I've been wanting to post something on this for weeks now, but am just now getting around to it. Many people have asked me about the adjustment from one kid to two. I can honestly say, it really depends on the day. Some days are super easy. Everyone is in a great mood. Things just go very smooth. Then there are days where Vivian wants to be held all day and Lila wants me just as much.
We have been very blessed with the time we've had since V was born. Neil was just finishing up school and still working part time so he was able to be home and help me out a lot. He has also gotten to enjoy this newborn stage a little more this time. After L was born, he took a week off with me and then headed back to work, working lots of overtime hours for a little bit of extra cash. Of course, she was my only responsibility so we could do whatever we wanted. I could nap with her, play with her, watch TV if I didn't want to take a nap...you name it, I could do whatever. I could fix supper with no problem at all. Now, if V is sleeping, L is more than likely not (she has tried to cut out her own naps) and then she wants to play. We have to work on inside voices and quiet activities. In case you don't know this already, that's absolutely zero fun for a two and a half year old.
There are many days when she watches too much TV and eats too much junk. I just keep telling myself that this time will pass and we will be ok again. Neil usually tackles bedtime with Lila while I nurse and get Vivi down. We go pretty used to this routine and it was working quite nicely. Then a *GOOD* wrench was thrown to us.
My husband passed his boards! He had just completed the RN program at the end of May and was waiting for the opportunity to take the NCLEX. He did amazing, as usual. So now, he has started working full time as an RN (here's the wrench) 7p-7a. That makes for a long night for me when V doesn't get to sleep sometimes until 11:00 and L is a maniac and won't go to sleep at a reasonable hour. Most of the night I'm home alone with them consist of L watching Cinderella or playing on the iPad until I get V to bed. Then by the time I get in there, L is asleep too. I know it will get better, but I feel like I'm depriving her of all mommy attention. It's sad when I think about it. I don't want her to resent me or her sister. I know she's just 2, but I worry about these things. I keep telling myself that I was almost 4 when my sister was born and I don't remember feeling left out or being upset with my mom. I just try to spend as much time with her as I can. It's getting easier.
We have never been the kind of people that are content sitting at home and relaxing. When V was 2 days old we went to one of my brother's track meets. Getting out and doing things helps. My family is close by and they are really helpful with taking Lila and entertaining her (which she LOVES) while I get to spend some alone time with Vivi, something that is also important to me. I cant thank them enough for the help and support they've given me!
Vivian is now 9 weeks old and becoming her own person. She is more content sitting and watching and taking everything in now. I can usually put her down and get some stuff done. She is happy to just kinda hang around and talk to the lights and fans or look at the trees out the window. Overall, she has been a completely different baby than Lila. She was very trying for her first month, but developing more and more every day and really becoming a good baby.
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