I’ll be the first to admit that I was that crazy lady during my first pregnancy…I read the books, followed the dietary guidelines, went to the proper classes, and studied up on the necessities the baby would need once she arrived. Let’s just say I drove myself nuts over each and every solitary detail, just because I wanted it to be perfect. I wanted to be the perfect mom and I wanted to make sure I did everything right.
Haha…any mother out there knows that’s just not going to happen, so deal with it, get over it, and move on. With my second pregnancy, I was so much more relaxed and it made those 40 weeks so much more enjoyable without putting all that unnecessary pressure on myself. You know SO MUCH MORE about pregnancy, childbirth, and all the ups and downs of parenting once you conquer it the first time, and I think both Jeff and I felt like pros going into the birth/delivery/newborn stage this go around. We knew what was in store for us the first few months and though it’s not easy, it’s so worth it…fun to watch our family grow and to see Caroline with her baby sister.
I’ve had some friends asking me how our family “prepared” to go from one child to two and I have to be honest that we pretty much “flew by the seat of our pants”. I’ll be honest, the nursery still isn’t finished (waiting on the side table to arrive and I still have to order a lamp and a pillow for her chair) though we did do the necessary things… like stocking up on newborn diapers, sleep n plays, reorganizing the house to bring out the newborn/infant toys again and such, but other than that, we tried to keep things as simple as possible.
But then there is the other part of me that has to put it out there and let you all know I was terrified of going from one child to two… I know the Lord wouldn’t give us something we couldn’t handle, yet on the other hand, I was extremely anxious about going through the baby stage all over again, especially since it was back-to-back babies. It kept me up a lot that last month of my pregnancy because I would rack my brain with the “what ifs” constantly… lovely, right?? It brought up a lot of emotions, remembering how overwhelmed I felt and how I definitely had my fair share of the “baby blues” and was a hormonal, emotional basketcase for at least two months…I prayed I wouldn’t experience that for a second time.
To say this time has been easier would be an understatement…Carson is a piece of cake compared to Caroline (so far at least). She sleeps more at night, is easier to occupy, and has a very laid back personality (no, I have NO IDEA how that happened). I am thankful God gave us a “hard one” first so that we could know how easy this one really is ;).
Over here in our world, we are still trying to figure out a “schedule” and what works/doesn’t work for the girls. Most mornings are a cluster, as I am trying to feed Carson before Caroline gets up and needs my attention, and nights are actually pretty calm once Jeff gets home. I’m starting to cook more (thanks to my handy dandy crock pot), and we each try to tackle different chores/responsibilities so that we can make the most of our evenings together. One of us will give Caroline a bath while the other hangs out doing tummy time with Carson…divide and conquer!
Daytime has been WAY more enjoyable since we have Alex here on the weekdays to help…I’ve been able to rest a bit more, get errands run so those don’t take up our weekend free time, and it’s been wonderful having her here to help with the girls. On the other hand, Jeff’s travelling ways for work will commence again soon, and I am terrified of how I am going to manage to do it alone with two wee ones. With that being said, I am still planning on going back to work part-time in the next few months so life will change drastically yet again, but I think it will be great for me AND for our family.
Let’s face it…having a baby is tough, but it’s also the single most exciting, profound, emotional, and overwhelming sense of joy I have ever felt and I know we are extremely fortunate that we get to experience this “season” once again. I thank God for giving us another sweet child to love.
Thanks for listening my friends. OXOX
Love your thoughts and honesty! I've been wondering how it's going at your house with 2! My Jack who is a week younger than Caroline is a handful so I can't imagine adding another right now. Way to go Mama! đ
Glad to hear yall are surviving and things are going well, for the most part đ
Way to go mama! While our boys are six years apart I think there's always doubts about changing a family dynamic, I'm glad you mentioned that. Your girls are blessed to have such a wonderful mom!
you, my friend, are a rockstar! caroline and carson are blessed to have such a strong woman role model as their mama.
So glad to hear things are going well! I know it is not easy, in any sense of the word, but you can handle it đ It's so easy to worry about how you're going to "do it all" but don't waste time and energy worrying. I think that's the one thing I learned with O!
Awww! Love this post! What lucky little girls đ
I am so happy to hear that things seem to be going smoothly, calmly, and happily!!! I'm sure having an extra adult during the day helps a TON!!!
YOU've got it lovely lady! I know you will rock it out! Sending you a virtual glass of wine!
xoxo
You are definitely my hero! So proud of you for all that you've accomplished and the amazing attitude you've had along the way. You seriously rock!! xo
I'm so happy to hear things are going well! We're hoping to welcome another little one into the family soon, but as much as I'm looking forward to it, I'm also totally nervous. It's great to hear that it's manageable– especially with two under two! I look forward to more tips and lessons learned as you get into your groove juggling two babies and your new job. Exciting stuff!
Sounds like you have a good grasp on what to fret over and what to let go. How fun to be siblings that close in age!
I can't even imagine having two right now, but you make it sound like it's all working out and giving me hope that one day, maybe we'll have another and it won't be that bad;) I'm going back to work in August and am actually really looking forward to the change in our routine. I think working part time will be great for you. It's hard sometimes being a SAHM. Having a little time for you is so important.
I love these updates! I definitely share so many of those same fears when its time for round two for us. Did you have the baby blues this time around? Im really hoping I don't have to go through that again either! Its comforting to hear that you guys are holding it all together and i love that quote….Everyday may not be good but there is some good in every day. Amen to that! xo
I can't imagine having two under two, that's a lot of work. Heck, one is a lot of work. I'm sure going back to work part-time will help with your feelings too as you will have some "adult" time.
You are doing great! I am a mother of two close in age (15.5 months apart). And I've been there — there are tough times but it's so much fun to have children close in age especially as they grow. Things will only get better!
Hahaha…My girlfriend's and I say, "Bless her heart" all the time. I think its great how things are going and just enjoy it all…these memories are the best (I am told, since I am not a mommy yet) đ
Such a beautiful post and so true to me as I too struggle with the daily thoughts of when to try fall pregnant again and the idea of having two little tots in the house. Like you say, we always make it work and they truly are life's blessings! x
I admire you for doing it all. đ
"DIVIDE AND CONQUER"….. love that! You know what you're doing, momma — and it's working! So glad to hear that Carson is so easy going and sleeping so well already [[[Carson, you are the bees knees, sweet girl!!]]]. I loved reading this and having a glimpse at how things are going for y'all right now / what a normal day looks like! I think I'll feel very much the same when we sign up for babe # 2…. elated / terrified / fly by the seat of my pants! Ha! Funny how it changes after your first!