4/4 time
I think the best way to describe what it's been like to bring a second child into the family is to imagine having a jazz band blasting an improvisational set in your left ear while listening to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir singing Christmas carols in your right ear, and there you are, a drummer in a rock band, and you're on stage in front of 30,000 people trying to keep the beat to an acoustic version of "God Save the Queen" by the Sex Pistols.
I'm trying to find the rhythm. I'm getting there, but it's slow going. This is all to say, thank you for being patient with me, I know posting has been light and it will continue to be for the next little while as I navigate a path through all this chaos. I'm still physically healing, and even though I gave birth without any drugs, the recovery has been just as painful and frustrating and ongoing as it was after giving birth with an epidural. I've got a post coming about labor, about how transforming the experience was for me, but it's a long one and I'm still hammering away at all the tiny details. All while attached to my adorable, chubby caterpillar who from day one made it quite clear that she'd rather be no where else on earth than nestled right into my chest. I will tell you this, it has been so much better this time, still a little bumpy and rough here and there with one or two absolute freak outs, but I've been so much more diligent about taking every moment I can to stare at her and adore her every feature. And the weirdest thing has happened, this whole experience has increased my love for Leta by a measure I didn't know was possible. I can say that right now, here this morning as my second child dozes on my breast, that I have never been happier in my entire life.
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FM Living
Meg said:
my firstborn slept on my chest and no where else for the first 2 months of her life. all while i was working on a phd. i wrote papers typing with one hand. it gets easier
06.25.09 - 01:07 PM / 1Bethany said:
first to comment! congrats!
06.25.09 - 01:07 PM / 2Lauren said:
She's a beautiful little girl. Congratulations on the addition to your family!
06.25.09 - 01:07 PM / 4Valerie said:
Amazing...
06.25.09 - 01:08 PM / 5Amanda said:
Awww. That is so sweet. It almost makes me want to have another. Almost. ;)
06.25.09 - 01:08 PM / 6Bea said:
So glad to hear things are going well. Heaven knows where you're finding the time to tell us though - but personally (and selfishly) I'm happy you are!
06.25.09 - 01:08 PM / 7Sara said:
I am so happy for you and your family!
06.25.09 - 01:08 PM / 8Wendy said:
Blessings to you as you experience these first weeks, they are so precious!
06.25.09 - 01:08 PM / 9Emily said:
Beautifully written. And a beautiful baby, indeed.
06.25.09 - 01:08 PM / 10Laura in LA said:
I am equally scared to death & dying to have one.
06.25.09 - 01:08 PM / 11Heather's Garden said:
You're great to post at all. I was just thinking it's not fair that you can't take maternity leave from your job. She's beautiful and I'm so happy that you're happy!
06.25.09 - 01:09 PM / 12Labradoris said:
Take this sweet, sweet time and heal and grow and nurture yourself. We're patient. Or, at least I am. :)
06.25.09 - 01:09 PM / 13erin said:
i cannot wait to read about her journey into the world. so very sweet, mama. glad to hear that all is well! xo
06.25.09 - 01:09 PM / 14Jessica said:
Congratulations once again, Heather. I am so, so happy for all of you. I am SO glad this experience has been easier for you, too; I was hoping Marlo would be an "easy" baby! She is so adorable, even when she's purple!
06.25.09 - 01:09 PM / 15Liz Voss said:
Heather, Marlo is absolutely beautiful. Even as a mother to a dog and two cats only, I look forward so much to reading about your journey with Jon, Leta, Marlo, Chuck, and Coco.
Good luck!
06.25.09 - 01:10 PM / 16karen said:
YAY for you! This is how it's supposed to be!
06.25.09 - 01:10 PM / 17Corinne said:
Oh Heather enjoy it!! Children are truly life's amazing gift! Congratulations!!
06.25.09 - 01:10 PM / 18Cautionary Girl said:
We're waiting patiently! You're doing an amazing job in the meantime.
06.25.09 - 01:11 PM / 19The Single Sister said:
So sweet.
06.25.09 - 01:11 PM / 20bethie said:
I get tears in my eyes every time I see a picture of her. She is truly beautiful.
06.25.09 - 01:11 PM / 21sasha said:
This post makes me happy.
06.25.09 - 01:11 PM / 22Kim in Alaska said:
Your baby is adorable! I am really happy for you and your family.
I can't believe you gave birth without and epidural. You're a saint!
06.25.09 - 01:13 PM / 23giggleblue said:
this is an awesome time and i'm so happy you are cherishing it!
06.25.09 - 01:14 PM / 24Amy said:
She is a beauty! Love the name too!
06.25.09 - 01:14 PM / 25Trish said:
I love this part.
When I first realized these two adorable human beings belonged to my husband and I, I cried tears of joy. I remember my husband looking at me, as my youngest was laying on my chest and my oldest was sitting beside me and he said, "you are just so proud of them right now, aren't you?". I just smiled through the tears. Yes, yes I was and still am.
You nailed it. Your love grows exponentially.
I'm so very happy for you and Jon! Congratulations.
06.25.09 - 01:14 PM / 26leatitia said:
I'm so glad to read you're happy Heather. Your daughters are adorable.
06.25.09 - 01:14 PM / 27Barbara E. said:
You gave us a Chuck & Coco with Marlo in the background. That would have kept me patient for at least another few days. Take it easy.
06.25.09 - 01:14 PM / 28hoskas said:
That huge secret-bonus-level surge of love for the older child? I can totally relate.
06.25.09 - 01:15 PM / 29Jo Anne said:
Wow, I am so sad that I never had this experience. I feel so a part of it and am truely in awe. She is beautiful indeed!
06.25.09 - 01:15 PM / 30Hillary said:
Marlo is beautiful and already so alert. She really does glow.
06.25.09 - 01:15 PM / 31