Waves

In the past two years of parenting, one of the things I’ve come to learn is that everything comes in waves, and that the “gift” of perspective comes only with time and experience. (Now I really sound like a mom, huh?!) The easy days come, and the easy days go. I still vividly remember the early frustrations when Liana was an infant – bouncing her to sleep; trying to figure out what she needed while both of us cried nonstop; listening to her ear-piercing wails during sleep training; feeling physically awful when that next bout of mastitis - a very painful breastfeeding-related infection - reared its ugly head yet again. Etc., etc., etc…And then miraculously…

Things. Got. Easier. We got our sleep back! We dared venture out for date nights! Liana weaned herself from nursing! I finally got back into decent physical shape! Everyone said it would happen eventually, but when you’re down in the thick of it all, it’s sometimes impossible to even imagine.

I feel fortunate that right now we are in a period of relatively calm and stable waters. Since she turned two, Liana has been on a speedy track of “big girl” progress: doing well on her potty training, sleeping in her toddler bed, having fun with her new babysitters, and just being a silly, fun, interactive girl. Here she is, in a recent zany ensemble that she picked out herself, toting around her shopping cart like a little bag lady.  

Liana's playtime now usually involves imaginative games like Store, House, Tent-Making-on-the-Couch, but I still think her all-time favorite activity is Read Book. Here is a quick, funny video of her reading to her bear while he hangs out on the potty.

I know that in a few months, once our second baby is born, the tides of parenthood will shift once again. Having two kids will present a whole new set of challenges for which we won't be prepared. Fortunately though, I feel much more relaxed during this pregnancy and am not nearly as anxious about everything (labor, newborn care, breastfeeding) as I was two years ago. (Again, I think that gift of perspective really helps!) My pregnancy has generally been going okay, and I am really beginning to feel this little guy - yes it's a boy! - kicking and moving around inside my belly. I do wish I had more time to exercise and practice yoga, but at least running after Liana gets me off the couch every day! Here we are at 23 weeks (5 months) along, and more than half way. I know full well that March 30 will come before we know it, so right now I just hope to enjoy this time with just the three of us...until the waves swell again!