To new mothers, they all say “sleep when the baby sleeps.” But
what do you do when the baby is sleeping, and your 3-year-old baby is wide
awake and running around the house playing chase with the dog, seconds from
waking your baby baby? That, I’ve quickly learned, is life with two.
Baby Bro is one month old today and already making our noisy,
hectic house feel more complete. His little coos, adorable expressions and
sleepy snuggles have made me fall in love and it’s not just me. His older
brother is absolutely infatuated! Toddler B wants to help whenever and however
possible. He hands me clean diapers during changing, comforts him when he
starts to cry, and doesn’t want to leave his side. It has made naptime very
interesting, if nonexistent.
It hasn’t all been snuggles and cuddles. Toddler B is
transitioning from being an only child to sharing the spotlight. Combined with
the fact that he’s now officially a “threenager,” it means he’s taken
negotiating to a new level. Every time I tell him “no” I catch a glimpse of his
future as an attorney. Bringing home a newborn also means transitioning as
parents from one potty-trained child who can articulate his every need, to
diapering, crying and guessing- is he hungry? Sleepy? Gassy? Thankfully the
answers to those questions come more easily the second time around.
We’ve been a family of four for one month now and though it
takes a bit of adjustment, it feels as if we were always waiting for Baby Bro
to arrive and multiply the happiness in our home.
At one month, Baby Bro likes: sleeping, playing on his play
mat, listening to his brother sing songs, being outside, and snuggling.
He dislikes: garlic, we think.
