Just wanted to post a few reflections on mothering two children.
So far, so good, but the few days were definitely overwhelming. We were lucky in the fact that Brennan's grandma and grandpa took him home for a few days while we were in the hospital and then after we got home for a few more days. This allowed us time to bond with the new baby and deal with the sleep or lack thereof that comes with newborns! Brennan has really enjoyed getting to know his new little sister and is doing great, for the most part. He had a freak out moment the first time he saw her nursing and wanted to pull her off of me - now he thinks that baby = nursing, so often he'll say, "hi baby - baby nurse" - it is precious.
Anyway - I have to admit that i was slightly overwhelmed when we had both home for the first time - it was hard to decide who needed our attention most b/c they always both wanted it at the same time! We are still sending Brennan to daycare which is helpful......b/c there is definitely the pull and tug of attention. This way, I am able to devote all my attention to Campbell during the day and at night I don't feel as guilty putting her in the bouncy or not holding her all the time. It is really important that we make sure Brennan still gets a lot of attention and knows how special he is.
We have experienced some issues - nursing is a big one - and I am going to post more on that in the future, but it has taken some adjusting b/c Brennan wants to nurse everytime he sees Campbell nursing - and I sometimes allow him and sometimes just bribe him (oh how fruit snacks and play doh are saving my life).... anyway, tantrums are another issue. Wow, the tantrums had started before Baby c's arrival, but they have quadrupled now - yikes - challenging! And then there is the sleep.... as you know, Brennan and I used to co-sleep but I knew that with a newborn, it would be too dangerous to have him in my bed, so we had to make some changes. That will be another post as well - but basically brennan went to co-sleeping with daddy while Campbell co-sleeps with me - though since Brennan had always started the night in his crib, we are working to transition him all night in to his crib. Two nights of success - which includes a sticker chart and the price of Mr. Potato Head after 7 nights/stickers!!!!!! Go Brennan!
Overall I love mothering two - it is overwhelming in many ways, but one of those is the love that you feel for both children immediately. I cannot imagine my life any other way - they are both so special and unique - campbell definitely already has her personality and it is a little more laid back than Brennan....... they are wonderful wonderful wonderful. I like this job!
1 year ago
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