The Second Time Around

So one of my goals was to birth a baby without becoming a complete wreck like the first time around. Well I am happy to report I have conquered that goal. This time is much different. I don't have that anxious feeling like round one. Have I been overwhelmed and tired at times? Yes. But what is different this time is that I expected it and am rolling with the punches this time around. Lilah is also such a good, easy going baby, and so far she is a pretty good sleeper. Addison had her night and days mixed up and just liked to be awake a lot of the night. This time around I am taking naps and loving them. I am pretty sure I just never slept with Addison.

This time around I am not afraid to let her cry for a couple minutes, whereas, with Addison one little peep and I was just an anxious mess. I realize that this small amount of fussiness is teaching her the valuable lesson of soothing herself. Addison was out of our room within the first couple of weeks because I couldn't sleep with all of those baby noises. This time I love Lilah being in our room. I don't want her to leave.

This time around I have accepted help. My mom stayed pretty much the entire first two weeks, which was so incredibly helpful. Moms just make everything better. Addison has also stayed with grandparents. We have also sent her to Stacy's a few times most weeks. This time Tim is also home much more. He is on summer break. He has football in the mornings, but has been home the rest of the time. I am so incredibly lucky because not only do I have such a supportive family, but I have the most helpful amazing husband. He was so helpful during the pregnancy and is still helpful now that Lilah is here. I am so lucky to have a wonderful partner to navigate this crazy life.

Last time at about one month I was feverishly reading the "Baby Wise Book". I was asking my friends.. Will she ever sleep through the night? Does it get easier? Will this period ever end? This time around I have read the book once as a reminder, but the thoughts in my mind are I don't want this to ever end. I now know the newborn stage flies by, and while I would love 8 hours of sleep that means she is not a newborn anymore. We are not sure if we will have a third baby so the thought that this could be the last time I may experience this stage is very emotional. I want to savor every single moment. I don't want to wish any of it away. This time around I am calm, happy, blessed, tired, thankful, and loving Every. Single. Second!