Three months ago, I had a postpartum baby bump, a one month old, and a 21 month old.
Three months ago, I complained to anyone who would listen about being tired, about not being able to leave the house, about not being able to watch anything but Nick Jr., about the skinny jeans that couldn’t really fit and that evil, evil scale in my kitchen.
And I worried. I worried that my daughter’s decision to scribble, in black, permanent marker, on my face in our family picture was a sign that she was forever scarred by the fact that I stabbed her in the back by bringing home her sister.
To these things, everyone told me to wait. “Wait until four months. Things will make sense then.”
And I believed them, kind of. I knew from the first time around, that beginnings are always tough but that things get easier…eventually. But in the moment, or in some moments, it just seemed so hard.
But now, now we are at the “glorious” four-month mark.
And it’s all that I imagined it would be…
…kind of.
Life is good now, but it’s not what I imagined through the ultra rosy lenses that I often put on when projecting into the future.
I imagined that by now I’d have a baby sleeping through the night and a toddler potty trained, and that I’d have the whole “how-to-find-me-time-amidst-two-kids” thing figured out. But, none of these things have really happened.
In four months, and barring big sister’s “playful” “love” pats and loud growls, these sisters have become the best of friends.
In four months, someone has been pooping on the potty with some consistency.
In four months, outings are a lot easier.
In four months, sleep is still hit or miss…for both Annah and Nya.
In four months, someone is rolling over, cooing, and, dare I say, teething?
In four months, someone is talking more, saying words that I’ve taught her and a few others… (ahem)
In four months, life is good and very, very full. Along with being a mom and writing and being a wife and all that comes with that, I started going to the gym last week. I go before my girls wake up, so at around 5:30 AM. I know! It’s insane, but at the moment, it feels right? And at the moment I feel so happy? And my happiness is important? Okay, enough with the question marks. Balancing it all is tough, but I’m doing it…and usually I’m not as tired as I may look. Really. I promise those bags beneath my eyes are mostly genetic…mostly.
So, four months? It’s been sweet. We’re still adjusting, still figuring things out, but we’ve got a lot covered, too!
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Parents who’ve been here before, how was the four-month postpartum mark for you?
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It’s so good to know that things DO get easier!
Yes, they do! In the beginning (months 1 and 2), you won’t be able to accept this truth. But by month three, you’ll totally “get it.”
Yes it’s good to know that things get easier and omg they just get cuter.
Thanks, Breanne! Nya is now more aware of when I take pictures of her, so she’ll often run away when I take the camera out. I had to distract her to get these shots.
Oooo, what a beauty.
I want to kiss her cheeks. X
Oh, thank you. There’s two of them there. My older daughter, Nya, is the one in the makeup and other, uh, accessories, and my Annah is the one who’s the baby. They look alike, don’t they? Some people say they don’t, but I think they do, especially as they get older.
You have such beautiful children!!
I’m glad to know it gets easier. As I think about adding a second one to our little family.
Thank you! And you’ll do fine! I can’t wait to someday hear your big announcement!
Honestly my four month mark is nothing but a blurred memory. LOL. But I’m glad things have settled down a bit for you
lol. I am, too. We still have our challenges, but things are mostly making sense now. Thankfully.
First of all, your babes? Scrumptious. I just want to pinch their cheeks…yes I am “that” person.
And you are so right. Every stage brings a new challenge yet each time, we seem to slip more comfortably in those “mommy shoes”….we want things to be easier and they will….and there will always be those blasted bad days. It comes with the territory.
Your babes are both so close in age and at pinnical parts of their growth and development. I can’t even imagine how you make time for yourself so I am so proud that you take time for you and are even going to the gym! Go you!!!
They are! I am “that” person, too! Yes, making time for myself is really, really hard. I can’t say I have it “figured out” yet. Some weeks are easier than others, so it’s always a “work in progress.”
Love your honesty. You take me back to a time that I can hardly remember except when I read your posts, the memories trickle in and linger awhile. But 4 months? I was told at 6 months the fog would lift and it was true…with my first! After that, that number doubled. It wasn’t until the 1 year mark with my 2nd born that I felt things get easier. And now that my 4th will turn 3 in a few months…I’m starting to see the light. Work in progress is right…especially the WORK part, lol.
Lol. That’s good to know! It does feel easier than the beginning, but we’re still figuring things out, so you’re very right about the “WORK” part!
Your babies are so beautiful. I think I say it a lot, but I think it every time I see their pictures. Precious. Good for you for getting up at the crack of dawn and finding some “me” time. It’s so crucial to our happiness! If only it wasn’t so hard. And I’ve been meaning to ask — how is the mindful eating journey going?
Thank you, Lucy! It is crucial to our happiness. I was so exhausted this weekend from all my early mornings and late nights, however, so I need a new plan. *sigh.
Mindful eating is going great! Going to the gym was helping with that. I started writing a post on where I am in that journey, so you remind me that I need to get back on that!
Your girls have the most beautiful eyes I have ever seen! Big and bright and beautiful.
I just had my 1st (a boy) 3 weeks ago and am going through the “new mom adjustment” and am already thinking/fretting ahead to how it will be with 2 if we give this little guy a sinking *lol*
Thank you!
It will get easier! Really! I remember wondering how I’d ever make it with two when I was in the throes of being a new mom to 1, but, with time, things worked out. As a mom of two, my life feels easier than when I had just one. I have less me time now, but because my daughters have each other and because I know a bit more about what I’m doing this time, it feels much more manageable! Trust me! You’ll get to this point soon!
Things get more livable and easier but there will always be juggling
thats what I learned
So true! So, so, true!
4 months? wow. He was rolling over, holding his head up, cooing and smiling at me. I was SOOOO happy and I’ve been that happy since then. You made me go back to my mommy blog I had through my pregnancy and look that stuff up. My munchkin was so adorable!
Happy 4 months to you all! Sounds like you’re really hitting your stride. I can relate — I started feeling similarly at the 4 month mark. And I know what you mean about life feeling full. It’s challenging to feel full sometimes, but it’s also beautiful! And props to you for hitting the gym. I really need to get an exercise routine going for myself.
Your Girls are gorgeous! And I’m with ya. Things have gotten easier for sure, but they’re still hard. Irony.
I’m super impressed with your dedication to exercise. I love sleep too much!
glorious? oh, i’ve thought with both my boys that 4-6 months is the hardest. i think it’s all the grow spurts, brain leaps, milestones, sleep regression, etc etc etc. for me it was so much easier when judah was a newborn! BUT, i do ADORE his personality emerging, the smiles and giggles and interaction, the fact that he’s not so fragile… and hello, the cuteness factor that is doubling, tripling, quadrupling!! i guess it makes up for how hard i feel like this stage is.
speaking of cuteness factor – look at your girls! seriously. would love for my boys to meet and play with your girls someday!!
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