Hello from the other side of baby!! Thank you so, so much for your well wishes and congratulations via visits, calls, texts, emails, and comments over the past several days. It is such a joy to share our joy – Baby Cameron!
We welcomed Mr. Cameron (thank you, Summer Olympics 2016 and Australian swimmer Cameron McEvoy for the much needed naming inspiration!) into our lives Thursday morning and he is doing wonderfully. Over the past six days he’s been smothered in snuggles and smooches by both sets of grandparents, aunts, uncles, and big brother Lincoln, of course. ❤️
Now, by some complete miracle the dishwasher is running and both boys are currently napping, so I wanted to pop in to say hi. HI! I’m working on a “Life After Baby” post series that will publish over the next couple of months with my thoughts on having baby #2, but here’s what’s currently going down at casa de IGE:
A friend told Ben and me a few months prior to Cameron arriving that having 1 kid was like having 0 kids, and having 2 kids was like having 10. NAILED IT. Having two children who depend on you completely – and for totally different things – is definitely more difficult than I imagined. People with more than two children, you are amazing. I need to know when you get things done. The balancing act has been really difficult and we’ve only been home two days! ? Maybe that’s the key thing though – it’s only been two days.
Mostly we just want to make sure Lincoln is doing ok with this enormous transition. We’ve been doing lots of one on one time, hugs and kisses, and a few fun presents like Floam. Can you say mega hit? I know once everything isn’t so raw it will feel less complicated but, at the moment, when I think about Ben going back to work I break into a cold sweat. And not even a hormonal one. Although that’s also happening.
The other day I made the horrible mistake of reading a Dr. Laura column about a 4.5 year old child who still resents his mother 16 months after his baby sister arrived – can’t unread the words, can’t unfeel the feels. That’ll teach me to Google anything parenting-related besides like, whether a Rock ‘n’ Play is worth it.
Our house is a Disaster with a capital D. Today for lunch I ate chunky peanut butter by the spoonful for lunch. Ben arrived to the hospital the day after Cameron was born with his shirt inside out. Edited to add: and fell asleep at Walgreens waiting for my pain medication prescription to be filled!!! #thatguy Despite having been here before, we are total parents of newborns right now! ? Let’s just say the first night at home was REAL. Thank you Lord for perspective and the knowledge that this is all temporary.
I am enjoying the newborn scents and cuddles more than I ever thought possible – there is nothing better! Probably because I can literally see in front of my face how quickly it fades away when I look at Lincoln. Prior to Thursday I though he was the tiniest little person on the entire planet. When he came to the hospital after Cam was born I had to squint to make sure I was looking at my 3 year old and not a 13 year old.
When I was pregnant I was legitimately worried I couldn’t love this baby as much as Lincoln – my first born, child soulmate, little buddy, and constant companion. Everyone said my love would expand not divide, which I knew of course, but it’s crazy just how true those words are and how instantaneous it happens. I am obsessed with/love all my boys equally (including Ben!)
I never went into too much detail about Lincoln’s birth but it was beyond horrific (not the hospital, doctors, or nurses – many of whom we were reunited with again when we had Cameron!) Anyway, this time around I had a planned C-section and could not have felt better leaving the hospital – mind, body and spirit. Just wanted to mention this to anyone whose first child came into the world in a way you’d rather not remember and are planning on, or want more children. It can be so much better the second time around!
We are relying on the generous help of our family right now and are asking for lots of prayers and as we navigate this chaotic world of loving on our two beautiful children. It does get easier though, right? ? Have a great rest of your week!
Megan 10.25.2016
I have a two year old Cam and am expecting boy #2 in Feb, great to hear from someone going through it all now! Also had a less than ideal birth experience the first time around and am having a scheduled c-section with the second. Expecting chaos at home but please share any and all experiences, so nice to hear from people in similar situations!
Lauri 10.25.2016
Both of your boys are beautiful and all of my best wishes to your new family of 4!!!
Michelle 10.25.2016
Oh – I just want to hug you right now! I remember around the week mark after having my second son – I thought I had gotten myself in WAY over my head. I cried like a baby when my husband went back to work and begged him to stay. Allow me to tell you now – I think this is the worst week of having two kids so far. I have three now and even in that stage with the third it didn’t compare to two. It’s a whirlwind and a juggling act but it will get easier just around the corner. It will still be chaotic at times, but you’ll settle into a routine in the next few weeks and be much more comfortable! Hang in there momma, you’re doing a fantastic job! Just give yourself grace!
Janel 10.25.2016
Congratulations! Cameron is a gorgeous baby! Enjoy it all…. :):):):)
Theresa Keenan 10.25.2016
Hello! Congratulations! Your little guys are beautiful! So happy for your family. Soak in every smell, coo, smile and sleeping moment.
Sending you lots of hugs from our family to yours!
Jennifer @ WrittenByJennifer 10.25.2016
Congratulations! It definitely gets easier. Looking back, I don’t know if I was such a spaz after my first was born that in comparison my second was easier or if it was just the baby’s personality but the transition smoothed out very quickly. The overwhelming feeling lasted much shorter…I hope it’s the same for you. You’re so much more confident as a parent. If Linc wants to help let him be a big helper. That made my daughter feel involved and she took pride is fetching pacis, diapers, and other things. And if he doesn’t don’t worry either. You’ve got this! Congratulations again!
Bethany 10.25.2016
Congratulations! I was wondering how you were doing (I made your Crockpot Bourbon Chicken Sandwiches last night– it was the perfect thing to throw in the crockpot while we were having engagement pictures done!). Your family is beautiful and Cameron is just the cutest! I have one younger sister (we’re four years apart) and we’ve been very close from day one. Lincoln will be the best big brother! My best friend has a little boy who’s four and a half and a little girl who’s almost a year and a half. He loves his baby sister and takes excellent care of her. I love reading your posts, not only for the recipes, but for the peek into your family life as well. You don’t have anything to worry about when it comes to sibling bonding (but yeah, I totally get it– I’m my own worst enemy when it comes to Googling stuff too. It’s always a BAD idea). Let the house be a disaster! Enjoy this time!!!!
Lea J. 10.25.2016
Congratulations! You touched on so many things I’m feeling as we wait for our second to arrive in January. I look forward to reading your Life after Baby series, but until then, enjoy all of your handsome men and best wishes as you navigate life with 2.
Kari 10.25.2016
Congrats!!! He is adorable. I think it was harder for us when we brought the second home than the third because the oldest two played together when we had our third.
Good luck to you in these crazy weeks!! It is such a precious time, but not without many tears :)
Sara Burnette 10.25.2016
Congratulations! I have 2 boys who are now almost 10 and 12. I felt sorry for my 2 year old when his brother was born, and I mourned a little bit for my time alone with my oldest. But then I got to see him loving on his brother and I could see what a gift a brother is! Now they are typical brothers who are either fighting, or best friends, but I’m so lucky to have them, and they are lucky to have each other!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine 10.25.2016
Ooo the sweetness <3 Congratulations again! xo
Erin 10.25.2016
Congrats!!! As a fellow mom of 2 boys it does get better! I definitely agree on the going from 1 to 2 is completley chaotic but you will not be eating PB for lunch forever! ;)
Just remember you can’t do it all and it’s ok to have a messy house. Before you know it those sweet boys will chasing each other around the house!
Donna Meade 10.25.2016
I’ve been a IGA follower for many years and wanted to wish you and your sweet family congratulations! He is beautiful!
Donna Meade 10.25.2016
Whoops! I meant IGE…not IGA.
JVedder 10.25.2016
Congratulations!! My little one is 20 months and the thought of his birth still gives me anxiety; horrific. Your post gave me a little hope that the second time around and scheduled will be better!! Boys are the best!! Xoxo
Courtney 10.25.2016
Those two are going to give each other so much more than you could ever give them by yourself. Especially as they grow older. Don’t believe the nonsense about resenting each other. I have three siblings that I wouldn’t know what I would do without. They are amazing. Now I’m raising three under 6 and it’s harder to be mom but on days they are friends and I’m just an outsider looking in. I see it. Them loving each other and learning and teaching each other lessons I couldn’t teach them by myself. It’s amazing. I had that same I can’t love the second one worry. Ha. We were crazy. Our hearts grow like the grinch :) they fill me up with more love than I could have dreamed. You’ve got this. Two days is nothing. Forget the dishwasher. Or ask grandma to load it. Just kiss and hug and sniff those babies! Both are still babies!
Kate 10.25.2016
Congrats! When I had my second I remember being afraid to leave the house with the two of them…how could 1 mom corral 2 kids ?. Now we have three kids and I leave the house with them by myself every day!
Ginny 10.25.2016
Wishing you the best!! He is gorgeous and I LOVE the pumpkin hat picture. So sweet :)
Julie 10.25.2016
Oh he’s beautiful and I love the name. Congratulations!
Beth 10.25.2016
It gets easier. For me, having 1 kid was like having 10 and having 2 kids is liking having 1, especially once the oldest gets old enough to help out. Having multiple kids saved my sanity.
JennP 10.25.2016
I agree! I have 3, and I found the adjustment much easier with each one.
Emily 10.25.2016
Congratulations on the arrival of Cameron! The photos are adorable :)