My mom took Harper home today for the rest of the week. (You might want to pray for her and my dad!) Yes - I realize I am SUPER fortunate to have parents willing to do this for me. I'm VERY thankful. So I'm home all alone with just Hollis this week.
It's so funny because when Harper was a baby - I thought it was the hardest thing I had ever done. I was so stressed about everything and thought I couldn't clean or even take a shower most days. Which now I think is hilarious because she mostly slept and if nothing else - I could lay her in one spot and take a shower. Now that I have a two year old - I realize just how easy newborns are and I'm so glad I'm getting a second chance because I'm loving every second this time around. I realize now how quickly this phase goes by and I know that before I turn around - she will be the wild toddler running through my house and climbing on everything.
I also realize all of you with older kids are laughing at me (and maybe even rolling your eyes) and saying "Just wait............TWO is EASY!" and I'm sure at some point - I will think it was. But for now - two is HARD for me.
But I've also thought a lot about the wonderful things that come with both ages along with the hard things. Newborns ARE stressful. They cry and sometimes it's hard to get them calmed down. You can't communicate with them and you don't know their personality yet. They need a lot of attention and having to constantly be tied to a feeding schedule makes it difficult to do much else. And don't get me started on the lack of sleep. I have HUGE bags under my eyes right now to show for it. BUT it's so sweet to hold a newborn and just look at them. It's so wonderful to be able to put them down and know they won't be tearing the house apart. They smell so sweet and make the cutest noises. It's so sweet to look at them and wonder what they will be like and what their little life holds. They are miracles and I don't want this stage to end ever.
And toddlers are physically exhausting. At least mine is. It's so hard to learn the best discipline methods. The days can be long keeping them entertained and from making messes constantly. BUT hearing "I love you Mommy" daily and having her hug me and kiss me is the BEST thing in the world. Watching her little mind learn new things every day and seeing her personality start to come out is SO fun. And you don't realize how simple a lot of things with toddlers are like not having to carry a big diaper bag anymore, not being tied to a feeding schedule, being able to go places for hours at a time, going out in public in general.
I'm just so thankful for both my girls and trying to enjoy their ages. Before I turn around they will be fighting over make-up or picking prom dresses and going on dates and I will be WISHING for this time back.
Our friend Bethany brought us dinner tonight. Our Sunday School class blesses one another with meals for new babies or illnesses and it's a HUGE blessing! I'm so thankful to not have to cook right now and I love to return the favor to everyone else. Bethany looked so pretty in pink - she matched Hollis!
I forgot to mention last week that I guess you all noticed I have a new blog look! I wanted a spring look and with BOTH my girls on the header. Danielle did my blog makeover and I love it. I bet a lot of you would like to get a makeover!!! Now through the rest of the week - you can get $5 off a pre-made template and $15 off a custom design!!! And Danielle is AWESOME to work with! Go visit her site! When ordering - let her know you came from here!
