Things I Am Learning (or re-learning)
Tags:1. Typing one handed, with a nursing baby in the other arm, is not too hard (just takes a lot longer).
2. There is nothing better than just sitting and watching her facial expressions while she is sleeping.
3. Witnessing Simon's love for Anna is totally more amazing than I could have ever imagined.
4. I now have "kids." Still feels strange to say "the kids."
5. Simon is like a giant compared to Anna. I remember a couple people in the comments a few weeks back talking about how big Simon would seem after her arrival. It is so VERY true. Each time I give him a hug, rustle my hand through his hair, and just look at his face I can't believe how old he is - I don' think without Anna for comparison I would have been able to "see" him as he really appears (I saw many more little boy features).
6. Girls clothes really are more fun than boys.
7. I am having moments where I miss Simon. In the midst of so much joy & celebration I am
missing him and the way things used to be. I am working hard to set
aside time for just me and him - to chat, to snuggle, to give him my
undivided attention. I don't want to lose our connection in this time
of transition. Bittersweet.
8. Taking a hot shower is one of my favorite parts of the day.
9. I love how Chris put his favorite photo of Anna as his phone wallpaper so he can whip it out and see her beautiful little face.
10. I really, really miss my Mom when she leaves after being here with us right after the births of both our kids. Just having her here and hanging out with her and having her take care of us is something I am so very thankful for - love you Mom. You are the best. These emotions seem even more powerful this time around as I glance over at Anna and have those "wow, I have a daughter" thoughts. The mother daughter bond is powerful in our family.
11. I can finally cough and blow my nose again without feeling like my incision is going to break wide open.
12. Listening to Simon talk to Anna is another favorite part of my day. Yesterday he was telling her all about Harry Potter. He says things like, "Baby Anna this is Obi Wan Kenobi." or "Baby Anna do you want to watch Harry Potter with me?" or "It's OK Anna, you are safe" when she cries.
13. Wireless internet and my laptop are something I am thankful for. For those of you surprised at my posting so soon after Anna's birth, some of the posts were planned in advance (like the giveaway) and others were done while I am sitting here on the couch nursing or holding Anna. So thankful for our big brown comfy couch.
14. Having your 10 year old washer & dryer die the day before a child is born is a total pain...especially if you are planning to use cloth diapers from the beginning. I ended up waiting and will start this next week after the new appliances are delivered.
15. Simon is having a challenging time at school right now with some behavior issues. The transitions at home seem to be impacting him in different ways this time around - one of which is acting out physically when he is frustrated. Hoping that this too shall pass sooner rather than later as we all settle into our new routine.
16. Over the last two weeks Simon has gone to be and woke up saying he is
sick, hoping he will be able to stay home. It's gotta be hard for him
to leave in the morning - especially with his favorite person (Grandma
Pati) and his new favorite person (Baby Anna) here at home.
17. Yesterday was my first really tough day. Overwhelmed. Tired. Weepy. Anna not interested in sleeping until late in the afternoon. Fighting a cold.
18. Remembering each day that tomorrow is another day; that I need to treasure these early moments and let go of my own personal expectations for how the day should go.

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325 comments
Oh, Ali, Anna is just beautiful, so sweet and precious. What I wouldn't give to have my daughter that size again, just to fit in the crook of my arm just for a day (she is now 20 years old, and still cute). You'll go through so many different feelings over the next few months, trying to adjust, trying to settle in and get used to a new routine. Just remember not to overdo it, keep a notepad handy, and stop to hold that baby just a little bit longer every day. And that special time every day with Simon is equally precious. Have fun, it is a wonderful ride. Congratulations to you, Chris and Simon for a beautiful family...can't wait for the first Christmas family photo!
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Thanks for sharing. Anna is beautiful and I love hearing about Simon's experience as a big brother. Our middle daughter also acts out physically when frustrated. It is nice to be reminded that I am not the only mother going through these things. Times of transition can be so challenging, but I try to cherish each day just the same. Take good care!
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Ali...Sure hope you feel better soon and Anna is absolutely BEAUTIFUL! Thanks for sharing so much of yourself. Loves...
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with my third child, my mantra was ....and this to shall pass...especially during the very tough moments - up in the middle of the night between 2 and 4 - please sleep whenever you can... circle the 6 week mark on the calendar - this is the time my kids started to get into a bit of a routine - well some normal patterns, take care..she is beautiful.
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Loved this post! And Anna is so beautiful. Thanks for sharing. I'm due in roughly 13 weeks and I just eat up anything baby-related right now. And I get all weepy too.
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congrats ali- she's beautiful. yo'ure an inspiration! i'm expcecting my second early may, and its nice to see you, and all that you do. gives me hope that i can, too ;)
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Beautiful. Just beautiful. My baby is turning seven next month and seeing Anna makes me feel a little envious. But so, so happy for your guys. Enjoy every moment. And I have one word for you: Gymboree. Wish I had started shopping there sooner.
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Slow down and soak it all in. After all, we'll never know if you took a shower today.
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Feel free to slow down and just be with Simon and Anna. After all, we'll never know if you got a shower!
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Oh Ali, this list takes me back to the days when things were similar for me. Yes, this too shall pass!
I love the honesty of this post. I think most new mom's can totally relate to this!
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Oh my goodness, Anna is just so beautiful!
I can relate to everything you are saying right now. I have three boys - 6, 4 and 2 and the memories of those early weeks are still so fresh. Your post makes me miss those first few weeks! I can just feel you loving time with Anna and missing time with Simon. Everyone will settle in with time. It is such an adjustment period.
You are just amazing with such fantastic perspective!! I admire you!
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Book recommendation: Waiting for Birdy by Catherine Newman. She's hysterical. She had a super long labor with baby number 1 (a boy) and has scheduled c-section for baby number 2 (a girl). She touches on so many of the feelings you describe above but with the ability to make you laugh out loud at life. It's awesome!
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Oh Ali, your baby is absolutely gorgeous! She has such a sweet little face, too cute!
Enjoy every minute, and know the "feeling awkward-moments" are part of a completely natural proces..soon you will be creating the most beautifull baby-scrapprojects!
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Hi Ali,
#8 was how I felt when I just had my boy 6 years ago. It felt like a luxury just to take a hot shower. Take care.
Regards,
Lynette.
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May the Lord bless you, Ali.
I'm 6m pregnant with a baby girl also. And she has a 10 year old brother.
Thanks for 'preparing' me for what i might go through soon. :)
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Number 5 - I remember seeing my middle daughter's ears after our youngest was born, and being totally stunned at how huge they had gotten in just 24 hours. Ditto with her fingers!!
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You are so very excellent with words. When you said 'bittersweet' it summed things up so perfectly. Isn't the whole baby experience that way? Tired, weepy, overwhelmed and on the other hand - in love, over-the-moon happy, blessed - all at once!
Beautiful photo.
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She is just beautiful. Even I can't believe how much Anna's changed in just a couple of weeks. Savor every moment.....
k8
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ahh now I remember too.
Thanks
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Ali, she's is really gorgeous! Please don't type & nurse at the same time. Please just nurse, look at her sweet face & sometimes stroke her soft cheek! This time passes so very quickly. Love ya, Judy
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