First there's the car.
If big brother/sister is in a car seat it's easier to put them in first!! I learned that the hard way. I thought oh I'll put the baby in since she's easier to strap in and then I'll put belle in.. I also keep my clicker to the car on me AT ALL TIMES! Why? Because Isabella likes to locks me out the car. There were a couple of times I'd start the car, get the heater going (both were winter babies) and while I'm buckling little sister there's 4yr old big sister hoping from front to back and touching all the buttons! Wouldn't ya know her favorite is the lock button. Kids, such wonderful little people. So I keep my clicker on me and learned to buckle the big one first! Once the big one learns to buckle themselves life gets a lot easier. Prayers to you if you nurse. Numerous times I've pulled over to feed the babe. It can delay your time to your destination but breast is best!
Now let's talk about breast feeding.
I don't think I need to explain the benefits of breast feeding. It's the best thing you can give your baby, but every baby is different and every parent is different so if you chose not to no judgement here! With belle I was discreet about my nursing. I went to the bathroom, different room, closet, anywhere not to be seen! With saige I didn't care. I was giving my baby the best form of food and once I even told a couple at a restaurant "Why don't you eat with a blanket over your head!" I was never one of those moms to just pop it out, I did cover myself so no one saw my nipple but once she was latched I took it off. Half the time no one even knew she was feeding till they would try to touch her and I was like, "I'm feeding!" Difference between one and two, number two you don't care who sees you feed that baby!
That brings me to our next topic, outings.
It doesn't get easier. I'd love to tell you it does but it doesn't. I have yet to conquer the fine art of grocery shopping with two. When number two first came number one was upset there was no room in the basket for her to ride. When a car cart was available we took it and that was nice till little sister grew up and wanted to drive too. When number one outgrew the car number two wanted to walk like a big girl too. And with both walking they're touching stuff and talking and it's a mess. I recently went shopping at Walmart and they're the only grocery store in town that has the carts with two seats for bigger little kids. I might forever be grocery shopping there now. When it came to stroller shopping I wanted a double stroller. I knew Isabella wouldn't want to walk anywhere we went, I know my child. My mom always said you never want to buy a stroller you can't open by yourself or is hard to push with one hand. So off to babies r us we went for a new stroller. Belle hated the double strollers! She said she was content with walking so I bought a single stroller. I should have went with my gut because wouldn't ya know it number one hates walking!
Numerous times they'd opt to ride like this. Big sisters and the power they have over little sisters..
Life with two is such an adventure. It's so much different then I thought it would be. My girls are 4 years and 4 days apart, if yours are older or younger I'd love to hear your stories! These are a few of my "what no one ever tells you about baby number two" tips lol. And yes I actually call my children one and two. I've found it easier to number them personally. If you're thinking of number two I will tell you this, I enjoyed growing up with siblings and I love watching my two play together and grow together. Don't let this article scare you away from number two. Two is a lot different then I had originally anticipated.. (Like, A WHOLE LOT!) but it has been such a joy!
Thanks for reading! Hope you've enjoyed a look into life with two! Now time to regulate my hooligans..
This has been a real true, #confessionsofahousewifee.
xoxo,
Susan.
