Hmmmm- my first post on parenting two kiddos. Where do I even begin? I guess as I sift through my thoughts, there is really only one starting point. And that is… this thing called parenting… it takes a village. I can say pretty confidently that newborn care is MUCH easier the second time around. It feels like getting back on a bike after a long winter… perhaps some moves are a little rusty… but there’s a familiarity that’s comfortable. Crying doesn’t scare me this time around… it doesn’t trigger a mental personal assault that if my baby is crying that means I’ve failed as a mother. I struggled with that when I was a new mom. This time around, I think I’m more laid back, and that has made life more enjoyable. But I am amazed- even with all of the time Alece spends sleeping (which is primarily during the day…shame)- how consuming it is to meet her needs. That’s why I’m thankful that I’m living village-style right now… with my parents… because my wonderful, energetic toddler has a very different set of needs that involves a lot of things that I’m short on… like energy and a physically strong body (I’m still on restrictions from the c-section). So right now things feel manageable… but I’ve got a 4:2 ratio going here… 4 adults to 2 children… and I don’t know how it is done on less!
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Yes – I agree that it takes a village. That is the only way. I am glad that you understand that and that you have the help you need.
So glad you have your parents and Alece (when she was there) to help! Sorta makes you wonder how single parents manage doesn’t it?! Sounds like you are doing well though! She’s beautiful!
i love village style living….we americans think it is not the way to do things, but it has been done for most of time in other parts of the world.
http://www.divinecaroline.com/article/22108/49947-ten-weird-outfits-babies
Well at least you can adorn Alece in some kickin’ outfits, thanks to this website.
You sound confident. Silas will be a wonderful big brother.
And he’ll be one because you’re a good momma, and Dave is a good daddy.
Thank you for all the wonderful comments on my journal, too. I appreciate the read-age.
That’s why you need to move to Ohio- Not Africa.
I’ve always longed for a “village”. Don’t really know what that is like. I told you, I’m all about everyone living close by. Not only to help each other, but to share in daily life and celebrations like birthdays. You know me, I’m always going to try to get you to move back to your family- it’s just me. It’s my heart. Sorry, you are stuck with us.
P.S. Can you believe that I actually remembered to get on your blog and then even write you a note. This cyber blog thing is totally new to me. It kind of cracks me up.
The village is wonderful and necessary, especially now. However, I don’t doubt your ability to parent successfully (and with sanity!) two children. It just takes your parenting brain a bit to adjust to splitting in two directions simultanously. Mine has split once and is trying desperately to do it again
Enjoy the village!
Love, Sara
what a blessing staying with your parents for this time! and i’ve heard that it’s a more laid-back process the second time around.
kitty, i learned so much from watching you. you are an amazing parent. and you’ve already transitioned into a mother of two so gracefully. i’m glad you have the additional help right now and know that you are being strengthened for the next season of your journey. (and we’ll be village-style neighbors for a year! eeeeeek!)
everyday about a dozen things remind me of you guys. i walked by a display of croutons in the grocery store and of course couldn’t help but think of silo. give him a hug from aunt lizzy!