I can't believe it's been almost 9 weeks since Salma Llama came out. It actually feels like you've been around for such a long time. Your little presence has added so much to our family.
Some observations from these past two months:
- It's not as difficult as I thought it would be. It's been a while since we've had an infant around, but it was like riding a bike and everything came back pretty quickly--how to use the nasal aspirator, breastfeeding, pumping, how to open the stroller (Daddy had to help me with that one), etc. If we have to go somewhere we just have to start getting ready much earlier than usual, but since O can get ready pretty much by himself that makes everything easier.
- I'm loving the 4 1/2 year age difference! I get to enjoy hanging out with an infant and a little person all at the same time and I only have to breastfeed and change diapers of one child instead of two. It's nice to be able to cuddle with Salma (you're not really into non-sleep time cuddling lately, O) and at the same time have an interesting conversation with Octavio.
- I was worried before Salma came out that Octavio would feel neglected or abandoned. What I didn't anticipate was how much I would miss hanging out with O, just the two of us. One of the hardest thing at the beginning was how much I missed Octavio. We went from being together all the time to hardly spending time together. It was particularly rough because when Salma was in the NICU you only came for a few hours and then the last few days you were sick so you couldn't come visit and I didn't get to see you at all. I missed my little snookie, glad we're together again.
- I am thoroughly enjoying Salma being a little being. With O, I was always looking forward to the future--to when he would sleep through the night, when he wouldn't need to breastfeed every 2-3 hours, to when he would be able to entertain himself for a bit, etc. With Salma, particularly because I know this might be our last child, I am trying to enjoy each day because I know how quickly they go. I mean, O is turning five this year, FIVE! Time goes by super quick.
- "Girl" clothes are insane. We've gone from clothes only featuring sports and trucks to clothes with cupcakes and flowers all over them. I wish these clothes came in my size! We need to get you some Hello Kitty clothes ASAP.
- I don't know why, but now that there are two of you, I have been giving both of you lots of life lessons and advice. O looks at me like I'm crazy when I talk to him about following his dreams and Salma just sits there as I give her advice about her educational pursuits.
- Having a winter baby is a bit tricky. We have to get you all wrapped up to face the elements outside which means that we haven't really gone for any walks or spent much time outside. The only time you get outside is when we rush you to the car and when we go pick up O at the bus stop during the week. I also can't let you be in the house naked for too long because you get cold which is a bummer because you like being naked. Come spring, we'll be going on lots of walks and I'll let you hang out in the house in just a diaper, promise.
- It's so weird having a little being in front of you that looks so much like you. With O, he didn't really look like me at all and everywhere we'd go, people would say he looked just like your Daddy. Finally, a child that looks like me!
