Everyday.
She's six weeks old today.
Zoom. It's going so very fast.
Constantly cleaning or dealing with spit up, poop & breast-milk; hearing Simon say "looks like trouble" when Anna begins to make any sort of crying noise; tons of snuggling and adoring; changing my own clothes as many times as I change hers; fitting a bit of work in between feeding & naps & playing & cooking & housework; watching love grow right in front of my eyes; carting two kids to doctor's appointments (both mine and theirs); going to the grocery store (and having it start pouring down rain as soon as I get there so I get to carry the car seat through the pouring rain) as the big exciting outing of the day; feeling so thankful to have such an involved husband (and a baby that is really very mellow overall)...all these are the current reality of my everyday.
All joys of a very small baby in my world right now.
This experience so far has been completely different than life with Simon as an infant. Even though my memory is foggy looking back seven years ago, I remember it to be so much more challenging. It was more challenging. In my memory he cried harder and louder. I had no idea what I was doing with a tiny baby. I was so, so tired and that impacted everything.
My expectations this time around are completely different. My approach is slower and calmer. I know myself better and I am less-stressed out (even with more on my plate). I know my limits. I take deeper breaths.
He taught me so much (and continues to teach us new things all the time).
It hasn't been perfect by any means, and yet, it is perfect.
It's Spring Break here this week and Simon can be found hanging out in his sleeping bag chatting about wanting to go camping. Chris has been researching new tents big enough for a family of four. I have been daydreaming about setting up raised beds for a vegetable garden in our empty backyard.
I've got a couple projects going on my table right now. They are tended to in little chunks of time here and there. The desire is definitely there, it's that whole "finding the time" thing that is the current issue. Soon I will need to get a little more serious about finding a new work at home balance once again.
For now, we continue to get to know each other. Simon continues to teach Anna about the world and Star Wars and Baby Einstein and McDonalds. I continue to spend a good deal of time hanging out on the couch or walking around with her in my arms whispering love notes into her delicate little ears.
And of course, taking lots of photos to document the experience when I can make the time.
Thank you Ali for this comment:
"It hasn't been perfect by any means, and yet, it is perfect."
You made me stop and realize that amongst the chaos of my life that includes raising my kids, working full time and finding balance....it is uniquely perfect and sometimes I just need to step back and appreciate the blessings I have. Sometimes it is so easy to get caught up in the negative things that you forget to stop and focus on the positive. Thank you for helping me focus on the good today!!
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Ali, that just sounds wonderful. My Anna is 18 and in college now - it goes by so fast. Zoom. Enjoy every moment you can.
Peace to all four of you. Susan
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What a cute picture! Glad to hear you are doing well with this new baby. Experience is a great teacher! :-)
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She is SO precious. And so is he. So glad you're soaking this up.
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Sweet picture. : )
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What a precious photo. I think Anna looks a lot like Simon in this picture. What a sweet family.
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I love that picture, Ali. So glad you're taking time to enjoy it all.
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love it all! the honest daily good stuff. thanks for sharing with us ali!
a
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Makes me think of a post I was linked to the other day where the blogger wrote that "Life doesn't have to be perfect in order to be wonderful." Thanks Ali for reminding us to love even the little moments, and congrats on your beautiful girl!
The blog post was at...
http://especiallyheather.com/2007/06/10/life-doesnt-have-to-be-perfect/
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Sounds wonderful-enjoy. I know you are.
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We have a Coleman tent that is perfect for our family of 4. We even put a pack and play in it when our kids were small. I think it is actually a 6 man tent but it's big enough to stand in and it has a divider that we can put in it if we need to separate the space. The last time we went we set up our old tent and the big one and used one to store our stuff and one to sleep in! I hope you can take Simon camping this summer. We can't wait to do it soon!
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So good to "hear" from you Ali and enjoying this special time. Just returned from purchasing a gift for my soon to be teen (Thursday) son...yes, time does go by quickly and I feel blessed to be given my two children and enjoy them at all stages of life. By the way, we got him a digital camera :)
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I love how you put this...
"It hasn't been perfect by any means, and yet, it is perfect."
Thank you for your elegant writing and beautiful photos.
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I emailed you a couple pictures from last summer using our tent. I had just bought it from Sam's Club and it's Swiss Gear. It's really big and fits our family of 4 really comfortably. We even had plenty of room for the Pack and Play. http://www.swiss-gear-tents.com/ccp0-prodshow/SG33044.html
Highly recommend it.
So glad to hear everything is going well with your family. :)
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Such an adorable photo.
I can somewhat remember the earlier days with a brand new infant. He cried so much more than his little brother. The other one was so mellow in comparison...but, perhaps it was just my perception of being a new mom and all. I agree, I learned to be more tolerant and more accepting with my youngest than I ever did with the first one. Experience was my guide there. Thanks for sharing your everyday experience with Anna & Simon. Be very thankful that Chris is a "hands-on" dad (YAY-Chris!). ((HUGS)) to you & your wonderful family.
~Pino
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Thanks for this sweet note. I especially enjoy the part about what Simon is teaching Anna... What a great image.
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Thank you for sharing these very personal moments. As a "childless-by-choice" woman nearing 50, I have missed out on all of this emotion, love, stress, tiredness, etc. I feel that I am able to experience a taste of that now, through your words. I have mentioned before what a wonderful writing style you have; I truly believe these blog essays have the makings of a beautiful book of life and love and the art of balancing "Ali", mom, career woman and wife.
Warm thoughts - Michelle
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Ali, you are so awesome! I love reading your posts especially about the kids. I agree that it seems hard to remember stuff back almost 7 yrs ago for my oldest also. I definitely helps to have an involved spouse. Love your pics, enjoy the kids!
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Cute picture! Maybe you already have a babywrap but if not, it's a top tip. Gets you off the couch (not that couchlife doesn't sound like bliss) and keeps yet her close. Also perfect for shopping. There are many out there but here's just one website: www.mayawrap.com
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Beautiful photo... beautiful words... so very happy for you... :-)
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Ali, this post comes at a time when we are on the fence about having our second child when our first turns 5 at the end of May... I'm so scared that I will have less patiences and be more stressed out, but reading your posts makes me think how it can be the other way around and I have the power to make it that way.... THANK YOU and I'm sure my DH and DS will thank you too cause I think I just made the decision to make our family bigger....take the step (this has been going on for awhile lol...)
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The grocery store outing as the big deal of the day - I so remember that.
It sounds so lovely and warm over there. Congrats!
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Thank you for capturing this part of motherhood so well. My sister is expecting her first child this summer and I plan on sharing your post with her.
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Something that saved me was the snap and go,especially with the second. That bucket car seat gets heavy and I loved just snapping it on the little frame and I was ready to go.
Enjoy this time. They say it goes fast but my baby turned 6 yesterday and I just can't believe it.
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Hey Ali - glad all is well - I used Gardner's Supply to pick up a 3x3 raised bed last year. . .I started small - some tomoatoes and herbs and peppers and lettuce. . .it's a great prodcut and I've got this year's plot all planned out.
Good luck!
Hillary
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