On Being a Mother of Two

Gosh...it has been forever since I've blogged. This moment seems perfect. Luke is catching his afternoon t.v. show and Katelyn is still sleeping, due to wake up any minute for an afternoon snack. Being a mother of two has treated me very well. I can't complain. Of course, this is only day number two of being on my own with the kids, so give it time, right?
I have noted some observations of being a mother of two that I'd like to share with you.
1. Who in the heck packages newborn socks? Come on! How many plastic T-looking thingys do you have to stick through a pair of socks? But, while you're at it, you may as well staple the socks to cardboard as well. Sheesh! With being a mom of two, taking time unraveling things like this really irks me.
2. I'm finding that I'm getting my shower in much, much earlier. Before Katelyn, Luke and I would snuggle in my bed for awhile. Then, I'd get up to make breakfast and maybe sometime mid-morning, I'd saunter to the shower to get in. Not now! I'm ready to go before Bill even leaves for work. Actually, I feel better about not wasting time, and I'm sure Bill likes that I'm up and around with him too.
3. I'm do more activities with Luke. Luke and I would play a lot together before, but now, we have more focused activities that we can do while Katelyn is sleeping. Yesterday, we played games. Today, we played play dough. Super fun. Monday we're making cookies.
4. I have, somehow, slipped myself into some non-maternity jeans. Of course, they are a size bigger than what I'd normally wear, but I'm definitely feeling good about the weight loss. Now, as for shirts to wear...I have one. I need something that my "nursing chest" will fit into. Only XL will do...sigh.
5. Speaking of nursing...I feel like I am exposed most of the day (even though it is only every 3 hours). But, this time, I am enjoying it. I sit here in the living room while I nurse Kate and either think, strategize, plan or pray. I've been listening to quite a bit of music too.
6. My back and neck hurts...I can't count the number of times I'm bending, lifting, adjusting and looking down. I've also gotten quite good at getting up off of the floor using no hands because I'm holding Kate. Aren't I impressive?
7. It's a huge challenge to get out of the house. I did it for the first time yesterday all by myself. Of course, I only went to Rising City to visit a friend, but that's a huge undertaking. It's all about strategy, especially in the winter time. "OK, who gets their coat on first? Which side of the car will Luke get in and out of? Where's Katelyn's blanket? Oh, no...did she just poop? I have to plan to nurse before I leave. Oh, no. Luke...do you really have to go to the bathroom?"
This whole ordeal takes extra time!
8. I look forward to outings more! Bill has a basketball tournament on Saturday and so I'm going to Lincoln to spend the day with my folks. I'm excited to go! I'm especially excited to go for an afternoon at Target...all by myself. I appreciate this sooo much more now!
9. Luke is doing just fine. Right after Katelyn was born, I worried for Luke and his adjustment. It has been a piece of cake for him and there is nothing like seeing him care for his sister. He wants to hold and kiss her and wants to be involved in all of the ins and outs of caring for her. I feel blessed.
10. I am thankful for friends. Of course with just one child I was thankful for friends, but with two children there is nothing like getting a card in the mail or a special phone call because someone is thinking of you. It's amazing the support we've received...especially when it comes to meals! I am so thankful.
Of course, I've learned a lot more about mothering two, but I thought 10 was a nice, round number (I know, I know...OCD attacks again). So, thank you to all of you, my friends, who have prayed for us and thought of us. You support helps out. More than you know!