(That Initial Change At Home)
Overall:
I’ve purposely been waiting the last 5 weeks to write this post because going from 1-2 kids feels like anything else in life before you start: a little scary, anxious, excited, yet also thrilling!
My girls are almost exactly 3 years apart, and to our luck, this is exactly what we wanted! Having two kids is what I’ve personally dreamed of for years. This is the stage of life I’ve always wanted. Two little ones to hold and squeeze. To be there biggest cheerleaders and to raise them. So even though reaching your dreams and goals in life feels AMAZING! (along with no longer being pregnant!) change is always very tricky at first. Correction. At first for me.
I can’t fully believe anyone who says, “having a child is easy.” Especially when you go from zero-one, two, three etc. Motherhood is amazingly beautiful yet none of us have it all figured out! Hence why we all lean on one other and spend nap time over in Instagram (or is that just me?!) : )
What’s Been Helpful
Getting That Alone Time
Once Emma turned 2 weeks old, Steve and I started switching off on watching “the girls” for 1-2 hours each day (Abby isn’t taking naps anymore!!!) so we quickly realized we need to help each other out and take a break! This has been our BIGGEST secret in getting things done and staying on top of both girls, our house, and life. In general, Steve’s support is the reason I’ve been able to blog since day 1.
Paternity Leave
Ok I HAD to add this one in! because every family’s situation is different and so many of you responded to me on how well I’m doing and that I'm “rocking this two-mom thing.” Which no I’m not. I have help!
Help In General
Steve has 2 extra weeks compared to his paternity leave 3 years ago with Abby. This truly makes a difference! He takes Emma a lot in the middle of night to burp her and change her. Just like we did in the hospital (more on that here).
Even though I had a fairly smooth delivery (Emma’s birth story here) I’m still recovering and healing. I remember trying to walk with Steve and Abby to the mailbox on day 5 of being home and having to turn around and go back. I could barley walk! Even trying to vacuum got me dizzy and I felt weak. I’ve REALLY slowed down by letting Steve help during this transition. Now at 5 weeks, I can vacuum like the best of them.
Food!
Thank you all family and friends who have gifted us food! This is truly the BEST gift to give parents of a newborn! (I feel). A family friend even ordered us pizza and had it delivered! How fun and creative is that?! Thank you Janie : ) Feel free do this for yourself too! (Which we’ve done) My thoughts? If people want to come over and visit the baby, they can swing by Starbucks for you.
What I’ve Learned:
Schedule
Getting back home from the hospital we had organized ahead of time for Abby to “go off and have fun” with a few family members to break her daily routine. However, Abby just wanted to be with Mom and Dad. To know what was coming each day… basically the girl just wanted her schedule!
Steve and I were completely caught off guard when a separation anxiety kicked in! Abby wouldn’t even let me walk out of the room at first… let alone close the door to the bathroom without me in sight (goodbye personal space!!) or did I ever really have it when I became a first-time mom?!?!
Ease Anxiety
So, after two days of Abby not leaving the house with family, Steve and I decided the best thing for her, and us, was to just embrace this whole family of four thing. Which we did. I also learned to be more patient by letting her express herself and then correct any outburst. Which disappeared by two weeks post-partum. Steve really helped with this too! I know I’m very lucky to have a supportive spouse and it’s something I don’t take for granted. Believe me.
Supporting Your Oldest
I gave BIG hugs more often (and then some) and constantly validated how she was feeling. This really seemed to help her relationship and mine stay in intact as I was very much dividing my time and attention between her and Emma.
HELP
Then at about 3 weeks, we started asking for HELP by getting family to come back and just “hang out” with Abby in the backyard/playroom. This allowed both Steve and I to take a break and or spend time with Emma.
Maybe help is the form of ordering groceries (which we’ve also done) hire a maid, calling a friend to talk, and or joining a mom’s support group with the hospital, etc. We are so blessed to live in a time where if we need something, mostly likely it’s out there! We just have to be active and go get it!
I hope this answered allll of your questions you asked me! If not, feel free to ask me below. And a huge shout out to Marissa over at Ciccarelli photography for capturing the "beautiful side" of motherhood in all of these photos. ; )
Warmly, Steph
Sources:
My Dress || Abby's Dress || Emma's Dress (sold out in white) pink version here || Both Girls bows (sold out, similar here) || Steve's Shirt
No comments:
Post a Comment