The Transition from 1 to 2 Kids

When I found out I was pregnant with Jackson, Chyler was 9 months old. I was scared to death knowing the gap between them would only be 17 months!

When I had Chyler, I felt like my life flipped upside down. Those first few months were so hard as I dealt with regaining my strength, a pregnancy rash called PUPP, trying to figure out how to get Chyler to nurse, dealing with little sleep, trying to lose all the baby weight, realizing I couldn't accomplish half the things I used to do in a day, figuring out how to get baby poop out of multiple outfits a day, spending hours trying to get her to go to sleep, and so much more. When I thought back on that time when Chyler was newborn, I was terrified to have another one with Chyler still being so young. How would I be able to do it?

Throughout the pregnancy, I continued to worry, but at the same time started the embrace the idea. I knew our little one was coming and there was nothing changing that. When I moved into my new ward in August and started meeting other sisters, I was surprised how many other women had kids less than 18 months apart too. They always commented that yes, it was hard, but the second baby was so much easier than the first. I was very hesitant to believe that. I mean, how could it? Not only would I have a newborn to take care of, but I'd also have a small toddler. It just didn't make any sense.

Low and behold, I am here to say they were right! Yes, it is hard, but not to the extent that going from 0 to 1 kid was. My days are spent very typical to how they were before Jackson arrived. Changing an extra diaper here and there doesn't make that much of a difference on my time. I also know what I'm doing this time around. I didn't have to relearn how to change a diaper, how to dress a newborn, how to nurse, or the million other little things.

I am actually less nervous for child #3 now. I realize that I'm in Mommy mode and while adding another little one will be more work, it won't be to the extent that going from 0 to 1 kids did.

I love these two little ones and am so glad
the Lord sent them to me when He did.

*Disclaimer: The first month is hard, really hard. Jackson woke up every 2 hours at night, only allowing me 1- 1 1/2 hours of sleep at a time. Getting little sleep at night and still having to be awake all day with Chyler was pretty tough. In other words, this post takes effect after Jackson turned 1 month old :)