As excited as I am for their relationship in the long-term, I worried a little bit about how things would go at first. Violet has always been a bit of a mama's girl. She loves to do everything "herself" but with mama standing by within arm's reach. Only recently has she started to even run off and play with her cousins at family gatherings.
I felt that their first time meeting would be very important and so wanted it to go well. Violet made it very clear to us that she wanted to hold her "baby sistuh" first and then Kevin and I could hold her. I wasn't sure how we were going to pull that one off, but it actually ended up working out on its own the way things sometimes do.
When Violet arrived at the hospital to visit, Lucy was back at the nursery getting bathed, so it was just me and a few family members when she entered the room. She was really concerned about me - why I had an IV in my arm, why I had "boo boo's", and why I couldn't get out of the bed. She was completely freaked out for about ten minutes, but eventually got distracted by other things and calmed down. My dinner arrived and she decided to feed me - always my big helper :)
Luckily we had the sweetest nurse - a mother of six and just back from maternity leave herself. When she wheeled Lucy in from the nursery in her bassinet she said, "Special delivery for Miss Violet!" Violet completely lit up - it was just perfect. I couldn't thank our nurse enough - she was sooo incredibly thoughtful.
I love this face:
Then came the all-important moment - Violet got to hold her baby. Check out this anticipation:
Violet was so gentle and so sweet and sooo in love. She now wants to hold her baby Lucy all of the time. She literally glows while she's holding her. The other day she was gazing down at her and she said, "Mommy, her SO bootiful!" (and then I died)
I also worried about if Violet would be jealous of her sister as I'm nursing and have to say no to Violet a lot, but so far she just seems to be more upset that I can't physically do everything I normally can - like carry her up to bed or sit and play on the floor for a long period of time. We've slowly been figuring things out, like reading books while I nurse the baby or snuggling in bed and watching cartoons on the iPad in the morning. I'm still looking for ways to make her feel like she's not being left out or neglected, so if anyone has any advice I'd love to hear it!
xo, Lauren
P.S. Tomorrow I'm going to start posting a series of guest posts from some of my favorite bloggers to give myself a little "maternity leave". I'll post here and there as well, but I hope you enjoy the lovely and talented group of ladies I have lined up for you!
This is just the sweetest thing. Violet is going to be an amazing big sister and she is right, Lucy is "bootiful!"
ReplyDeletecongrats to you and your family:)
This s absolutely perfect! Xxx
ReplyDeleteThe best advice I got when I brought home my second baby was to give my first baby a specific job to help with the baby. Whether it be bringing me a diaper whenever I needed one, or picking up her paci whenever it feel. I also set him up with a snack or water before I nursed so he could have "num-nums" at the same time. :) Congratulations! I am a long time reader, first time comment-er....just love your style and parenting. All joy to you and your new family.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! Your family is so lovely and it's so exciting your second daughter has arrived. I love her name - which I am partial to as we share it. haha I hope the happiness continues :)
ReplyDeleteOh Lauren, how absolutely perfect! Congratulations on welcoming Lucy into the world and on making Violet a big sis - a role she will no doubt relish! I so enjoyed these photographs, as I am sure you will treasure them for a lifetime. All good things to you and your family! Sending hugs from Austin, Ariana
ReplyDeleteWhat a perfect big sister! I guess I've neglected blogs for a couple weeks and you went and had a baby!
ReplyDeleteI had four kids and I don't remember really being all too worried about the older kids feeling left out when a new baby came along. New babies sleep so much there is still plenty of time when they get one-on-one.
Plus, they can actively help. Get the diaper, get the towel, get the ________. Which they love doing!
i love these photos! they made me tear up!
ReplyDeleteWhat gorgeous photos!
ReplyDeleteWhat gorgeous photos!
ReplyDeleteSo happy for you all...and what a precious moment captured beautifully. MELT!
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