Charlotte was actually two months old last week, but I’m just now getting around to writing this post. Such is mom life! I’ve gotten feedback from others telling me they liked reading about my first month as a mother of two, so I’m going to continue the series and see how things change. That’s one of the beautiful things about blogging- I have an online diary and I’ll always be able to look back and see how I felt in the moment.

With anything (not just being a mom) it’s so funny how our perspective can chance so quickly. I often find myself looking back and wondering, “Why was that such a big deal to me?” It’s all about perspective, and this too shall pass. I love sharing my perspective on motherhood, but it’s just as much about me as it is my kids and my husband. Here’s where we’re at at two months:

Them

Charlotte is just starting to sleep 4-5 hour stretches at night so that has been amazing for me! She wakes up to nurse and get a diaper change, and then she’s right back to sleep. She usually wakes up 3 hours later to nurse again, and enjoys sleeping in until about 9 (not that I get to, since Ben gets me up!). She has become so much more alert and is turning her head all the time to see what’s going on, especially when Ben is nearby and being loud. She’s so mellow and just hangs out, only fussing if she’s hungry/wet/sleepy. We haven’t had many moments of wondering what in the heck she wants, which is opposite of Ben!

The biggest reward at two months has got to be the baby smiles! Charlotte just started smiling, and I had to wait about 4 days before I got one directed at me. She was smiling at Mike and my mom, but not the one sustaining her life! Ha! But now that she’s started smiling, she won’t stop and it melts our hearts.

Ben has adjusted to sharing the spotlight so well, and we’re so proud of him. We’ve continued to try to fulfill his wants (that are reasonable) and still give him a sense of control. He definitely doesn’t dislike his sister, he seems like he doesn’t really have an opinion on her at this point. That’s okay with me, I’m just glad he doesn’t hate her! I have caught him giving her the pacifier or talking to her, and it’s the cutest thing. I know they’ll be best buds when she gets a little older.

Last, but certainly not least: my husband. Becoming a father for the second time is so natural for him and he takes the lead on many tasks automatically. It’s so different compared to the first time- for both of us. Now we know our roles and what needs to be done, and that makes it so much easier on our relationship. On the days that he’s home he makes me breakfast, does the dishes, and cooks. It’s like a mini-vacation on his days off! We have a mutual appreciation for each other, and I think that’s what makes it go so smoothly for us. Of course there are still times we don’t see eye to eye, but they’re few and far between and easily solved! There’s no one else I’d rather go through parenthood with.

Me

Where do I start? Women are complicated, amiright? The first month was SO hard for me, emotionally, but month two has brought clarity. Maybe it’s that I’m getting a little better sleep. Still tired all the time though- but I’m starting to feel more like myself again. I’ve made a point to talk to and see friends, and carve out time for myself. I honestly think my mood improved as the weather did!

The days that Mike works (which is 72 hours straight) are the toughest, trying to manage two kids on my own. Some nights Charlotte just has to cry while I take a shower, and that’s ok. I still feel sad and stressed hearing it, but as a second-time mother I don’t let the baby hold me back from doing things. With Ben, I’d just skip the shower and wait! Now I’d be skipping a shower for three days, and I can’t do that. 😉 She’s actually so easy and I’m thankful for that.

One of the questions that’s looming over my head is what my work situation will be for the following school year. The good news is that I’ve got options. The bad news is that I really have no idea what I want. I know I want to work less and that’s about it. I have a couple of things coming up that will end up making the decision for me, so I’m being patient. I know God has a plan, and that comforts me when I’m feeling stressed. This is one of the things that my perspective changes on weekly, so I’m taking my own advice and knowing that it will all turn out okay.

After two months I still feel super busy and the days are packed. I am so thankful for this blog. I have a creative outlet and it’s something that’s all mine. It’s a work in progress, but it’s so much fun to see it grow! I’ve made so many new friendships and reconnected with people because of it!

Looking Forward

Two months have flown by since our little girl changed our lives, but each day gets better and gives me something new to be grateful for. Every single night, as I lay down and reflect on my day, all I can say is thank you to God for getting to live this life.