Examples-
Your first child may love or not like the new baby either is equally as challenging. Elliot LOVES his new brother, he loves to hold him, give him kisses, and make him smile and laugh. It makes me so happy that Elliot loves Jude so much but what I don't like is the constant reminding of, "Elliot don't lift Jude. Elliot get out of his face, yes kisses are nice but we need to let him breathe a little. Elliot don't push on Jude's chest. Elliot don't touch Jude while he is sleeping. Elliot let Jude nurse please." No one told me I would have to worry about the constant affection that Elliot feels he needs to give to Jude.
Dividing my attention is hard. It is hard when I have a screaming baby and a crying two year old who both just want to be held and loved. It is hard when I need to feed Jude but I just started playing a fun game with Elliot and the look of sadness in Elliot's eyes as I tell him I have to feed the baby now. The hurt and disappointment aches my heart when I see how sad he is. Often I have shed a tear at night because it hurts that I can't give them both the love they want.
Two kids are better than one. Some people I knew laughed to each other about reality check I was going to get with two kids, the big shocker I was in for. I was preparing for the hard times, not sleeping for 9 months(I didn't with Elliot), always in need of a nap, I was preparing for Elliot to be a nightmare all the time, and I was preparing for what I thought would be a rough journey. I find having two kids so much easier than just one. When I had Elliot I had massive PPD, I was alone all the time, I didn't talk to my family, I would often lay on the floor crying with Elliot because nursing hurt and I just didn't know what to do any more. I love that Elliot is old enough now to have some alone play time and watch a cartoon while I get a few things done around the house. I love that I have two boys who love each other and Jude just lights up when Elliot plays with him. I find going out easier and I felt so much more prepared this time around when Jude came home. Nursing was easier, it helped Jude latched on right away), I never feel sleep deprived, and Elliot loves to help whenever he can.
I love being a mom of two boys, I love knowing that the first time Jude smiled and laughed was because Elliot was playing with him in the bath tub. I love seeing Elliot tell Jude, "I'm gonna get'ch you" and grab his chest to try and tickle him. This has been a wonderful beginning to an even more magical journey of being a parent of two kids.
Jude at 8 Weeks-
He smiles all the time
He is a great nurser
He loves to be held
He loves his big brother
He is a good napper
Elliot at 2 years and 2 months-
He is beginning to speak in sentences
He is fully potty trained
He loves Backyardagins and Power Rangers
He loves to dance
He loves to play with Jude
His favorite animal is a dinosaur
