When the love grows and baby grows

Well, this is my first blog post in ages. It’s also the first in our new home (we ended up moving house when I was 29 weeks pregnant – don’t ask!) and my first post as a proud mummy to two gorgeous boys.

Here’s my baby boy all ready to leave hospital. I just got a huge lump in my throat looking at this photo. Time has flown by so quickly. Like I have blinked and he’s  already now 6 months old!

Since I became Mummy of two, I have been asked things like “So, what is it like having two children. Is it hard work?” And “Does your love double now you have another baby?” So, I thought I would take some time to reflect on what it is like having two children and if I have learnt anything or am I doing anything differently this time.

Mummy of two

Having two children is actually bloody hard work at times, or at least it is for me! People said “Oh there will be a nice age gap” I think they were right. I don’t know if I could handle too much less and L is a proud big brother.

Rooms

When we were waiting for L, our first born to arrive I was adamant that his room should be all ready. For Baby E, bless him, his room was almost ready but actually it didn’t really matter. Baby sleeps in your room at first so why put pressure on yourself? We were just so relieved to be in our new home for his arrival and that we had decorated L’s room.

Leaving the house

Or in fact going anywhere with the two boys. I am still getting my head round this one. I do take a lot of stuff out to cover most eventualities, so that probably doesn’t help. But my main issue is when we’re out to stop L from running off. I’m all for him exploring but not too far away from the buggy. I guess he won’t understand that I can’t just abandon the baby and run after him.

Baby grows

There are now baby grows with coloured poppers. Thank you M&S. A coloured popper underneath a sleep suits really does help me and I’m sure many other half asleep mums trying to fasten that sleep suit back up too!

Baby vests and the parenting hack

I found this little gem of knowledge when it was shared on social media before I became pregnant with E. Why on earth did I not realise first time round that the shoulders on babies vests can be pulled down their bodies, should you need to if a poo explosion should occur?! like this I have used this little trick many times now with Baby E. We all know how interesting a newborn’s nappy can be, don’t we?!

There was a house inside my tummy

Hmmm. Not quite so lucky this time around. My hips are definitely wider. My bottom is bigger and my tummy showing some more stretch marks and general saggyness from housing a second baby. Never mind. I’m proud of my body and that it has been a nice house for two babies. It took 9 months for Baby E to grow…

My hands

Oh dear. I don’t remember them being so red and dry after having L but I guess now with bathing both and probably rushing around and not drying them properly, more clothes washing etc then it’s going to take its toll on my poor hands. I’m using Aveeno now or some cream given for E’s face after he was born. They seem to help my mum hands.

Routine

I did try to stick to a routine first time round, but I am more relaxed this time. I think you have to be with your second baby. There is less time to sit and just feed, or just play as there are pre-school runs etc to do! I do have guilt about this at times and also about the number of classes I go to with Baby E as it’s much less than with L.

Weaning

We’ve started! It is going ok and I am braver than the first time. Baby E doesn’t seem too keen on purées although he does like pear with baby rice. We’ve been having fun with chunks of soft fruit and toast soldiers and some melty rice cake things. E is loving taking the spoon now and is getting it close to the target. I forgot how long it can take to give a meal to a weaning baby. It’s all an adventure though!

Breastfeeding

It is different this time. Baby E has been feeding for less time, like 10 minutes and he can be done. I think I have a VERY quick let down. I remember L feeding for maybe 45 minutes when he was a newborn. Both boys have had to be woken up when feeding though. I have made frequent use of the CBeebies app on the tablet or plenty of arty stuff nearby to entertain L whilst feeding the baby. It can be hard work but I think I will miss it when the time comes to wean Baby E.

Married life

Well our evenings tend to be about the boy’s bedtimes but it is getting easier. Hubby comes home at different times which can make things tricky. Hubby spends more time with L now because I can be feeding the baby. We do try to support each other and when we’re not too shattered, manage to have a chat and cuddle on the sofa. Before I fall asleep at 10pm. Often. I love our weekends and family outings as a four.

Love

I could watch E sleep all night. Well, if he slept all night. I melt at the smile he gives me and his daddy but the extra special smiles he gives to his big brother, the way they look at each other is just priceless. I adore them both and yes, my love has doubled.