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.
6 comments:
I love you! Keep up the great writing.
But, you missed the section that starts:
"I've learned my husband is amazingly.... " etc. etc.
Oh, one other thing, I've learned that my husband is an amazingly SOUND SLEEPER.
That's all.
For real, like sleep through labor, hit him to wake him up sound sleeper. You are a good dresser and good at coloring, John. I love the Jack for your birthday and Annie for Christmas thing. It made me cry. I do, however, like less painful gifts.
Ouch, John! But you are a good dresser.
Andi that post made me cry. Thanks so much for such a sweet reminder.
You are always so poignant (sp?) and touching in your posts...I wish I could sound that insightful! :) But you have put to words many thoughts that I have had... I remember how mad I was when people told me to nap when the baby naps...the people who told me this had not actually taken care of a newborn for probably 30 years or so and although they meant well, they didn't actually remember what it was really like.... :) I hope I don't do the same thing to young moms when I am older. And I know how hard it is to ask for help, but you HAVE to do it for your sake and your family's sake! :) I am still praying for you and hope that Annie's colicky phase will pass much quicker than Jack's....
I think that you need to keep this little list on hand, at all times. It's very, very sweet. You are doing great, Andrea, really, really great. Thank you for sharing with us all....
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