Everyday.

Three 

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.

Dottedline_2

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.

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86 thoughts

  1. Lara says…
    03/24/2009

    It IS perfect isn't it? Even in all of the moments that "look like trouble" (too funny!) Even Anna looks likes she is enjoying the ride. Treasure these moments (I know you do) because they go sooo fast!

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  2. Jill says…
    03/25/2009

    Beautiful update from a fabulous mom. Yes, it's apparent even though I just 'know you' from the blog. Enjoy every minute of this treasured time and throw that darned 'work' on the back burner more :)

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  3. mandie segura says…
    03/25/2009

    What a sweet little smile. :)

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  4. Jody (jfm813 @ SCS) says…
    03/25/2009

    I remember being where you are! My girls are 5 1/2 years apart. The first time around had us jumping at every little noise she made. The second time around we were much more confident and calmer. Every baby is different, yet we kinda felt like we knew what we were doing.

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  5. Jen says…
    03/25/2009

    Hi Ali,
    I wanted to say to thanks for sharing your life. I truly enjoy stopping by for updates! I was wondering if you could share some of your thoughts on the cloth diapers you chose and how they are working out for you. I am expecting and have been contemplating cloth diapers. I have talked to one other mom that has used them and she loved them, but I am just not sure I can deal with the poopy ones. Thanks for sharing! Jen

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  6. Angela says…
    03/25/2009

    What a precious photo...just wanted to let you know that the current issue of Better Homes and Gardens (the ones with the egg shells planted with tiny flowers on the front) has a great article on how to build and use raised flower beds. It's a very "green" issue.

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  7. Edys says…
    03/25/2009

    Ooooowwww congrats!!!!

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  8. Samara Link says…
    03/26/2009

    Ali, it's almost silly how much I enjoy reading your blog -- considering I don't even know you. There's always so much inspiration here. On days that your posts are written (without the projects and ideas) there's something calming about your rhythum. It's nice to hear you are feeling so content in your space and this moment of your life. It takes, I think, a lot of internal work to get to that place. It's wonderful you're there. Enjoy.

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  9. Shelley Rankin says…
    03/26/2009

    Congratultaions on the new baby girl. She is amazing and I am certain you are in total heaven.

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  10. michelle says…
    03/26/2009

    beautiful picture of you and the kids -- that'll make a fabulous layout :)
    i'm dreaming of raised beds in the backyard too -- i'm going to talk the kids into school gardens again (one of the accompanying projects is a little journal/scrapbook of their progress which is too adorable for words) i'll fill up my sections of the garden with lettuce and herbs -- nothing i have to can ;)

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  11. Dale-Lyn Styles says…
    04/14/2009

    I have 2 boys one 19 and the other 17 almost 18 and I had a little girl 6 months ago.
    It is amazing how different you are with a child later in life (I am 42.
    My eldest son has semantic pragmatic disorder so it was hard to deal with.
    He did go on to become DUX of YEar 10 and 12 (a very smart boy) and most of his diorder has been cloaked but everynow and then it will show. He rocks when bored or tired of waiting and will pull at things but thats about it.
    The difference we had our daughter is amazing he is so into her wanting her approval and loves to make her laugh she has made a real difference in his life.

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