I've been the mother of two for four weeks, I believe that now qualifies me as an expert;)
I knew that I would get a wake up call when baby number two came. Having Cohen didn't kick my butt as bad as everyone said it would. I expected to be woken up at night and have exhausting days but the saving grace is that when he slept, I could sleep (though really that is sacred-this-is-the-only-opportunity-to-get-stuff-done-time).
Yes the night feeding(s) are taxing but the real killer to having two kids in my opinion is not the babies needs but rather my two year old. He still wants his mommy time, to be entertained, to go outside and play etc. What that means is very few opportunities for one sleep deprived mom to rest because of course as soon as one goes down for a nap the other one wakes up. Am I right or am I right?
When Cohen was born one of John's co-workers said, "Don't worry, your wife will like you again in six months." We didn't know what she meant, she said she was crazy after her kids were born. I luckily never experienced the postpartum hormonal craziness, in fact I've never been really hormonal (except maybe in high school). However this time, whoa nelly, it's been crazy, correction, I've been crazy. I'm super sensitive, I cry and get frustrated sometimes for no reason. My brain recognizes this but can't stop it. It's really annoying, just ask John. Poor man has had to bear the brunt of it.
There are days where I feel like I've got it together, I get dressed in something other than elastic wasted PJ bottoms and an old girls camp t-shirt, I do my hair & make-up, the kidlets and I venture out of the house and do errands, cross items off my to do list, and play. I make dinner, my house is clean, laundry is done, basically I feel like a good mom. I feel like me.
Then there are days like Wednesday and Thursday and probably tomorrow when I change out of one old t-shirt into another one because it's covered in baby vomit. Disney & Pixar are entertaining my child while I nurse for what feels like all day, the dishes have yet to be put away, my house is a mess, my teeth don't get brushed til 6:55 pm when I leave for youth group (I don't think I even brushed my hair), and we're eating chicken nuggets and clementines for dinner. Basically I feel like a bad mom

My type A personalty loves to be in control and right now I'm not and that's hard. It's hard having my house not being as clean as I'm used to it being. It's hard to breastfeed while your two year old is hanging on your back wanting to wrestle. It's hard to remain patient while trying to function on very little sleep. It's hard not being able to meet every one's needs. It's hard to make dinner. It's hard to get said two year old to bed at a decent time when your newborn is starving. It's hard to shower.
And yet,
It is all worth it.
I love being with Cohen & Brynn. I love it when Cohen comes up randomly throughout the day and gives me kisses. I love seeing Brynn smile. I love that I can calm them down when they are sad. I love hearing Cohen sing songs. I love being his interpreter for his always expanding sometimes hard to understand vocabulary. I love knowing Brynn's mannerisms. I love my cuddling time. And though this adjustment has been hard, ultimately,
I wouldn't have it any other way.
(well, that's a lie, I still want more sleep)
11 comments:
You gave me flash backs to when Cali was born. :) it's tough but you are so right when you say it's worth it. It'll get better and you get your sanity back eventually. Just keep cuddling them. They grow so fast!
Enjoy all the sleepless nights. I wish I could say that it ends, but it doesn't. :( It's completely exhausting, but like you said, it's totally worth it. Love you!!
4 words: We told you so!
;)
Isn't it wonderful?!!!!
P.S. You are right! Adam looks like he could already be in Kevin's weight class in some of my pictures.
Oh boy, can I relate. Unfortunately this was me with just one. I believe I am what you call a "mommy lightweight." Number 2 is going to be darn near impossible for me, but we will forge ahead blissfully naive anyway.
And John's co-worker was right on. 6 months was the magic number for me. And Brad bore the brunt of my crazy as well. If John ever needs someone to sympathize with him, have him call Brad. :)
Congrats on this gorgeous baby girl...life will get better...you'll see. It will pass all too quickly and you will miss it...in some way :-) love you BFF!!!
You are awesome! And may I recommend the joy of very short, very achievable checklists? E.g. my Tuesday night checklist: vacuum living room floor, sweep kitchen, mop (for the week). Check, check, and check! Ignore everything else, and look at my clean floors! :)
Let's hang out when life gets sane again. Ha!
I hear ya sista! I used the crockpot a ton right after having a baby, and that was a lifesaver! When I nursed, that was story time with the other kiddos (I considered night nursings my bonding time with the baby). I found that they always gave me more free time after I was done nursing because they had their "me" time while we read. I'm still working on the "keeping the house clean" part. If I keep it clean, then I've give up all "my" time, and right now that isn't worth it. With Logan, it took until 4 or 5 months for me to get really good at cleaning again...right about the time that his schedule got consistent enough that I knew when he would sleep and for how long. I'm noticing the same thing with Carson. Good luck! PS...I don't think that pj's are all that bad...just embrace it:)
i love this so much and can relate on SO many different levels it's a bit ridiculous. yay for crazy post-prego hormones! i'm sure you're still a great mom despite what you may think on some days. hang in there. sleep is totally overrated anyway... right? no? sigh.
Awww, LeeElle ... This was a great entry to your sweet Blog, it made me a lil weepy. All mothers can relate to what you're going through and understand the Tug-of-War with the frustrations and unbelievable JOY that this experience gives you. Your family is so sweet and I just love that you girls are all having your babies pretty much at the same time. They will all be "best buds" as they grow up and have lots and lots of loving family to share in their lives.
Hang in there LeeElle, and never ever think you're a "Bad Mom"... you just have "Bad Days" like everyone else. The dishes and housework can wait, use that time to just be with your family..and be OK with it, the time goes by so fast, trust me on this, so make the most of it. (The dirty dish police will not come knocking at your door, I promise ;)...LOL).
In all seriousness, your heart SHINES! You are a wonderful and very loving woman, wife and Mommy.... you always have been and always will be. Your hubby and babies know it! Take Care and Love to you all sweetie!
I don't think it ever gets easier. Sometimes you may get more sleep, and sometimes less, but it is always worth it! Enjoy the small moments, and don't sweat the dishes. (This coming from one type-A to another!) You'll never wish you had spent less time with your kids. Love you guys!
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