Exactly how I felt (and still feel) after my second. And he was the colicky screaming nightmare, but even so - minus the weight of the post partum depression, it felt like heaven. He is a supremely grumpy 1 year old now and it still feels that way. Enjoy, it gets better and better.. my girl is also a wonderful big sister. I feel like he completed me in a way I would never have been without him. I get it. Bless you guys.

And now my pregnant self is a weepy mess in my office chair.

Droning mommyblogger, whatever. Still keeps me laughing my ass off.

Wicked cute video, too. Don looks good in pink.

My third brought the joy into our house. We are all in love with her funny, sweet, wild self.

OMG my ovaries hurt, that is so adorable.

OMG, I think that video just made me lactate! So sweet!

That is amazing. And you should gush in a sappy mommyblogger kinda way. You're allowed.

And I'm working on that feeling. I love both girls very much and I keep being told that I make it look really easy but there are days that I kinda want to hide. But then again, Cara loves her sister just not in a benevolent, self-less kinda way. :)

Congrats on beating those demons back. You deserved it.

Oh, that made me cry! So adorable. Sorry for asking but I'm clueless w/ music, but what's the song playing?

Yes, that's exactly how it felt when we had our second child, like he filled a void we didn't know was there. Congratulations, Heather! <3

That is so beautiful. I have a four month old and I struggled with PPD. I decided to get medicated at my 6 week appointment and it was the best decision I could have made. I really struggled those first few weeks, but every day is getting a little better, a little easier, and I'm starting to understand and enjoy this time.

Your babies are beautiful. Leta looks so grown up loving on her little sister.

I'm struggling, realizing I might be pregnant with our first child and its unplanned and unexpected and scary but I just watched this, tears rolling down my cheek as I realize how absolutely, utterly breath-taking a child, a family can be.

Thank you for sharing it with us.

Girl, you are living in a dreamworld right now.
Wait till they start fighting from the minute they get up till the minute they go to bed. Enjoy it now, pretty soon the older one will pinch the younger one just to see what happens. HA!

BTW, the music is a bit sappy dontcha think? Liittlllee over the top folks.

Awwww...now I'm sad that I'll never have another.

Thank you.

My younger sister is 7 years younger to the day, and I'm so glad that I have clear memories of her coming home. And how I cried inconsolably when my dad wouldn't let me hold her right away. My mom eventually let me and there's a pic of me with my eyes and nose all red from crying, but with the biggest smile on a 7 year old's face holding a bright pink newborn who's screaming her head off. But I didn't care - it was bliss. I can't wait to have my own one day, but that sisterly bound is something that cannot be replicated. Congrats on your beautiful family.

Glad you made it!

What a beautiful family. Thank you for letting us share.

*sniff*

That video is beautiful, it made my day brighter! Thanks.

They're so lovely. Leta is so caring. I'm pregnant with my first and it's a boy. I hope one day, I'll have a girl. You guys and the dogs are awesome. Wish you all the best.

So happy that you're knowing this joy.

Commenter #24 just said you're living in a dreamworld, and they'll fight and hate each other in the future. And they will. But that only seems like more of a reason to embrace the times when your children are a pleasure. Life is pain AND pleasure. People who see only the pain are as unrealistic as people who see only the pleasure.

Heather,
I volunteered in my daughter's kindergarten class for the first time today. And then I got back home to my 19 month old and he seemed so small and precious! It's amazing what a little perspective can do! Life is good. I'm glad yours is, too!

Very sweet. I'm expecting my second child next Spring, and hoping very much that this time around I'll be more able to enjoy those early months that were lost in a fog of tears and stress last time. So glad it's going well for all of you.

Heather-this is so beautiful. You should be very happy with your family! I am cheering you on.

Totally brought tears to my eyes...which wilco song is that?
thanks for being wonderful :)

This is the peephole into my future, Heather. My 8-month old girl needs a sibling, and I've been scared.

But women are incredible and I'M a woman, so I'll find a way to do it.

This story, your story, is the evidence of things hoped for. Blessings

P.S. I love the hate page. I wish I could comment on the comments.

This feeling doesn't ever go away. After they're older (mine are 11, 13, and 16), you still look at them and have those moments of pure overwhelming love and wonder how the hell you ever got that lucky. And when you realize that your eyes are tearing up, you'll ruffle one's hair or poke one in the ribs or stick your tongue out at the other... and smile even bigger.

:) Thanks for today's reminder.

wow...wow... I don't think one of your posts have ever left in my tears like this one!

Thank you for writing this. AS someone who really wants a baby, but knows the depths of depression, this is really inspiring. :)

Heather, I woke up this morning after a night of unexplained insomnia. My "baby" is five and going to Kindergarten, she's been sleeping through the night for a year and a half now, and she's the only one, so there's no baby to wake me. Just me, and it happens now and then, as it does to most of us. And as I was laying there feeling groggy and unmotivated (having finally squeezed in a last hour of restless sleep), I found myself wishing that, way back about 3 years ago, when I went through a brief period of thinking maybe I could do it again, oh I wished this morning that I had done it again. I'm so happy for you that you did, and that you have found this joy. And I sure wish I had a fuzzy little head to kiss again. :)

I cried... I am even more suspicious than ever that I am pregnant.

Wow #53. How about you stop judging other people. If you don't like the blog, just don't read it. Found your comment a little judgemental....are you casting the first stone?

I am a long time reader of your blog, but I don't ever comment. In light of the all the hate, I came to bring some love. Congrats on turning something foul into something useful for your family (and entertaining to your readers.) I hope this doesn't increase the incoming hate mail, just to see if they can be featured on the hate site!

Your daughters are beautiful, Keep up the great posts, pics, videos, you are a highlight in my day!

Yay YOU!
I just want to say, as a strong believer this is true, that it might be possible that your AMAZING (and awesome and courageous) birth #2 might MIGHT have something to do with where you are now.
You worked hard for things to be different this time. Enjoy it!

Sweet!!! ^_^

Congratulations! Who could ask for more?

I have been trying to get pregnant for many months and ironically conceived in the same week that I was reading your book. While your book has prepared me somewhat for the negative aspects of having a baby, reading your blog and your experiences as Leta grows older, has reminded me of the positive aspects of having a baby. Thank you so much for sharing and being so open.

Yes, thank you. That's exactly right.

BEAUTIFUL! Love it! My boys are 7 yrs apart and my husband had to leave with the US Navy on a 6 month cruise when the baby was 3 weeks old. I had to work full time and take care of a 7 yr old with homework and an infant (and after 7 yrs felt like a first time Mom). It was hard…..HARD! But the bond between them, the look on the little one’s face when he sees his big brother not only fills my heart, but fills my whole entire body with more happiness and love than I ever felt was possible to experience. And I can feel the same love seeing your girls there!!! You and Jon are AMAZING people and I feel like maybe your haters should just STOP READING! They have to make a conscious effort to open YOUR webpage and read YOUR blog and then send you hate mail. Seems they should have better things to do in my opinion!

I like the way she and Leta are in focus, and everything else is blurry. Definitely Mommy-vision.

Love this! It makes me happy!

(My two year-old demands that I show her the "babies kissing" again)

Yep. Crying. You made me do it.

What a beautiful family you are. x

That video was beautiful. I hope to start a family within the next year and watching a video like that makes me want to start RIGHT NOW. lol! Moments like that are priceless! How sweet you have it on video :)

ohhhh, you made me cry. I am 14 weeks pregnant, very excited.

Oh Heather, this may very well be my favorite post of yours ever.

No, scratch that it, it definitely is.

From someone new to your blog who has poured through the archives and dealt with depression myself, I am so thrilled for you!

My little sister and I are 8 years apart...and it's only us two. She made my life complete..from the time she was born up until the present...I am now 25 and she is 17...but she is always that little baby in my eyes. I am here to tell you that my sister and I NEVER got to the "hating each other" stage. We have always been best friends...as I'm sure your girls will too. Congrats for having such a beautiful family.

PS- I cried my eyes out while watching the video...I remember those days so well...Watch, Leta will become a "little mother" and be super protective of Marlo as she grows...

Thanks for the beautiful video!

OMG. I read your hater page. For someone that supposedly hates you, they sure do follow you quite religiously!!

I have SO many things/questions/curiosities about them. If they dislike you, why don't they just ignore you and not come to your blog anymore? Isn't that normal behavior? I mean if I hate a store because they wronged me and didn't want to rectify the situation, I'll probably rant and rave about the store to my friends, but then I would STOP GOING THERE.

These are some deeply unhappy people I guess. Also, this is YOUR BLOG. We all have a right to our own feelings and emotions, why don't they start their own blog and rant over there??

Okay, I'm on my own rant here. ha ha ha ha!

I just wanted you to know that they have motivated me to state that I enjoy your blog. I also have the self-monitoring ability to ignore anything if I don't like it. DUH.

Hope you're having a fantastic day!

Michelle Rebeiro Yoakum Mcbee and Krista French are the same "person" and after a google search, my computer tells me that there is a virus involved. Interesting.

Love it.
Your daughters are sweet.
You're loving parents.
What more is there?
Enjoy being in the moment!

You know, I hated when you wrote about your miscarriage between the girls (it made me terribly sad for you), but I'd have to say Marlo was meant to be a part of your family. I'm glad she finally made it.

With some families you can just tell those were the kids that were meant to be. Our second child is our "easy one", too. Lucky, because there may not have been a second one based on life with our first child.

Love the video - your girls are precious. I've been reading for a while, but never commented. Just wanted to say I think you handle grace under pressure - the public eye, the scrutiny, the hate comments - very well. Love the Monetizing Hate. I'm a new blogger and I think those comments wouuld just make me fold up my tent, curl up in the fetal position and expire. Thanks for being such a strong example.

Anonymous 24 is right, exception (s)he seems to think it that is a bad thing. I am four years older than my sister, and we used to beat the shit of each other, and perfect our psychological warfare skills (pouring salt on her bed when she was showering, is my favourite). But when we went on vacation or it was too late for friends to come over and we were bored, we were best friends. That is the magic of being a sister, especially when you only have one.

And there is nothing sappy about Jeff Tweedy!

From a fellow PPD survivor with a 2 year old, who is possibly pregnant w/#2 now (I'll know soon!), THANK YOU. Your post made me cry. I couldn't be happier for you and your family.

FOLLOW! indeed.

I remember while pregnant with my second worrying about not loving them as much as the first and all that other second baby crap there is to worry about, then being completely surprised at how much I loved him simply because of the way he made his sister light up. I loved him for loving her so unconditionally just because she was his. Now with my third (I know I am practically a Duggar) I am once again taken in by how much her siblings love her. Hearing my three year old talk baby talk to his baby. First babies are tough but the following babies are magic.

I cannot believe how incredibly cruel some people can be!!! I'm sure you know I am referring to your 'hate' site. Do they not have anything to do but sit in front of their computers and be total douchebags to people?? I am appalled.

I feel the need to apologize for these people, because nobody should have to go through what you go through with those absurd posts.

Glad you see the joy!!!

BTW, Monetizing the HATE is freaking AMAZING! I.CAN'T.STOP.READING!!!

Heather - inspirational, I had my 2nd child 10 months ago and had a reverse experience to what you are having. I've been afraid to even consider a third because I didn't know if it was possible to have that magical experience again. Thanks for the honesty.

#53& #71- don't you have better things to do than write negative comments that you can't possibly believe on other people's blogs? If not then at least have the guts to leave your name so the rest of us can bash you to your proverbial face.

i just started reading your blog and i find myself laughing at your entries pretty frequently.

i'm a new mom with my first and he's just 9 weeks old now. my husband and i are in our mid-30's so we have already started the conversation..."do we have another one???". my husband doesn't think he can put up with me pregnant again. apparently i was evil and he scared of me the entire time. i thought i had a fantastic pregnancy so i'm not sure what he's talking about.

anyways, this makes me want another one so badly now. it made me cry. yes, my hormones are a little out of whack still but i can picture your happiness with your little family and can't wait to have that with mine.

I want to cry after reading this.
Leta and Marlo should be above reader cynicism. It's difficult to believe that there are people out there who will read this post and watch this video, and think "Well, that's just NOT ACCEPTABLE. How dare she publish her feelings for her own children?"
You're going to rag on the music? Really? It's a video of two children. It's not like Heather filmed herself cleaning up after her dogs and set it to Radiohead.

I'm so sorry that people suck.

Wow. You just made me cry. I think that's a first for you. Your girls are the sweetest.

That was truly beautiful. Thank you!

I wish I could find my "Here". I'm still trying. I love my daughter with all my heart, but I struggle every day to find my balance, to find peace with my life, to fully be IN THE MOMENT with her. I try, I really do, but so many other crappy things get in the way that I find myself focusing on the negative.

And on that note, I think I've found my topic for therapy today.

I want to ship Leta some No More Tangles for her long ass hair. That has got to be a bitch to brush in the morning.

thank you for that lovely video. I enjoy your writing and the little glimpses of family that you share and I'm neither a syncophant or a lemming, just a Canadian fan.

That was beautiful. I have a 4 year old girl and a 2 week old girl and have loved following your blog these last few months. Your stories are humorous and touching and its nice to know how other moms are dealing with baby #2.

Keep up the good work lady.

PS-I also love your hater page!

Jealousy brings on the hate. And jealously is wrong, but it's human...we just don't all succomb to it by lashing out to others. It hurts my heart that there are so many people that feel the need to try to bring others down. I appreciate you taking on the "Ain't nothing gonna break-a my stride, nobody gonna slow me down...OH NO, I got to keep on movin'" attitude. You, my dear are human-REAL! And as a first time mom, I appreciate it. To know that it can be hard and wonderful at the same time. To know that I'm not the only one who has hard days and blissful days. And I don't have to pick just one. I love your blog. I love your honesty. I love your humor and your snarky-ness =) and OMG, your haircut-LOVE IT. Your girls are gorgeous..and I admire your ability to entertain. Keep the haters in their place (on the hate page. Some people love to hate on the popular, fun, attractive kids.)
(Wow! Long comment for my first time...guess I was over excited =) Did I over do the parentheses?)

I just LOVE this! I relate to it so much. I have 2 little girls who are 4.5 and 1.5

Just wait til Marlo is mobile and they can run around and play together. I'm telling you, it is the best thing EVER!

As soon as my youngest, Charlotte, toddles out of our room, our oldest, Brooklyn, SQUEALS with delight and says "Gooood morning squiggly wiggles!!!" Charlotte squeals back at her and they spend the rest of the day romping around together and just making my heart ooze over with the sweetness!

Bless you all, and boooo to the haters!

Will someone let me know what I need to do to be able to view the video? I always miss out on these and I get the feeling I am really missing out this time.

Love it! They are both beautiful! It's nice that you are enjoying the moment. My kids are bigger now, and I wish I would have had the chance to slow down and just be there. I yearn for their babyhood now.

Beautiful!
I'm wondering where my little boy went, he is now 21 and still the apple of my eye! It goes by so quickly, I'm so happy you are enjoying it to the fullest.

Sweet...very sweet.

I'm so Happy for you- with a capital H!

First of all, I don't understand why, if you don't agree with Heather and think she's the worst mother in the history of motherhood, why you bother reading her blog and take the time to make long, insult-filled comments. You're wasting a lot of time on something you claim to care nothing about. Just leave. No need in making a scene and slamming the door and pooping on the coats and screaming "THIS IS THE LAST TIME! I MEAN IT!" in the hallway. Just go away. You won't be missed. You're putting a lot of negative energy out into this world that could really use a little less of it. Go smile and hug the kid that you parent better than Dooce. You're neglecting them while you tell her she neglecting her children.

Secondly, I think Leta and Marlo are painfully adorable. I think you are a wonderful, REAL mother. You should be proud. You have a beautiful family!

You're a member of the cult now, Heather.

I will still take my pills every day. Trust me, it's better for all of us.

I can totally relate. I have 3 children; 14, 10, and a 7 month old. I had/have PPD with each one. I love them all but my youngest is the only girl & we all utterly adore her. She made our family complete. I miss her when she's asleep. I love snuggling with her. I was recently told that my face just lights up when I talk about her. Her brothers fawn over her & my husband just melts. Can't imagine my day not starting with her big toothless grin.

A sincere thank you for this post. As someone who suffered from a relatively short (but still gnarly and overwhelming) case of PPD, I actually cannot thank you enough. One of the only things that got me through the first six months of my daughter's life was convincing myself that I never ever had to do it again, that she would be the only one, that I never had to feel as bad or as lonely every again because I would never ever put myself in that position. Once the cloud started to lift and I began feeling somewhat whole again, I started wondering if I could do it again. Oh! The anxiety that brought--and still brings. But, your story gives me hope, and I'm grateful for it.

Heather, I'm so sorry you have to deal with all that horrible hate mail. I new that internet commenters could be awful, but I really didn't understand how hateful they could be. Thank you for writing despite them. I always enjoy your posts and love that you're willing to share your life with the world, especially knowing what you have to deal with in response. As much as they'll probably hate that I say this, it takes a lot of guts to keep writing when you're getting that kind of feedback. Also, I make sure to click on lots of ads on the hate page to make sure you get something good in return for all that badness.

That was really touching... I loved the background music- who was that?

Gorgeous. I'm not normally a weepy person, but that video brought a smile to my face and tears to my eyes. My oldest child is 9 and my "baby" is 5. My first child was so in love with the younger one when she was a baby. They are still great buddies five years later. Almost makes me want another.

That. Was beautiful.

...i usually don't say much, but i just am so in love with the hate page i cannot contain my glee.

dude. (heh, dooce... anyway) so, you are an awesome writer and photographer and all around a human i would totally hang out with.

i am sooooo glad heather champ had that stroke of brilliance and that you and jon followed through with it and that we can now all share in the absurdity of these people and their SHOCKING need of a hobby.

...i'm kind of especially enjoying the evolution of the phenomenon as they realize they have a wider audience and begin to really enjoy insulting all of us, together.... it's like, oh i dunno ~sniff, like i'm finally Part Of Something ~choke/sob.... ya know? ~bravely wipe tear.... i mean, all these years i've just been occasionally ambling over here to enjoy the things you say and the way you say them, BUT NOW? well, they've really shown me my place. and apparently my place is as one of your slack-jawed minions.

which is awesome, cuz i'm betting that's gonna be way simpler than running my own life! ;)

I have a question for all the haters...If you hate Heather and you think she is a pig or whatever why do you continue to read and why to do you continue to spend your energy sending hate mail? I mean it's like TV don't watch what you don't like. I thought that concept was pretty simple. I guess I was wrong.

That is AWESOME. So happy for you all. And that video is completely adorable. So cute. I want to go have myself a five-year-old and a newborn RIGHT NOW so I can have that at my house too. :)

i never comment, but that simple video was exquisitely beautiful.

I just lost my twins. Your beautiful girls brought tears to my eyes and hope that someday I'll have one. Or two again.

as someone who is having it go the opposite way the second time around, i'm feeling very happy for you that you can know the joy you didn't get to know the first time. drone on, mommy! =)

this video is amazing and the best one I have ever seen on your blog. makes me cry. you are so lucky to have 2 babies unlike us who needs the help of science in order to conceive but still fails ...:(
leta is adorable. i can see how she loves Marlo and being to careful playing, hugging and kissing the baby.

The only sure things in life are death and taxes -- and that your second birth experience / second child will be completely different than the first. Thank goodness!

Cheers to you, Heather! I know the magic you speak of and can't wait until it multiplies exponentially with two or more...

Crying now because mine are teenagers. It is true what an elderly lady once said to me at the farmers market way back then- "I envy you these days although they may be difficult at times." So true. So true. Enjoy them.
Kellie

I am afraid of having another child because I am still battling the depression two years on. That video is beautiful. It made me tearful, but it's made me happy too. Maybe one day I'll get my head around the idea.. Maybe my daughter will get to be a big sister.

Today is the day that I resigned from my career of 11 years to stay home and raise my two sons, one I just gave birth to 6 weeks ago and another who will be 4 in November. After battling with thoughts of suicide and feelings of doubt and hopelessness, without a shred of self-worth to my name, I'm confident that those demons are behind me. Being on the other side of this decision has been more liberating than I ever thought possible. As someone who believes strongly in witnessing "signs" of karma working its magic, your post today is another underscore that I've done the right thing.

Here's to life. Here's to children. Here's to investing in joy and a family that's worth absolutely everything.

That moment of yours, it is to die for!

I love all layers you unfold and share - can’t get enough of your “droning mommyblogger”, personality, your sadness, or your joy/laughter/ pride stream!
You’re Here and Now are making me wish even for hopelessness and sadness. Marlo’s wide grin, Leta’s trademarked yell/whisper, your rock star/megagigatera talented storytelling, and Jon’s Unplugged LP nature represent a whole new ethnicity group the American authorities ought to promote and list in all official documents as “United Kingdom of Pure Characters” or White Trendsettian.

I have expressed these same sentiments--perhaps less eloquently--to so many of my friends. I had post-partum anxiety with my first, to the point where I was completely dumbfounded and also ashamed when my friends would tell me that they NEVER cried (at least, not out of sadness or anxiety) after their children were born. Not one single regret, not one inkling that they had made a big mistake. They used words like "bliss" and "elation" and I was confused and jealous. But after the birth of my second son---and I mean almost IMEEDIATELY after his birth--I said oh WOW now I get it. Elation, bliss, true love, true HAPPINESS!!! I still cry, but usually when I reflect on how beautiful our family of four is and how I am so thankful to be "Here".

Keep on rockin' Dooce!

I have been reading your blog for years now, and I just wanted to tell you how much you have made me laugh out loud over the years, and how happy I am for you and your family. Your girls are beautiful. I think you have changed my mind about never wanting to have children. Thank you for being a constant inspiration to me, and try to ignore all of the people who say such horrible things to you. Enjoy your Here!!!!

I always say that having the second baby was when I finally relaxed into parenting and thought, "Oh, Okay, I got this." It's like everything just clicked and I went from parent of one struggling to not go crazy to parent of two who was completely able to handle and enjoy anything. Such a relief. My husband, on the other hand, transitioned easily into being the parent of one but flipped out about handling two. I'm just glad we both didn't lose it at the same time.
And I am definitely NOT pushing my luck on three.

Thanks for leaving us with such an inspirational post to ponder.

Its a wonderful blessing after all you went through (and publicly, too!) the first time around to get to experience this. Motherhood is really fucking hard, and when you get to have the emotional reward along with the hard work, it just feels amazing. I had PPD with my first - on top of a colicky baby and a bumpy marriage - and it was sheer hell. With my son, while I was still dealing with a special needs first child and a bumpy marriage, I got to enjoy it more. I knew what I was doing and the breastfeeding was much easier, I didn't have as severe a time with PPD the second time around, and my son wasn't colicky like his sister. I think there's also a confidence we gain having gone through so many First Times with Baby #1. Its easier to relax and enjoy when we're not afraid we're going to snap a finger off while putting their onesie on.

Glad your family is enjoying the baby so much. When 11 year old Leta is trying to kill Marlo because she won't leave her and her friends alone, you'll remember these times as being bathed in golden light...

So cute! Leta is very sweet with her sister.

My kids are only 20 months apart so we dind't have moments like that. They're good friends now so that's a positive, but those first three years or so are a blur.

Droning mommybloggers are cool.

Beautifully said Heather! My two are now 13 and 10 and I still love every minute with them. Enjoy every stage, they are all wonderful. The challenge is to stay close and maintain a good relationship with them through each one.

This makes me smile.

Beautiful, Heather. The song is Wilco's "One Wing."

Goodness. I've said this before, but you (almost) make me wanna have babies tomorrow!

Now that is just plain adorable.

You've gone and made me want to have a baby...and don't even want to have a baby! So very sweet. Happiness. Priceless.

Just a lurker coming out of the woodwork...that video was gorgeous, absolutely beautiful. I'm so happy for all four of you!

I recently read "sucked... then cried" and it was so great - *VERY* similar to my own experience - only I probably should have been committed... but somehow the Rx I was put on happened to work in my favor unlike having to adjust and fine-tune :0/
Anyway, I've been thrilled to see your second time around has been so great!
We're expecting #3 in 2 more months. I worry, but I just hope the same Rx combo works as well as it ever did.
You're so great, so fun to follow and I'm really glad for you!

I'm now pregnant for the second time after a five year lapse. After experiencing PTSD from the first experience, I've been more than a little worried about doing it again. Your post made me hope for a different future instead of dreading what I thought was the inevitable. Happy to see your family so happy.

Wilco and babies and stuff. Perfect.

Marlo and Leta are absolutely adorable and they love each other so much, it's just the sweetest thing ever. My son and daughter are 2 1/2 years apart and every morning my son rushes over to see if his baby sister is wake and doing ok. In that moment, everything in the world is blissfully perfect. I can't help but feel so grateful..and also so very lucky.

I am so happy that this time you are doing so much better. Really. So happy for you. Your family is truly beautiful.

Cute video :) Oh and by the way, does Michelle Rebeiro Yoakum Mcbee having nothing better to do with her time? My word, she's certainly helped you out in the hate mail dept. What a sad, sad woman...

Love the blog! Keep the posts, pics, and laughs coming :)

Thank you for this post. It has given me hope for the future.

You deserve all the happiness! LOVE the video!

The love that Leta shows for Marlo is a testament to good parenting. So incredibly lovely and sweet! Keep up the good work and keep sharing with us. The hate page is addictive, like crack. Thank god for the kooks!

People who say 'cheers' are so irritating!

I love how Michelle Yoakum Jingleheimer Schmidt says she'll never click on your page again - yet resurfaces for more. Then Krista French comments about you obviously having nothing better to do but sit around and check email - well HELLO what is she doing but obviously refreshing the page feverishly to see if her most recent weak-ass attempt at insulting you guys made it. Pot, meet kettle.

Makes it seem less hateful and far more pathetic when you put names to them.

Your babies are adorable, by the way :)

wow does Marlo ever look like Leta in that video!

my husband and I have just started the conversation (argument) about having a second child. He wants one. I'm too terrified it will be like the first time around.

Thanks for this.

That is life... So beautiful...

Thank you for the inspiration! I haven't been brave enough to make the leap to #2 but i would LOVE to!! Our first was rough - the delivery complications, the colic, the sleep deprivation, the high-maintenance personality... Don't get me wrong...wouldn't change it for the world and love her to pieces even in her most difficult moments, but as to the 'doing it all over again' concept - i feel like i have PTSD because each time i consider get pregnant i have flashbacks and break out in a cold sweat. But i know my daughter would be just as enamoured as Leta is and it would be soooo wonderful for them. The real question in my mind...the real issue is whether or not my marriage can handle it. And part of me feels like i'm depriving myself and my child of something really wonderful by not taking that chance...if my marriage can withstand the strain then so what? At least i'd be a single mom with 2 great kids, right? But I'd rather be a wonderful family of four!!

Wow, this post stuck my at my very core. My daughter is six and dying for a sibling. I had such bad PPD I've been terrified to even think about it. Just knowing your story helps...a lot.
Thank you.

OMG you owe me bottles and bottles of Tylenol for making my ovaries scream neglect after that vid. And it's Wilco soundtrack. Precious & adorable.

BTW, I don't mean to demean those readers who are struggling with fertility issues, but if children and babies are a particularly sensitive topic, why would you read a mommyblog?

1. I just started reading this yesterday after I saw it mentioned in Brain, Child and OMG, thank you for making me laugh so hard yesterday. I, too, had shingles with a nursing newborn and I feel every bit of your pain.
2. After reading today, sort of sorry I don't live in Salt Lake City - I think we could be good friends. I had this with #2, and then with #3 it's even MORE intense.
3. the haters are so unbelievably sad and shocking. i just can't believe people write things like that to you and the ads on those pages make me SO HAPPY.

thanks - looking forward to tomorrow!

Okay, straight away I have to THANK you for that monetizing the Hate page on your blog. I just did a spit take to the post about "Marla" and "Lotta" and therapy, blah, blah. Too freaking funny. I hope you laughed even harder than I did!

And this post... just beautiful. I'm off to bathe my 2 and 4 year old and while they pour soapy water into each other's mouths, instead of having an anxiety attack, I'll just live in the now. And laugh.

Stop. Making. Me. Cry. Goddammit!

That video is just too sweet for words.

That's really sweet. Normally I come here to appreciate the snark and sarcasm (I have a problem, I know), but you do a nice job of balancing it with posts like this.

All the best.

Thank you for this post. It seems like all you hear about these days is how hard kids are, and how there are all these things that people aren't really telling you about how it will take away your life and your freedom, etc. But I think all that is happening is that people have stopped talking about the complete and mind blowing joy that is possible when you have kids. I've heard the horror stories, now I want to hear about all the good stuff :)

Only you can make me cry and laugh at the same time. Beautiful video of two beautiful little girls. Priceless.

Sometimes we discover, we were always waiting for them, maybe it made us blue. Moreover, they were waiting on each other. I think your post might inspire us to go a third round. Though madness at times, the fleeting moments of sweetness are tender to the bone and imprinted forever...

Having only one child and longing for that second one to someday come along, I read your thoughts and watch your videos and tears come to my eyes. I love it when you get all warm and fuzzy about your "now", don't get me wrong I love your witty sarcasm too but what's life without a little warm and fuzzy! Enjoy this wonderful time of your life.

crying.....

I hope you don't get a lot of crap for *this* post, because I know exactly what you're talking about! Adding another child to our family has been a delight as well. Maybe there's something to these '09, Year of the Ox babies.

This gives me hope that one day we might have another. I've had a lot of trouble with PPD, also, and countless times I envied the moms who seemed to be beaming constantly. You have a beautiful family.

That was absolutely beautiful. Leta seems to have a fixation with Marlo's nose.

absolutely wonderful.

This was a really beautiful video, Heather! It really paints a picture of just how beautiful making a family can really be. I remember moments like this when my brother was an infant and I was Leta's age. Wow.

I have to say that I DO feel kinda bad for Leta, though. When I look at pictures of her with Marlo, I think of myself and my younger brother. I was an excruciating child, an infuriatingly picky eater and extremely talkative. I drove my mother absolutely crazy. My younger brother, on the other hand, was the easy baby who just hung the moon and stars for her, and it hurt my feelings at the time. I know now that my mother loves both my brother and I. But as a kid, I was resentful of him because I felt like she treated him like a little prince. It definitely damaged our relationship with one another and we're not close now at all. I hope that doesn't happen to Leta and Marlo.

Just checked the hate page for today. Those ppl are sick!!!! Just to reiterate what Melissa said - They wish they had what you have - A gorgeous family and a VOICE!

Keep up the great work #26!!!!!!!!

Well that's just lovely. Thanks for posting it.

You have one of the many secrets of life - being in and enjoying the "now."

Love the sisters video, Heather! Speaking of which, I wanted to tell you that your slideshow of Leta's first 5 years inspired me to do one of the little guy's first three that we recently celebrated. I posted this on the blog (set to music of course!) and it's got some awesome "brother moments" with my two boys! I can tell you are very much enjoying your two girls.

THANK YOU. One of my favorite posts ever. It's time to bring back the happy. I honestly feel blessed everyday to have healthy, happy children. I have to remind myself that I am blessed some days, because, some days it's HARD. REALLY HARD. But I have never been happier. I'm a Mama.

I always say that the greatest gift I could ever give to my children is each other. Mine are now 9, 6 and 4 (boy, girl, boy) and I think the best sound in the world is them giggling over potty jokes.

This video brought back memories of when our second little girls was born. The first one was rough, similar to your case, but the second more than made up for it. We just lost our third baby this week, at 12 weeks gestation. All the terribleness of the first trimester was just starting to end. I was starting to doubt if I wanted to feel all that again, thanks for reminding me it's all worth it in the end. Those fleeting moments are the ones you hold on to and cherish, not the terrible ones. Thanks again.

This is a lovely piece of writing and a lovely video.

I love the hate website, too! It has opened this whole new world to me. I did not know there were adults who maintained their middle school grudges and judgments of others into their 30's and 40's. It's shocking, really.

Haters, I came to this website through a link from Atrios (a political site) several years ago. I know nothing of the larger mommy-blogging world and the many grudge-matches that you seem to think exist. In fact, I never thought of this as a mommy blog, especially considering it didn't start as that. I keep coming back to read it because HEATHER IS A GREAT WRITER. I do not worship her, I am entertained and moved by her. I do not judge her as a person or a mother, because I'm not perfect, either. If you are not entertained or moved by her, just don't read her work! Your fake concern for her kids is just an excuse. Walk away from the computer and find yourself a life!

On the other hand, if your pettiness can help Heather and Jon support these two little sweethearts, by all means, keep it up!

Lovely, lovely--beautiful.

This made me cry. I was just telling my 4 year old and 17 month old girls the other day that when they kiss and cuddle and laugh with each-other, it makes me so happy I could burst. My 4 year old said, "Into pieces?" and looked worried.

Hi Heather! My beautiful 23 year old daughter told me about your site and I want you to know that you are able to exactly express how many of us feel (or felt!). Today, I was able to really get your "when we were young and hip" comment as I am approaching my 50th bday. (Shit.)The really weird part of this day though was when my roommate from college emailed me photos from our freshman year in college. So this time thing is slapping me in the face. Literally.
Having children causes time to slow down during the first 12 months with sleep deprivation and the "what do you mean it's only 10am!!!" when you're thinking it has to be at least 4pm...and then going into hyperdrive when they begin high school. I dropped my 19 year old baby off at her college on Wednesday and I cried for the first 10 minutes of my ride home. (I'm down from the 90 minutes with the first one, but traffic was really horrendous...)
Enjoy the now. Live in the now. It's all we have!

Honestly- that video made me want to climb right through the puter and sniff Marlo's little head. The expressions on her little face are priceless.

Your kids are adorable, so happy you are enjoying every second- this time goes by way too quickly.

such a sweet heart-warming video. Marlo is a beautiful baby.

"Blinding demons of sadness and hopelessness." How perfectly said. Thank you dooce for the hope you bring to me after having suffered PPD with my first who is now 10 months.