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!
Debbie A. 10.25.2016
CONGRATULATIONS to you and your beautiful family. Even though life is hectic and chaotic please enjoy it. Like you said they grow way too fast. I remember the feeling when my husband left for work and I was alone with two very young boys, yikes. But we made it through. And for the record, going from 2 to 3 is a breeze!
Camilla 10.25.2016
I’m so happy for the four of you!!!!! It’s such a blessing… try not to panic (easier said than done, I know), everything will find its place in the end, both emotionally and practically. Enjoy these very special moments and remember that you deserve every ounce of this happiness and even more. Lots of congrats and hugs to you all, camilla from rome, italy
Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday 10.25.2016
So much love to you all! Congratulations!
Jenny 10.25.2016
Congratulations! it’s so hard adjusting to two of them and I remember being so overwhelmed with an 19 month old and a brand new baby, you feel like it will never get less hectic. Now baby is 9 months old and life is still hectic but we are in a good routine and just enjoying my little miracles every day. good luck and hang in there! Every day gets better!
Lesley 10.25.2016
Long time reader and just wanted to say congratulations. Cameron is adorable!
Danielle 10.25.2016
Congratulations! I just had baby #2 4 months ago (today!) and the first few weeks are INSANITY! Especially when your husband walks in the house with a raging case of poison ivy on his face and arms and chest the day after you come home (Gosh I hope that doesn’t happen to you!), but it all settles and everyone eventually adjusts. But those baby snuggles and hugs are the greatest. Even more so when you see your older baby (mine’s 2 years old) snuggle the newbie, especially when its on their own and no one’s watching. Talk about your heart melting! Best wishes with it all and enjoy it! God Bless!
Betsy 10.25.2016
congratulations on the birth of such an adorable little bundle of joy, I absolutely love his name! Hope you find some time to rest these next few days…
Kimberli 10.25.2016
Congratulations, he’s adorable!! It definitely gets better once you get into a new routine, but I still have my chaotic days & they’re 6 & 8! Don’t stress over your house, enjoy those sweet boys & worry about the house later!!
Kimberli 10.25.2016
Oh & as far as the resentment, I don’t agree!! My oldest loves his little brother & always has, even in the beginning!! They are the best of friends, even though they have the normal brother fights & couldn’t imagine not having the other! Just continue to focus on one on one time with big brother when you can!!
Sharon 10.25.2016
Congratulations on your beautiful baby boy! I have 5 kids, ages 8 to 17, and, at least as far as I know, none of them resent me for adding another one to the brood. :) You and Ben seem like great parents and in a few weeks you’ll wonder what you were even worried about. Enjoy those baby smells, that was always my favorite part of having a newborn.
Cari 10.25.2016
You nailed it in describing bringing home baby No. 2. Especially the part about realizing how big your toddler is! :) Hang in there; you all will adjust to this new reality and it will get easier. And don’t worry about Lincoln resenting the attention. He seems excited to have a little brother, which is a good thing. They’ll be buds. My little guy loved doing tummy time with his baby sister–it was the cutest and an easy way for them to “play” so early on. Congratulations!
elizabeth 10.25.2016
Congratulations! Cameron is gorgeous. I think it’s probably really difficult for you because you have Lincoln at home with you. Many of us work outside of the home, which means that our older kid(s) are in daycare while we’re dealing with the newborn. So it is definitely harder for you, and you have my utmost respect! I don’t know how work-at-home moms do it!!
Lisa 10.25.2016
We have two that are 15.5 months apart, now 4 and about to turn 3. Life is very busy! I don’t know how we made it through the days of having two babies, but somehow we did. And they are so much fun (and still a lot of work) now. And I truly feel that I can see a light at the end of the tunnel, meaning give us another year and we will be able to carefree at a restaurant, or have the most amazing vacations in a couple of years.
I am an only child, so I am not so sure how this whole sibling thing works. They are always going to be best friends, right?!
Amanda 10.25.2016
CONGRATULATIONS! I’m awaiting my third (scheduled c-section 12/8) and can attest to the 1=0 and 2=10 phenomenon. I’ve heard that 3 is only like 12, though, so hopefully it won’t be too bad :) Seriously, though, it passes quickly, especially if your older child is a “helper” – and I’ve found that most kids are. I can also say, categorically, the rock n play is worth every single penny. Also, if it makes you feel better, I ate cereal for just about every meal for weeks after my second arrived. Also, my oldest (she was a week away from her second birthday when her sister arrived) loves and adores her sister, even 2 years later – don’t let Dr. Google scare you :) Anyway, congrats again and enjoy every chaotic second!
Cait 10.25.2016
Congratulations to you and your family on baby Cameron! Our baby girl turns 1 on Friday, and its hitting me hard that she’s no longer a “baby”.
I also anted to speak up about the Rock n Play – we would not have survived without ours! Our daughter slept in hers for the first couple months, and it was great to have on hand for letting me get some things done. I could drag it into the bathroom with me so I could shower, she was happy to hang out in it while I ate or cleaned up the kitchen. All of my mom friends feel the same way! Good luck!
Jvedder2006 10.25.2016
I second the rock and play!!! Amazing! It was the only thing we used!!
Amy 10.25.2016
Hi Kristin! I PROMISE you it does get easier. I won’t say easy just easier. :) I have a 3.5 year old and an 7 month old and the first 6-8 weeks after baby #2 were some of the hardest of my life. The best thing I could have done, and sounds like you’re already doing, is rely on the help of your friends and family. Congratulations and your boys are beautiful!
Lacey Jones 10.25.2016
Congratulations Kristin, Ben, and Lincoln! He is so adorable. :)
Kristy 10.25.2016
Congrats!!! It does get easier!!! Before you know it having 2 kids will just be your new normal. Also, don’t stress about L resenting you!! I personally believe that a sibling is the best gift you can give a child. Plus, once the get a bit older and play together and entertain each other it’s a pretty great gift for mom and dad too :)
Jenny 10.25.2016
Forgot another tip:
Take ten minutes every night to set out everyone’s clothes for the next day and pack the diaper bag, snacks etc. I put everything downstairs so I don’t have to go upstairs again. Saves so much time and stress in the morning!
Jenny 10.25.2016
Hi Kristin! I am a long time reader but don’t know f I’ve ever commented before. Just wanted to let ou know that it definitely does get easier! I’m only six weeks in with my two girls (the older is almost 2 1/2 years) but the first few days home were rough. Now my older girl loves her sister and just wants to spend time with her baby sis and help with her. A couple things I’ve found helpful:
Have Lincoln help you with diaper changes, bathtime, and other appropriate baby tasks so he can feel helpful, useful and enjoy being the big brother.
*have your husband do as much as possible in the evenings so you don’t feel totally drained with cluster nursing getting the little one down. I still nurse my toddler so I do the last bit of her bedtime routine but bath pjs and reading is my husband’s job.
*when you feel ready get out with our husband and both kiddos then if you c an before he goes back to work do it on your own so you wont feel so nervous about the actual end date.
*remember that meltdowns happen and sometimes you try to have a fun time out and t doesn’t go as planned by that’s okay!!
Best wishes you’re doing a great job!!
Kelly Townsend 10.25.2016
Congratulations! Cameron is adorable and Lincoln will love being a big brother I’m sure! I’m with you on the 2nd birth. My first ended in an emergency C-section and was just NOT an experience I wanted to relive! My second was planned and could not have been more different! Mentally, emotionally and physically! Praying for your family as you navigate through the early days as a family of 4! :)