautiful family!
Kim

I think Anna is one of the most beautiful babies that I have ever seen! She looks a lot like you. Don't forget to savory every moment, and all that stuff that seems so important right now really isn't compared to this new little life and your family. You inspire me even when nothing artsy is going on....love the post that are coming from the big comfy couch.
Amber Osburn
California

We are happily awaiting the arrival of our third child this week. We have two sons; 6 and 3 and are having a wee girlie on Thursday. I am being induced and am so anxious, excited, and worried all wrapped into one. I am anxious and excited to meet our new little one, but a bit worried and much like you feel about Simon. I already know I will miss our time as we are now. Usually our 6yr old is at Kg all day, so me and Holden hang all day and do our thing and shortly it will include one more. But you are right, meet each new day with joy and try to forget about the expectations we often have and just be.

Thanks for the lovely post. Anna is simply beautiful. What a picture!
I love #18 . . . that insight will carry you through the tough times (and your readers as well).

I love your honesty. It's been almost 4 years since I had my last baby, but I remember wondering how the dynamic of our family will change. And yes, girl clothes are much, much more fun than boys! :)

It sounds like you are doing great! This post felt so nostalgic to me...I love newborns and I am always amazed at how quickly they change. I also distinctly remember those bittersweet feelings as each of my children was born and the older ones magically became even older by comparison...parenting is learning to love whiel letting go and it is truly a bittersweet process.
Hope you love your new washer and dryer, that Simon transitions well, and that your tough days are few and far between! :)

I am very excited for you and your expanding family! Anna is so beautiful--and so is Simon. You're very blessed. I so remember people telling me to enjoy every day because "this will be over before you know it." I wasn't quite sure about that because I was knee deep in diapers for years! But let me tell you, now that my four babies are ages 23-33, it's so true. You'll blink and they'll be all grown up! Savor each day!

Thanks for posting those wonderful thoughts and observations. And thanks so much for sharing little snippets of your world with us. Loving the photos of baby Anna. Newborns are SO sweet.

She is precious!
My boys are 3 years apart. And I feel what you mean by saying you miss Simon. I had the same (almost guilty) feelings as well. I wanted so badly to give them both my undivided attention: give my older one the same attention that I used to, and give the baby the same attention that I gave my older one when he was a baby.
I guess accepting the fact that it can't be both 100% is OK was the first step to my progress. I love my boys dearly and there is nothing more that I love than when all three of us are just playing and lounging. But I also LOVE and cherish the one on one that I get with each of them. I now take my older son out with me when I go to the grocery store... I used to like doing that by myself since it's the closest I can get to "alone" time, but having my little helper and having our one on one is just priceless.
Take care Ali and enjoy the "kids"!

Congratulations Ali! She is so pretty and looks so much like you! I'm sure your Mother says the same. I agree with you that sibling love is one of the most special things to witness. I still adore watching the bond between my 6 yr. daughter and 2 yr. old son. My son was born on 2/20 and it is great having a February child -- having the holidays over for a whole month and feeling refreshed and ready to celebrate again with a birthday!

I have a three year old son and another little guy joined our family last august. i remember the exhaustion just home from the hospital, but mostly i remember that special bond you're talking about, and missing my son even though he was right there in front of me.
but don't worry. it comes back. he transitions, and you transition, and then you're this cool little posse of three (four when hubby is around), and you get to see a whole new side to simon -- the big brother side!

Oh Ali be encouraged. One day at a time, being aware of the little moments, the beauty of hustle and bustle and nap time! Thank you for sharing your heart and home with us. You inspire me to be real and rejoice in this life. Be encouraged Ali because you encourage us.

Congratulations Ali! She is darling. Now, just wait until you get to tell people, "I have teenagers!" That was a strange feeling for me! And I remember being so grateful to even GET a shower with a new baby around. How did we new moms do it???
Blessings to you and your family,
=) Diane

What a beautiful picture of Anna. Glad to know that you are enjoying this time with both the "kids".

How close to home this list is! Especially number 7. My little one is 3 weeks old tomorrow and my son is 7 1/2. I have moments during the day when I REALLY miss my son, even though he is in the next room. I'm trying very hard to make time for him, whenever I can squeeze it in.
I need to sit down and write out my own list so I can remember this time. Sometimes though it just seems so overwhelming to sort through all these emotions.
Thanks for sharing yours!

Oh Ali. Your post made me laugh and made my eyes well up. I remember all those thoughts when we had our second baby. I lived by #8, having a hot shower every day was my goal. Sometimes it wasn't until 2 or 3 in the afternoon but it made me feel so much better. Your last item, #18, is so very true yet so very hard.
My awesome hubby really supported me in the first days, weeks and months with a newborn. When I'd be upset about not meeting my expectations for the day he'd tell me that my one and only job was to take care of the baby--feed, change and love the baby. If I did that then it was a successful day. It didn't matter if I didn't wash the dishes or do laundry or go to Target or any of the other things I thought I might do that particular day. All I had to do was love upon our new baby. Hearing that from him helped me put it all in perspective.
Every hard and challenging day is followed by a better day so here's to a good day!

I could have written almost all of those points after my daughter was born 18 months ago. It sounds like you are doing great! It was very sad and hard for me when my mom left after three weeks, but it was fine. I often remind myself that it's not about being perfect and getting everything on my list done, it's about taking care of my kids the best that I can!

Love your last comment. Think I'll make my friend a canvas with that on it. To help her when she comes home with her baby girl.
Yes- this time too shall pass & all to quickly. So bask in the moment.

Great post. Beautiful picture of Anna. Is it pronounced "Ah-nah" or Ann-ah"?
My older boy was only 14 months old when my younger son was born and remember "overwhelmed" was a word that didn't even begin to describe what I was feeling.
You do have so many blessings in your life and I thank you for sharing your private thoughts and feelings during this very special time. You're very right to remember to enjoy this time because as you know by looking at Simon, it's almost over in a flash. Blessings to you and your beautiful family.