Establishing a Little Family

Hello and wowoser- has it really nearly been a year?! Lots of life changes and lots to update on...

Being a mom of two has had many challenges and rewarding moments. Now that I have these two, precious, little lives combined with mine- I really couldn't imagine it any other way. Cliché, right? Well, its true! I remember when I was pregnant with Ella, if I were really honest, I was nervous! I had been six months post partum with Evi. The thought of being responsible for one little one was manageable and I finally felt like my normal day to day was getting back to...normal. But the thought of being the mommy to two little girlies... sheesh!

My fears- could I juggle two at the same time? The feedings? The naps? Chasing after Evi while Ella still needed so much of my assistance? How would outings go? How would I carry them both in a cart? What if one didn't adapt to the others routine?

Reality, Momma: can't lie, its tough in the beginning. As many know (or don't know if you haven't quite reached parenthood), parents get slim to none in the sleep department for the first three months of a newborns life. Always walking around in a constant fog from the moment of birth seems to be about the norm. While we had a good hospital experience, staff don't give new parents a "break". Infants are typically bedside in a basinet and breastfeeding on demand. We were pretty anxious to back to Evi. She was being cared for by family while we were having Ella. Therefore, we were in and out within 24 hours. The birthing process seemed to go smoother on the body the second time around so there was less recovery time. Due to work schedules, we opted to stay at my sisters for the first couple of days to get a routine down while there was assistance there, if needed. The first night, Evi woke up every time the baby did and we got maybe 30 minutes sleep combined. ZzZzZz. Once home, the routine hustle really began. Boy and I took shifts on feeding the baby and tending to her through the night. By that time, Evi was content in sleeping through the night either in the pack and play in our room or the crib in her room as she got used to sleeping through Ella's crying. During the six weeks I was off on maternity leave, I learned double strollers are a blessing when going out of outings to appointments or church. It is the best way to confine both children and get tasks done without fumbling  over one or the other. Grocery shopping carts are great too- the carrier fits in the cart and Evi was able to sit in the seat and -viola! Shopping done! Eventually Ella started to adapt to Evi's routine the older she got. Ella is now six months old. Since she is eating baby food now and able to assist in holding her bottle, we all eat the table as a family during meals. Ella sits up and is able to play with her toys and teethers. Therefore, playtime in their room is becoming a thing they both enjoy. Nap times at synced and each girl sleeps for at least two hours and bedtimes are about 9pm. Evi sleeps in their room in the crib, while Ella still sleeps in out room in the bedside bassinet. When sleeping in the same room, they still sleep through each others whines or whimpers. To say the least, it gets easier. Ella still struggles with sleeping through the whole night, she averages about every 3-4 hours before she wants a bottle or her bink (pacifier). 

As mentioned in my last post, we have been attending church and engaging in a Christ filled life since Evi has been born. Our lives have seemed to be more enriched since readapting into a religious lifestyle. While we aren't perfect (no one is), we do try to be mindful, open our hearts and show our girls the joy and happiness that can be achieved from inviting Christ into our lives. Religion is something I've always sought after and yerned for as a child and young adult. To be able to choose a bible preaching church with like minded and hearted individuals has been such a positive experience. We have been invited and welcomed with open arms. Though there are friends, co workers and family who don't chose to worship or have the same views- we love them and teach the girls to love with an open heart. I have begun reading through the bible during my long commutes to work each week. I have also been following a few podcasts- Paster Paul Sheperd and Risen Motherhood. Each message and hearing the word refreshes me and gets those wheels turning in my head as I head out for the day and reminds me of the things Christ wants in in us. It helps me to raise our girls in Christ and try to do choose the right way and tactics in raising our children. Evi enjoys reading bible stories from her toddler bibles, praying and listening to the word in the car. Though there are things that aren't perfect, we are trying. That's all anyone can do in building a relationship with Christ. Boy is still a work in progress.

Being a Christ centered mom can also make it challenging in meeting and engaging in new friendships and relationships with local non believer moms. Awkwardness and feeling of being judged can sway moms away when all I really want is to chat or set up a play date. I'm not here to judge- no one is. There is only one judge- God. Though establishing a connection with locals has been challenging, I've cherished the friendships I've made with the moms I've met through church and the relationships that continue to blossom between us and our littles.

We live a simple, humble life. We try to be kind and understanding while living within our means to create a better life for our little family. As I continue to grow this year, my goals are to learn to be a better listener by living in the moment and the thinking before I speak. So often there are times when I'm thinking of the answer to what I am going to say before the other person completes their sentence. Not only is this perceived as rude and jumping the gun, but it can be thought of as insensitive. Not my intention, but social anxiety sets in and the jitters inside my nervous body spews out my premeditated response. In those times, I need to learn to breathe and be still.

Life will continue to be full of its up and down, twists and turns, learning experiences and humbling times. So while we may not "have it all together, together we have it all".

Peace <3