Joining the Hallowed Ranks of the 2x Mama Club

So now that I'm a mama for the second time, I have discovered the great secret that I guess no one could really tell me before (and yes, I'm probably risking some kind of ritual hexing if I tell but I will anyway): it's easier. I mean, it's still no proverbial picnic in the park, mind you, but I'm already quite pleasantly surprised by how many things have already been easier the second time around, starting with the birth itself (shorter, more empowered, less bodily trauma afterwards) but also the breastfeeding, the newborn care, and the sleep deprivation (so far). Josh wrote a good post about the way in which things just seem less freaky now, and more enjoyable, and how this time around it's easier to have perspective (and, I'd add, a good attitude) on whatever situation arises.

Anyway, I know it's too early to really be able to tell what life with Isaac is going to be like (or what Isaac himself is going to be like) but overall I feel a heartening sense of optimism that things won't be too hard to deal with, and that we're hitting our parental stride. Go us!

And now I leave you with a cute picture (cos I still haven't had the time or the space to actually post a whole page of pix):

^Eli reaaaaaally wanted to hold "his baby". He is just so sweet to his brother so far!