After a long, difficult, and incredible journey, it is an absolute God-send that our little boy is FINALLY here and has completed our family of four. I knew having another baby would mean changes were coming, (and thank goodness, speaking of changes, that I only have one bum in diapers in the house since we made sure Leni got potty trained before Boone was born!) but I didn’t know JUST how much it would feel different in this span of time. I’m not offering any tips at thiissssss exact moment–but I think we’ll have it down pat soon. It’s time for a life update (9ish months after he was born, but whatevs…if that isn’t a mom-of-two indicator, I don’t know what is hah) now that we have two sweet kiddos in the fam!!
Life is Busier
Okay, no brainer here–but if I thought I was busy before, we can all collectively laugh HARD at that idea now. However–since Boone is basically still a sweet little sleeping/eating/pooping loaf of bread at the moment, it’s thankfully not too difficult to still get quality Leni time in with our boy snuggled in or to let someone else soak up the sweeeet baby smells while I take the world’s fastest shower or nap. I am not all the way back in work mode yet (especially regarding traveling/filming/etc.) but I see a lot of late work nights in my future (hello fully caffeinated coffee, my old friend!). Boone is also the snuggliest boy in the world, but that also means he basically didn’t want to be put down at all his first 6ish months of life–ironically enough, right when I threw my back out again. How do moms of 2 or more get it done?! AGAIN, parents. are. superheroes. I’m just waiting for my powers to kick in anyyyyy day now.
Life is Tiring
Speaking of coffee…mama is tired. Like, never-before-tired. I’ve pulled all-nighters in college and for work that didn’t wear me out the way the two cutest human beings alive do. If anyone can figure out a way to bottle up toddler energy and sell it, NONE of us would ever work again a day in our lives. I will say, though, that Leni is the freaking BEST big sister in the world–it’s amazing to see her with her baby bro. Buuuuut, she has this boundless energy that rubs off on everyone she meets. I know when they’re older and playing together this will all seem so distant and far away, so right now I’m spending a lot of time on the ground with Boone (Lord help us because he’ll be walking and all over the place SOON!) and soaking up being able to watch my girl dance, sing, and tree pose enough for the rest of us.
Life is Sweet
The littlest things fill my heart with joy these days. The smallest smirk from Boone (don’t tell me it’s gas–he’s smiling, okay?!) or Leni’s sweet demeanor as she all-too-aggressively rocks her baby brother in his bassinet. Or watching Tim holding Boone and Leni at the same time and being reminded just how incredibly BLESSED I am to call them my family. The days are long and we could all use some sleep but if you don’t stop and appreciate these fleeting moments, they’ll be gone before you know it.
Life isn’t Perfect
I am a perfectionist and very organized, so having a house that is covered in dirty laundry, unwashed dishes and everything else that can accumulate in one day has not been the easiest for me, but this is not the time to be overdoing it and attempting to keep everything absolutely perfect. I’m learning to give myself grace. I’m learning to ask for help. I’m learning to appreciate what’s in front of me (cute baby and sassy toddler) rather than what else needs to be done around the house. I’m reminded that this is temporary and soon enough I’ll be running a million miles a minute and will miss these sweet moments with my babies.
How many kiddos do you have?! Any tips for this feeling-brand-new-again mama?! Drop them in the comments below, and see you soon for lots more!
-Eva
Eva,
I have watched you on your journey with your beautiful family for about 2 years now and
You are doing a wonderful thing by sharing the good the bad and with parenting there unfortunately is some time’s ugly. Always always be thankful and as you said give yourself grace.
I am a new grandma of a beautiful baby girl that is staying with me until my son joins the Military so I am watching and remembering all the things that they are going through and helping them get when I can. But my best advice is To always cherish every moment that you have with your babies even if you don’t wanna be in the same room with them at the same time and teach them to be appreciative and thankful children and they will grow up and be that way as well. Keep up the good work and from what I see you are doing that !!!!
Also would love to see you write another book your Taking Aim was awesome 😎
New mama of two and you nailed it! I told my husband the other day that our newborn is now 10x easier to take care of than our toddler. He’s constantly on the go and pushing all of the boundaries. But it’s SO important to stop and take it all in because it won’t be like this forever. Also, meal prep and home chef are life savers🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
This couldn’t have come at a better time for me. I have a two year old (she was 2 in April) and we are about to have our second baby (surprise) the end of July and I’m just starting to realize and get nervous, excited and a little scared to have two of them in the house. I’m hoping Remi will be ready for a little sibling and willing to love, and help when she can.
Thanks for sharing!
Marissa W
Nailed it! You’re so inspiring❤️
I am a first time mom and I can tell you, there are days that are SO overwhelming. And then there are days where you are SO overwhelmed with love and amazement. My sweet babe is 9 months and I often wonder how I can’t seem to remember what life was like before he came along! I thank god on the daily that he chose us to be parents to this little guy. Especially since he will be our one and only. It also nice to have some solidarity in this crazy parenting game! And I try my HARDEST as well to soak in this time and not spend it wishing away for tomorrow
EVA, just a reminder, it will be VERY quite around your house, say 20 years from now. Enjoy the present!! Father and grandfather. And a new adoptive father at 65!