Lizards scuttled in the undergrowth, birds darted from tree to tree delighting in the offerings of the flowering natives, and I watched my excited daughter running along the winding paths amassing a collection of rocks and twigs...
I really should enjoy the Botanic Gardens more often (I've said that to myself each odd occasion that I have been there). It's another one of the local attractions that, being a local, I neglect to visit. Perhaps I should make it my mission to rediscover some local gems while I'm on maternity leave.
The days are passing in a wonderful haze of sleeping, feeding, and warm newborn cuddles. Everything seems a little slower this time around. Now that we know just how fast these early days will pass we are enjoying every quiet moment, every afternoon spent gazing at the babe sleeping in our arms or curled on our chests. We are less stressed about the little things, there is less learning to be done, and we hold a greater appreciation for the little quirks of a newborn baby. The funny, oh-so-funny faces, the squeaks and squawks, the ability to fall asleep in any position anytime, anywhere, occasionally gazing in wide-eyed wonder at the world around her in those brief moments when she is fully alert. The occasional what-some-would-call-wind-but-I-call-a-smile has shown evidence of two adorable dimples just waiting to be flashed when those 'smiles' become smiles.
In true 'Super Big Sister' fashion The Bean is insisting on going to sleep at night with a cape on…
With a tiny baby in the house, The Bean all of a sudden seems very grown up. Somehow we'd forgotten how tiny and helpless a newborn baby is, and now we see just how far our (big) baby girl has come.
She has been very kind and gentle with her baby sister, planting sweet little kisses on her head and softly stroking her hair at every opportunity.
It's a different story with mum and dad though—there is plenty of foot-stomping, exclamations of NO!, and general surliness in the air. Hopefully she will be back to her cheerful self in no time...
We got through it, which was always going to be the case. Some parts were just as I predicted. Some were unexpectedly beautiful and amazing and left me feeling empowered. Pumpkin is perfect, and our little family feels complete.
The first child: brought the most powerful love into my life for the first time.
The next one: brought the most powerful love into my life for the first time, again.
(scarymommy.com)
The first time around approaching labour and birth I was blessed with the luxury of blissful ignorance. I had an open mind, no points of reference, and low expectations to avoid disappointment. I had a simple, straightforward birth plan and I was prepared to take advice from doctors and midwives and do whatever it took to ensure that we all came out the other side as happy and healthy as possible. And we did. And it was fine. Of course there was a great fear of the unknown the first time around, but after some Calmbirth training I found myself approaching the birth of my first child with excitement and confidence outweighing anxiety and fear.
After the arrival of The Bean, my husband and I used to wonder what we did with our time pre-child. We fantasise that we used to read books, watch movies, and sleep in. We probably got things done around the house when we weren't sitting around counting our disposable income. I know for certain that I used to have more time to take photos (although this is an activity that I have finally managed to drag into my post-child life in the form of a business venture). I am probably healthier now that I no longer have the time or inclination to indulge in excessive partying on the weekends. As anyone who has had the opportunity to combine a hangover with the responsibility of caring for a small child can attest to, it's just not worth it.
My general anxiety thinking that something terrible is going to happen to The Bean is becoming overwhelming. Even on days where she is testing my patience (which due to my general exhaustion and short temper is most days at the moment) I can't bear to be away from her. I miss her even while she's sleeping and find myself checking on her throughout the night, something I haven't done for a very long time.
