It’s officially the first day of fall! I happily welcome this new season; bring on the colder days and yellow leaves! We had such a great summer, and without nostalgia, I look forward to another season with my babies.
We had a simple summer. My first summer as a mama of two. We traveled a little, but mostly, adventured close to home, or at home. I’ve said this before, but in the act of doing nothing special, the most special memories are created, and that rang true for this past season.
I’ve watched my little Penelope learn to ride her tricycle, to fly a kite, to more confidently go down a slide. My little Oliver learnt to crawl in the grass, to love the outdoors just as much as his sister, and started wanting to try taking steps – always with a big smile on his face. I could keep writing about them; I know and love every single thing about them. Instead, I leave this video – for me to remember, and for the kids to watch in future and know how much their mother loved them.
I haven’t written much lately. A little bit is me over thinking about what I want to write about (I have a lot of half written posts, ha!), but mainly it’s because I’ve been outside…
Spring is officially here, and we’re taking full advantage of it. The days are longer and warmer, and it’s feels like I’m out for walks whenever the kids aren’t napping. It’s been lovely, and a glimpse at what a wonderful summer this is going to be, with my little family of four ( and Una).
Penelope’s personality is flourishing. She is c-r-a-z-y, full of energy, but so. much. fun. She’s a comedian like her father, and always finds ways to make us laugh. Sometimes she’s running away from us full speed (and jumping on every puddle), and sometimes she needs both Mommy and Daddy to hold her hands while she’s walking. I, of course, favor the latter. Her shoes are on a constant rotation of drying in the sun, because she doesn’t care what shoes she’s wearing…she’s jumping on puddles!
Oliver, oh my sweet boy. He’s such a pleasure. I’ve said this before, either it’s a second baby thing, or just his personality, but he really is the most patient, content, adaptable and happy baby. I didn’t even know he was teething, for crying out loud, he’s that chill! ha! He is happy either being worn or in the stroller for his walks, but always actively observing. Sometimes he naps during our walks, and those are my favorite moments, just looking down to see my sweet boy sweetly resting on my chest.
The fresh spring air, the wonderful sun, the walks with my family, it really is food for my soul. It motivates me and gives me so much energy to do things. I don’t even know what these things are, but I just want to do things! haha! Even writing this post just came so much more organically and quickly than the posts I’ve been working on for a few weeks (and I will finish those too, haha), but for now, just a few thoughts and some pictures of my family, and what we’ve been doing lately.
I remember being 9 months pregnant with Oliver, anxiously spending my last evenings before two under two googling and trying to gather up all the knowledge, tips and tricks to “surviving” this era that was about to begin. Some of the articles I found were helpful. Some were not. And frankly, most made two under two sound unnecessarily terrifying.
Perfectly captures my Penelope’s personality lol!
I have been a mom of two under two for almost 3 months now, and if there is anything I have learnt about the experience is Attitude. Is. Everything.
My confidence as a second time mother translated into a calm and relaxed approach, and my Two under Two hasn’t only been easier than I thought. It has been easy. Easy and wonderful! Like every other mom of a newborn, I didn’t get much sleep the first few weeks, and there was an adjustment period for sure. I also have harder days, I deal with toddler tantrums, and clean up poop explosions. All that is just part of motherhood with young babies though, and you just handle it and it’s not so bad.
In any case, to the moms like me, who were/are googling the “How’s to” for two under two, my advice below:
– Relax. I promise you, taking care of two under two is easier than being pregnant while taking care of a toddler.
– Practice, establish or reinforce a routine with your toddler before the baby arrives. A routine gave my toddler a sense of “normality” in the midst of a lot of change, and made the adjustment a lot easier, which in turn, makes it easier for Mama too ;)!
– If you can, try to synchronize naps so you can rest, even for 20 minutes, kid free.
– You are super mom, and you can do it!
– Make sure YOU are eating well and staying hydrated! Prep lots of meals and stack up on snacks. Lack of energy will make everything harder- nobody likes being HANGRY haha!
– Accept/ Recruit help! Husband/Grandparents/Friends/Neighbours/Co-Workers, etc. Whatever they want to help with- accept! #ittakesavillage
– You WILL love them both the same. No explanation needed. You just will.
– Take care of the toddler first! One of my girlfriends, who also has two under two, gave me this advice, and it’s probably been the best so far! If both kids are crying, put the baby in a safe place, and take care of the toddler first. The baby can wait a minute or two, but toddlers are sensitive creatures (haha) so the sooner a meltdown is avoided, the better.
– Get out of the house. Small outings. A walk around the mall. Trip to the library. Trip to fill up on gas or get a coffee through a drive-thru. Just get out. It will be good for you and the kids. Plus you practice leaving the house with two.
– Find beauty and humor in every moment. Especially the hard ones. Like I said, attitude is everything.
– Enjoy the experience. The first couple of weeks will be a little hard, yes. The first couple of weeks will also fly by, so embrace it all! Enjoy the newborn and toddler cuddles in the best way you can…even if that means nursing with a toddler on your lap.
– It gets easier every day.
Two under Two is what you make it. Whatever filter you view it under, is what it will be. In honor of Valentine’s Day, I dedicate this video to my Two under Two sweet little loves, and thank them for how wonderful they have made life, now that they’re in the world.
