life with 2 under 2...the first week.

Well, can I just begin by saying that I am so glad that the first week at home with my two boys is over and done with? What a wild ride it was! Between exhaustion, emotions, and beginning the adjustment to double the responsibility, it was pretty rough. But thankfully we are adapting to our now-larger family and getting to the point where things are feeling normal. The transition to two was certainly more of a challenge than I had ever imagined. It is one of those things you know beforehand, but you can't really know until you are in the middle of it just how much work it will be.

Brax is a sweet baby. He sleeps pretty well for a newborn, but he is a newborn and therefore I am pretty tired. I had forgotten what it was like to have to change diapers multiple times a night and I look forward to the day when I no longer have to do that. He still sleeps about 20 hours a day, which has made for a smooth transition for both me and Moose. I still have plenty of time to play with him and be the mommy I was before. The hard times come when both boys need to be fed at the same time or Brax cries while I am diapering Moose. I pretty much have to just let him fuss while I get Moose his dinner or finish putting his diaper on. It is totally different than your first baby when you can be at their every beck and call. Moose is having to learn patience too. If he finishes his dinner before I am done nursing he has to just sit and wait for Brax to finish before I can unbuckle him out of his booster. Patience is good, though, and both boys will benefit in the long run.

I don't think Moose even remembers not having Brax around. He looks forward to seeing him and loves to clobber him with snuggles and pokes and prods. He can be a little rough, but 95% of the time its just out of not knowing how or why he has to be gentle. The other 5% is when he tests my patience so see how far he can push me before he gets punished. He is a typical big brother!

Going out is both my best friend and my worst foe. Staying home all day makes me feel a bit trapped, and taking the boys out provides welcome entertainment, fresh air and sunshine. However, simple tasks like making a run to Target are that much more difficult because I have to figure out how to safely get both boys in and out of the cart. It is also that much more stressful when Moose is yelling to get out and walk and Brax is fussing to nurse. Thankfully for now I am able to plan my outings with my husband, which is such a blessing.

So there you have it! A long-winded version of some of the trials and triumphs of our first week at home as a family of four.