There are a lot of things I'm learning with being a mom of 2 boys 1 and under and also recently getting a puppy. And just being a mom period!
First of all I knew that being a stay at home mom is work. I just didn't realize it would be so much more work than when I actually went to work. Before I had babies, most of the day got spent at work and then I felt like I had a big load of things to do when I got home. Cook dinner, clean up dinner, throw in laundry(or go to the laundromat, so glad I don't have to do that anymore), and whatever other things we had going on in the evening. Then you try to get to bed so you can do it all over again. Life then was much more predictable. When at work I would work hard and be busy. But usually had some time to sit and chat. I had a lunch break that was uninterrupted, and at least at my last job I did a lot of sitting with it being mostly a desk job. Now I feel like I'm running from when I get up till I go to bed. Also before babies, I knew that if I went to bed at this time I would have till this time to sleep. Now its very unpredictable how much sleep I will actually get at night. Most of the time its pretty good. But you just never know, when Judah will wake up with an ear infection, Asher will have gas. Or any other reason that might pop up.
During the day we change quite a few pairs of clothes, between Judah's messy eating and Asher's blowouts and drool. Preparing meals and cleaning up meals. Finding random messes, now that Judah is everywhere and so is the dog. (Asher's not mobile yet, thank goodness! :) Give him a few months.) Laundry! Oh so much Laundry! I have never had such big piles to fold! Gone are the days when I would just do a couple loads a week. Also so many diapers to change and to wash! Not looking forward to when Asher starts eating solids. :) And meals interrupted, sometimes I do miss just being able to sit down and eat a meal. Without trying to nurse baby while eating or figure out what Judah is yelling about that is not right, or not on his plate.
Leaving the house oh boy. That is a big chore. You really can't just grab your purse and keys anymore. First I need to make sure the diaper bag is stocked for the right outing. Then its suiting up the boys. Shoes, coat, hat for Judah. Snow suit, blanket for Asher. And oh please don't have a poopy diaper we need to change during this ritual. Then I have to get myself ready. And everyone into car seats and belted in the car. This takes 20 min if everything goes smoothly. And we just pray we don't have major set backs. Like Judah deciding Asher needs to wake up from his nap in the car seat and then Asher decides that he is terribly hungry. Thankfully I have Daniel with me to a lot of the places that we go to. But if I'm by myself, lugging the heavy baby seat out of the car getting Judah and holding his hand while we walk to wherever we are going with baby seat on other arm is a big task. That's if Judah is behaving with where we are going. Sometimes I lug Judah on one arm, baby seat on the other. I hope I'm getting buff from this!
I'm learning so much though, like the importance of my role as a mom in teaching them about Jesus, God, faith. Having patience like I have never known. Trying to be consistent. I know I hear this from every parent but now I'm really learning what it is to be consistent.
It is so wonderful though, having children. I am so blessed that God has enabled us with the privlege for me to stay home with them. Its the hardest but most fulfilling job I have ever had. I love the smiles and the laughter and watching them learn, and grow. I love folding tiny baby clothes. I love when Judah looks and me with a huge smile having cookie smeared all over his face. I love reading to them and having Judah point at every animal he see's in his books. I love hearing Asher's laugh and when he looks up and smiles. I love watching Asher wiggle all around on the ground. He is so busy. I love watching Judah dance and hearing him trying to sing his one note song. I love bath time even though it can go forever!! There are so many other things that I love I really can't think of them all! And I know that someday I will look back and miss these days so much. I really am enjoying them, when I'm not feeling totally crazy. And even though I feel crazy right now with just two. I don't think we are quite done yet.
Thanks for posting these thoughts, too, Karen. Being a mom can be so hard and yet it is full of blessings. Being a grandma is special, too. I get to see how you are as a mom (and remember what you were like as a child). You and Daniel are great parents by the way. Your boys are very blessed to have you as parents.
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