shall I say congratulations?

By Mrs.Notouching, Diaper Monologues

You know that mom at your playground with three kids that always looks like she just stepped out of a magazine cover? Me neither. The truth is that there just comes a time in your life when sleeping through the night, eating in peace and wearing high-heals just gets old. At least that's what happened to me. How hard can it be to take care of a seven-pound roommate?! Well... it was harder than expected, but at the same time more enjoyable than we had ever imagined. By the time Leila was 9 months I was back to taking daily showers, which to me was a clear sign from the universe that we were ready for another baby. 

"Oh, honey, you don't want TWO toddlers! Wait a few years, relax..." said my childless OB/GYN. 

"Stop this nonsense baby-talk! Wait until Leila is older so that she can help you a little." spoke my mother from experience of having her 10-year old practically raise a baby while everybody went back to work. And trust me, trying to look cool when you are 13-years old is hard enough without having a 3-year-old attached to your leg. So I took their advice with a grain of salt... and a pitcher of margarita.

It was a textbook conception -  I calculated my ovulation, emailed my husband which day he needed to be home early, kept my legs up for 20 minutes, 2 weeks later I peed on the stick and voilà- baby #2 is in the oven! Fireworks! Champagne! Parade! Oh wait... that was the reaction I got the first time. This time?

"You are pregnant AGAIN? ... Congratulations...?"

"You are so brave!"

"Wow! I couldn't do it."

"Congratulations.... but are you CRAZY?!"

Well OK, the "crazy" part came in only after I clarified that we conceived this baby entirely sober and completely aware we had a 9-month old sleeping in another room.  I never had an illusion that it will be easy-breezy-beautiful, but hearing all those reactions does make me question myself a little bit.

Is having two under two that crazy? Maybe I am living in a bubble of denial thinking that I can do it, that my marriage can survive this, and I can raise two perfectly healthy and happy kids. Maybe. But for now I just want to bask in my hormone-induced happiness and beautiful boobs that are finally slowly but surely filling in cup A - a few more weeks and it will make a perfect birthday gift for my husband.

Daiva, also known as "Mrs. Notouching" because if you pronounce her last name correctly, it sounds like "no touching" is a SAHM mom to one child born March 2009 with her second child due August 2010. She lives in California and blogs at the Diaper Monologues.   

Comments

[Krystyn]

It's hard...they are right, but after the first couple months when you start to get sleep, it's a lot better. And, to see them interacting is so special.

Of course, the boobs are an added bonus.

[jesspond]

Hahaha

Nah...two under two isn't that bad. It's pretty crazy, and I'll admit that mine are 2 and 2.5 and I still don't always shower (actually I showered every day when they were little....that was a MUCH MUCH easier time) but it's doable. And worth it, imo.

[Polly]

I was congradulated in the same way. With a look of pitty and a question mark after the congrates. I started wondering if I got myself into trouble that I might not be able to handle. But now that they are 3 and 1 1/2 yes old they are so cute and funny together. I wouldn't do it any other way. Plus I'm now prego again due in august as well and we are very excited.

[Jana]

And... "How far apart will they be?!" My girls are 18 months and 2 weeks! :-D

[Susan]

We were thrilled to find out about #2 when our first was 6 months old. However, when we started telling people I would come home and cry. I couldn't believe how rude some people could be over a situation that cannot be changed and brings a beautiful new life into this world!

My family was great though because 2 of my sister in laws have bunches and my brothers are Irish twins. My husband is part of a bunch as well, so we knew it was possible! Some days are harder than others but at the end of the day I am always so proud of my bunch. I have given my son and daughter a playmate and friend for life. There is no better gift in this world I could give my children.

[MaryBeth @ FourSillySisters]

With the birth of our triplets we ended up with 4 girls under age 2. (Big sis was 17 months when the other 3 arrived) You'll be sick to death of the "You've got your hands full" line that everyone and their brother wants to toss at you, but you will be fine! The first year was tough, but after that things got so much easier.

[Renee]

when our son was born we had three under 4. and i'm not going to lie, it was HARD. buuuut i had severe PPD. now it is much easier. they are 1, 3 and 4 and it's def. stressfull, but it's sooo worth it to see them all love each other and telling each other "you're my best friend". melts my heart.
and i also agree with mary beth ^^ that you will want to punch the next person who tells you "you've got your hands full". i used to tell people "well yes, i have two kids and two hands, so i guess technically they are full" lol.

[jenni]

For me, it's a mixed bag. Having an infant and a toddler at the same time is hard. The first year was tough. Really tough. I often wish I'd waited longer, because when I got pregnant when Oscar was nine months, I had no idea what it was like to parent a toddler (Note to self: Much more difficult than parenting an infant) and knowing that would have given me pause.

But, you'll hit your stride with two under two, though, and being and experienced parent the second time around helps. And the bond between the kids is so special - it truly is a wonderful gift.

Congratulations, and good luck.

[Lauren]

I'm in the same boat myself! I have a boy born June 2009, and I'm we're going to try to have another one......baby boy isn't 9 months yet! I want to do it soon, and my husband says "within this next year and when it happens it happens!) People are probably going to think I'm crazy, and reading these posts are making me think that its going to be hard and a lot of work.....but that its do-able!!!!

[mrs.notouching]

You are all amazing and I am so glad I stumbled upon BabyBunching.com! And when it gets really hard I will be coming over here to lose my cool, hope that's ok...

Love to you all!

mrs.notouching

[royann]

My bunch of boys are 15 months apart, my oldest is 17 months today and the little guy is 2 months. I noticed when I was pregnant and out alone, people would be nice and friendly smiling at me. When I went out with my son, they'd look at me like I was insane. I could not believe how many people asked me if I knew what I was getting into. No I don't I have not had two kids before, but plenty of other mom's have survived it so I can too.

[Charissa]

My son and daughter are 14 months apart, right now I have an 18 month old and 4 month old. I have to completely agree about not knowing how hard it is to raise a toddler, having one and a newborn at the same time takes a lot of patience, and ability to get through much crying, frequently at the same time! But when my son makes my daughter laugh and they crack each other up it is beautiful....

[Cheap Hermes Store]

I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.

[Christina M]

My oldest was born in September 2009, my next in December 2010 and our latest will join us in October 2012. We actively tried for all three, with a parenting plan in mind. We didn't really get too many rude comments over #2, but #3 has been a different story. I've been trying hard not to get offended, but it's a little tough when people act like my choice is stupid or crazy, or better yet, like I don't know where babies come from. This life may not be for everyone, but I love it and I love my family.