Adjusting to Life with Two Children

So I did all the research I could to prepare for life with two children, a two year old and a new born. We had some major stages to address in this preparation such as potty training the toddler, transitioning the toddler from the crib to the big boy bed, and enrolling the toddler in daycare. We spoke to parents of multiples to get some on the job in the trenches advice. The most repeated advice wasn't really advice but a warning-"it's going to be hell in the beginning". Well, to everyone that said that, thank you. It has truly been hell. I am once again in awe of single parent homes and people that live away from family that can help. I feel like I have help the equivalent of celebrities and yet these past four weeks have not been a walk in the park.

First thing is breastfeeding. I unfortunately did not have the best of luck with breastfeeding my first child. You may recall an earlier blog post of mine titled Breastfeeding and Humble Pie. Well I was determined this time around. I pushed aside my arrogance and did the reading. I also harassed my lactation specialist and hooray we are successfully breastfeeding. Rewind- hooray drat we are successfully breastfeeding. Cub #2 will not take a pacifier. I am her only acceptable form for feeding and pacifying. That being said, I am exhausted. With Cub #1 the husband and the mother-in-law helped with feedings so I was able to rest and find time for myself. I've read all the suggestions to alleviate the burden, and yes I am using the word burden, of breastfeeding. Having my spouse burp the baby is not my idea of helping or alleviating the burden. I still have to wake up and nurse for 30 minutes. Five additional minutes spent burping is nothing at that point.

Moving on to sibling jealousy. We were warned that Cub #1 may begin to show signs of jealousy and act out or be mean to the baby. So far so good. He adores his little sister. He kisses on her all the time and makes it his duty to let me know when I need to go pick up the baby and care for her. Problem-my two year old is very ROUGH and has no idea of space and how he fits in it. That being said, I may need to buy my daughter a helmet. If anyone knows where to get an infant helmet please drop me a line. Also, Cub #1 wants to share everything with the baby. Basically, he doesn't understand why he can't play with the baby's things or have what she has.  He doesn't get upset when we take things or explain to him he can't play with it and we try to only restrict him from major things like the breast pump.This way we don't incite any jealousy. It's actually been quite nice watching him grow into a being a big brother and I am predicting that he will be the most protective of her.

What has been most difficult about life with two children has been keeping the normal routine going for child 1 while starting a routine with child 2. We haven't mastered this yet and I eagerly await the day we get a good flow going. The toddler is a bit of a challenge, not because of the sibling but because he is in full toddler mode. Everything is no followed by screams and high pitched shrills. He moves through the house at the speed of sonic the hedgehog with a devastation level to match. His dietary preference consists of ice cream, cookies, and Hershey kisses. Correcting the behaviour of a toddler is like teaching a dog to speak, speak not bark. I don't have anything insightful to add on this subject just yet so pray for me please.Oh and if any of you out there with multiples have any great advice on setting a routine or alleviating the breastfeeding burden shoot me a line. I go back to work in less than 4 weeks and I cannot imagine that life mixed with the current one.