Right now.

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1. Filling the house with fresh flowers.

2. Excited that my Mom arrived yesterday and will be here with us for the next couple of weeks.

3. Watching Simon work-through his homework. Going through the routine of protest, silliness, more protest, and finally settling into concentration and then triumph & celebration at the end. 

4. Reading voraciously. Started and finished Girl with a Pearl Earring
in a couple nights. Starting World Without End
tomorrow.

5. About half-way through creating a "reflections" book for the first few weeks/month with the new baby. Planning to share images from that project on Monday unless she comes before then. I am using some older pink Anna Griffin patterned papers that I have been holding on to for something special. 

6. Our bags for the hospital are packed and ready to go with comfortable clothes and a couple sweet things for the baby.

7. Feeling calm about my choice to have a repeat c-section.

8. Hoping to finish up our taxes today. Would love to have that done and out the door before the baby comes. 

9. Trying to remember what it's really like caring for a newborn. Reading up a bit on baby care and hoping it will all come back to me (or I will relearn). I would love to read some of your favorite tips for those first few weeks if you have them (I am all good with the "sleep when the baby sleeps" mantra).

10. Simply excited beyond measure to hold this new bundle and welcome her into our lives.

Dottedline_2

It's all pretty surreal right now.

I have been thinking a lot about the three of us and the family unit we have been for the past seven years. For many of those years I was pretty sure that Simon would be our one and only. Now, with another one coming so very soon, I have been reflecting a bunch and hugging Simon just that much tighter and longer.

I am a different person in lots of ways compared to who I was when Simon was born. Many, many things have impacted me tremendously over the past seven years. I am looking forward to meeting myself in this new role. I will be gentle with myself. I will seek help when I need it. I will savor and celebrate as many moments as I can.

Looking back and looking ahead and being in the right here, right now.

Things are about to change big time once again.

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446 thoughts

  1. Barb @ getupandplay says…
    02/06/2009

    1. Super excited for you!
    2. I'm SO glad that you feel peaceful about the birth and your decisions. That's THE most important thing in my book, that the mom and dad feel peaceful and empowered!
    3. What fun to soak up the last few moments of being a little threesome.
    4. Good job on the taxes. That's my goal, too, as our little one is due the end of March.
    5. Best wishes for you and baby girl!

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  2. Dale Anne says…
    02/06/2009

    Wishing you all the BEST! REST and enjoy every moment - time goes by so quickly.

    Reply 0 Replies
  3. Jennifer W. (Simple Scrapper) says…
    02/06/2009

    Good luck - we can wait to meet the new one!

    Reply 0 Replies
  4. Alice says…
    02/06/2009

    I'm sure you don't need any advice, but a GREAT swaddling blanket is called THE MIRACLE BLANKET. just google it. IT IS FABULOUS. I've always had 2, so one could be washing while the other one was in use.
    I also love Gripe Water, which is homeopathic for upset tummies, or colic. Even if she isn't colicky, it helps with gassy tummies.
    My last favorite product is Hyland's teething tablets. I think they are fabulous for helping teething. Again, homeopathic.
    So exciting for you!

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  5. kirsty says…
    02/06/2009

    Sleep when baby sleeps :)

    Reply 0 Replies
  6. Christy Bridwell says…
    02/06/2009

    I have a soon to be 4 year old and a 1 year old - both boys. The first day back from the hospital I found myself so torn. For three years I was able to devote all of my attention to my first son. It never occured to me I would now have to divide my attention between two boys. How in the world could I ever manage? The first couple of days were tough as my older son grew to love his new baby brother. For me it was getting past the guilt of having taken myself away from my first son. Of course, as time passes and you find your way, everyone settled and I had to learn to make peace with having to share my time and my attention. The guilt passed as I came to appreciate the moments I share with them individually and all together. Group hugs are the best!
    Just like everything with kids is a phase, this was too. Just wanted to share my experience one mom to another. I wish you and your family all the best.

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  7. Cameron H says…
    02/06/2009

    The techniques in Dr. Harvey Karp's _Happiest Baby on the Block_ DVD did wonders for our family in those early weeks. I can't recommend it enough! And I always was glad when people reminded me to "put on your own oxygen mask first" -- taking care of myself helped me take better care of the baby. For me, that often meant indulging in lots of Reese's peanut butter cups. :) Best wishes for all the new wonders headed your way.

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  8. tchrtiff says…
    02/06/2009

    Your post brought a flood of memories to me; I almost cried. My daughter is Simon's age and our son was born about 5 years later. I was able to enjoy him so much since dd was older. Not that I wouldn't have enjoyed him earlier but b/c she was older I had more time w/him while she was at school, w/friends, doing other activities. It was almost like having a first born again. Son and I got to spend so much alone time together. I was scared to "start over" but ended up loving and enjoying every single moment, and still do. I'm so much more relaxed this time around and have learned to trust the mother instinct in me. It will all come back to you. Have fun with your new little one. Praying for a smooth and safe delivery and happy, healthy little girl.

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  9. alexandra says…
    02/06/2009

    A beautiful post!
    As for advice... the first thing that popped into my head was something I did once my twins were home from the hospital... I had little baskets with diapering supplies and changes of clothing on every level of the house so I was ready to change them at a moments notice and didn't have to make the trek back up to the nursery for every diaper change.
    I love your that you are savouring your time with Simon and focusing on being kind to yourself once the babe arrives.
    So excited for you, Ali - this is a fabulous time!
    Love and best wishes,
    A.

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  10. Kristin Rutten says…
    02/06/2009

    One other thought, Ali... you've probably already planned for something like this, but just in case - something to think about... Within a few hours after my daughter's birth, my husband had her big brothers sit down and write down their thoughts in a notebook. (He did the same thing.) He asked a couple questions to get them thinking (what's it like to have a new baby, what was your first thought when you saw her, etc.) and then they just wrote. My younger son wrote the equivalent of an index card and was satisfied with that. My oldest, however, wrote several pages and kept adding to it over the next few days. I took the first page from each and made it into a 2-page layout, along with some funny things my 9-year-old had said earlier in the week about how babies are born (like "Mom, wouldn't it be funny if when the baby came out, it was a puppy?) Those are probably the most meaningful things I have in my daughter's first year scrapbook. The only think I don't have and wish I did was my own reflections at the time. I was so tired and busy, I just never got around to it. I do remember, however, that my boys suddenly seemed so much older and grown up than they were a few hours earlier! Anyway... best of luck!

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  11. lisa says…
    02/06/2009

    My biggest advice is to ask Chris and/or your mom right now to make sure you get enough healthy things to eat and drink. I would always forget, or not make time for that these last few weeks and it really affected me. Congratulations to you!

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  12. Jami says…
    02/06/2009

    Relax. The baby knows no different from you, and all she needs and wants is you. You can't do it wrong. Have a great time!

    Reply 0 Replies
  13. Andrea says…
    02/06/2009

    I had 3 c-sections. Each one was different. In the end the results were the same. I was Blessed! Everything comes back to you when you hold a baby! Only suggestion... don't forget a present for Simon to give to the baby. Our son gave his new baby sister a stuffed animal. When he gave it to her he said "here you go sweet girl!" Sweet girl became her nickname. Now he is 9 and still remembers he named her sweet girl. His next sister he named sweet pea! Blessings!

    Reply 0 Replies
  14. Kim Strother says…
    02/06/2009

    I know you did not ask- but I have a suggestion for you if you still have time...
    when my son was born my daughter was 7 (just like Simon is now), I packed a gift from the baby to my daughter. Just a shirt that said "i'm a big sister" and a little teddy bear. But she loved it and it kind of helped them bond. I think at that age (7)it's hard for them to see the baby get all the attention, so it's good to have a little something for them. Also, I'll say congratulations and wonderful blseesings to you, the baby and the whole family. I pray for a safe delivery for you and wish you much joy!

    Reply 0 Replies
  15. Paola Norman says…
    02/06/2009

    I'm so happy and excited for you Ali.
    I'm also glad your mom is going to be there to help you and support you during this wonderful transition. I'm also glad to hear that your going to be gentle with yourself.
    That is so important. So many woman have so many mixed up feelings during this time. I think your so ahead of the game. My only tip is a small one, use receiving blankets (2nd hand one are great for this) and lay it out under the baby's head flat. That way when she spits up in her crib you just have to wash the receiving blanket and not fitted sheet which one usually doesn't have a lot of on hand. I pray that you have a safe and wonderful delivery. Enjoy and cherish all the love this new little one brings. Peace to you and your beautiful growing family.

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  16. Katie says…
    02/06/2009

    Forgot one other piece of advice I wanted to share:
    Cook ahead!
    I spent some time making casseroles, pasta sauces, soups and even chocolate chip cookie dough ahead of time and threw it all in my freezer. It was great during the first few months of craziness with the new baby to have convenient meals in the freezer that were actually tasty and good for us.

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  17. Lora says…
    02/06/2009

    I don't have any advice for you except to tell you that I have had repeat c-sections and it was a little more relaxing just knowing when things were going to happen and it helps the others at home feel that much more relaxed, too. Good luck and enjoy every moment as you already know they pass much too quickly!

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  18. KathyChen says…
    02/06/2009

    Praying for you, Ali. My daughter (2nd child) was born last year Feb. 13, so I clearly remember the last week(s) of pregnancy. My advice for your first few weeks is to try to spend one-one time with Simon and then also with the baby (esp since you'll have help). Also, give Simon 'jobs' to make him feel like an important big brother (hand me a diaper, etc)

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  19. Amber Lee says…
    02/06/2009

    Since you asked for it (and I agree that you should only take advice you want and toss the rest)... I really can't believe my sweet Tuesday is four weeks old tomorrow. As far as things go I'm loving "my brest friend" nursing pillow and our bouncer. The best thing to have around has been another set of hands, but the first few weeks those hands just brought us food and helped around the house. We were selfish and did most of the baby holding ourselves, and I'm glad we took that time to bond. We have lots of visitors now and it's easier. The only other advice? Everytime she cries or I get frusterated I just stop and look at her and tell her how much I love her. :) good luck!

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  20. heathermc says…
    02/06/2009

    1)PUT A CLEAN DIAPER undeneath baby first then change dirty one...
    2) keep huggin Simon
    3) lanolin creme if nursing
    4) don't be too quiet
    CONGRATS!!!!!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  21. Amanda Schurman-Chard says…
    02/06/2009

    it will come back to as soon as they put her in your arms!
    Best advice for me was homemade baby wipe recipe! i just love that they are homemade, easy, inexpensive. Less plastic bags so they are GREEN as well!
    need:
    1 quart plastic storage container with lid (#9 rubbermaid works great)
    1 roll of good paper towels (cut it in half with a bread knife or I've heard many moms have their hubbies do it with tools in the garage!)
    Baby soap and baby oil of your choice.
    Mix 2 1/4 cup water with 2 tablespoons each of baby oil and wash. place one of the cut rolls in tupperware and pour the mixture over. Let sit for a few minutes to soak then flip it over.
    The cardboard core will just pull out when its wet, and start the middle for you to pull from.

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  22. emilyt says…
    02/06/2009

    What a sweet post. I love that you share so much and that your writing is so vivid. Enjoy your moments now. You'll really treasure that you chose to do that in the weeks to come.

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  23. Aby Garvey says…
    02/06/2009

    So exciting to read about where you are right now. I think the craziest thing with baby number two, for me anyway, was the total realization when she arrived that I didn't *know* her. My first was a boy, my second was a girl, and from the very first moment she was totally different. Anyway...the how to care for an infant comes back in a flash.
    As far as advice, and in keeping with the topic of reading, I loved "Secrets of the Baby Whisperer." It was a life saver with my baby number two...because it is a bit harder to sleep when baby sleeps when there are other little people around who need things. It works so much better when baby sleeps when the rest of us sleep. :)
    Thanks for sharing this special time with all your readers...it brings back such precious memories.
    Aby

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  24. pam says…
    02/06/2009

    Ali, no advice about the baby - it's been too long ago for me. But a book recommendation (like you'll have time to read in the immediate future - ha). The People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks is fabulous.

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  25. Christine says…
    02/06/2009

    You are and will continue to be a wonderful mom. As a mom of three, my one piece of advice is this: knowing that all babies are different, what worked for mine, given that life was already very busy.. I had a little lullaby that I hummed to her from the first day she was home - mostly when I wanted her to sleep, but when she was eating, when we were walking around, etc. Then during crazier times when there was a lot going on and she was getting fussy, I could go to a quiet part of the room, hum the lullaby and she would quickly relax and calm down (or maybe I would, but the results were the same- calmer baby and mom :) That's it - everything else is so dependent on mom, baby, family - you'll do great - enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!!!

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