How would I line these up?

[chilihead]

I like how these are top aligned.

Switching to expanded they are not top aligned. If I can move the post icon down as well as the arrow pointing to it from the white box, that would be great. It looks like I could accomplish this by making the space above the arrow the same in both boxes, so whatever it is on the top one, mimic below, and move the icon down so the arrow points to the center of it. Then both would be the same.

Any help appreciated, thanks!