August 28, 2013

High and Low


*highs: Hearing Little Smith say 'night night Woo-bee' to his sister as he heads off to bed. * James settling our baby on his chest, when she refuses to go back to sleep at 5AM each morning. * Sharing real sincere laughs with Little Smith (especially when he imitates me- he does a good impression!). * Nursing during nap time, just the two of us, in absolute peace. * Getting out of the house every day, it's been a giant challenge for me to juggle everyone on field trips solo and I'm really proud that we've been making it happen. * Watching Little Smith rock and gently pet the baby so lovingly. * Delighting in the most perfect summer weather, crisp and sunny and cool. * The whole family piling into bed in the middle of the day. * Getting back to the garden and lugging home baskets heavy with veggies. * Seeing those mirror-like newborn eyes taking in the new world. * Singing songs for hours. * Fitting back into my shoes (some of them). * Reading in the park with my toddler by my side and my baby in the sling... and feeling like I've got this parenting thing down!


*lows: Two unhappy little people screaming at me at once. * Lugging bodies and bags up and down the stairs just to do a simple errand (never have I been so aware of living on the second floor!). * Running out of wipes, again. * The transition from 'baby that always sleeps' to 'baby that never sleeps'. * Having to say 'no' when Little Smith asks me to pick him up, because I don't have any free hands. * Having zero time to myself- seriously- zero. * Finally getting her to sleep, only to have him wake up thirty seconds later. * Little Smith suggesting we 'put Woo-bee down wight there' and motioning to a bush (during a particularly chaotic outing). * Still not fitting any of my rings. * Having my baby wake up and try to claw her way out of the sling in a crying fit... just when I thought I had this parenting thing down. 


It's been a completely crazy and amazing first three weeks as a family of four. I did prepare myself mentally for many of the challenges that we're now working though, but there are always the ones you just can't anticipate. Some moments have been tough, and sleep deprivation and surging hormones tend to amplify those little dramas. Any struggles though are overshadowed by the love and sweetness that's filling my home right now. These are good days. Deliriously good.

*These pictures were all taken by James last Sunday when we went peach picking at Lookout Farm. It was more of a big commercial operation than I typically enjoy for my pick-your-own excursions, but Little Smith was so excited by the train ride and grape arbors that it was well worth the entry fee.

14 comments:

  1. Beautiful Lilly! Parenting (at any stage!) can swing from one extreme to the other at any moment cant it? It sounds to me like you have got the parenting thing down x

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  2. Delightful. What a gift it is to have a happy childhood. That's what between these lines.

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  3. Beautiful photos, esp the last one. He looks so intrigued by everything. Anw take care and hope you have enough rest soon! :)

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  4. Nice to read that you are able to get out a lot with your family. I often didn't find the energy to do this as I found it was too much of a hassle (kids only 18 months apart) living in a flat on the 4th floor (we barely fitted in the small elevator ;-)).

    About that zero time for yourself, what I enjoyed and relaxed me a lot after another busy day (which each day was), was reading half an hour in the late evenings when my toddler was already in bed and my husband took care of the baby.

    Enjoy your family!

    Natalie

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    1. 18 months is probably even more challenging. I've found that even in the last six months he has gotten so much more capable and independent (of course with that comes willful!). I would love to have a half hour to myself each day, smart idea! Right now James has been so busy with late nights at work that I haven't had much alone time. Looking forward to some this weekend though.

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  5. I love this new look of being a mommy of 2 on you. Congrats again on your new bundle of joy.

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  6. Oh the joys of parenting! You seem to be doing well with all that motherhood is throwing at you, even with the lows. I hope you get just a little "you" time soon!

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  7. It gets easier... and harder... then easier! Glad you are getting out. That was my saving grace, and still is! Such is the turmoil of an extrovert who chooses to stay at home with her kids!

    Love those sweet littles, Lilly. They are just so great. :)

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  8. I am just now attempting to go out with all three - trying my best to time it with the baby's nap schedule (which is totally NOT consistent). It can be seriously insane. But I've found that going places where I can let the boys run and be loud is the best. We're hitting every park around!

    xo
    cortnie

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  9. thank you for the blunt honesty. :)

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  10. if it makes you feel any better (and i know it will) finn also will not settle after that feed at around 5am...and the only way he will sleep is on luke's chest so i can get some sleep. exactly the same!!!

    and the not sleeping thing -- and juggling two of them and the guilt and the snapping and two people wanting your attention -- i am totally with you there. x

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  11. The photos are gorgeous. And you expressed the highs and lows beautifully. The hard times make the good times all the better, right? :)

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  12. Hi
    You look beatiful ...I realy like to baby cariege african style...what is english name of this I like to search on the internet..and never see this metal staff in it..very good and looks helpful..thank you for your all sharing..love from İstanbul

    Yasmin

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    1. Hi Yasmin, thanks very much. Do you mean the sling that I'm wearing the baby in? It's a ring sling made by the company Maya. I bought it a few years ago, but I'm sure the pattern is still available.

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