To the mom who just had her 2nd baby (or 3rd, or more…),
I see you over there, tired as can be. You are now officially a mom of multiple children.
Let me start off by saying that you are lucky. Being a mom of one child is an amazing blessing. Being a mom of multiple children just increases that even more!
But, I will also tell you that I understand.
I understand that you’re tired and that you need a break. I understand that you lose your patience at times, which then leads to incredible mom guilt.
I’ve been there too.
I know that juggling more than one baby is a challenge, especially with another child that wants your attention. Again, I get that this can bring on feelings of guilt as you try to make sure that each of your children are getting the attention that you long to give them.
It’s a wonderful feeling to watch your children grow up together, play together, and know that you have been blessed with more than you could have ever imagined.
But… it’s not easy.
I know that some people with multiple children make it look easy. It seems like they can juggle everything, all with a smile on their face.
Smoke and mirrors. That’s all I’m going to say.
Life will never be the same from this moment on. From the moment that child came into the world that changed your sentence, “I have a child” to “I have children”, it is forever going to be a new phase of life.
After one baby, you may feel like you’ve lost yourself a little bit. It may seem as though you’re learning all of these new things that are just being thrown at you day after day, and really, that’s exactly what’s happening.
You may not feel beautiful all of the time, or ever. Just remember that you are. You are beautiful in the eyes of those children even if you don’t feel like it. Smile pretty lady:)
Now that you have more than just that one baby, every day will be a brand new learning adventure for you and those kids. Learning how to entertain the older one while you feed the baby, trying to figure out how to put them to bed at times when one won’t wake the other up, trying to figure out how to spread yourself as thin as possible so everyone gets everything that they need.
Grocery store trips will never be what they once were, as you try to put a car seat in the front, pack a kid or two in the cart, and still try to fit the groceries in.
You won’t get any judgment from me as I watch you try to balance those kids with grace and patience. The only thing you will see is a look of compassion and genuine for all that you do.
You are strong mama. It may not feel like it at times as you’re holding one screaming baby, listening to another throw a tantrum, or maybe even battling it out with a pre-teen. But you are. You are so strong.
I see you mama. If I could, I would give you a hug and tell you that, “I understand. I’m a mom too.”
*Cheers to you mama and all of your wonderful kiddos*
When you read a letter written by a friend that you feel could have been written just for you…wow. I have been beating myself up for months now thinking that my children will never get the best version of me because this is HARD. I know it’s just a phase, I know someday it won’t feel exactly like this, but it’s hard. I needed this. I know many other moms that need this. You are such a kind spirit and a good friend. Thank you.
Jules Ruud recently posted…Mommy Meet-Up Mondays Week 56
I love you lady! It is so hard, and we need to give ourselves and other moms the credit that they deserve for that. Xoxox
Had six. Been there, done that. It does pass all too quickly for sure.
After I had my first child I loved it but i felt very challenged and full of many emotions. I didn’t know if I would be able to be a good mother or juggle everything if I had more but looking back now I wish I had. As my son grows not only do I wish he had someone to play with but he brings me so much joy I am sure I would have been just fine. It is a hard job and I commend other mothers who have more than one. I really enjoyed reading your post. Thank you.
Christine recently posted…7 Myths About Hiring an Interior Decorator
It’s so true! I was the same way after my 1st… and 2nd and the twins… it’s always just a new phase of motherhood.
Beautiful post! For me, when I had my first son it rocked my world. My husband and I were not expecting the dramatic changes that come with having a baby. When I was finally able to get pregnant with my second.. they ended up being 4 years apart and honestly it was a fairly easy transition. (My friends get annoyed when I say that.. but trust me.. I had the crazy time after my first one came! haha)
Lauren recently posted…February Books Picks
Haha I don’t think it’s annoying. The transition with my second was fairly easy as well! The first… hard. The twins… extremely hard!
I love this so much! You so easily speak to all of us mamas! “Smoke and mirrors” so so true! Lol! Whenever I see parents with more than one kiddo shining it on, I always wonder what they’re really thinking. Such a fabulous post!!
Tarynn Playle recently posted…Almond Butter Heart Cookies
This is such a beautiful and encouraging post. It will touch so many hearts and help people who are feeling alone in their time of transitioning to more than one child.
Shelah recently posted…Fine Motor Flower Fiesta
Love this. I am still just a momma to one, but I hope to someday have another. And that thought encourages, but also scares me! I’m nervous about what will change with two, and if I can handle it. I feel like I already have trouble with my patience and finding energy with one! I love this, though, because there is hope, and because there are other mommas who relate 🙂
Jenn recently posted…mom style basics + big announcement
Beautifully inspiring. One child changes everything, and I have the upmost respect for parents who have multiple children. My mommy always said parenthood was the toughest, most rewarding choice of her life. She raised two girls only 3 years apart. Hopefully, your words will reach into the heart of a mama who needs to hear them.
I have none – yet! But this is so inspiring and interesting. I cannot wait to embark on this adventure!
❤️
Love this post and can so relate- going from one to two children was a game changer that so few people realize unless they’ve been “in the trenches” themselves. Cheers!
Jennifer @ The Champagne Supernova recently posted…Crazy People: 5 Ways to Deal with Them
Oh I really needed this one!! It’s hard making the transition to two. I feel like I see everyone on Facebook and everyone makes it look so easy. It’s nice to know I’m not alone.
Tricia recently posted…The Reason Second Children Are So Resilient
Aww-this is such a sweet post! My youngest is almost three now. I wish I had had this post when he was just born! 🙂 Love it.
Alyssa from The Sparkly Life recently posted…How To Survive Being Snowed-In With Your Kids
This is so sweet. I love it when moms support one another instead of ridiculing one another. In a couple of months I will be a mom of two and to be honest I am very scared of everything changing. Saving this post for what might be tough times ahead 🙂
I could hug you right now. This is so beautiful. SO perfect. What an incredibly well written, heartfelt, loving, empathetic post. Again, beautifully done <3
Lovely post. It goes by so fast my youngest turning 14. Worth every bit of all the juggling & hard days. But, luckily each day starts anew & some of them are really good.:)
Awwwww beautiful post :):) this is honestly why I have one kid though. I don’t know how y’all do it! I lose my mind with one, I could only imagine myself with another lol…
It is crazy no matter how many kids you have. 🙂