Some Things We Are Doing to Prepare for Two Under Two

It is insane that we are expecting two under two [and a half] in just a few weeks!I just thought I’d pop online and share a few things we’ve been doing to prep for our newest addition - especially since I have no clue when I’ll be picking up the “pen” again, so to say. 

Getting A Routine Under My Belt

As much as possible, I’m trying to get a routine established. Of course, there are times when things don’t work out perfectly, but having morning and evening routines, especially for our toddler, will help with the transition once the new addition comes.  

Buying Extra Baby Gear

After much research, we need to ensure we have some extra essentials before the new baby arrives. We were intentional about the gear we bought with #1; much of what we have can and will be used for many years. We had to decide what to double up on and what to go without purchasing. Here are just a few things we decided to purchase:

• A double stroller (we invested in this one and the accessories to make it a double and love it!)

• New car seat for Baby Z (Baby 2 will take over the infant car seat for now)

• A baby bouncer (since I anticipate needing to put the baby down to tend to Z)

• A second high chair (we love this one and will use it from day one with the newborn attachment)

• New bottle nipples and pacifiers

• A few extra cloth wipes for diaper changes

• Supplies for creating a milk stash (the Haakaa is my favorite ever)

Decluttering and Organizing

I spent time organizing clothes and toys. For clothes, I went through them, removed pieces we didn’t need, and noted items we may require according to our season and sizes. For toys, I divided them up into different bins to rotate through. This keeps things organized and keeps things interesting for Baby Z to switch them out every week. I also cleaned and organized the different sizes of cloth diapers and wipes so they are ready to use from the get-go!

Staying Active and Healthy

I’m also preparing physically for two under two. Exercising and staying active is important for preparing for giving birth and recovery. As tough as it is, I’m also trying to remember to drink enough water and eat healthy food (and take my prenatal vitamins!).

Stocking the Freezer and Pantry

I’m sure the first couple of months after having two will be pretty hectic. I am making sure to have healthy staples in the freezer that are easy to warm up or use in recipes - as well as the accompanying ingredients needed that will need to be in the pantry. Favorite snacks and meals for the toddler have also been made and stocked.

I’ve enlisted my mom to help with extra freezer meals while she’s here to help keep us going through the spring. Homemade meals are the best, and I’m looking forward to some of my childhood favorites making their rounds through our meal plan. Maybe I should have my mom guest post some of my favorite recipes sometime! She’s a fantastic vegan cook!

Preparing Our First Baby

Baby Z is still too young to understand that her world will change. Still, we’ve started having my husband do bedtimes and other things so that it won’t be completely foreign once he starts taking over while I’m busy with the newborn. It’s also a great help as the third trimester has me not as mobile with a growing belly!

We are also getting her familiar with those who will be watching her while we are in the hospital, and we will check out some books that have been recommended to us to read to her about having a sibling. Even though she won’t understand, I think adding them to the reading rotation will be a good idea. She’s also been practicing gentle hands with her dolls - adorable. 

Reading Blogs and Asking Friends

I like to envision what life will be like with two under one and a half. Unfortunately, I haven’t found many blogs with an age difference as close as ours, but I have found some helpful information. I’ve also asked some friends about their experiences with close age gaps. Growing up, I always wished I was closer in age to my siblings, so I’m happy about the challenge we are being presented with. It will be challenging, but I’m hoping it will pay off.

Staying Close to Jesus 

I’m clinging to the promise that He will supply me with all I need to make this transition smooth and doable. Only He can help my recovering-perfectionistic self in this new, upcoming season of life, as He has done in all my transitions. 

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Do you have any experience with two under two? Or transitioning from one to two in general?

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Five Things A Year of Motherhood Has Taught Me

I can’t believe that I have officially held the title of “Mother” for a year already. The past twelve months have flown by, and I can’t tell where the time has gone! Our little squishy-faced newborn has turned into a happy toddler with a big personality. Such a joy to watch her grow and learn and become a part of our family. Reflecting on this huge milestone, here are five things (there really are more!) I’ve learned in a year of parenthood.

Practice True Self-lessness and Serve with Joy

The reality of my life right now is that my needs do come second. They’re eventually met, but in a lot of cases, there are the needs of others that are more urgent. Not to say I never shower or eat, but it does happen, heh. 

Serving with joy, I suppose, goes along with self-lessness in some ways. It’s easy to grudgingly do things or take notice that I do carry a large burden of the day-to-day things that go on in the home. When I remember that it is a privilege to serve my family in the way I do, it brings me joy.

Take Time for Wonder

Watching my baby girl take in the world for the first time is inspiring. It was so fitting that my word of the year was “wonder” during this time. I’ve been able to slow down and appreciate how amazing things could be the first time it is experienced. From the first time having sand touch my toes, hearing the ocean, seeing all of the animals in the woods to tasting new flavors and experiencing new textures, all of these things can bring wonder. This wonder, of course, has pointed me to the Creator. His love is new and fresh every morning, and all of the wonderful blessings He bestows and continues to give are cause for wonder. 

Lean on the Everlasting Arms

I’m helpless without help from above. There have been countless times, okay, all of the time, where there is just no way I feel I can go on. Between sleepless nights and frustrating milestone days, motherhood can be completely exhausting. I find that on the days I spend time with my Creator in prayer and Bible study, things go smoother, or at least my heart is much more at peace. I need to intentionally lean on the arms of Jesus to get through with patience and love.

Enjoy the Current Season

People constantly comment, “Oh, just wait until [insert milestone here],” and I’m tired of it. While there are certain aspects of parenthood I do look forward to, I don’t want them to detract from the current season we are in. It happens all the time: we look back at a past season wistfully and wish we could have lived in it more fully. Well, I am choosing to live more fully in these moments. I won’t always get the cuddles and excited smiles. I’m sure I’ll miss having naptime one day too. Having one vs. two will also be something else. There is a time for everything. 

Taking Care of Myself is Important too

Getting enough sleep and getting healthy food is important, but so is taking care of my emotional needs. I have found that getting out of the house by myself at least an hour or two a week - not to run errands, but to just be alone - has been really necessary for staying sane. It could be as simple as taking a walk with an audiobook, or taking myself (or a friend, if one is available!) out on a Starbucks date. When I take the time to feel my best and recharge my introvert self, I can also give my best to my family.

I’m PREGNANT?!

I will just come right out and say it: we are going to be [human] parents! It’s kind of crazy to think about, and life has been mad crazy the last few months with preparations and figuring out this next season of life. Another reason I’ve been so silent around these here parts. And no, I didn’t mean for me to be 2 weeks away from the due date before sharing. Things have just been nuts.

A first picture from this Summer in Corsica at twenty-something weeks!

Experiencing pregnancy in the midst of a global pandemic has been interesting and strange added to the dynamic of not living near family. Nevertheless, we are grateful and anxious, and seriously just all the feels about what comes next. 

I’ll be sharing some more about how things are going/went. The baby gear has been rolling in, and final preparations are being made to welcome our new little bundle, and everything is still very much unbelievable, but we are happy nonetheless.