Monday, January 26, 2009

Three Things I Don't Understand About Babies

They poop when they sleep.
Ummm...aren't you sick if you poop in your sleep?  Annie does it all night long.  

They sleep when they eat.
I like to eat when I eat, not sleep.  

They don't sleep when they're tired.
I could fall asleep anywhere at any time.  Not so with either of my babies.  

Monday, January 19, 2009

Mothering Two: What I've Learned in One Month

First- notice the name of the blog has changed.  I've officially named it Peek-a-boo Two.  Thanks to Kevin for the suggestion.  You've won a very special prize.  You're the official baby holder from the hours of 2am-4am.  Congratulations!

Annie has been with us for almost a full month.  That's hard to believe.  We're all still going through some serious growing pains.

I've learned a lot of things in a month.  It has mostly been a month of crushed expectations.  

I've learned that just because you had a terribly, terribly difficult first baby, doesn't mean you're guaranteed an easy second baby.  
I've learned that the second birth is a lot easier (and in this case, a lot faster!) than the first.
I've learned that when your first baby has reflux, chances are your second one is going to have it as well.
I've learned that it's a lot easier to change a boy's diaper than a girl's.
I've learned that I'm no good at asking for help & I'm not any better at accepting it.
I've learned that it's a lot easier said than done to nap when the baby is napping.  Because, when the baby is napping you also have to shower, eat, pick-up, play with your much ignored older son, throw in a load of laundry, and steal a quiet moment to think. (oh, and write blog posts!)

But, I've also learned that my heart can expand to love another child.  That this new love doesn't steal from the old one I have for Jack, but it multiplies itself to include another precious one.
I've learned that just because your baby cries a lot doesn't mean she isn't lovely & lovable.
I've learned that Jack is just as sweet & compassionate & sensitive as I have always suspected.
I've also learned again & again that I love being a mom.  I love my kids more than I ever thought possible.  I love to watch them sleep.  I love to cuddle with them.  I love to comfort them.

I told Jack the other day that I was a lucky mama.  I got him for my birthday & Annie for Christmas.  I've learned that my kids are the best gifts I could ever be given.


Monday, January 12, 2009

Brother & Sister

Jack really loves his little sister.  All of his angst about being ignored has been taken out on us thus far, not Annie.

You can also see Annie's little harness in this photo.  Because she was so big she wound up with hip diplaysia.  Big babies don't tuck well in the womb, so sometime their hip sockets don't fully form.  She has to wear this 23 hours a day for at least 6 weeks, probably more.  We're hopeful that this treatment will take care of the problem & we'll be able to avoid casts or surgery later down the road.  She doesn't mind the harness at all- I think it's mostly annoying for us.