Family of Four

"What's it like having a family of four?"

That is a question I am commonly asked now that we have added Hudson to our family. Each time someone poses that inquiry, I feel inclined to check my watch and take a deep breath before I launch into an in-depth monologue about the momentous, yet simple changes that have since transformed our lives. How can I truly explain? We had nine months to prepare ourselves, yet could never have predicted the wonderful ways we would change.

One of the first truly surprising things I noticed (mere minutes after Hudson's birth) was how the size of Ava suddenly shifted. My adorable, petite little princess entered my hospital room, and I was instantly drawn to her hands. My God, HER HANDS WERE HUGE! As I snuggled with my new little man, I was struck with what a grown-up person my three-year-old daughter had become. Had she been so tall, so capable just minutes ago? Impossible! Yet as she held her baby brother for the first time, handling this life-changing event with unexpected poise, I couldn't help but hold back tears as I watched her grow before me. Not only in size, but in so many other ways. I had expected some guilt with this new baby, since I was forever altering life as Ava had known it, yet instead I swelled with pride at both my children.

Later, at home, as Erik and I fell into a familiar routine of feedings, diapers, and naps, I wondered why this had seemed so difficult the first time around. I mean, I was nearly comatose with shock when we brought Ava home, and I realized it surely had been SO EASY back then! Now, trying to change Hudson with one hand while masterfully molding playdough into the shape of a princess with the other, I wanted to bitch-slap my old self. You had it easy, girlfriend! What were you whining about?!? Caring for Hudson was comforting, but trying to bond with my new baby AND maintain a high level of interaction with my toddler was the new challenge. It is now my firm belief that with each new child a woman bears, she should instantly grow a new set of arms. And she should receive free chocolate until said children graduate high school.

But my last realization on having a second child? This one was totally worth it! The husband SUDDENLY GETS IT! This time around Erik gets up for nighttime duties, helps with household chores, and expertly discusses the color, consistency, and frequency of baby poop. Hmm, maybe that's why this all seems easier to me now. (Okay, for the record, he did help the first time around as well, but this time he has reached the rank of expert.) Thank you, ESmith, thank you.

But still keep the chocolate coming.