Here we are, over half a year in to having two kids, and I feel like we are slowly but surely getting the hang of it. Actually, do you ever really get the hang of it? We are definitely still figuring things out along the way, but I feel very confident in our ability to parent more than one kid now.
Not going to lie or sugarcoat it, when we left the hospital after Logan was born, I was WAY more anxious than when we left with Lucas after he was born. You would think it would be the opposite, right? We had done this before. We had changed way too many diapers to count (when Lucas was born neither of us had ever changed a diaper before!) But somehow, I had so much more anxiety. How were we going to handle two?! What was I going to do if I was home with both of the boys by myself and Logan needed to nurse and Lucas needed a waffle?! Y’all, I was scared. Luckily, we had a lot of help in the beginning from our parents and still do. Having family close by is seriously the best. Can I get an Amen?!
Now, almost seven months in to having two kids, I don’t even remember what it was like having only one kid. I mean, I do but I don’t. With Logan not taking bottles or formula, I have been pretty tied to him the past seven months. It can be overwhelming sometimes, but it is also the biggest blessing! I have such a special bond with him. Lucas will always be my baby, the little boy who made me a mama, but I am so thankful to have another special bond with our second baby boy.
I wanted to share a few things that have helped me the past seven months, and hopefully it will help out some other mamas out there who are transitioning to life with two+ kids. 🙂
- Go with the flow // I am a planner. Brandon and I both like to plan as much as possible. It makes me anxious when things don’t go as planned, but with two kids sometimes things do not go as planned! I guess I should have taken it as a sign when Lo’s birth didn’t really go as planned. I’ve learned though that if we go in to things with a more go with the flow attitude, I am much less stressed!
- Don’t freak out if your baby won’t take a bottle // This obviously does not go for everyone. Some babies need to take a bottle when mom has to go back to work or if a baby is unable to nurse. Fortunately, I am able to be home with Logan most of the time so the fact that he refused a bottle is okay. Overwhelming, but manageable. I never imagined that he would refuse a bottle, but it happened and after seven months we are still going strong breastfeeding, and I wouldn’t change it for the world.
- Order online // Big online shopper over here! After having kids, it is so convenient to be able to order things online instead of bringing kids to the store with me. I love being able to order things from Prime Pantry on Amazon. I haven’t tried online ordering and grocery pickup from Walmart yet but have heard great things about that as well.
- Get used to never sleeping // EVER EVER AGAIN. Just kidding, kind of. What’s that saying, sleep is for the weak? If that’s true than we must be the strongest household on the planet. Lucas did not start sleeping through the night consistently until he was 2 years old, and Logan looks like he is well on that track too. I don’t know what it is or how he functions (or how we function, honestly) with how little sleep the three of us get, but we do. Coffee helps. A LOT.
So there you have it! My big tips for transitioning to two kids. These could all probably apply to first time moms as well, or moms with more than two kids. Heck, all the moms & dads! Because we’re all in this together, right?
What are some tips you guys have for the big transition of having more kids or becoming a first time parent? Everyone parents so differently, and I love hearing about what works for other people as well as new tips, especially in the sleep department.
Hope y’all had a nice weekend! We have had some amazing weather here in Louisiana lately, hoping it sticks around.
XO Meghan
a pinch of sunshine 