Motherhood x2.

On August 30, I gave birth to a beautiful seven pound, two ounce little girl - making me a mother for the second time.  She weighed exactly the same amount as her big sister, had short little chubby legs, and a receding line of dark, straight hair.  With a slightly stronger favor to Mr. M's side of the family, she was still a perfect blend of the two of us.  She's got her momma's long piano-playing fingers and her daddy's temper when she's hungry.  Like her big sister, she's beautiful. 

Miss Em.

Having an almost three year old in the house, I've gotten used to a world full of sippy cups, dress up, and toddler rebellion.  Now, out of what seems like nowhere, my world has been saturated with bottles, early morning feedings, and teeny tiny poopy diapers -- on top of the sippy cups, dress up, and toddler rebellion.  I've forgotten what it's like to have a newborn around.  It's amazing how tired one eight-pound human can make you.  Although, Miss Em is a good eater and a pretty good sleeper, the kid still wears me out.  Between her and Miss G, I can't seem to synchronize a napping schedule, an awake time schedule, a feeding schedule, or any other kind of schedule for that matter -- hence the reason this is the first time I've posted in nearly two months.

I sit here now, in the dark, with just the glow of the TV, my laptop, and my thoughts.  It's quiet, other than the hum of the fan and the occasional mumble of the nearly muted television.  Miss Em is sleeping peacefully in her bassinet, while I can see Miss G on the baby monitor snuggled and snoozing away in her big girl bed.

Having another little human in our midst has been an adjustment.  Trying to balance house hold chores with one child was difficult enough ... but now, it takes double the effort.  I'm lucky to get basic things like dishes, trash, laundry, and dinner taken care of on most days.  I've also learned that things like brushing your teeth, washing your face, and applying deodorant quickly become luxuries rather than a part of daily personal hygiene.  But, you deal with it ... even if your deodorant doesn't go on until 2:00pm and your face doesn't get washed at all that day.

My little ladies.

I was also quickly made aware of the fact that there is no such thing as being in a rush when you have two children.  You can try to rush all you want, but chances are it will do you little to no good.  Between making sure everyone is fed, fussing over what the two-year-old will wear, packing a diaper bag, and dressing ourselves, it takes me and Mr. M a full two hours to get completely ready to go anywhere.  Thankfully, we've been no where that had a set appointment time very often other than church, and miraculously, we've made it there on time every Sunday.

Becoming a mommy this time was different than the first time around for sure.  The new mommy fears aren't there like they are with your first child.  You recognize what cry means what much sooner.  Breast feeding is easier.  You can change a diaper in your sleep if need be.  And you learn to take multitasking to an entirely different level ... I'm talking a baby in your arms, a toddler at your feet, the phone being held by your shoulder, and dinner being cooked -- all of this done with poise and grace, of course.  Ha! 

It's been a crazy eight weeks, but we're all settling in to our new life together quite nicely.  Sometimes I still can't believe I have one child, let alone two.  It feels surreal on some days.  Other days it just feels tiring.  But without a doubt, every day with my little ladies is a day I wouldn't trade for the world.