Well, here we are on Day 3 of Week 1! And so far we have survived and generally managed to have some fun while doing it. We continue to be cared for so well by meals from friends and play dates that happen right in my home so I don’t have to go anywhere. I feel so loved by my community and thankful for this season of life, despite the fact that caring for two children 24/7 is one of the hardest things I have done in awhile. No matter how each day goes, though, I am always so grateful to see Elliott walk through the door.
Since right now both kids are napping (!), I thought I’d share a few photos that I took this morning. You can’t see Lena’s runny nose or mine, or the pile of dirty laundry, or the blocks that Lena threw instead of stacking them, but all those things exist, even though they’re not the most fun things to photograph. Enjoy the beautiful side of the morning with me!
One strategy I am employing this week is to pull out a new toy for Lena each day. This started with a bag of used toys I bought from my friend Rachel, but then we were surprised by some gifts from friends and family. Today we opened up these beautiful blocks
Thank you all for your comments and advice after my last post! The sleep is getting a little better but we definitely don’t have a routine down yet. We’re working on it as we get used to our little man and his needs. Gil surprised us by being so different from Lena. From Day 1 in the hospital she would just curl up next to me and sleep the whole night through with occasional nursing, but Gil nurses next to me and then bursts into tears! Why, buddy? We’re figuring out his needs along with our own and trying to come up with a system that works for all of us.
Anyway, since you are all so full of such wonderful advice, I’d love to hear any fun activities that you have developed for your toddlers. I’m thinking of making her some play doh soon. Today she had fun watering the plants for me with a bucket of water and a cup. I sat down in the sun with my reheated cup of coffee and enjoyed all glorious 10 minutes that that lasted.
And so we go on!
Check out Lisa Murphy, aka The Ooey Gooey Lady. She is a great resource. :)
Thanks. Kathryn, I will!
I’m glad it’s going well for you so far, despite the usual challenges of going from one to two! I think it’s so cute, how your two babies look so much alike! In that first picture, with their profiles, especially. Having our second was a challenge for me, because she was so different from her older brother. How well I remember…he slept so well, and she would cry as soon as I’d lay her down at night. Acknowledging their differences helped a lot…it didn’t change them, but it changed me and my attitude.
Such cute pictures! And though I don’t have children yet, I appreciate the real-ness of your day-to-day life with your newborn. I can imagine how tough it is!
These pics are so sweet! Looks like Lena is enjoying a big sister :)
So sweet. He has such a nice head of hair : ) Glad your friends are helping you all feel loved!
PS. Lena’s new blocks are awesome! Bookmarking that link.
Hey Becca,
I just want to say … your life fascinates and inspires me. I caught up a little with your family (great new addition by the way) this morning … and all day today I kept thinking “happy and whole.” Truly. You inspire me to try to bring more whole and natural things into my life. :)
Also … and tips on potty training? I am at a loss with Jackson. He’s 2.5 now (almost a full year older than Lena), and he is no where close to being trained. I think a small percentage is due to his body cast … but I also don’t want that to become our excuse. He enjoys sitting on the potty … but is NOT consistent … doesn’t tell us when he needs to go … and doesn’t mind being wet/dirty. He needs to by trained by August for preschool, too. Half of the time when I talk to him about it, he actually says “No, Mommy. Not ready.” Any tips would be great appreciated!
Best Wishes always! To see what we’ve been up to … don’t forget to check out my blog at http://www.jackotaco.blogspot.com and my photography website at http://www.favoritethingsphotography.com
Jen
Thanks for this thoughtful comment, Jen. I love checking in with your family through your blog, and I’m excited for your photography ventures, too!
I’ll see if I can come up with a post about our potty training adventure. I don’t feel like I have much wisdom to offer, but I’ll try. I did really enjoy the book “Toilet Training in Less Than a Day.” Even though it took Lena much, much longer than a day, it gave me a framework to work within, as I was totally clueless at the start of this process.
I like your babes. :)
Way to focus on the beauty, Becca! Your little ones are precious. We do lots of playdoh and finger painting (when I’m feeling adventurous). I also set up the kids with dry beans and dry rice, some cups, bowls and measuring spoons, all on cookie sheets and let them loose. Cheap shaving cream in the tub is also a hit. Also, a tray with baking soda, small bowls of colored vinegar and a dropper buys me an hour of time some mornings. Notimeforflashcards.com has some good, simple ideas. Grace to you today!
Wow, I need to try the baking soda, vinegar, and dropper idea! Also thanks for that website recommendation; I know there are a million out there and I have no clue where to start. Thank you for always being so encouraging and full of ideas!