Mommy of 2

I want to jot down a few thoughts about being a Mommy of 2 (at least what I've learned over the course of 12 weeks).

It's true what they say - it's hard work. Really hard.  But very rewarding.  To understand why I am saying this, I'll give you an example from today.  Once I picked the kids up from daycare (yes, Ellie's first day - that's a different post), I brought them home and just as I sat to nurse Ellie - Levi pooped in his big boy underwear.  Then the poop fell on the floor and he stepped on it.  Yep - all smushed in his toes.  It was a mess.  He was crying.  And Ellie was crying because she was hungry and wanted to nurse.  Finally cleaned Levi up and sat down to nurse when Levi spilled his juice all over the coffee table...so had to stop to clean that up.....and Ellie was crying.  It's tough.

The love I have for each is really different.  Before I had Ellie, I could not imagine having enough room in my heart to love another child...but boy was I wrong.  My heart has been holding space for her sweet self since it was created.  I love her so very much.  And it's unique.  I love both my kids but how I bond with Levi and Ellie has felt special to each.  Ellie is so sweet and innocent and delicate.  Levi is wild, energetic, and mischievous. I am sure their age difference has a lot to do with it but Levi's always been 'high' energy and needs...but I love that about him!

It's hard on your relationship.  It's hard because there's an additional person in your household that needs your attention. And you have to figure out how to balance your time so that your demanding 2 year old that's learning how to potty gets proper attention, your newborn is being loved on and taken care of (the same or as close as the same as you did for your first-born), and your husband knows that you love him and you're grateful for the life you've built together.  But can you guess which one gets the bump when you're pulled in different directions? Yep.

There's no time for the following - planning outfits, washing your hair, doing full make-up, making doctor appointments, getting your hair colored, cleaning, loving or even paying attention to your dogs, shopping alone, planning or organizing anything.  Just to name a few...

All that being said....being a parent is so amazing.  Seriously - there's nothing better.  When Levi wakes up in the morning and puts his arms around me and asks for breakfast or when Ellie gives me a smile or when Drew and I laugh because Levi just said something we've never heard come out of his mouth - all serve as reminders of how blessed we truly are.