Month One
I lay here holding my sweet one month old baby already, reflecting on our journey over the last 30 days.
Man have they flown by.
Postpartum for me has truly been a breeze. I’m blessed to say it’s been pretty easy for me. Yes, I still experienced the bleeding, the soreness, the long nights and the pains of breastfeeding those first few days. My biggest annoyance has been a bruised tailbone and being tired on those rougher days so I don’t have much to complain about.
Babe has been adjusting well. Some frustration when I am unable to jump to his every call within seconds but he’s also learning to be even more independent during this change. He gives brother a kiss and points out his toes but most of the time he doesn’t pay him much attention.
Gid has been the most wonderful baby. Sleeping in good stretches most nights and eating well from both bottle and breast. I don’t have to worry about leaving him for short periods of time because breastfeeding and pumping have both been going as expected (notice I didn’t say easy because it’s never easy. But it’s been smooth for the most part).
The biggest challenges I’ve faced as a new mom of two under two.
Bedtime and nap routines: I don’t get to lay with babe like I did before Gid. If I do it’s only for short periods of time before I hear Gid crying out for me from downstairs. Letting babe cry himself to sleep rips my heart from my chest. He doesn’t cry every put down but when he does I want to cry with him, and truth be told, I have.
Needing to let one go without to tend to the other: if I’m feeding Gid but babe wants me to play or needs help I’m stuck. If I’m getting babe up from a nap or a meal, Gid cries out for me from the living room. It’s taken 4 whole weeks for me to learn to be okay with that even if it makes me sad. Now that Gid can be content for a bit not in my arms I have to prioritize time with babe to reassure him that he also matters.
Not being quick on my feet: when I’m feeding Gideon and watch babe do something wild, which he often does, and I can’t stop it. Like throwing himself from the couch. There have been a good handful of “ouches” that I wish I could have prevented but I can’t football toss the newborn to save the daredevil toddler. Leading to number
Holding them both to console: it’s difficult to hold the floppy newborn and the wiggling toddler at the same time. Especially when the toddler is upset for one reason or another. I make it work by sitting on the floor with one in each arm but babe doesn’t always accept that version and goes on with his day.
Not venturing out of the house: taking them both anywhere is not my strongpoint yet. Even just to go outside for an hour is a challenge but I’m getting the hang of it slowly. I also scheduled their dr app this month together and will be taking them on my own so pray for me!
Being a ninja: babe wants to help with baby sometimes. He tries to console him, lay with him during tummy time, rock him in the car seat, give him his binky or share toys/snacks. But toddlers have hulk strength and babe is not always very gentle. I have to be quick to deflect and reroute so Gid remains safe. This requires me to have ninja reflexes and the eyes of a hawk.
We are learning. All 4 of us, every day. Things are getting easier in areas as I’m sure they will get more difficult for periods of time in others.
Ultimately I’m just grateful for our little family, challenges and all.🤍
