So… I survived my first day alone with the babies! It went surprisingly smooth, too. Wearing Sophie in the baby wrap was a HUGE sanity saver (it’s this one, and I love it!), since she was only wanting to be held. She even fell asleep in it, which was a major bonus!
Now, don’t get me wrong, there were a few moments of, “OMG this is insanity” but much less than I was expecting? So, yay for that! Sam got in an awesome nap and Sophie and I got outside and enjoyed the beautiful day (it felt like Spring!) and I didn’t have any sort of meltdowns! Sure, both kids had their moments, but they didn’t last long. It was a success! I’m feeling good about it. Boom.
Let’s talk about these adorable matching jammies that Burt’s Bees sent us for a sec, too. My kids are in matching jammies!! Ummm this is the good stuff right here, guys. And Burt’s Bees Baby definitely makes my favorite jammies for little ones. They are soooo soft, 100% organic, great quality and- duh- adorable. Sam has three pairs of these little long john style ones. I’m kind of obsessed if you couldn’t tell. ;)
And little bit of our personal experience with two under two, at 21 months apart. That picture perfect meeting I had envisioned in my mind? Where Sam was so excited to see his baby, and gave her kisses and hugs and is obsessed with her?
Yeah. Didn’t happen. Not even.
We’re three weeks in and he’s still pretty much indifferent most of the time. It’s not that he’s jealous, really. Although sometimes I can tell he wants our attention and if we’re giving it to Sophie he will let out a scream. That’s fun. ;) But mostly, he just totally doesn’t even care about her and ignores her. Which was a hard pill to swallow for me. Especially seeing other people with their toddlers totally loving on their newborns. Yeah. It stung a bit.
But I know their relationship in time will grow and I’m praying they will be so close, their entire lives. Because a sibling is such a blessing and a gift, and I hope they always believe that about each other.
When he does give her attention, we have to always remind him to be “gentle” with her. And sometimes he even gives her kisses, which is the cutest thing in the world.
But yeah. I guess I’m sharing this in hopes that if you are in a similar situation and find yourself frustrated sometimes by what you see all over social media or online, about these “perfect” toddler/baby/sibling relationships captured in a photograph? Just know you aren’t alone. Toddlers are just that: toddlers. They are crazy and wild and unpredictable and totally have a mind of their own. And that’s okay!
I still savor these precious moments I can capture in a photograph. Because, yes, it’s rare, but it doesn’t make it any less genuine and beautiful.
xo
You are so adorable. I have a 14 week old little girl at home and I was wondering where you got your teal baby carrier from. It is adorable!
Aw thanks! The carrier is Happy Wrap- I love it!- here’s the link: http://bit.ly/23XLmKy
xo
Hooray for a smooth first day by yourself!! Those photos of Sam and Sophie are precious! The hugging and kissing will definitely come when he gets to know her a little better ;)
You are absolutely right- I’m so excited for that day, too! :)
xo
I’m pregnant with my first and randomly found your blog in a Google search- I love it! And I can relate to this post – my younger sister and I are 19 months apart, and for a while I was very indifferent to her (and I obviously don’t remember, but our mom says I definitely had my jealousy moments). But flash forward a couple of years and we became the best of friends, and still are 22 years later! It will happen, especially when both kids can walk, play, and talk to each other!
Aww I’m so glad you found me!! :) Congrats on your pregnancy! So exciting! And thank you for sharing about you and your sister- that definitely makes me excited for their relationship!
xo
Good job mama! 2 kids is no joke, right?! Don’t worry, your son is still young and he will grow to love his little sister. My older brother and I are 18 months apart and he was like a protector to me as I grew up. We rarely ever fought even when we were little! Your kids will grow to be so close!
My brothers were my protectors too, I love that! :) And you’re right: two kids is NO JOKE! ha!
xo
Thank you for posting this! I have a 20 month old and am due with my third on March 6th. So you’re probably thinking I’m an old pro at this BUT my first born is 14 years old so I have zero clue about two young ones at the same time and I’m pretty nervous! This gives me hope! :-)
Oh gosh, it is definitely a challenge, but what about parenting ISN’T, right?? ;) Congrats on your pregnancy!!!
xo
They are precious together!! And I’m silly, how do Sam’s pajamas go on? Or is it a two piece that I can’t see?
liz @ j for joiner
Haha- it’s two pieces! They’re long john style. I linked them so you can see! :)
xo
yaay you’ve totally got the whole mom of two alone thing!! and i def think it’s their closeness in age that’s making him indifferent for now. i felt like m – at age 3 – had just made it to the age where i knew she could really embrace and love her role as big sis. he’ll get there!! and always have her back, i’m sure!!
Haha girlfriend. I’m not sure if I’ve got it down quite yet. But we’re getting there!! I didn’t feel like I was drowning, so that was a win in my book! ;) You have much to teach me, you totally have it down!
xo
Yay, mama! Rockin’ it! So proud of you. And yes, toddlers are crazy! They do what they want and in their own time ;)
YES toddlers are nuts. haha!!
xo
Don’t worry! My two oldest, a boy and then a little girl 22 months later, are now 7 and 9 (gasp!) and it seems like just yesterday I was in your shoes and those shoes are EXHAUSTING! It’s hard having babies so close in age when they are little, but to see how quickly mine developed a bond was amazing. They are super close, especially now that they are in elementary school together (one grade apart) and they have so much fun and share inside jokes between the two of them. It will happen, so no worries.
And now they have another sister who is almost 4 and I am pregnant with my FOURTH child, another little girl due this summer. I spaced #3 and #4 much further apart though because back to back babies was tiring! Let me tell you, after you get the hang of two kids though – three is a breeze! And you have older kids at home to help you out so much! So if you can make it through the next six months, things should be smooth sailing in the future for you! XOXO
Wow, you are SUPER mama!!! That is SO awesome! Thank you for your words of encouragement- they are MUCH needed and so helpful. :) I am really excited to see their little bond grow!
xo
You’ve got the hardest job you’ll ever have right now. On your toes all the time…. fulfilling all the needs of two little persons… sleep deprived… giving of yourself 24/7… trying to find alone time with your husband. Plus housework, laundry and all manner of constant chores while also being available for your family.
This too shall pass. One day you’ll look up and see them playing quietly together. THEN you can take a breath!
Ahhhh I love that so much! You perfectly summed it all up, right there. And I am so excited for that moment, but also savouring the craziness of our season of life, right now. Because it is alllll good. (I have to remind myself of this often!) :)
xo