So...howz it going :)?

Sorry for the disappearing act from this space....a newborn's entry into the toddler's kingdom has created much-expected chaos and we are struggling to figure out our new normal :)!

Our pretty-much-potty-trained toddler has regressed....badly. As per the expert (her ped), it's one of her ways to steal attention from the baby. But it has caused the maximum amount of disruption in our lives. She is terribly cranky and keeps on screaming all day, all evening. We do whatever we can to help her go potty, but she just does not co-operate. Finally, as of last week, we have figured out a solution to her constipation issues....and sadly, it involves her not using the potty at all. She needs to forget that going to potty is an issue, or that its painful...before we try to train her again.

She is also down this weekend with a bad case of fever - we still don't know if its viral, or strep, or something else. But the fever has not broken yet - its hovering around 102-103F and the little girl is visibly miserable. She is getting all the TLC(= attention) she needs and we are hoping that the virus runs its course by tonight and she has a better (= fever-free or low grade fever) day tomorrow.

My postpartum pain is finally gone. I had a lot of it this time around. After the daughter was born, I was up on my feet after a week or so. With the son, it took almost a month. I'm fine now, but I dealt with many days and nights of almost-unbearable pain. During that time, my only focus was on breastfeeding the baby. Thankfully, that did not get affected...and we have established a good nursing routine for both of us. Milk supply issues have not cropped up yet as well....and that's a relief! When this tiny little human's existence depends entirely on you, its always frightening....

Other than this, it's been fun :). The baby is loved by everyone - even his big sister. She gives him zillions of kisses everyday....she is gentle with him....she loves it when he smiles at her.....she likes watching his diaper changes and massages and baths. She's dealing with a roller-coaster of emotions but she only shows her best side to her little brother...and I'm quite in awe of that!

The baby is simply adorable....a sweet sweet blessing in our lives. I love newborns....even though caring for them is exhausting, the joy they bring is unparalleled! He has started cooing when he sees familiar faces. He adores his big sister and whenever she is nearby and he can hear her voice, he starts smiling and turns his head towards her. He smiles, a LOT - when awake and while asleep - and we all love it. We have started his massage and bathing routine - usually mom massages him and I do the bath.....its simply the most relaxing time of my day.

The baby is already a month old...can you believe it? Time is flying by so quickly. It's been a much different (= better) month this time around than with the daughter. We've had fewer visitors (and for a change, I'm thankful for it).....the people who really care have been there for us, and I'm grateful for that. I am so much more in control of myself (= my emotions) with respect to handling every aspect of a newborn....I had so much anxiety and stress with the daughter. For months, I worried if I was providing her with enough breast milk. This time, I know I am....and I am so relieved about that aspect.

I've found time to host a gathering for my mommy group.....this picture below is of Gen2.0 kids (my mommy group has all kids my daughter's age).....

I've gone for a nice relaxing massage and I'm going for another one this week....

I've taken the daughter for a train ride festival that happened in town recently....

I've already applied for the baby's passport.....(and we are starting to make plans for India...I'm so excited :)).....

I've managed to watch a few movies at home....

I've also managed to finish reading 4 books in the last month....

I make dinner for the family everyday - on the menu today are lettuce wraps with tofu, zucchini, bell pepper, ground peanuts, etc....my time in the kitchen is also one of my favorite and relaxing time of my day....

I've sorted through the many hand-me-down clothes that we got for the baby....and he now has his wardrobe set for pretty much his entire first year of life....(I have awesome friends and neighbors).....

I've enjoyed all my nursing sessions with him - day or night - and I've slept with him on my chest as much as I can.....(it's the BESTEST feeling in the world).....

And we've all spent loads and loads of quality time as a family.....cherishing the sweet blessing of a new baby in our lives....

So...how have you all been :)?