Oh hi there.
You might have noticed I have two babies. I have never had two babies before.
It seems like just yesterday I got used to having one. Now I've got to figure out this two business.
Advice of those who have gone before is very much appreciated.
Veggie Dad goes back to work next week.
And there's only so long I can strap them both down... right?
I love the way Abbey is looking at Pepper - like 'Hey - how did you get here????'. Congrats on being a wondermumma of two. I only have one, so I have nothing for you except R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Sending loads of love and sunshine from the West Side. A xxx
ReplyDeleteTwo beautiful little lovelies you have there x
ReplyDeleteI've never had two babies either! Although I do have two little people. I do make a lot of use of the fact that I can at least strap one of them down. And all of that time before she could actually move was pretty sweet. Plus wrap carriers! Allowed me to strap her in and get stuff done at the same time.
ReplyDeleteIn no time they'll be playing together and I found that made things so much easier than having one baby.
I had 3 under 3 many years ago and I have no idea how I survived, but you do. You will all be amazing! I love the photos of your 2 gorgeous girls.
ReplyDeleteOH man, that last shot? THE DERISION. So cool. (can you tell I have four of them, SO jaded) I remember the early days with Grover of suddenly having a brain explosion about how I get Jasper and him into the car without one of them running off/being abandoned/in danger etc. One foot in front of the other, one hour, one day at a time. There will be SHOCKERS and there will be cruisers. Just roll with the punches.
ReplyDeleteI had 2 under 2. My boys are just 13.5 months apart. For the most part it wasn't too bad. Some days were crazy though. I was very lucky that they were good sleepers, and I tried my best to get them to overlap their naps each day so I could have a bit of sanity.
ReplyDeleteI also had the family room blocked off with gates with my feeding chair in there so while I was feeding Eli I knew exactly where Ethan was and what he was up to.
Once Eli was walking things got fairly hectic. Two kids running in two different directions. Now they are 4 and 3yo and for the most part they are together most of the day. Mind you that does mean they are getting up to mischief together though.
As someone with no kids, I can offer no advice whatsoever...as I don't think kids enjoy treat balls as much as Border Collies ;)
ReplyDeleteBut I can tell you, you have some darn cute kids there! Pepper is just adorable in that last shot!! Congrats again lovely.
Well kids, gather round and let Aunty Cate tell you a story. I have only one small bit of advice - just be. Whatever it is that you *think* you need to do *right now* - you don't. All that matters is your babies, just for a few months. There's plenty of time for everything else later.
ReplyDeleteWell congratulations again!! :) Such gorgeous gals you have there.
ReplyDeleteI'm still finding my feet as a Mum of two (Little Man is now 4 months old). I was scared shitless when Hubby went back to work - but I managed. Somehow, we just do it. Not really good advice is it. But just go with your gut, and you'll be fine. xx
(oooh, and if you can time their sleeps together - it's pure heaven... but doesn't always happen).
yes, wow it can be so so daunting when suddenly your life seems to double. All I can say from my own experience is to focus on your children, don't expect your eldest child to grow up too quick she is still a babe too, a mistake I made. Keep in order what you need to, for example I needed the kitchen clean and I felt so much better able to cope but just enjoy this time of being together, sleeping when you can, getting outside, finding things to be grateful for each day and sing, I'm sure it's good for the soul. I've had 5 babes and now they are growing up and I miss these days. Eat well, laugh, breath and stay true to yourself in your parenting. Good luck I'm sure you'll do well at loving and caring for these beautiful babes.
ReplyDeleteI actually found it easier when my hubby went back to work as it gave me a chance to settle into my own routine! Although being easier, it was still very hard. I think my best advice is that you will survive, and that when you get to that stage when you want to cry "I give up!!", you actually will not give up, you'll keep going, and you will survive.
ReplyDeleteOh, and I stuck this on my fridge: "I hope my children look back on today, and see a mother who had time to play. There will be years for cleaning and cooking, for children grow up while we're not looking." My mantra.
Everyone is different & you'll figure it out pretty fast. The biggest piece of advice I'd pass on is to get them sleeping at the same time . I know, I'm a frekin genius, but that midday sleep saved my life! Use that time wisely, I used it to sleep as well but you might want to just relax or clean ( personally id let the ckeaning gi for the bext few weeks but you might be a clean freak & feel the need to clean. Im not that kinda person) or cook. You will be fine & it'll all become second nature like last time xx
ReplyDeleteI don't have any kids but if i did then I'd certainly be working a cleaner into the equation!
ReplyDeleteAmelia is very excited that Abbey has the same grey t-shirt as she does!
ReplyDeleteYou will have this two baby business down pat soon enough. Just roll with it and consider it a good day if you're out of PJ's and everyone's fed. Yes, yoghurt or a packet of biscuits counts as a meal ;)
x
I'm wishing you the best of luck and sending good vibes and tea breaks (you'll need tea breaks!)
ReplyDeleteno advice since i don't even have one baby, but yours are pretty damn cute xo
ReplyDeleteI remember thinking the same thing, and again when I had the third (and think how easy two was compared to three!). So, you do get used to it :) Enjoy it while they are little - they grow up WAY too fast.
ReplyDeleteI have two babies too. 13 1/2 months between them, a pigeon pair. And I wouldn't have it any other way. Put them down for their naps together. I had to keep my boy away from the newborn, thats where the play pen came in handy! Kept them separated! They are now 13 and 27months and they play beautifully. It gets easier! ;)
ReplyDeleteIt is a big change. But it is possible to survive it- and even enjoy it at times! Expect less from yourself. I blogged a little about 2 under two - my age gap is 18 months- just about the same as your I think. http://slightlymoredepththanateaspoon.blogspot.com.au/2012/05/two-under-two.html
ReplyDeleteGood luck, we want to have 2 kids close together but then I am not sure I am really ready!
ReplyDeleteI remember when Summer (now nine months) was born - The Mr (who works away) - went back to work two weeks later I was kinda freaked out. Just saying 'I have children' in plural freaked me out. You'll be fabulous. Just remember - it will always worry you much more than it worries them x
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your devine lil baby!! The thing that got me thru the shock and difficulty of going from one baby to two (18mth and newborn)....was just to forget the world. Forget the washing, the ironing, the cleaning and cooking. I sat my butt on the couch, fed my newborn and was as present as I could be to my toddler whos world had just been turned upside down. We'd snack on fruit and leftovers, we'd read books together while I was feeding, play with toys and watch cartoons. I found that shrinking my expectations and my to-do list helped imensely. I wanted to be in these lovely, sweet milk drenched moments and soak them all up!! Enjoy these days, be kind to yourself, look after yourself, the baby can wait while you take a shower. Believe in your ability to totally rock at this mamma-gig. I'm ranting. I'm due with my baby #5 in March and damn it I just can't wait. Blessings xo
ReplyDeleteOh my that photo: Abbey - who are you and how did you get here?
ReplyDeleteHun, only advice: first 12 months with 2 babes is a blur. Once VB 2 picks up a spoon and feeds herself things will start to be clearer and easier. The age gap will seem diminished and those girls will be into the same things. It's tough but looking back it's such a short part of their life. Xx
Honey, I sat down. A lot. Sometimes I would just sit with one on my lap or in my arms. And I would just sit. And be. While the little one is localised its all good. It's when they get moving that you get moving! No more sitting down then, so do it whle you can. And just do what you can when you can. Don't do what you can't because you think you should. Much love. xxxx
ReplyDeleteNo advice either (cause I dont have babies) but I am very
ReplyDeleteempathic, and I'm constantly in awe of women who are mums and wives and
everything else.....I think there has been some lovely sound advice on here
from lots of other caring mums, be kind to yourself, and allow yourself to be overwhelmed
and impressed with yourself at the same time. I think ultimately, the best parenting you can
do is to teach your children to be good, kind, people....and the only way to do
that is to be that yourself, and TO yourself... glittering warts and all. And
damn it Stacey, you're the glitteryest of them ALL!
Wrap Me Up's are the BEST aren't they?! Super cute - but I love the smiley close up shot the most! :)
ReplyDeleteLord - I missed this - congrats!!!! Love the name - sweet and divine and they look so cute together. Love the one of Abby sizing up Pepper - wary - I guess I would be too!!!! Lots of rest when you can - feet up and say yes to any offers of help!!!! xx
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