Things I Am Learning (or re-learning)

My mantra with each of my 3 newborns:
Tommorrow will be a tiny bit easier than today.
And its SO true. You get get better, the kids get better adjusted. So thankful that more days are winners rather than losers;)

You are truly a great mother. Although Anna obviously needs more attention, you don't expect more from Simon, but expect more from yourself to make that special time for him. I have a friend who always wanted a daughter and when she had one, her son was forgotten. And to this day, 5 years later, she puts her daughter first.

So true about feeling sad about how things used to be with that first child. I so remember being weepy, feeling guilty and feeling the loss of how it was just with her and I. It changes and grows; and those feelings go away with time. I love how you said it out loud. I don't think enough people acknowledge that loss and those feelings. ( She's gorgeous, by the way!) Kate

My baby girl will be one on Thursday & I am re-living lots of things through you (some that I've already forgotten in such a short time)(my son is also 7 years older than my daughter). It's just starting to not feel odd to say 'the kids'
I'm glad you choose to share your life with us online.

I have a 6 week old and can relate to almost your entire list. The last one gets me through every single day. Also, showers are the most peaceful things ever and one handed typing should be an olympic sport. Congrats on your sweet girl!

Ali. I am enjoying this peek into your life. Your writing is so personal. I feel as if I am also feeling what you are feeling. I do not have any children of my own, so that is really something. I think next big step for you may be writing a different kind of book. You have the ability to speak to others through your writing. Blessings to you and "your kids."
Michelle D.

Sending you all my best thoughts and wishes for peace and baby sleep...
Take care, Susan

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts! I remember so clearly the overwhelming peace and happiness I also found just staring at my baby's face those first few weeks after she was born. The most beautiful poem of beauty. Unaltered, true beauty. And yes, that mother-daughter bong is a strong one for sure! Your baby is gorgeous!

So beautiful! Reading how your life has changed with the arrival of the new little one can only help prepare me for my own that will be arriving in a couple months. She is precious!

Ali,
My youngest is 15. But I can so remember how exhausting it was. I am relieved that Simon has parents and teachers that understand his excitement and all that he is going through. How lucky his little sister is to have him. The neat things he will show her! Thanks for sharing, this was a very heartwarming peek.

It is different and sometimes tough. I remember feeling like I didn't hold my 5 years old enough or that I was missing too many parts of his day. My older son had difficulties, at first, to the transition of not being the only child. It took about 6 weeks for all of us to adjust. Hang in there. "The days are long, but the years are short."

Going from one to two children definitely is an adjustment but one you will get used to with time...
Its so great that Simon loves his little sis so much.. will be fun to watch them grow up together and discover each other as they change and grow!
Its normal for Simon to "adjust" ... Ryan always surprises us ... even when we do all the Right things to prepare him... ie pictures, schedule, social stories, etc... they just have to go through it... kwim?
Even typical kids go through it but for our kids, changes are especially hard... I truly believe change is what makes them adapt better in the long run though...
Enjoy these precious new moments of discovery ...
You have a beautiful family!
Kim

I think Anna is one of the most beautiful babies that I have ever seen! She looks a lot like you. Don't forget to savory every moment, and all that stuff that seems so important right now really isn't compared to this new little life and your family. You inspire me even when nothing artsy is going on....love the post that are coming from the big comfy couch.
Amber Osburn
California

We are happily awaiting the arrival of our third child this week. We have two sons; 6 and 3 and are having a wee girlie on Thursday. I am being induced and am so anxious, excited, and worried all wrapped into one. I am anxious and excited to meet our new little one, but a bit worried and much like you feel about Simon. I already know I will miss our time as we are now. Usually our 6yr old is at Kg all day, so me and Holden hang all day and do our thing and shortly it will include one more. But you are right, meet each new day with joy and try to forget about the expectations we often have and just be.

Thanks for the lovely post. Anna is simply beautiful. What a picture!
I love #18 . . . that insight will carry you through the tough times (and your readers as well).

I love your honesty. It's been almost 4 years since I had my last baby, but I remember wondering how the dynamic of our family will change. And yes, girl clothes are much, much more fun than boys! :)

It sounds like you are doing great! This post felt so nostalgic to me...I love newborns and I am always amazed at how quickly they change. I also distinctly remember those bittersweet feelings as each of my children was born and the older ones magically became even older by comparison...parenting is learning to love whiel letting go and it is truly a bittersweet process.
Hope you love your new washer and dryer, that Simon transitions well, and that your tough days are few and far between! :)

I am very excited for you and your expanding family! Anna is so beautiful--and so is Simon. You're very blessed. I so remember people telling me to enjoy every day because "this will be over before you know it." I wasn't quite sure about that because I was knee deep in diapers for years! But let me tell you, now that my four babies are ages 23-33, it's so true. You'll blink and they'll be all grown up! Savor each day!

Thanks for posting those wonderful thoughts and observations. And thanks so much for sharing little snippets of your world with us. Loving the photos of baby Anna. Newborns are SO sweet.

She is precious!
My boys are 3 years apart. And I feel what you mean by saying you miss Simon. I had the same (almost guilty) feelings as well. I wanted so badly to give them both my undivided attention: give my older one the same attention that I used to, and give the baby the same attention that I gave my older one when he was a baby.
I guess accepting the fact that it can't be both 100% is OK was the first step to my progress. I love my boys dearly and there is nothing more that I love than when all three of us are just playing and lounging. But I also LOVE and cherish the one on one that I get with each of them. I now take my older son out with me when I go to the grocery store... I used to like doing that by myself since it's the closest I can get to "alone" time, but having my little helper and having our one on one is just priceless.
Take care Ali and enjoy the "kids"!