Tips for Becoming a Mom of Two {Or More!}

By
Kylie
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When becoming a mom for the first time, the advice was plentiful and came from all directions…

As I prepare to add a second little one this spring, I have found that advice for approaching parenthood with multiple kids is tougher to come by. With the weeks of pregnancy flying by, I am feeling anxious about how I will handle two under 16 months, saddened that my one-on-one time with my first is drawing to a close, and excited to meet our newest little one, all at the same time. 

On the positive side, our little family has figured out how to work together and learn from one another over the past year. We have learned to function {and quite well!} in the face of sleep deprivation. We have survived sleep training, around the clock feedings, runny noses, bumps, bruises, and the like. I’ve figured out how to go out in public with a couple diapers and some wipes in my purse versus bringing the duffel bag with a week’s worth of supplies in it. We’re still figuring out how to function in a stroller, but that’s a work in progress. I have learned to accept that there’s so much I don’t know and will never be an “expert” in, but that’s okay because there are all sorts of experts out there to consult with when the time is right! With the unknown and ever-changing nature of parenthood, it’s been helpful to go with my head and my heart when tough things come up and to do what works best for us. 

We have kept a little one alive and happy for a year and made a lot of beautiful memories in doing so. Our daughter is one of the strongest people I know, and seeing her come into her own has been really special. I feel much more confident now with her versus that first day home from the hospital.

…just in time for the next one to come and rock our world!

mom of twoI know that we will make it work and that there will be more than enough love and support to go around for our family, but the unknown of two feels scary. Thankfully, there are seasoned moms of multiples on the Mid-Michigan Moms team who were willing to share their words of wisdom to other families who are approaching the season of two {or more!}. Here are some recommendations from our contributors for having more than one child to love:

Take tons of pictures and videos. The time passes so quickly and you may not remember the milestones for both because you are sooo tired! ~Lyndsey C.
 
Lower your standards considerably. Your house will be messy. You will arrive late sometimes. You will have days where you cry as much as your babies. But cut yourself miles of slack because everyone on the outside only sees what a wonderful job you’re doing. ~Christine D. 
 
One thing at a time. Often when it gets crazy and the kids are both crying and needy, I do the easiest thing first – turn on a show to help one calm down. Next food, and so on. One thing at a time. ~Jenna W. 
 
Second tip – accept help. If someone offers to help, take it. They are not commenting on you not being able to “handle it” or  commenting on how “you are a bad mom.” They are offering help, just take it. ~Jenna W. 
 
You will have enough love for all 3! It’s very common to feel as though you won’t be able to love 3, or more, or wondering how you’ll be able to do it all. But, you will! ~Nichole M. 
 
Pick your battles. Sometimes you have to divide and conquer, or make decisions based on what is best for the situation at hand i.e. don’t make things harder on yourself than you have to! ~Stephanie M. 

Do you have helpful tips for becoming a mom of two or more? Share them below!

 

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Kylie
Kylie grew up in Capac, a little rural town in the thumb of Michigan. She now resides in Oakland Township with her husband, Michael, and daughters, Ella and Clara. Prior to becoming a mother, Kylie completed a Bachelor of Science in Brain, Behavior, and Cognitive Science/Pre-Health and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing Analytics, both at the University of Michigan. Her career is focused on improving the quality of healthcare in the most vulnerable populations of Michigan. The past few years have given the opportunity for the most challenging and rewarding role of her life: that of a mother. Kylie is passionate about spending time with her family and friends, endurance cycling and running, going to concerts at small venues, cooking fun and unique dishes with her husband, home improvement projects, playing classical piano, and the color orange. One of the most profound things she’s learned about becoming a mother is to love with all her heart, do the best she can, and try not to worry about the rest.

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