Tired Mother of Two (under two)

My thoughts on having "two under two"

"They" all said it would be difficult, that it would be an adjustment, that times would be trying (especially at first).

I wish I could say "they" were wrong.

The adjustment from one child to two children has been a difficult struggle:

• Yes, I "function" on less than 2-hour of sleep at a time.
• Yes, I feel like I change diapers ALL day long.
• Yes, I get done feeding one and then have to feed the other.
• Yes, as a result I eat & drink standing up...usually cold food.
• Yes, there is always a mess to clean up (& some messes I can't even blame on the kids).
• Yes, we do at least two loads of laundry everyday.
• Yes, I should probably shower more than I do...but why ruin the "mom scent" of spit-up. (and why ruin the "fashionable" look of soiled clothing).
• Yes, my eldest child is acting out and disobeying more than she did prior to the birth of her baby brother.

However, in the midst of this struggle of parenthood, God has given me so much joy for these little ones. There are SO MANY THINGS TO BE THANKFUL FOR!!

• The precious cuddles of my newborn.
• The enchanted look on my toddler's face when she sees brother awake.
• The way my toddler loves to kiss on her brother (even when I am trying to feed him or when he is crying)...not the best timing but the affection is darling to watch. 
• The trust my children have in me that I can provide for their needs.
• The satisfaction in knowing HOW to comfort them when they need it the most.
• The creativity God gives me to create age appropriate enrichment activities for both of them.
• The supernatural energy that only God can provide...even through sleep deprivation.
• The amazing birth story of both my children & how God allowed me to carry them close to me in the womb for 9-months.
• The incredible husband God has blessed me with who is MORE than supportive & brings the crying babe to me for EVERY night time feeding.  
• The love and support from our family, friends, and church community...including meals & advice.
• The fact that my husband and I are shaping the next generation of leaders!

I could keep writing this list forever (but nap time is almost over and the wee one needs to get fed), but it is a great reminder that in the midst of difficulty, hard-times, and sleep deprivation, God is ALWAYS teaching and showing us more and more about HIS character. It is easy to get stuck on the struggles this life brings, but it is more beneficial, I have found, to focus on this things that bring joy, restoration, and peace to the soul.

I thank God often for my "two under two" and keep asking HIM for wisdom and guidance as we live day to day serving HIM the best we can with the situation we are in. I must say, my heart is overwhelmed and blessed!