Monday, September 5, 2011

Two Under Two

Hi everyone. Remember me? I used to have a blog that I updated regularly. I also used to shower in the mornings and sleep longer than 2 hours at a time. I used to be a semi put together mom. Now I am a hot mess. I never feel rested and I lack big time in the hygiene department. I am a mom of a newborn. And a toddler. At once. I have 2 kids under 2. And it is HARD.

Sigh.

Remember when I wrote this? Well, I was on to something. When I wrote that, I didn't have a clue how hard it would be to manage 2 little ones at the same time. I still don't know how I'm going to manage it now that it is my reality. I'm tired. I'm emotional. I'm a little discouraged. I feel like I won't ever get the hang of it. And as each day passes with me still not getting the hang of it, I feel like the biggest loser ever.

Sigh.

It doesn't help that everyone I talk to with more than 1 child says the same thing to me. Everyone tells me that it doesn't get easier. Seriously? Can't 1 person tell me that it's a piece of cake after the baby turns 2 weeks old??? Pretty please? I keep hearing stories of endless exhaustion, a lifetime of showers after 3pm, and running late to every appointment for the next 18 years. That sounds really awful to this former semi put together mom. I need a glimmer of hope that I will get the hang of 2 kids at once before the baby is weaned. Showers before 10am are critical to my sanity. And the general population's air quality. For reals.

Right now, I am relying on the help that I get from JD. He is on paternity leave for the next 4 weeks, thank the Lord. I am also coming to terms that I can't do it all right now. I am doing as much as I can and tending to both girls' needs as best as I can, but I'm not beating myself up when I am overwhelmed. And I pray. A lot. And cry. A little. Okay a lot. But I'm blaming the hormones on that.

Anyone want to tell me it's gets easier sooner than later? For these guys' sake?

























8 comments:

  1. Oh darlin--it DOES get easier in some aspects. You will be able to shower again before 10 am. You will be able to eat a meal without a baby strapped to your boob. And you will sleep. If not at least an hour or two more. But the praying and crying--yeah those dont get better.

    I pray at least 5 or 6 times a day and cry almost every day. But Im emotional to begin with.

    Just wait until you have them on a semi-same sleep pattern. I got my boys on the same naptime right around the time my youngest was 3 months. It will get better. At least I think its easier now than it was.

    Sending you LOTS AND LOTS of HUGS!

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  2. It does get easier.

    You will be able to shower before 3pm and daily.. :)
    Sleep will come eventually sooner rather than later.
    You won't be late to appointments.. I have four kids (2 under 2) and I have never been late. You may have to get up earlier and get ready earlier..

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  3. First off, they are beautiful babies so you've got that covered;-)
    Seriously, though...it does get easier. I am on my way to 2 possibly under 2 depending upon when the little girl decides to make her debut, but my sisters have multiples and they make it work.
    Think about the first few weeks with Beatrice. It was hard! You can never prepare yourself for that lack of sleep, becoming a milk machine, and having to actually care about someone more than you've ever had to do. After a few weeks it got a little better. Then, a few months down the road, you established a routine that worked for you guys.
    Sure, it's super tough now, but this too shall pass;-) cherish the snuggled and the wee morning hours you share with P because it goes so quickly!

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  4. People make it sound like its hell on earth, really... it does get easier. I had two under two and the first three months are insanely hard, but I noticed a definite ease at the 3 month mark and a huge improvement at the 6 month mark. After that it's cake. Well, almost. ;) Don't beat yourself up, it is very hard right now. You will get the hang of it sooner than you can think though. Also remember that there IS light at the end of the tunnel. If I can offer one piece of advice, even though its hard, soak it all in! It goes by at the blink of an eye. My boys just turned 2 and 4 last month and I can't believe I don't have babies anymore. Also, take more pictures than you ever thought to be sane. I look back and wish I had taken just a few more photos everyday. Good luck!

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  5. I had two under 2 up until 2 months ago, and I hear ya! But it DOES get easier. I make sure I shower every morning (and sometimes even put make-up and do my hair). Once the new baby is on some sort of schedule, you can have a morning "plan". I do whatever it takes to get a shower during my little guy's morning nap. Sometimes that means putting JD in his highchair in the bathroom with snack. Sometimes it means taking him in the shower with me.
    You will get more sleep, you will be less hormonal, and you will discover what works for you. My pediatrician gave me great advice- I have to accept that my toddler will watch a little more TV than would be ideal, I have to choose my battles, and I have to prioritize. Some days are better than others, but those beautiful babies are worth it!

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  6. It's always a little hard, but I totally thought it got easier after the first month. You just get used to having two, and the baby gets older and you start to get the hang of it. I mean, hey, my oldest watched more TV than I would like, and the house wasn't necessarily clean, but you learn to let it go and focus on the kiddos.

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  7. I don't know if it gets easier or not, but this post terrified me! :)

    I'm expecting my 2nd boy the first week of December, and my boys are going to be about 25 months apart in age.

    I hope it does get easier for you, and when it does, please post about it so that I can breathe a sigh of relief too, because it sounds like I'm going to be in your shoes soon.

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  8. It gets so much easier. Mine are 21 months apart. No paternity leave for Daddy. He's a pilot so I was alone most every day. Even through a move from TX to SC. The baby is now 2 and I'm 6 weeks pregnant.

    Now I actually find myself feeling...wait for it....bored. Laundry done, kitchen done, and all they want to do is hang out on the back porch together and paint. Could care less if I participate, because they are madly in love with one another.

    Moby Wrap or something to wear the newborn is a must because toddler hands must be held often. Wraps give you the ability to hold both of your babies at the same time!

    Put the bouncer or the swing in the bathroom, or just outside the door. Sit big sister down for just a few minutes with something she doesn't always get to see... we go to NickJr.com and watch bubble guppies...GET in the shower! It might be a fast one, but you can do it before 10. The process of finishing getting cleaned up might get interrupted by someone needing a milk cup or pacifier, but it's better than the ladies from church surprising you with dinner and you're in your pj's from 3 days ago.

    Lastly...proverbs 31. You are NEVER going to make yourself that mother. But God will! Ask for it and see what he can do in you. You'll be the mommy telling some new girl in the 2 under 2 club how amazing it is and you wouldn't trade a single minute!

    xoxo

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