looking for a second wife

[MichelleSeeking]

I'm very curious to know what the status of a second wife is in Islam. Does she live together with the first wife as a sister-wife? If I were to be a second wife this is the way I would want to live so that my home would be filled with peace and love! Do the co-wives help with the raising of children and keeping the house?

My ancestors, the Crow Indians, would sometimes marry more then one wife and rank was assigned to each woman as she entered the family (first wife, second wife, and so on.) Does this happen to multiple wives in Islam or are they all equal?

When the husband wishes to take a second wife does he discuss this with his first wife - and does he respect her feelings and her wishes if she cannot handle being a co-wife?

It may be surprising that as an American I am open about polygamy - but I'm used to hearing about multiple wives through the oral traditions and stories of many tribes, including mine. When I was a child I would imagine being a treasured second wife in a happy village - something my other friends DEFFINATELY did not daydream about hahaha! But this just shows a difference in culture between me and my peers I suppose.

What does the Qur'an say about multiple wives?

I hope no one will mind my questions.

-Michelle