Shock and awe

By Leslie

3 weeks. 21 days. 504 hours. Give or take.

The countdown to Baby #2 is on and I am scrambling like crazy trying to get ready. There is so much I have forgotten in the 2+ years since James was born. Last time I devoured every parenting-related book or article I could find. This time, I've been too busy running after a toddler to spend much time reading. Will it all come back to me, like riding a bike? Do I or don't I use alcohol on the umbilical cord? What should the baby's temperature be before I call the pediatrician? How do I do that football hold again?

I've been thinking a lot about those first few weeks with James lately. Being a new mom is truly shocking, both physically and mentally. No one warned me that I'd be wearing maxi pads for weeks after delivery. Or that my back and shoulders would hurt so much from pushing that I'd be begging my husband for a massage every few hours. The sleepless nights, the breastfeeding mambo, the loads of laundry, the parade of well-meaning guests. It's all enough to make a grown woman cry, even one whose hormones are not off the charts! I remember just wandering around in a daze during the days, looking at my husband and thinking "Holy crap, what did we just get ourselves into?"

But I also remember the quiet hours of the night, sitting on the couch with my warm baby snuggled to my chest. The sheer joy and wonder of holding a precious new life is truly magical and I recall my thoughts turning from shock to awe. There is so much to savor -- the sweet smell of a new baby, that heady mix of baby lotion, diapers and fuzzy baby skin. How about those plump and juicy little ham hock thighs, just begging for a pinching?! Or the snorts and grunts that little ones make in their sleep? And oh those captivating tiny fingers and toes (I was happy to learn that even on a 9 pound baby, the toes and fingers are still teensy weensy)! When you cradle those miniature hands in the palm of your own giant hand, it's just astonishing that something so petite and fragile can exist. Truly awe-inspiring.

So as I prepare for Baby #2, I am trying to push the more shocking aspects of having a child to the back of my mind and concentrate on the wondrous aspects. I know we have a tiring journey ahead of us, but it's one filled with enchanting sights, sounds and smells.

What do you remember about your first few days at home with your new child?

Leslie lives in northern Virginia with her husband and 2-year-old son.

Comments

[Hsien Lei]

Best of luck on the birth of baby #2! I remember being sooo sleepy and cranky. Talk about a double whammy!

[Kris]

I remember my boulders, I mean, my milk-filled breasts. I remember the newborn-sized diapers that fit just right. I remember the 0-3 month onesies that were too big. See, this is why I have such a hard time giving away baby clothes.

I'll be thinking of you! Best wishes!

[Leslie]

Yeah, that is a huge concern of mine. I am just so enamored with my son that I am worried I won't like the next kid as much -- I know it is crazy, but it is a real fear! I mean, I think James is sooo cute and everthing he does makes me laugh and beam with pride. And he was so easy-going as a baby. What if the new baby is so much more work and I start to resent him for not being like James?! Ack! Too much to worry about! I am sure it will all work out in the end, though. Right?! :)

[Karin]

I have three boys now, and I still don't think I'm "ready". Hang in there!

First few days home with son #2? I remember wondering how I could possibly love ANOTHER boy as much as I loved the first. As if giving attention to the second son would take away my devotion to the first. Kind of a split personality feeling for a while. Soon I was too tired to care and everything worked out fine. ;)

[Debbie]

Baby #2 was soooooooo much easier than #1 for us. She slept, she was happy, she ate on schedule and smiled on demand. Even at two years old, she is got the best happy personality. So, enjoy having number two and basking in the beauty of a newborn baby in your own bubble. Hopefully your first child won't notice.

[sunShine]

Oh goodness, my little one is 4 months old and it seems like just yesterday that we came home from the hospital. The first days were wonderful, as all the days have been. We did not have any visitors for the first few days, which was great, it gave us a chance to get used to being at home with a new one. I remember just sitting and holding him while he slept and crying, just thinking about how perfect and beautiful he was. I have tried to enjoy every little moment with him because they are passing way too fast.

[abogada]

I remember feeling completely inadequate. But I also remember staring at my beautiful little girl for hours on end thinking that she was absolutely perfect and wondering what I ever did to be so blessed. I wish I could do it over again, now that I have more confidence as a mom.

Here's wishing you joy-filled days (and sleep-filled nights).

[Monster Mama]

With #1 things just flew.....I didn't realize time could go so fast. That being said, I have tried to cherish each moment with #2-she will be my last and the time, while it has slowed somewhat is still moving quickly. It's definitely more tiring with 2, as opposed to 1. I have 4 years between mine-don't be shocked if #1 shows signs of regression....it passes like breastmilk out of a newbies behind. Fast....painless!
Good luck......and take everyone and anyone up on help!

[Michelle]

I remember with baby #2, I took time to savor each moment. I knew that she would only be at that fragile newborn stage for a fleeting moment, and I enjoyed the quiet time of night when it was just the two of us. I especially love the way they sleep. ;)

[K]

I loved resting my nose on the top of his head and breathing in that lovely sausagey smell. I can clearly see his little feet, always crossed, dangling from his little gowns. I wish you all the best with your new little one.