the growing and birthing of Poet Winter

It rained in October 2010. On and off the clouds grew heavy and eventually they let go. In October 2010 my parsley and mint were thriving in their terracotta pots.

She was conceived in the spring time while the rain drops fell.

water baby

Born in the water. Oh so happy in water. And look at those eyes. Yep, they're big and beautiful and I could gaze into them for hours. I do gaze into them for hours. Precious little Poet. 5 weeks today.

outside

When I arrived home from the birth centre with Poet, I honestly thought that Che looked gigantic. I questioned whether he had had a growth spurt in the eight or so hours since I was gone. Sure my post-birth high may have affected my perception on that first day, but since then I have had to remind myself that, actually, he's still quite little. I suppose when I'm comparing him to someone that fits in the crook of my arm, he's going to look big.

Che is about to turn four. And it seems that in the midst of become a big brother and adjusting to having a little baby around, he's become rather argumentative. I'll admit that my patience hasn't extended very far but I'm a little tired of the word: 'No!' Daniel even had this conversation with him yesterday:

"Hey Che..."

"Yeah Dad?"

"Is 'no' the only word you can say?"

"Yes...No."

Hmmm. While Poet and I have been spending a lot of time inside, Daniel has been taking Che outside. Their little adventures have been essential to maintaining a sense of calm within our home. They go swimming, exploring, beach walking and bush adventuring.

Poet and I will join them sometime soon. But this week Che has been sick...a grumpy, mopy little guy who is finding it difficult to understand why he can't cuddle "the baby."

This week is all about learning to balance...as a mother of two.

And I have thought, many times in the past few days, how do Mumas of 3, 4, 5 children do it? Please share, I'd love to know.

sssshhhh Poet's Dreaming

look closely

Animated gif by Daniel

you're home now

In the newborn haze where you're sleep deprived, blissfully happy and unable to comprehend the simplest of questions, days melt into one another and before you know it another week has come around. The sweet spring sun has started to beckon and we've left our abode a few times, only to return a short while later, happy to have been out in the world but so pleased to be home again.

Of course when we do go out, the little bundle curled up in the sling attracts a lot of attention. It's been slightly heartbreaking to watch Che as he meanders in the background and regardless of how much Daniel and I bring him into the conversation, for most people there's nothing quite like the allure of a newborn. He's been having nightmares too and so most nights he ends up in our bed. Four in the bed and the little one said...

I've been making sure I give him as many cuddles as I can, telling him how much I love him several times a day and encouraging him to interact with Poet. What has been so incredibly awe-inspiring as a parent is watching him take her in. He ponders the size of her hands, kisses her forehead and come really close when I'm feeding her.

But, there has been one thing that he has said, since she was born, that leaves me silent and a little teary.

Every day he comes really close to her and says:

"You're home now Baby."

Like she's been waiting to come.