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!
Stacy @ Nourishing Health 10.27.2016
Congrats on your new little one! He’s absolutely adorable!! I was encouraged for your brief mention of recovery from your first delivery being a challenge. I’m currently recovering from the birth of my first little one and its been really horrible. Though I’m not sure the nature of yours it can feel like you’re the only one in the world who goes through something so unexpected in physical recovery, so I appreciate your brief mention and hope you recover well from this one!!!
KS 10.27.2016
Congratulations on your new addition! I just had my second little boy six weeks ago (the first had just turned two). It is wild, but also the best!! The beginning is challenging but it does get easier and it just warms my heart to see my older child embrace the younger (which has been less love at first sight and more of a process for us). Enjoy the snuggles – they grow SO FAST!!
Dawn c 10.27.2016
So happy for you! I have read you and watched you grow for years now! You and Ben are an amazing couple!
My kid is almost launched to college! Do you know anything about BVU in Storm Lake or can any of the readers tell me About it?
Soon Lincoln will be in college! That fast!
Beth 10.27.2016
Congratulations! I have been reading your blog for years. I have also just had my first child who is now 2 months old. I just had to tell you that the Rock N Play is DEFINITELY worth it! It is my son’s favorite – and sometimes only – place he will sleep. Best of luck!
Mia 10.27.2016
Congratulations! I had a much easier time after having my second compared to my first- in every way. Delivery was easier, I was used to getting up at night, used to following their schedule and not my own and just had a better idea of what I was doing with a baby. Now I’m 6 weeks from meeting number 3 and hope that it all comes back to me again! Enjoy your kiddos, you got this!
Barrett 10.26.2016
He is just TOO precious! Congrats!!!
Mary Hansen 10.26.2016
Congrats!
Christie 10.26.2016
First of all congratulations!!! Cameron is beeyoootiful and you have an adorable family. Our boys are two years apart (now 12 & 10!) and they couldn’t be closer friends. They are each other’s ying and yang. Sure it’s crazy at times but it’s all good! Don’t stress about them getting along – it will happen! And maybe they will get along sooo well that you will have a third like we did and then stuff REALLY goes nuts ?
Estelle 10.26.2016
CONGRATULATIONS!!! Cameron is ….just …beautiful! Lincoln looks like the already proud big brother! His smile is just plain infectious! Enjoy the snuggles and the awesome family time ahead!!
Allison Frederick 10.26.2016
I’m due with my second on 12/30, and I am SCARED! I know having two littles is going to be so hard and this post is NOT helping me feel better. :) LOL
erin m. 10.26.2016
Congratulations!!! He’s beautiful!!!
Melony 10.26.2016
Oh my goodness, he is absolutely beautiful! And Lincoln looks so happy to be a big brother. Awesome photos, thanks for sharing, and take care of yourself :)
Steph 10.26.2016
It does get easier! This coming from someone who is 9 months into life with a toddler and baby. I definitely have days when I think “What was I stressed about?!” In regards to having just one child….two is just a whole new ball of wax. Congrats!
And, the Rock and Play? Worth it.
LeeAnne 10.26.2016
Congratulations!! Cameron is just precious! Yes, it DOES get easier. You’ll get it. In the mean time, just relax and enjoy those sweet boys!
Paula Rsius 10.26.2016
This is your NEW NORMAL! No job, or blog is any more important than what God has allowed you to be right now—being a Mom to two adorable children. This time will pass very quickly in the scheme of things in your life. Enjoy your time with your wee ones and don’t feel guilt about not getting everything done. Reach out for help if you need it.
Trish 10.26.2016
Congrats, he is perfect! YES, it does get easier — my boys are 1 and 3, and while my older one had a rough time of it at first, he now LOVES his little bro and having a playmate. Granted, he still acts out on occasion, but I now see my anxieties about ruining his life forever were for naught. :) Hang in there, mama of 2, you will get in a new routine and pretty soon you won’t even remember what it was like only having one.
JC 10.26.2016
Congrats and enjoy the ride! 2 is difficult and wait until they are in sports! You think life is hectic now….whew. It’s the hardest job on earth filled with ups and downs but once they are here you wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Stella @ Stellicious Life 10.26.2016
Congratulations Kristin on such an adorable and healthy baby boy! And Lincoln is all smiles and giggles, how big he looks compared to Cameron!
Take care and get some rest! *hugs to you and your family*
Elizabeth 10.26.2016
Congratulations!!!
caslyn 10.26.2016
Congrats!! He is beautiful!! I have an 18 month old right now and thinking about having another child to take care of is stressful. BUT…I get to watch you do it first so I can’t wiat to hear about your tips.
I felt the same way about my husband returning to work after our first baby. I asked him to take off ONE MORE DAY at the end because I was in a panic. :)