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!
Congratulations Kristin! Cameron is beautiful and Lincoln looks like he is enjoying being a big brother. The rock and play is TOTALLY worth it in my opinion. I had one for my youngest and it was a huge help when I needed to put him in a safe spot when my oldest needed me. It can be moved around the house easier than a playpen/bassinet. Enjoy this special time with your boys! I wish you plenty of rest and a speedy recovery from your c-section!
Baby Cameron is absolutely beautiful! Congratulations!!! As the mother of 3 boys and the grandmother of 2 boys, I can tell you it does get better and there is nothing more fun than a house full of boy. Enjoy those little ones, as you are learning it goes by in the blink of an eye!
Congratulations….don’t worry about the age range! My sister and I are exactly 4.5 years apart and we have never had an issue about resentment or otherwise, we were close as children and even closer as adults….
Congratulations! He is just precious! What a lovely family!
He is beautiful and I love the name!
Congratulations from Ohio……:)
Congratulations to the happy family!!
Yay, congrats!! :)
It does get easier and then you blink and they are teenagers! My boys are 17 and 14 and I was blessed with a 3rd little girl who is 11. What I would not give for another chance to hold and smell their sweet newborn selves and get those yummy “I love you’s” and kisses from their 3 and 4 year old selves. Enjoy every minute because while it seems to pass so slowly it really goes fast. The house can be cleaned when they are older and the laundry put away. You will be amazed at how much love you can hold in your heart and how different your boys will turn out to be! Best wishes! Oh, and take lots of videos. My kids love to watch themselves when they were young and it will bring back lots of fun memories to you and your husband that you have completely forgotten!
Adorable! Congratulations..Eventually, you will love Big Brother playtime, and it will help you a great deal as they keep each other preoccupied! Enjoy these moments! ?
Congratulations on your beautiful son! I thought for sure his name would be Phelps after the Olympics!! May you all spend many wonderful hours and years together.
Congrats! Check this off your worry list…Memory begins after age 3 – and usually is spotty until 4. Lincoln will not have any memories in time that do not include his brother, so don’t focus on his adjustment too much, for him this will be all he knows shortly. I had 4 singlets under 4 and chaos reigned, but they only know life all together, and that is what a family is. Enjoy!
You got this, mama!! My two are 18 months and 3 years old and once the little one started sleeping through the night, life got SO. Much. Better. It’s crazy and exhausting of course. My best advice is never turn down someone who wants to help :)
Congratulations! I wanted to quickly pass on a little advice when I had my second that worked out SO WELL. Whenever, I was about to do ANYTHING with my oldest, I would say “No, baby, you’ll have to wait. I’m doing something with oldest now.” It didn’t matter if the baby was fast asleep, or perfectly content on the playmat (though sometimes she would be screaming/crying). My oldest would always smile and it would reinforce that sometimes she got top billing over the baby. Hope that helps! And good luck!
Congratulations on your beautiful new addition! He’s gorgeous!
Congrats to your family!!! What a sweetheart :)
Hi IGE! Congratulations. I do not comment much on your blog but I have been following for YEARS! Anyway, I wanted to share with you something that still gives me a lump in my throat and I tell this to any new moms of two…these first couple weeks will be hard. You might feel a little sad or blue, you will feel stretched in every direction, as though you are about to pop and split right down the middle. When you begin to feel this way, take both Lincoln and Hamilton up in your arms and just enjoy the moment. Take in deep breaths and smell their hair, kiss on their lips, squeeze them, just love on them because like all the other hard times, this will also pass. Don’t feel like you need to do everything or anything at all. Much love to you and your family of four. I have three and would not trade our experiences for anything.
NOT Hamilton! LOL Cameron! My friend just had a baby and named him Hamilton. :)
CONGRATS to your wonderful family. He is beautiful. Prayers are coming your way
You are doing great and everything will be “normal” before you know it – a new normal, but the kind of normal where you do have a (relatively) clean home, you are able to watch your TV shows again, and you do get to sleep more than 2 hours at a time. Congrats!!
Congratulations to you guys! What a beautiful family!
Wishing you all the most happiness! And things becoming smoother sooner rather than later. :)
Congratulations….easier …no…you just figure it out. Rest as much as you can.
I almost never comment, but after getting/reading/enjoying your posts for a couple years now I just wanted to share a congrats on baby #2! We just added #2 this past March (after 6 years) so I can totally relate to what you’re going through now -the duplicated kids are much more than duplicated work, but totally worth it! Best of luck as you settle into a new normal!!
Congratulations!!! Remember: This too shall pass. You’ll find a new normal routine soon, I promise! Enjoy this precious time. He’s darling!
He’s gorgeous! Congratulations!
Congratulations! Yes, the rock n play is worth it… So worth it. You can tote baby #2 to whatever room you want to be in with monster #1 (said with much love of course ;) ) Hang in there! I have a 3 year old boy within a week or so of Lincoln I think and 6 month old twin boys. I also had a repeat c-section (though my first was scheduled and totally uneventful) and I had a rough time settling in for the first week or so home. All this to say… It quickly became not just ok, but wonderful. Joyful, exciting, loving, snuggly, and awesome. Yes, sometimes loud and chaotic and messy, but we’re a happy hot mess and I think God loves us for it. Hang in there! You’ll find your groove!
Congrats! Thanks for the encouragement. I’m expecting my second…a surprise 8 years after my first and 27 years after my boyfriend’s youngest. We are a bit nervous….but excited.
Congrats!!! He’s sooooooo adorable! I’m so happy for you and the family. Enjoy!!
Many congratulations – and thanks for the red beans & rice recipe. Just whipped some up for lunch. Delish! Hope you are getting a chance to eat more than just peanut butter!
What a beautiful baby and big brother! You must be overwhelmed with LOVE right now!! Congrats! Loved this update and very much looking forward to the Post Baby Series :) Can I just say… YES YES YES to a rock and play- totally worth it! Its so portable too, we wouldn’t have survived without it! Enjoy every single cuddly moment and All the delicious baby smells
Many blessings to you and your growing family. Both boys are very handsome. My daughter had our little Audrey 3 months ago and I have cooked many of your recipes for her and her husband as they navigated being a family. Enjoy your time with ALL your boys. With love….Gina
Congratulations!! I’m only 11 weeks out from bringing home my second boy too and can tell you it does get easier (or you just learn to adapt?). But the joy of watching the two love each other is beyond measure. Enjoy this special time! It may be hard, have lots of tears and little sleep, but it also is so amazing.
From a great grandma’s perspective: involve Lincoln in the care and feeding of Cameron as much as possible. Ask his opinion and listen to his answers. Discourage competition between the two of them as they grow older and encourage their differences while you praise them for their individuality. Family is invaluable – use them to catch up on your sleep and to have “date nights” with your husband. Lack of sleep and new babies are the same thing! It’s just the way it is until the new one adjusts to living outside the womb where he didn’t have to ask for anything :-) And anyone who wants to bring you casseroles and make dinner for you in the first few months – immediately make them your besties – it’s the most loving thing people can do for those with a new family. I wish you joy and happiness with all of your family and the strength to see you through all the future challenges. Congratulations All!
Hi Kristin. Congratulations on your new addition to the family! Babies are wonderful. It is so true that your love expands immediately. I remember being home just a few days, holding my 2nd child and saying, “I have to have another baby!” Besides kissing and cuddling your boys every chance you get, my one piece of advice that seemed to work for me; while you are holding or nursing/feeding Cameron, talk to him about Lincoln. My son was 2 ½ when his sister was born. He LOVED when I would talk to her about him. I would tell her the things he was playing with and what he was doing. My children are 18, 16 and 13. Of course they have their typical sibling moments, but they truly love and care about each other. And I still kiss them as much as possible. :) Enjoy this special time with your family.
Congratulations! Long time reader, first time commenter. Your post couldn’t have come at a better time. Right now I’m 30 weeks with our second and have the exact same thoughts about loving the new baby as much as the first one and how crazy life will be with 2 around. The comment before me give me some peace of mind and can’t wait to read more about your own experience :)
Congrats on baby Cameron! Reading this is putting me right back to a year ago. My second will be 1 next week and everything you say is true. The love is crazy. Don’t worry, Lincoln will love his baby brother so much and you will find your balance soon enough.
I also agree about the planned delivery. Recovery is so much easier when you just “pop in” and have the baby ;) Congrats!
Cameron is adorable! Glad Lincoln is doing okay so far (Floam was the best when I was growing up). Excited to read your Life Post-Baby posts.
Congrats Kristin!! I have followed your blog for many years and I am so happy to follow your adventures;) Thanks for sharing your life and I am glad you have a healthy, happy baby boy to celebrate!
Congratulations on the sweet little guy! He is a cutie pie for sure.
You are all a beautiful family. Your post reminded me exactly my thoughts exactly when I was about to have my second child and that was forty some years ago. I guess we all wonder how a baby will affect our first child, will I have enough time to spend with my baby, will I feel the same with the second as I do with the first…. thank you for bringing those sweet memories back. You will do perfectly fine, just go with the flow. Enjoy your time with them, they grow up too fast and the babies are no more, they become little people, and then you turn around and they are big people, but your love for them never fades. Just have fun….congratulations.
So happy for you and your family! Cameron is absolutely beautiful and I love his name too. It will get easier with time. Hang in there, girly! <3
Congratulations! Your family is beautiful. And yes it will get easier. Your story is so very similar to my own. My oldest boy was born in March of 2013 and I had a terrible experience ending in an emergency c section. My second boy was born in May 2016 as a planned csection and it was so much better! Just like you adjusted to life with a baby the first time, you will adjust to life with two. One of them will always need you and you will be exhausted but you also have twice the smiles and twice the love. And wait until they start interacting with each other, your heart will burst. Just enjoy these moments, it goes even faster the second time! Congrats again to you and your family.
Congratulations! He’s beautiful! I’m so happy for your growing family. :)
Congratulations. Cameron is adorable and Lincoln will be a wonderful big brother. And the newborn baby smells are the best, I wish they could be bottled for future use.
Congratulations on your new addition! What a cutie! I remember when I had a 5 year old, 3 year old and we brought home our newborn twin boys. YIKES. Now they are 10, 8 and 5 and I have no idea how we survived, but we did and so will you!! :)
Congratulations on your growing family! All the best to you all, and welcome, baby Cameron!
Congratulations! Wishing your beautiful family the very best! Cameron is perfect!
OMG! YAY! I was so excited to see your post! Congrats to you, Ben and big brother Lincoln! You will get into a pattern and it will come together! Just try to rest and keep the faith <3
Congratulations Kristin!! He is beautiful :)
Cam is so adorable! Congrats on your new edition!!
Congratulations! Cameron is absolutely precious!! Reading this post made me feel ALL the feels – my babies are 11.5 and almost 10, and I cannot believe how fast time has flown. I’m not sure it ever gets easier, but you definitely will get used to the new normal. Good luck!!
Beautiful family! Congratulations!