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
Lovely post today, Ali :)
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happy 6 weeks!
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It must be something about the age spread. I feel the same way about our 4th who is 6 years younger than our youngest. He'll be one on April 8th and I can't believe how fast it's gone because I still drink him in practically every moment of everyday! We all love on him and snuggle him so much.
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Isn't motherhood such a blessing? Glad you're enjoying it cause it goes by so fast! Blessings to you and your family!
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PRECIOUS! So glad you are savouring the moments as they come. They always say the second one is easier because we "practice" and learn with the first one. I only had one child, but still treasure moments with him, even as an adult. You have a beatiful child and outlook on life. ENJOY.
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If Simon is saying Oh-Oh when she starts to cry now - wait until she is crawling and starting to get into ALL of his stuff!!! My grandson is just 11 months and we have been in trouble for awhile now and it just gets more interesting everyday!! More things to find to childproof!
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WOW, Ali-
You inspire me to look at the little things that mean a lot in life.....When I had my second (a girl) and my son was 8...I was not calmer or anything and I think my stress went over to my little girl. I ended up having post partum depression and once I got help...I was so much better and more calm. But...those months are months I wish I could get back....I love watching/hearing about your life with Little Anna and Simon. Simon is quite the teacher to us all! :)
Thanks so much for sharing your beautiful life with us! :)
Hugs-
Kathy F
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When I look back now i know that josh cried harder, longer and louder. It was so much easier second time around and I wonder if it was because Sam isn't Aspy where Josh is. Even as a newborn I know there was something different with Josh. Intuition and time are definitely great healers.
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That picture is precious! When you feel like working a little more, you may want to consider a baby Bjorn (if you don't already have one). My children LIVED in theirs, and I had both hands free and total movement to do chores or work. And since they were close to mama, we were all happy:)
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Ali,
Life sounds perfect. enjoy. it does zoom by. my babies are now 22 and 18 and it happened in a blink.
Debbie
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beautiful post....again!
thanks for sharing your life with us!
Lyn
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I read your blog almost every day when the kids let me....I'm a mother of two boys - a 5 and 3 year old little men... as I read your comments of baby Anna being 6 weeks old, I realize how fast time goes by... enjoy every minute... you have inspired me to start writing about my feelings/emotions when my two men came to my life. Thanks for sharing. Lots of hugs to you all from Brazil.
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Sounds like Heaven!! Enjoy!
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What a fun picture! =) It cracks me up to read about Simon teaching his lil sis about Star Wars and McDonalds of all things. To funny! Those funny moments are so great to capture - thank you for sharing a fun moment and reminding us all to slow down. ;-)
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She is absolutely beautiful.
It's amazing the memories we have. I have a teenage son and 2 year old twins and I am forever thinking that he was so much harder than the 2 of them combined. My memories are of sleepless nights driving around in the car trying to get him to fall asleep, constant tantrums and needing a lot of attention. I know looking back at the photos that it wasn't like that, but it's amazing the things we do remember.
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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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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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What a sweet little smile. :)
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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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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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