The leap from 1 to 2 children has been by far the hardest thing I have experienced. I had several friends tell me that this transition would be easy, but this has not been our experience.
But before I discuss some of the difficulties I should make the disclaimer that while it has been hard, we would not trade it for anything in the world. The Lord has blessed us in growing our family and has given us a great gift. Through the difficulties He has also challenged us to rely on and trust in Him.
Sleep
When Peter was born, he was a fairly good sleeper. But when he did have bad nights and I was up a lot, at least I was able to sleep when he slept during the day. With a toddler and a newborn, this is just not the case. When Thomas sleeps during the day that is my chance to have some one on one time with Peter and get things done.
Packing
Packing to leave our house takes twice as long and we need three times as much stuff it seems. Diapers for both of them, snacks for Peter, bottles for Thomas, extra clothes for both of them (and for me too as I seem to be the human burp cloth).
Scheduling
Thomas has clearly let us know that he will have nothing to do with a strict schedule like Peter thrived on. While this is a great thing for some parents, it is difficult for my type A personality to relax on this one, but I am learning day by day.
Outnumbered
The hardest thing by far is just the simple fact that when I am home during the day, I am now outnumbered by babies. I am constantly having to determine whose needs are more urgent and who can wait. When they are both crying, sometimes I just want to cry too. But my motto this summer has been to take it 20 minutes at a time. When everyone is crying I take a deep breath, look at the clock and remind myself: In 20 minutes this will be over and neither of my children will remember this moment. And then I dig in and get done what needs to be done.
We are learning the new normal day by day and enjoying the process too (most of the time!) While we are often overwhelmed, we are overwhelmed with joy at the same time. :)
But before I discuss some of the difficulties I should make the disclaimer that while it has been hard, we would not trade it for anything in the world. The Lord has blessed us in growing our family and has given us a great gift. Through the difficulties He has also challenged us to rely on and trust in Him.
Sleep
When Peter was born, he was a fairly good sleeper. But when he did have bad nights and I was up a lot, at least I was able to sleep when he slept during the day. With a toddler and a newborn, this is just not the case. When Thomas sleeps during the day that is my chance to have some one on one time with Peter and get things done.
Packing
Packing to leave our house takes twice as long and we need three times as much stuff it seems. Diapers for both of them, snacks for Peter, bottles for Thomas, extra clothes for both of them (and for me too as I seem to be the human burp cloth).
Scheduling
Thomas has clearly let us know that he will have nothing to do with a strict schedule like Peter thrived on. While this is a great thing for some parents, it is difficult for my type A personality to relax on this one, but I am learning day by day.
Outnumbered
The hardest thing by far is just the simple fact that when I am home during the day, I am now outnumbered by babies. I am constantly having to determine whose needs are more urgent and who can wait. When they are both crying, sometimes I just want to cry too. But my motto this summer has been to take it 20 minutes at a time. When everyone is crying I take a deep breath, look at the clock and remind myself: In 20 minutes this will be over and neither of my children will remember this moment. And then I dig in and get done what needs to be done.
We are learning the new normal day by day and enjoying the process too (most of the time!) While we are often overwhelmed, we are overwhelmed with joy at the same time. :)
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