Can you believe Simon is 3 weeks old today!
Yes, the time is going quickly, but I’m not one to bemoan the fact that the tiny baby phase is passing!
If I had a dollar for EVERY time someone has said, “you’ll miss this when you get older” I’d be filthy rich by now. And while I agree that I probably will miss SOME of the tiny baby stage, I guarantee I will NOT miss the sleepless nights, the crying for no apparent reason, the extreme exhaustion, etc. etc. I just won’t!
I’m not trying to rush the time (and I am enjoying it MUCH more the 2nd time around), but I’m also not sad that it’s passing — especially since I know how fun the toddler stage is with Nora 🙂
As promised, I’m going to share Simon’s birth story today. Thankfully, it’s nothing crazy or super eventful — just a pretty normal (and pretty quick) labor and delivery.
Contractions…
Tuesday, March 4, was his due date — and although I was fairly confident I would go late like I did with Nora, I was ready… MORE than ready!
I actually started feeling contractions around 11:00pm Monday night. They were pretty regular so I called my sister (a labor and delivery nurse who lives just down the road) so she could come stay with Nora. I actually did NOT tell Dave because I wanted him to get a good night of sleep and I figured I’d have to wake him up at some point to head to the hospital in the middle of the night.
I rested on the couch until about 3:00am when I apparently fell asleep until about 5:30 when Dave woke up. I told him about the contractions — but also, that they had died down enough for me to sleep for a couple hours.
I figured it was a false alarm, so Dave decided to go to school… and literally within 30 minutes of him leaving for school, the contractions picked up again.
He ended up coming home from school around 9:30am and we were at the hospital shortly after 10:00am.
Labor and Delivery…
Things were progressing very rapidly so they moved me right into the delivery room.
I really wanted an epidural, but since my labor and delivery with Nora was super fast (and I was told the 2nd baby goes faster) I figured I probably wouldn’t have time… and I was right.
By the time we got in the L&D room and they were FINALLY able to get a needle into my veins (I apparently have small veins) Simon was almost here.
My doctor, on the other hand, was not almost there. We had a resident doctor and a med student on his FIRST day of training… as well as another doctor from across the street and a bunch of nurses, so there were plenty of knowledgable people there, but I was hoping my doctor would make it.
Thankfully, she got there about 5 minutes before Simon was born — just in time to break my water and tell me to push twice 🙂
And then he was here…
Less than 2 hours after stepping foot in the hospital doors!
And for those of you who think I got off easy with a quick labor… I will just tell you that he was initially face-up (which means very painful) and the doctor had to manually rotate him at least twice (which means very VERY painful).
I’ve purposely skipped over all the laboring details because I don’t like to talk or read about that — so I’m not going to write about it either!
All I’ll say is that physically, I was in WAY more pain after Simon’s birth than after Nora’s — and it was VERY painful for a good 10 days after I got home too.
But he’s worth it though… right 🙂
One thing I’m really glad I remembered to do (and that I wish I had done with Nora) was to take a picture right before I left for the hospital and then exactly a week later — in the same outfit and the same pose.
It’s amazing how much life (and my body) changed in that week!
This is Simon at exactly one week old.
And yes, Nora LOVES him!
If Nora isn’t listening or is ignoring my instructions, I can always bribe her with holding baby Simon, giving him a “check up” or letting her watch me change his diaper! And no, I’m totally not above bribing my 2 year old to make my life a little easier right now.
And just like that, we were a family of four!
It’s honestly so crazy — and although I tried to mentally prepare myself for life with two kids, I still wasn’t prepared (I don’t think you really can be prepared).
I realize that anyone with more than 2 kids will most likely look back on 2 kids and remember how “easy” life was with ONLY two little people to care for — but right now, we’re doing some major adjusting as life with another schedule and personality to work around is a pretty big change.
We’ll get there eventually.
For the most part, Simon has been a pretty “good” baby. He sleeps A LOT more than Nora ever did. Of course, he still wakes up several times each night to eat, so I’m still not sleeping much, but that’s pretty normal for only 3 weeks.
He really does not like being on his back — so the carseat, swing, and bouncy seat haven’t been super helpful yet. We’ll keep trying though!
Nora vs. Simon…
Several people have asked if Nora and Simon look alike — and the answer is “yes” and “no”. When their eyes are closed, their baby pictures look very similar.
But Simon has my squinty eyes while Nora has Dave’s BIG round eyes, so eventually, as his eyes are open more, I doubt they will look much alike… but who knows!
Either way… they’re both pretty cute if you ask me 🙂
So that’s Simon’s short birth story and our life for the past 3 weeks. I honestly haven’t been doing much of anything besides pulling meals out of the freezer, monitoring blog comments, and posting a few cute pictures on Facebook. I’ve been laying low — and it feels wonderful!
I’m so glad I was able to plan ahead so far in advance before Simon was born. It’s definitely making life much easier and much less stressful right now!
Dave’s Spring Break starts next week Friday, and I’m hoping to use that week to plan ahead for the month of April and May — and then he’ll be off for the summer (Hallelujah!) and we can tag-team, two against two!
In the mean time, thanks for baring with me as I transition into this new phase of motherhood and figure out just how to balance working from home with two little kiddos!
All professional pictures were taken by Zander & Breck Photography — a high school friend and amazing photographer! I can’t wait to get some of these pictures on our wall!
jelli says
My kids are about the same ages as yours and I love watching them interact. Your photos of the siblings together are just so sweet. You’ll have a blast watching them play together when baby’s just a few months older. It’s bliss! Congrats on that handsome little fellow!
Melanie says
Absolutely wonderful pictures of your family! Simon is a cutie. I have six children and still think going from 1 child to 2 was one of the hardest transitions for me . 🙂
Julia says
I check in every day to keep up with your family and your lifestyle suggestions. I am encouraged to see the ” rich” life you all share with each other, your extended family, and church.
Simon’s life story is a particularly sweet and joyful post, maybe because my oldest gal turned 16 yesterday, March 25th. If this might be of help, I almost think that each year with my girls has become easier. They are just such nice people – as will be your Nora and Simon.
Teresa says
Aww so sweet! He is just a little doll baby. What a wonderful, fast birth story! But the turning the baby part, um very painful I’ve heard! Congrats again on such a sweet addition to your family.
Lydia @ The Thrifty Frugal Mom says
Congratulations on the new adorable baby boy! He is so precious and your photographer did an awesome job with the pictures. We just had our third 6 weeks ago and are still in the adjusting stage too.
And what you said about being more sore and sore for longer totally made sense to me. Two of ours (this is actually our 4th as we have one in heaven) had their hands up at their faces when they were born and I can attest that it makes you so much more sore! I couldn’t believe the difference!
Hope you continue to feel better and that the adjustment goes well!
Sandy K says
LOVE YOUR STORY AND THE PHOTOS ARE AMAZING! Adorable kiddos.
Ofelia, from Mexico City says
Oh girl! What a awesome and gorgeous little boy! I love him. My fav pic is the family of four on the floor. All of you in matchy color palette turquoise – brown. Pretty beautiful ! Congratulations!
Jaime says
Andrea he is just too cute for words. Thank you for sharing your birth story I cannot imagine having a baby without an epidural let alone FACE UP and the manual turning!?!?! DEAR LORD you are one crazy strong woman!
Congrats on the new addition– I am so glad you are taking an easy!
Mary says
Gorgeous pictures 🙂 love the one with Nora and her stethoscope very cute 😉
Kristen @ Joyfullythriving says
Beautiful pictures. Absolutely beautiful! I especially love the new family photos. And bribe away, Andrea! Nothing wrong with that! 🙂 My husband and I start our Spring Break on Friday, and we are hoping our baby boy arrives before then, so we can tag-team through the first week of a newborn together!
kathy w says
Simon is so cute and has such a sweet face, how adorable. I wanted the baby part to pass as soon as possible too, so I know what you mean. The sleepless nights are the hardest and once you get past that it seems things get so much better. You are doing such a wonderful job with both of them and yes it is hard with two. Try and rest as much as you can and if you can find a bribe that works go for it. Thanks so much for sharing.
JoDi says
Thanks for sharing the birth story, pix, everything! He is a cutie. He and Nora definitely look different but have some similarities. They look more different to me as Simon has gotten older (haha a whole 3 weeks!) His newborn photos look a lot more like Nora than he does now. Amazing how they change so quickly!
I am not a baby person either. I remember my cousin always wanting to hold babies when we were growing up, and it never interested me. I loved raising our son, and I wish we had a couple more, but I don’t squeal in delight at the sight of babies like some of my friends! LOL
Denise says
Oh Andrea! He is SO pretty!
Jenny C. says
Andrea, thanks so much for sharing your Simon story and the gorgeous pics! Your family is precious 🙂 I hope you get a LONG nap one of these days (maybe during Dave’s spring break!).
Jennifer M. says
I remember the days when I had only two and it was quite the adjustment. Our oldest was a lot like Nora (the energizer bunny) and just wasn’t good about taking naps or going to bed. We ended up laying down with him a lot. (Though I feel him being born with kidney problems/urinary problems may have added to the difficulty). After that it was always an adjustment with the next one. Now we have five under the age of 7 and some days I don’t know how we got through each stage. I think the hardest stage and it isn’t over is having the last two 13 months apart. If I’m not chasing after one really busy one year old, I’m stopping the 10 month old from getting in something else. (Al the while keeping the 6 year old, 5 year old, and 3 year old busy.) I love it though and wouldn’t ever want to go back. Each of my children are a wonderful blessing from God. Thanks for a wonderful organizing, freezer meals, etc., website. I just enjoy it so much! Congratulations, Simon is a great name and he looks really cute!
Veronica says
Jennifer, I love your positive attitude, this is really encouraging me today. I can totally relate (five under five). Children ARE huge blessings but sometimes it’s so easy to forget that in the day to day of it all.
Andrea, You seem like such a great mom and handling things SO much better than I did when I had two. Meal plan, budget, cleaning schedule?? Weren’t even on my radar back then. All those things that make family life easier and nicer, all those “little” things that you do so well! You’ve definitely been a help to me, thank you
Ashley says
Thanks for sharing, Andrea! The pictures are amazing, what a beautiful family you have. Isn’t amazing how two children from the same two people can look so alike and yet so different?? 🙂
Amy says
Oh he is gorgeous!! I literally got tears in my eyes when I saw the black and whites with Nora:’)
You look fantastic and healthy and happy 🙂
Much love!
Siobhan says
Beautiful! Congratulations!!
Diane Vasti says
Congratulations on the birth of your son. He looks just like you. I really enjoy your blog. It is so down to earth, like having a cup of tea and talking with a good, down to earth friend. You have so many helpful tips and suggestions and I feel almost as if I have gotten to know you and your family through the years. Keep up your wonderful blog. It’s the best!
Kristine says
He is ADORABLE!!! I love baby ‘stories.’ Thank you for sharing. I LOVED, and still adore newborns. He is a little miracle. I do have to say, though, that going from 1 to 2 was the hardest time in my life! I felt upset no one warned me!!! Everyone is different, though. It is fun to look back on now. I have 4! (I tell everyone, I was DONE after 1, then 2 for sure! ) Enjoy every moment! So glad Nora is a loving big SIS! I STILL have people stop me at the park or in the store and tell me, “THIS is LIFE, raising your kids, that’s the best part!!!” It is awesome to hear that…especially in a moment when I think my life is CRAZY, chaotic, and out of control! 😉 Blessings to you and your family!!!!
Justina says
Yay for your beautiful babies! That is great that Nora is such a help. My newborns only slept well in the Rock ‘N Play and swing(only 1 of them). It has been a lifesaver with both of my babies (14 months apart). It is also compact in that it folds and can be stored with no issues. You can also wash the material in t he washer.
Andrea says
Thanks Justina,
Nora is more just REALLY excited to touch and hold Simon than actually “helpful” 🙂 but it’s still really cute to watch and see her “woving” him so much!
Daphne says
Congratulations!!!! He is just perfect!! The last picture made me cry….happy tears! It is a huge adjustment going from 1 child to 2 children but I think any change in a family (no matter how many kids) is going to be an adjustment. Enjoy your time with your babies! P.S. I still bribe my kids (age 8 & 4) to do things so I can survive 😉
Andrea says
haha — glad to hear I’m not the only bribing mom around! And yes, many people “warned” me that going from 2-1 was the hardest. I’m still sticking with the fact that going from 0-1 was harder for me, but looking back, I think I just had unrealistic expectations (and Nora was a very difficult baby!)
Paulette Smith says
And Simon is ADORABLE!! 🙂
Andrea says
Thanks Paulette!
Paulette Smith says
What an absolutely beautiful family and what stunning photos! Andrea, you’re right. Every added child makes it more challenging, but, we also learn little things along the way to make the transition ‘easier’…haha! Couldn’t think of any other word. Thank you so much for sharing with us. 🙂
Debbie says
Thank you for sharing Simon’s birth story. I enjoyed reading it and thankful for your authenticity. The pictures are wonderful and I’m sure you can’t wait to decorate your walls with them. Yes, sometimes I wish we had kids so folks just don’t see pictures of me and my husband all over our house:-)
Andrea says
haha — well you’re better than us because before we had kids, we just didn’t have any pictures on our walls. We had one wedding photo and that’s it!
Erin says
Thank you for sharing these sweet photos! So happy for you and praying that the adjustments go as smoothly as possible!
Barb says
Congratulations Dave & Andrea! What a perfect little miracle God has given you, Simon. He is so precious and adorable!! I love the pictures of all of you, they are so priceless! I always did love the baby stage and yes it is a time of less sleep, a lot more work and demanding but oh so worth it. I remember when our son was born, with not hardly getting any sleep that this was going to last a lifetime, but now our son is grown and has his own family and I look back and think, “wow, where did all this time go!” Enjoy each moment, bad and good, and before you know it Nora & Simon will be grown and leaving home. You are wonderful parents and even tho’ I don’t know you, I can sense the love you have for your children through your blog and it’s a very tender love. Keep up the great job of parenting and taking care of His children!
Mary Ann says
Congratulations! He is precious! I noticed that he had your eyes right away.
Kim {Pinspired Home} says
Congratulations again! What a cutie!
And as for bribing your two year old? I think every parent does some “negotiating” with their small children. I know I do. 🙂
So glad you’re taking it easy as you adjust to two kiddos. I definitely enjoy these updates. 🙂
Andrea says
Thanks Kim — and I like that you call it “negotiating” I might have to start using that word instead 🙂
Nikol Murphy says
Congratulations Andrea!
I have been reading your blog for about 4 years now. I am now a blogger as well and it has been wonderful to follow your story as a Mom, business owner and now fellow blogger. I am in awe at how well you have managed that last couple of weeks. Congratulations again on your beautiful family! 🙂
Andrea says
Wow, thanks Nikol! Sounds like you’ve been reading from the VERY beginning! Congrats on starting your own blog — and thanks again for your kind words and encouragement!
Leanne says
He’s just the cutest! I had the most horrific time going from one to two… 🙂 I know it will get better for you! You are so amazingly organized and have your priorities right 🙂 boys are fun…boys are busy, so I bet Simon will keep Nora on HER toes before you know it…
I still bribe and mine are 9,7, and 6!!
thanks for sharing! love your updates!
Jen T says
I am like you…SO not a baby person, but Simon could possibly be one of the top 10 cutest babies ever! Congrats!
Andrea says
Awww… thanks Jen.
I think it’s funny to hear comments and responses from people who ARE “baby people”. They literally just can not understand how someone (especially a mother) doesn’t love and adore the tiny baby phase. My mom is one of those people and she just laughs every time I comment about not being a baby person. She just can’t comprehend!
Glad to know I’m not alone in my non-tiny-baby-loving personality! (Well, I still LOVE him so much… I just don’t love this phase of life… you know what I mean!)
mary willis says
00Cute! My baby was face up the entire time and it was painful even with an epidural it took12 hours. Glad yours was fast! Simon is so cute.
Andrea says
Thanks Mary… and I’m definitely glad my labor didn’t last for 12 hours!
Becky says
Enjoy your sweet kiddos! Take all the time you need we will be coming back to check on you and see cute pics of your kids. A lot of us have been where you are right now so we get it. : )
Will be praying for sleep for you or at least quiet rest time!
Karyn says
Congratulations, and thanks for sharing the beautiful pictures with us all! Your children are both adorable! We have 4 children, but I still remember going from 1 child to 2. That was the biggest adjustment! Enjoy!
Jeannie Stack says
Andrea I am a stay at home Nana watching my two grandangels for my daughter and son in love.. I have followed you for about a year and I love reading your blog. Having 2 babies literally 14 months apart has been a blessing.. I find that some days you do have to just let go and let the day happen… I too plan ahead with freezer cooking which has helped me.. thank you for being such an inspiration to many! Being organized and sticking to a schedule has helped. I live in Central Florida so I am lucky to have many outside play days… Keep up the great mommy advice! We all love it!
Andrea says
Wow, only 14 months apart! That makes me tired just thinking about it — you must be the world’s best “nana”!
Kim Z says
Congratulations!!! My second was a not like Nora- slept little, cried lots. But she’s much better now and now we have FIVE! people all the time ask me how I do it? They could NEVER handle five kids. My secret was I did it one at a time. Each one had me sleep deprived and overjoyed at having them in our family. And each one required an adjustment period. Good luck and enjoy your awet babies!
Leigh says
They are lovely. I have three, five and under, and two is hard at first. You have to learn how to juggle the needs of two tiny people and that is hard work. It gets easier though as you grow. Or sometimes you all end up in a bubble bath.
April says
Congratulations on baby Simon! He is beautiful. I would agree with you on the tiny-baby stage. My daughter was very high needs and then her brother arrived 3 years later. Even though he was an easier baby than she was, I still did not really enjoy the exhaustion that went with a tiny baby. I enjoyed the time from about 10 months on. I found getting through the little baby part to be really difficult.
Andrea says
Thanks April — we think he’s pretty cute too 🙂
And yes, after 10 months (when they should be crawling, sitting, eating, etc) it does get a lot easier. Of course, with Nora, she was already RUNNING by 10 months — but not eating anything yet!!
Shauna says
Congrats! In December I went from a mother of one 9 year old boy to a mother of two. A little girl who HATED being on her back and would ONLY sleep on my person in an upright position while on her belly. This was for 2 solid months then slowly transitioned to the rock and play and now in a bassinet but it is elevated on one side. Hang in there! It gets somewhat easier as I am finding.