Back to "Normal"

This post may be a little boring but it's something I wanted to document for my own future reminder...

Before Caroline was born many many moms told me that the second child was so much easier than the first. I wasn't sure I believed that and I'm not sure the actual child herself will be easier. But, what I have learned in all of my 14 days as a mom of two is that life gets back to normal WAY quicker than the first. My friend Amy said it best...the transition to being a mom is much more difficult than adding a 2nd or 3rd or more children to the mix. Sounds a little backwards but I must say it's proven true for me! When SJ was born I spent at least 6 weeks trying to figure out what our day and even week would look like. I like schedules. I like people. I like to be out and about. It was hard to figure out how to incorporate those with Sarah because I'd never had to worry about anyone but myself. Adding Caroline has not been difficult because we already have a "normal" routine. She just does what we do right along with us. Don't get me wrong, I'm definitely tired and scared of being alone for too long with just the 3 of us but my world hasn't been rocked like it was with Sarah. I'm much more confident in my abilities as a mom opposed to how I felt when SJ was born. Our world is definitely more blessed with Caroline and I praise the Lord for his Goodness in walking us through this transition from one to two babies.

I will say there has been one thing that has been difficult for me this time around and that is the feeling of neglecting your older child because of the amount of attention number two requires. I imagine all moms go through this in varying degrees but it's been the one aching thing in my heart since Caroline was born. From the time we dropped her off the night C was born until today, I have felt guilty about what adding a sister has done to her life. I know, I know, eventually they will be the best of friends and that will be the least of my concerns. But for now, I miss my one on one time with SJ (even though I always longed Caroline's arrival). I'm thankful for Sarah's young age, she doesn't even know what's happened (or at least doesn't act like she knows). Daniel has been working just mornings this week so that we can transition Sarah and myself into full days of just the three of us. The other night, just before bed, I told Sarah that it was just going to be her and me taking care of Caroline and that I would need her help during the days. Of course she has no idea what I'm talking about but she laid her head on my shoulder and just kept it there as if to say, "we'll be okay mom, we can do this!" Oh my gosh, I love her!