Right now.

I have no doubts that you'll remember how to be a mama to an infant in a quick hurry. : )
Just treasure every moment...that's my only advice. Treasure the good AND the bad moments--if I'd known that my time with our foster kids would be so short, I would have been more consious of those little things, you know? I'm tearing up here--just thinking of you with a sweet new baby girl. It's going to be great. : )
xoxo,
Becca

The best advice that I can give is to relax, enjoy that (too short) time of them being a newborn, and all the instincts will come, just like thet did with Simon.
I was scared when I had my second child, was worried I had forgotten to care for a newborn, but the minute I held him the mother instinct kicked in. It will for you too, so all you have to do is enjoy, rest when she rests ( so believe in that too!) and savour these precious moments with your family.
Love to you all x

1. Read Dr. Karp's "The Happiest Baby on the Block" I just had a baby in December and this has saved me. It's about the natural calming instincts of babies, "the 5 s's" and the real reason for colicky babies.
I was in your shoes 2 months ago. I had forgotten everything about caring for a new born. And turns out my baby is colicky and demands a huge amount of attention. She has to be held, rocked, and bounced all the time. It was a real shock to me as my first would just sleep or sit there and look cute.
2. Like you said, don't hesitate to get help. We were fortunate to have some extra money that I put aside to hire someone to clean for us and to cook some meals to freeze. It made a HUGE difference. I work at home as well and when I have 30 minutes I can't afford to be cleaning the house.
3. Don't let the guilt eat at you. My first daughter who is five was the CENTER of my life. My attention was 100 percent for her and I cuddled her all the time. then I had Olivia, and I was breast feeding and it was so hard and painful and somethine happened that I didn't expect. I didn't want anyone around while I nursed especially not hugging on me while I had the baby on me nursing all the time. So I was constantly telling her to give me space and even leave the room and I totally felt guilty. Like it was rejecting her or abandoning her but I was in so much pain and in sensory over load that I couldn't have her hangning on me. BUT, it goes away. She was fine...not feeling rejected or abandoned like I thought. And I'm fine...it took about a month for me to feel comfortable breast feeding and now I'm fine.
Okay, I'm living this experience right now so I have a lot to say. This is the 403rd comment so I'm not sure you'll get to it or have the time to read it. But if you do,
and your baby is colicky, definately read the book. Big kisses

I remember so vividly the last day of being a family of 3 (I had a planned second c section). I was so full of emotion, anxiety, will I have enough love, will my sweet girl be jealous. It seems weird now because I cannot really image what it would be like to be only a family of 3 again. Enjoy these magical moments with Simon.
Robin

New to your blog and loving it! Congrats on the upcoming birth of your new baby - I had 3 scheduled c-sections so I think it is a GREAT way to have a baby.
Only advice - get a couple of sleepers with zippers for the middle of the night diaper changing. Who wants to be fighting with those domes at 3am?!

I am sure that it will all come back to you once you are holding that little girl in your arms. Congratulations!!

Hi Ali! Just wanted to share, my due date was feb 15th, and I was all set for another c-section, but guess what? Last tuesday, at 1 in the morning my water broke, I went into labour and was holding my baby within 2 hours, natural birth. I would never imagine that! Everything happened sooo quick, and it was soo easy, and now we are already home with him, and he is such an angel! I wish you have a great delivery as much as I just did! Take care!

Not advice as much as something to expect. When my second, then my third was born I saw my older childen become very clingy to me. "I want mommy to put me to bed", I want mommy to put me in the chair... get me dressed...take me to school....give me a bath"
I think that this is their way of reassuring themselves that you are still their mommy too. It was alot of demands on me, but something that I think they need to learn early on so that they can accept the new family member in. The third time around, my husband got to spend alot more time with the newborn as I was giving my others the attention they needed. It was a win win situation for everyone.
I have had 3 c/sections now, no regrets! Good luck! After having 2 boys, my little girl is so much fun!
Sincerely,
-a big fan

This may have already been said but...for me...and no one told me this ahead of time...two is SO MUCH HARDER than one! I was so completely overwhelmed. The adjustment was so much harder than I ever expected, even more so than adjusting to one. I am not a negative person but I just wanted to say it just so you know, IF you have a similar experience, you will know you are not alone! The good thing is that it is so worthwhile and it gets easier. Mine were 3.5 years apart so it may have been the age of my first that made it so hard. Simon will be a huge help!

The hug-a-bub, or a similar baby wrap! The "bub" (as we called it) was so wonderful in those first few weeks and months. No matter how upset the baby was, within 20 minutes in the bub with a little dancing and singing, he would be fast asleep. It worked for dad and others who were visiting too. I was even able to do some quilting that first month with Ethan fast asleep in the bub. It takes a bit of patience to figure out how to manage the wrap, especially when baby is very upset! But it is so worth it. Best of luck to you! Can't wait to see your little one.

Hi Ali,
Best wishes and good health to all! My tip may sound silly but I swore by those baby sleepers that were just an elastic circle at the bottom. Late night diaper changes are a breeze thanks to those!
=) Diane

I was thinking about you Ali, and how you are doing now.
Keeping my fingers crossed for a wonderful delivery and a healthy little baby A!!!

I just had my little girl on December 26th. My "baby" up until that point turned 5 years old on December 16th. I HAVE noticed that this time around I am a whole different person. Much more calm. Taking it one step at a time. That's my best advice. Take it easy and ask for help. It's so much easier this time around due to asking for help! Less stress that way.

Hello fellow blogger, I stopped by your site and thought maybe you would like to swap links with me, after adding http://voiceofbragg.com with the title "Blog Till Death" to your site, message me and I will add yours...have a great day

i wish i could think of something, but those early days were such a blur, especially as we had twins the first time around. i have a feeling instinct will kick in. i do remember how good a daily shower felt...that is one thing i can recommend. :)

So excited for you! It will all come back to you. Focus on Simon as much as you can, which I am sure will not be a problem. Prayers coming your way from TX.
http://www.lazymoms.com

Oh Ali, I am so happy for you and your sweet family -- I am wishing you many blessings in the coming days, weeks, and months ahead as your precious little daughter joins the world. My only advice would be what you already know and do, and that is to take tons of photos. lol I'm looking forward to "meeting" your little one and also in seeing Simon in his role as big brother. I am so excited for him!

Enjoy your new little one Ali! I am sure it will be fun to have a little girl this time. Speaking of reading, I just read a great book called 'The Insiders: A Thriller' by Craig Hickman. I would highly recommend it (it's on amazon). I am sure you would like it. It has a great message. Thanks again for all of your inspiration and spirit that you share :)

Ali, I started reading your blog long ago, actually I have been inspired by you since I found your scrap layouts at 2 peas back in 2004 and have loved watching Simon "grow" and now can't wait to see "baby sister" grow.
Thank you for opening up your heart and life to all of us!
L

the only thing i can think of is
everything goes so fast the second time
so when things are hard remember that
it will be over soon
& when things are good
savor it
:)
i'm so excited for you:)

enjoy it!

All the best to you and your new addition. She will be beautiful. :-)

All the best to you and your new addition. She will be beautiful. :-)

All the best to you and your new addition. She will be beautiful. :-)

Wishing you love, peace, health & happiness as this baby joins your family.