Going from one kid to two kind of shook my world. I don’t know how else to say it. The transition was rocky, to say the least. The first week at home with my daughter I felt like I had things under control (I like to call it the calm before the storm), then my toddler realized his sister was here to stay. I was waist deep in toddler tantrums and baby cries. As much as I told myself that in a year or two when they were just a little older that the close age gap would be amazing, fun, perfect – I just couldn’t see it. It was not my reality. I was in the trenches. Perhaps you’re reading this nodding along and this is your current season motherhood, too.
Now when I’m looking back on those first 3 months I can positively say, it gets easier. Things start to fall into place as each day, week and month go on. So hang in there momma, the impossible things will feel possible again.
You knew a newborn meant less sleep, but you had no idea it meant your toddler would suddenly wake at all hours of the night (sometimes more than the baby) and that nap strikes are a real thing. But it gets better, you will all sleep again. I know your toddler has watched more hours of TV in the past few weeks than he has his whole life. But it’s ok. It really is.
Before you know it, it’ll go from spending every free moment re-routing your toddler from smothering his baby sister to watching them smile and lay next to each other on the floor. Things like trips to Target that had you in your car crying those first few times – those turn back into an easy way to pass time in the afternoons.
Those moments where you question your ability to be the mother you want to be, or when those doubts, frustration and negativity start to seep in. Those too, will pass. Take off some of the pressure to do all the things (just do some of the things, heck maybe none of the things). Give yourself some grace momma – you are an amazing mother.
I’m here to tell you that tomorrow things will be easier. Next month they will be easier. You will turn a corner and suddenly everything clicks into place. You’ve got this momma.
