A new normal
Matt returned to work on Monday. It’s been tough to give him back, but it helped that my mom was in town for a few days. My mom goes home this afternoon. So tomorrow will begin my attempt to establish a new normal with the toddler and newborn.
I think overall the kids and I will manage fine. There are a few things that concern me, though; you know, the little things like cleaning, cooking, showering. Time management has not been one of my strongest attributes since I became a stay-at-home mom, and now I will really have to use my time well to accomplish the things that need to be done (and the things I want to do) in the course of a day. We also have a “hold-me” baby this time around, so I might have to pull out the Sleepy Wrap in order to hold him and get things done with Little.
So how will life look going forward? Who knows. All I know is that I step into a new phase tomorrow on my own. I don’t know how it will all work out, but I know that eventually we will settle into a routine and our new normal will be established.
You can do it! If I can, you can! It’s funny how we both have new “hold me” babies this time, huh?! Yesterday at MOPS steering mtg we studied Ecclesiastes- the “time” passage. It reminded me that everything with children is a season. In a month whatever we’re going through with the kids will be old news and we’re on to a new challenge. My challenge with Grayson at first was his need to eat every hour on the hour- sometimes during the day (pretty much all night long) and now he sleeps pretty good- in his own bed. He usually wakes up once but sometimes he sleeps the whole night. Now he’s getting bored and trying to move, but in a few months I’ll wish he just sat there and didn’t do anything!!! Anyway… I didn’t mean to write this long comment. I just wanted to let you know that you are not alone and I totally understand! You can do it! We love you! And Chandler says “he loves his cousin…you know Little. That cousin!” Too cute!
My second was a hold-me as well! You can do it! It may seem slow while you’re in the difficult stages, but take time to enjoy it. You will look back and barely be able to remember when they were so small!
Jana,
It’s so hard at first. I am here if you need to chat. It DOES get easier.
You can do it! Nothing says that your house has to be clean or laundry has to be done (at least by you). Things might pile up for a bit until you get into a routine, but the world won’t end if everyone has cereal for dinner a couple of nights a week (we did that more than I care to admit). You’ll make it, I promise!
My 3rd is a hold-me baby. Still is—at 20 months! That wasn’t said to discourage you, but to let you know you will adapt and still get things done (although creatively). And of course, everything is possible when He is in control!
jana, you’ll do great…just give it one day at a time..and remember, as long as the kids are fed, healthy and happy…well nothing else really matters…eventually the laundry will get done, the house will get somewhat clean…enjoy this time with your ‘new family’
Jana,
I can not tell you about how to deal with two kids but I can tell you a little something about life altering circustances. We all know I have only J because I have never been able to figure out what I would do with another child and now after this cancer experience I knwo that I can’t afford one. I know that if I can make it through this you can definately handle two sweet healthy babies. I can not wait to see that sweet boy and girl too. Maybe soon we will get out there when counts are good. Hopefully, this nightmare will all be over soon. We are sitting at clinic waiting for blood and platelets. Do what I do about the house, wait til it is driving you crazy. I finally got time to get half of the house done. We’ll see when I get to the rest. Kids are much more important. Hold them as much as they want. You can do it! I have faith in you! Love you much!
I feel you girl! Adding a fourth has (although I love it) has not been a piece of cake. I agree with Leah, you have to let some things sit. They’ll get done. I keep telling myself, “one thing at a time” I can’t allow myself to think of all the things I’d like to get done today- just do the next thing, one thing at a time. You can do it! The good thing about having a toddler is that she still takes naps!
I promise it gets easier! I know, because I made it to the other side. My girls were all close in age, the first two being 17 mos. apart. I was 20 when my first was born. It’s amazing any of us survived really. I remember crying with them a lot.
But now, they are 13, 11, and 9. They help with the laundry, they can get their own bowl of cereal for dinner (we do this pretty often honestly), and best of all, when I need to run an errand, they can stay home alone!
You’ll make it! You’ll find the rhythm that works well for all of you, and that is what’s important.
I am thinking of you. SO THINKING OF YOU!! With the 3 boys all under 3 1/2… and Henry due in 6 weeks… there are some nights I lay in bed laughing to myself thinking…. how am I going to do this!!?? I’m glad I have you and I’m going through it with other moms!!!!
Best,
Audrey
So sorry I missed congratulating you on Baby Boo! HOORAY! So happy for you! Hang in there. It will get easier. I promise.