It’s only been about 8 weeks since I wrote how I was feeling before Cora became a big sister, but it feels like another lifetime.  It turns out I was right, Cora is the best at cuddling with and caring for Issa, but our relationship has already shifted in ways I didn’t expect.  There were a few steps we took beforehand, though, that I think made the transition easier, and there’s a few things we’re doing now that are helping us adjust to our new normal.
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The best thing we did for Cora was talking to her about baby sister all the time while she was still in my belly.  Really even before she was a noticeable kick and wiggle in my tummy, we were letting Cora know that baby sister would be here soon and she would need to help Mama when that day came.  Cora, in turn, talked constantly about her as well, so much so that her teachers at school thought she had a baby sister already.  We answered any and every question she had, and we even let her watch some (carefully screened) home birth videos on YouTube so she could prepare for that as well.  I think all the constant communication meant she was keenly aware of what was coming, and it wasn’t a shock to her in any way.
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Once baby sister arrived, we also planned a few sibling gifts for Cora to have so she would feel just as special as the new bundle of joy.  I wrapped them up before I went into labor so it wouldn’t require any effort on my part after delivery, and it was so fun to watch her face light up the morning after Issa was born.  It’s pretty much the best day ever for a three-year-old when this baby sister you’ve heard so much about arrives AND you get presents.

One of the gifts we picked out for her came compliments of Lalaloopsy.  Their new Stretchy Hair doll named Whirly Stretchy Locks arrived in the mail and I’m pretty sure Cora hasn’t put her down since she pulled her out of the box.  Her hair can be twisted and tied in a million different combinations with the clips that came with her, but it’s not too difficult of a task for Cora’s three-year-old little hands.  Whirly Stretchy Locks, or as Cora so aptly named her, Baby, has been a constant companion while Mama is busy changing diapers and nursing around the clock.

 

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Lalaloopsy is also hosting a contest in honor of this new line of dolls dubbed #StretchAcrossUSA where they’re asking girls to take their dolls to local landmarks for a photo op and share with other Stretchy Hair doll owners across the country.  The project will culminate with a giveaway for a Sugary Sweet prize pack worth over $200!  If you want to find out more, you can check out their Facebook page here.

For our local landmark, the Alamo was an obvious choice.  It turned out to be a little bit of a Mommy and me trip to downtown San Antonio, which can feel like an odyssey from our cozy life in the ‘burbs.  Daddy and Issa drove around the block several times while we jumped out and excitedly explored the national treasure.  “Baby” came along for the trip, of course, and while I tried to snap photos of both their faces Cora declared, “No, mama, her eating!” as she held the doll to her chest.  I suppose that’s how your mind works when your mom breastfeeds your baby sister! HA!

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I couldn’t help but get a little emotional as Cora and I spent some precious one-on-one time together.  How often will that happen now that she’s no longer an only child?  We’ve done our best to create little moments for her and I to bond sans Miss Issa, but it takes some effort on Orlando and I’s part.  I can remember my parents taking each of us kids on “dates” when we were younger, and I totally understand why now.  Interacting with Cora is totally different when I need her to grab a diaper, or keep quiet so baby sister can sleep.  When we’re just one on one I can give her my full attention and focus on nothing more than her crazy antics.

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All in all, it was a gorgeous afternoon, and I relished every second with my first born.  She, of course, thought the grounds of the Alamo were just perfect for running around like a mad woman, and I was leaking breastmilk everywhere with baby sister away, but it was worth it.  I may not have the whole parenting of two thing down yet, but we’re in the thick of it and we’re figuring it out as we go.  Just like Lalaloopsy and Whirly Stretchy Locks, we just have to learn to STRETCH and be flexible. 😉

XO,

A

P.S. I received a complimentary Lalaloopsy doll in exchange for this review.  Don’t worry though, all opinions are my own!