1st Month Survival

A lot of people have been asking how everything is going, so thought I would give an update on the true realities of life at home with 2 little ones under the age of 2.

My daily life during the week has been back to the basics. It is a successful day if everyone has a clean diaper (that means about 15 diaper changes for Paisley), is fed, gets a bath, gets a nap and is happy. If we get out and actually do something that is considered a REALLY good day. I am someone that loves to be out and about, so I've been trying to remind myself to slow down and put the kids first.


Today was a great example of the chaos and how you never really get a break...
I brought Roman to Gymboree for his 9:30am class. To be able to make it, I got up at 6:30 and started getting ready.
We were only 10 minutes late to his class due to feeding Paisley. Why do babies always need to eat right when you are ready to walk out the door? Paisley was pretty awake during the 1st half of the class, so most of the 1st 20 minutes was me running back and forth from Roman playing to Paisley crying in her carseat to stuff the pacifier back in her mouth. Then a quick trip to CVS and Noah's. I pushed Roman in the cart, while carrying Paisley's carseat. When we got home, Paisley had to eat again and Roman wanted to go outside. While I am feeding Paisley outside, Roman decides to get into the plastic pool that is filled with dirty rain water from the weekend. He is as happy as can be, soaking wet and splashing around in all his clothes and shoes. He plays in the pool for 20 minutes and I'm getting cold just watching him. Then he gets out of the pool and runs straight into the dirt. Paisley finishes eating and then proceeds to spit-up all over me and also needs a diaper change. Roman also needs a complete outfit and diaper change due to being soaking wet and cold. After everyone is changed, I look at the clock and can't believe it is only noon. I am exhausted.


While being outside, I remembered a good piece of advice. All that matters is that your kids are happy. It drove me crazy that Roman was wet, cold, dirty and had snot running down his nose but he had the biggest smile on his face playing in the water. Paisley and I were both covered in spit-up, but she was so content being held. It was a good reality check that nothing will ever be perfect, but really all that matters is that everyone had a smile on their face. I learned to let go and just be in the moment. The kids were happy and so should I. I've realized that within the next year my house will probably never be totally clean, I won't be doing a lot of elaborate cooking or entertaining, laundry will pile up and I will be lucky if Roman and Paisley nap at the same time. Among all the chaos, lack of sleep and being a little homebound, I truly am happy. I remind myself daily what a huge blessing these 2 children are in my life. The role of being a mom is so hard and one that you really can't understand until you are in it yourself. But it is the most rewarding, fulfilling, wonderful job too! The payoffs are huge when you see how wonderful your children turn out and I am constantly reminded every day when Roman smiles at me. So when the stress levels get high and I start to feel a little crazy, I am reminding myself...Thank you God. You have blessed me so much with these 2 children and this wonderful life. Life is good and I should be so thankful.


Lastly...I have never been more in love with my husband. He has (and always is) such a huge help. We have a great routine, especially at night and he never hesitates to help in any way needed...cleaning, rocking Paisley to sleep, diaper changes, playing with Roman and walking Marley. Now, if he could just learn to cook. Thank you Jay for all that you do. You always help keep me positive.