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On January 16, 2018 we welcomed our second daughter Olivia (Liv) Grace. Only 19 months after our first. We were certainly anxious to see what our lives would be like and I want take a moment to share that with you.

After Liv was born, her & I pretty much went into hibernation for the rest of the winter. With my first daughter Emma who was born in June, I remember taking her out after two weeks! This time around was a little different. The cold & flu kept us in. Everyone around us was sick or getting sick and no, we didn’t want to take any chances. It was so helpful my mom was with us for Liv’s first 7 weeks because it allowed me to leave her home with grandma for an hour or two (sometimes more) so I could go out with Emma and my husband. It also gave Emma alone time with her parents. Now that Liv cleared her two month doctor visit four days ago we have been on the move. Just in time to enjoy Spring!

You are probably wondering how we are adjusting to having two kids under two? Well, it’s beautiful yet, exhausting. Sometimes I feel like it’s more exhausting than beautiful haha! Both girls require so much attention. It gets tough when both girls demand it at the same time. Then the mom guilt kicks in because one of them has to wait. For some reason I thought that if I didn’t give 100% of my attention to each of them they’d feel neglected. Then I came to understand that I have to prioritize and not be so hard on myself. So the way I handle it is: If both of them are crying at the same time, I analyze the situation and meet the need that is greatest first.

Something we did before the baby arrived was read books to Emma about the arrival of a new sibling. The one we had at home and read frequently was: Big Sisters Are The Best. Another thing that has worked out for us is scheduling in some one-on-one time with Emma. I think it has helped decrease her acting out. We also try to guard against jealousy by encouraging Emma to be involved with the baby. For example, we allow her to pass us a clean diaper or the wipes. When Liv needs to get burped she also helps us pat her back. If the baby is awake I’ll bring the baby to Emma’s play area and all three of us will play (Liv mostly watches, smiles and coos). If the baby needs to eat I’ll feed her while we’re playing and it’s a win-win for all of us! Emma is also enrolled in a gymnastics class where she gets alone time with my husband or I. Then when baby is sleeping Emma will get more undivided attention.  However, Emma is not the only one who gets alone time with her parents. My husband plays a huge roll here. He will take Emma out for a couple of hours so I can give Liv my undivided attention. I also carry Liv in the Solly Baby wrap so she can join the fun & and of course to get things done. Liv will never know what it’s like to be an only child so we try to give her time with each of us too.

Despite all of the hectic situations it’s beautiful having two under two because there’s nothing more heartwarming than seeing your toddler fall in love with the baby and, even though she’s still in diapers herself, take on the role of big sister, protector and mess maker. I enjoy watching Emma kiss her sister anytime she gets a chance while Liv smiles or sometimes cry from so much love her sister shows. The most beautiful part is when they take their afternoon nap together haha! Our hope is that since they are so close in age that they can grow up to be best friends.

Emma & Liv, we cannot wait to go on many adventures.

Finally, to all moms out there let’s take a deep breath. No one Mother’s the way you do. You are the best mom for your children. Let’s enjoy this motherhood journey!