First of many firsts

M is starting school in three weeks. That's right, my firstborn, the one who introduced me to  motherhood, is entering the world of formal education.

HOW DID THIS HAPPEN?

To celebrate this momentous occasion we had a Mommy-Daughter shopping day last weekend. I let her pick her outfit for the first day of school. We went to several stores and she made it very clear what was and wasn't her taste. In the middle we did lunch. She charmed the hell out of everyone around us as she ordered for herself and acted very much like the big girl she is.

I am so damn proud of that kid. She's becoming a mature, self-possessed person of her own. I'd like to take credit, but then I'd have to take blame for a less desirable outcome. And let's face it, it's more luck than skill in those early years. Thank God I hit the snooze bar on baby life with her brother. I'm not ready for it to be over!

Have your second kid first

I heard the expression "you should have your second kid first" a few times before I had a second kid and thought it was silly. I did it right the first time, dammit! But I know what they meant. We're a month into life with two kids. I'm tired but still pretty euphoric, and thanks for asking. I declined narcotic painkillers post c-section so I know it's not the drugs talking. It's just... easier the second time around. Oh, I still wake up and confirm that he's breathing about 20 times a night and fret if he doesn't gain a shitload of weight between checks, but I'm much less of a basket case this time.

For example, with M, I would often go days on end without showering. Because I couldn't leave my precious baaaaaybeeee for 10 minutes. Apparently I thought the world would be a better place if I stunk it up. Is The Husband a dick for leaving me wallowing in my own filth? Nope. He is a loving, hands-on father who relishes baby care. He gets right in there as soon as he gets home for work, and did with M too. It was all me being a total lunatic. THIS time I know the only thing I do that he can't is breastfeed, so if Z has a full belly there is no earthly reason for me not to take care of personal hygiene.

Hilariously I did not realize I was being a lunatic last time. Hormones. Crazy.

Kid goes a day without pooping? Wear a poncho when he goes tomorrow. Is he sleeping too long? He has regained his birth weight so let a sleeping baby lie. OMG he has a diaper rash! So... let him have some naked time until it clears up. Yup. You really should have your second kid first.

SEVEN!

Seven years ago today I went to dinner and the Fringe Festival on a first date with a man. I was nursing an injury after being hit by a car riding my bike and it hurt to think about leaning over for a kiss at the end of the night, so I blew him one instead. He took it to mean I wasn't interested. 

Seven years and two kids later, I think it's safe to say he was wrong. Happy First Date Anniversary, pookie. I love you more each day.