In the last four months, I've picked up on a few things I thought I'd share with all you mama's...(and daddy's too!) that I'm pretty sure you'll relate to if you have multiple children.
1. There really are not enough hours in the day to get things done. I don't think it would matter if I got up at 5 am every morning...at the end of the day I'd still have an endless list of crap that needed to be done. All day long someone's diaper needs changing, someone's hungry, the baby needs to nurse, grocery shopping, nurse baby, diaper change, dishes, more hunger, go back to grocery store for forgotten items, play with toddler, make dinner, nurse baby, bath time...wait! Did I shower? Crap! The days just aren't long enough.
2. Naps? That's cute. I remember when Campbell was a baby and people would say oh just sleep when she does...so I would nap with her. Not anymore. On the rare occasion that both girls are asleep, I'm too busy doing things that I've put off...like taking that ever elusive shower. I've also tried to nap with the baby while my three-nager played by herself...that's usually when she goes and finds the most annoying toy she has and insists I watch her play with it.
3. You must always park next to a buggy rack. This is probably only true if you have smaller children...but it's incredibly neccessary. I never thought it would be so hard to walk across a parking lot with a baby in a car seat and a toddler yanking on my arm...but jeez...God forgot to give us enough arms or something.
4. You're gonna do a lot of laundry. Like...everyday. Seriously. Every. Day. Toddler's love getting dirty. Babies drool and blow out diapers constantly. Husband's clothes are always covered in mud. Mommy is covered in everyone's crap, sometimes literally.
5. Coffee is a neccessary ritual. But let's be honest, there's not enough caffeine in this world to give you all the energy you're gonna need for the day.
6. There is no such thing as a spontaneous trip.
7. Your house is not going to be clean for a very, very long time.
8. Your heart is capable of more love than you can possibly imagine. This one is the most important lesson I've learned. Transitioning from mom of one to mom of two..I think it's normal to wonder if you'll love #2 or 3 or 10 as much as your very first baby. I can honestly say now that not only will you love them, you will love seeing your first baby fall in love with the new baby. It is a beautiful thing.
I adore both of my girls more than all the stars in the sky. Being a parent is the greatest gift I have ever received. Now...where's my coffee?