Everyday.
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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.
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86 comments
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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Hi Ali,
Don't know if you have seen Ree Drummond's site, but she is amazing! She built her own raised veggie beds and has documented her process. Here is the link if you want to take a look... http://thepioneerwoman.com/homeandgarden/2009/02/build-your-own-raised-flowervegetable-bed/ . Enjoy!
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it's all so real and so wonderful - beautiful post!
I too am dreaming of gardening - just reserved 'Square Foot Gardening' at my local library - can't wait to give it a read and start planning!
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What a sweet picture. I have to say that you are my favorite designer/scrapbooker/photographer. I rarely post but have been following your blog and was so excited that you were having another child and for Simon to be a big brother. You are such a wonderful mom and it is so cute to read about all the ways that Simon interacts with Anna. Savor these moments because they pass so quickly. I have 2 home-born daughters and they are 14 and 10 and it seems like just yesterday they were babies!! :)
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Oh if we only could be the mother we are with a 2nd child - with our first. The learning curve is so so steep sometimes in that first go round and it's all so new, because it IS new. This is so much of the joy of a child who comes to experienced parents.
Love your sharing the daily poop etal saga. That's what I sometimes feel my life is like, except it's with an aging cat.
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It think it is so cute that Simon says "looks like trouble" whenever Anna makes a noise. My middle child (5 years old) says "She's going to explode!" whenever Sophia starts to fuss. It's fun to see everyone coming together as a family. See how the little ones fit into the mesh. Continue to enjoy every day, Ali.
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I have been reading your blog for awhile now. I love your style, your calmness, and your scrapbooking idea that nothing is done the wrong way. I had my third son the day after you delivered your daughter. Your sentiments echo my own thoughts. I breeze by my computer and read your post for the day. I had to laugh today because I have changed Micah's clothes 4 times and my own 2 times. With each baby, I have been more amazed by the wonder of it all. Now, trying to juggle 2 preschoolers and a newborn has made me appreciate every single minute. I appreciate your words. It is fun to read because we are sharing so many of the same experiences! Happy baby! Thanks for your inspiration. I smell like spit-up too!
Deanna
vatechmommy@comcast.net
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It's always about finding time...for whatever we choose. I'm glad you're choosing to spend it with your kids! Time it goes by so fast! My first baby will be 9 next month...oh my gosh!
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Hi Ali - Your Anna is exactly one day older than my Megan! Having two is so much easier (and simultaneously harder) than I ever expected. Kudos to us!
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Ali,
Tell Chris to check out the Columbia "Cougar Flats" tent. We bought one last year. It has two HUGE rooms (one can convert to a sun room) and there's not a corner I can't stand up in and I'm 5'10!
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I love this pic of you guys. Sounds like your life is blissful. Enjoy!! And I love how Simon is teaching baby Anna all about the important stuff...like Star Wars:). I'm a HUGE fan, too Simon!!
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