Ari's dissertation

Ari had planned to complete her dissertation but after having the baby, her time and interest have waned. The dissertation symbolizes Ari's pre-baby life which has now altered to focus almost completely on her child.

Animals

Paul and Ari begin to hear animals in the attic and walls of their old house. The animals symbolize Ari's state of mind in which she feels trapped in a new life which she has entered into for security but it also restrains her and she still tries to find a way out.

Walker's birthday

When Walker turns one, Ari calls is surgery day instead of birthday. She still resents that she had to have a C-section and was denied the chance to deliver her son naturally. Ari feels like a failure because she needed the surgical procedure.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is not only an important bonding ritual between Ari...