Two is Better than One.

When I was pregnant with Isla, I had many women share with me how difficult the transition from one kid to two kids was for them.  Seriously almost everyone had a story about how tough the adjustment was.  I didn't think too much of this.  I mean, obviously adding another kid to our family meant more work.  2 kids to feed, bathe, clothe, play with, snuggle, love...you know...keep alive.  Clearly there would be some sort of adjustment period.  I was a little worried about how I'd handle it all.  Isla and I had fallen into a lovely little routine, and I really had no idea how throwing a baby into the mix would effect our day to day stuff.

Enter Brevin:

He is seriously the most amazing little guy.  He has been nothing but an easy baby.  Well, his spit up issue is slowly killing me, but whatevs.  His easy-goingness totally surprised me.  I considered Isla an easy baby, but in comparison to Brevin, she could be considered a high needs baby.  Seriously!  She never cried, was a great sleeper, never spit up, and was generally just a super happy kid.  BUT she need constant stimulation.  She wouldn't sit in her swing or bouncer for more than 10 minutes.  She always needed a change in scenery.  She didn't love being held for long periods of time, but she didn't like being on her own either.  She was a tricky little thing to figure out. 

Brevin is chill.  He will sit in his bouncer or swing for long periods of time.  I bring him into the bathroom with me in the mornings and he hangs out while I shower, shave, AND dry my hair!  He is perfectly content in his bouncer.   Glorious. 

Anyway.  I have found that having two kids is easier than one.  There are lots of reasons, but it basically boils down to this:

1.  I am obviously experienced this time around.  I know what to expect.  And I'm a far more relaxed mom.  I'm not obsessing over routines and schedules.  I'm not googling every little worry I have about Brevin to see if it's "normal" or not.  I just go with the flow.

2.  Having two kids makes me less lazy.  Back when it was just me and Isla, I got a little too comfortable in my lifestyle.  We would watch tv together in the mornings, she would play while I'd read blogs/email/facebook, then we'd both take naps every afternoon.  I'd squeeze in some cleaning while Isla played, or some days I'd forgo a nap and do a deep clean.  Now that I have two kids I don't have the luxury of napping.  Actually, I find it quite hilarious that I was obsessed with squeezing in a nap every. single. day.  Now I'm much more strategic about planning my day.  I still don't have a routine, but each day requires a lot of thought.  If we are running errands, I need to get myself ready first, then Isla, then feed Brevin and immediately leave so I have 3 hours where I can be out of the house before the next feeding.  I have to figure out when I can clean the house.  Instead of lounging on the couch a lot of the day, I actually get stuff done.  Shocking concept.  Both kids are content and playing?  I will clean the kitchen!  Both kids are napping?  I will probably blog and catch up on my DVR...but I first do 1 chore before I have my "me" time.  I will admit I am a far more productive person now that I have 2 kids.  I totally have my lazy days where nothing gets done, but I try much harder to stay on top of things. 

Back when I only had Isla, I would dread running errrands with her.  Even a quick Target run had me panicky.  I had a babysitter each Wednesday for 3 hours so I could run errands without dragging a toddler along.  It was glorious, but a little silly looking back on it.  Now I don't hesitate bringing both kids with me.  It's just how I have to do things!  Sure it would be easier alone, but it's really not much harder lugging Brevin around too.  Plus getting out of the house is nice (and necessary for survival). 

I got lucky having two easy kids.  Really, really lucky.  My life has only changed for the better.  Sure not everything is easier with two kiddos, ie: getting out of the house on time, but it has certainly made me a better mama and a better person. 

This is the only picture I have with both kiddos.  Yikes.  Really shows off my lovely post-partum glow. 

I know I had said earlier that Brevin is my last kid.  But he totally isn't.  I'm shooting for one more.  And I'm hoping that three will be better than two...??  We'll see.