Molly is officially 2 weeks old! And as of last night, she has a belly button! Right on time, her umbilical cord stump fell off. Now she can have real baths instead of sponge baths. Speaking of baths, here she is after a little sponge bath the other day. So far she doesn't like her baths and cries the whole time. Thankfully, they're quick. Of course the water is nice and warm, and I do it in front of the fireplace so she won't get cold, but something about the water on her body surprises her and she gets upset! I'm sure she'll get used to it... There's so much to get used to for a little newborn! So many sights and sounds and experiences... No wonder they sleep so much!
Today my friend Shannon came over and took 2 week old pictures of Molly. She sent me a preview of the pictures, and they're great! I can't wait to share them with you. Shannon is a great photographer if you're ever looking for someone to come to your home (which is much easier than going to a studio when you have small kids). She's very patient, and very creative as well.
Lydia is doing great and has been sweet to her little sister. There was one incident last week when she swatted Molly in the face. Lydia has never been a hitter before. Maybe she learned it from someone at school or at church...or maybe it's something they all just figure out on their own. I was sitting down holding Molly and Lydia tugged on my hand, indicating that she wanted me to get up and play with her. I gently said that I couldn't right then because I was holding her baby sister. Lydia got a pouty look on her face and took both hands and swatted Molly's face. Then, she swatted mine! Molly cried out for a second, but then she went right back to sleep. She was okay. Since she wasn't hurt, I actually felt more sorry for Lydia in that moment. She was obviously struggling with emotion about the new baby and in that particular moment, she resented her. That's so sad, isn't it?? I had to firmly get after her, told her "No" and instructed her to never, ever do that again. I told her how much I love her and suggested she go get a book and Mommy would read it to her. She did, and was fine after that. Other than this one incident, I haven't seen her really act out about the baby. There may be some subtle ways in which she has expressed stress or resentment, but for the most part we've loved on her a ton and she usually responds to Molly sweetly and with a smile. Or, she ignores her. Depends on her mood! She does like to see the ways in which she and Molly are alike. We count Molly's fingers together, and Lydia watches me change Molly's diaper, and today when they were both naked except for their diapers, she thought that was pretty great! And now, Molly has a belly button like Lydia's as well!
I have to say, I think for me the hardest part about bringing baby #2 home has been trying to love and care for both children equally. Not easy, and not possible right now when Molly needs me 24 hours a day. Thankfully Oliver and I are a great team, but I miss not spending the time with Lydia that I'm accustomed to. I miss her, even though I see her every day.
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