Tuesday, March 14, 2006

Going from one to two...

I have to tell you. Going from one child to two isn't the easiest in the world. Even when you have your husband home from work, and your mom picking up a lot of the slack and taking over for you when you are tired. It is just draining. Yesterday I woke up and just felt tired. Didn't want to get up. Just wanted to sleep all day....but I needed to get up. I've got Ryleigh in a Mommy and Me class on Mondays that we started yesterday. Austin is sick, and has been sick since right before we left for China.

I was feeling sorry for myself and honestly, was missing work and just wanted to go in for my little 4 hours so that I could hang with the "Big People" and laugh and joke around. Don't get me wrong. I love being home with the kids and my family, BUT, I also miss my friends at work and the mental stimulation that comes along with working hard. Did I tell you guys I only work 4 hours a day when I'm working??? I'm very lucky...just enough adult time, mostly family time in my life. Oh, and this is nothing new to me. When we had Austin I was very sad about not being at work for about, ummmm, 2 days, then I got over it.

Ryleigh is doing great, and I am so THANKFUL for that. She bonded very quickly to us, and is really happy. She really only cries when being put down for her nap or at bedtime and that lasts about a minute. Last night she pooped her diaper right after falling asleep and Mark and I had to change a sleeping baby. Pretty funny, actually. I don't remember Austin EVER doing that! She is very busy, and loves playing with her toys, but also likes a snuggle, too!

Austin, besides being sick, is doing great too. He checks on Ryleigh when she's wandering off in the house and is being pretty good about her being near him. He is certainly not being over affectionate with her, but talks about her nicely to other people. We are laying low in the "sibling" department and not pushing anything. He's starting a new pre-kindergarten class on Monday that he is very excited about because they have a turtle and some frogs. We are very excited, too, because it actually has a curiculum and structure.

Did I mention it's been raining since we got back from China and I'm sick of it? I think that's part of the problem. I feel so CABIN FEVERISH!! I want the rain to stop. Hopefully it will stop soon, because I ordered this fancy shmancy new stroller: the Bob Revolution , and can't wait to take Ryleigh for a spin in it. It should arrive Friday.



Well, I'm off to take Ryleigh to her first pediatrician appointment. Yahooey. I have my list of questions, and hopefully she won't get too many shots.

12 comments:

Michelle said...

Wow. That's one fancy stroller! Sorry you're feeling a little down. Last time I visited up there it rained non-stop too, and I about went crazy, not knowing what to do to entertain the kids(my nieca and nephew). Being raised in Southern CA, I'm not accustomed to that much rain. Hang in there!

Anonymous said...

JulieStacey you know I love the rain. Ant of course today it's raining harder than it has all week. Sorry. It was great talking to you today and Katy and I are going to try and put something together so you can have some time with us crazy co-workers. Maybe a light dinner and a movie and Taylor wants to go also. So hang in there and we'll see you soon.

Julie

Jen R. said...

Oh, going to two children takes some time..hope you hang in there!

I was wondering how Austin was doing? I think after a few months, he will be doing really well. Ian seemed to warm up a lot to our Isabel after two to three months. It's hard being the only child, and have someone come into your "territory". But, that's how families are built, you know? You'll make it through!

I have that same Bob Revolution and love it. It's a great stroller, and collapses wonderfully, as well.

Gracencameronsmomy said...

Stacey,
Not to scare anyone waiting, but going form 1 to 2 almost killed me!! It was so much harder than I imagined...I swear it took at least 6 months to feel like things were somewhat normal with everyone...I think it is easier to bring a baby home when you have one, because they just sleep and nurse, and they aren't into everything, which also causes less stress for the older sibling. I still feel like the house is constantly in chaos, but I am getting used to it...(I must be to be considering a thrid!!) It will get better! See you Saturday,
Lisa

Everyone Has a Story... said...

Bringing any new addition to the family is draining!

It just isn't the same.

Change is good, we all know that, but when you are living in the moment, it is hard to see!

It will get better, (I say that and I didn't sleep through the night for at least 10 years)

But to tell you the truth, all of that lack of sleep, tiredness from running around with the new sibling or the older one(s) is a very distant memory!

At this moment, I would take those days back in a second! The stresses of my life were so minimal at that point!(of course I THOUGHT they were so life changing)
It is so hard to explain, and I can truly relate, but it does get better!
Of course, I will be glad to come pick up that little girl ANYTIME!!!Let me know when it is my turn to babysit! I can't wait! (Just make sure she is dressed in pink)
Kim

Rhonda said...

Going from 1 to 2 was really tough. It is just plain hard. Hang in there. A little time will help and a little sunshine probably would too! I am thinking of you.

Shelley said...

Yep ...Going 1 to 2 is definitely a challenge and exhausting. Especially for one who likes order in her home (count me in).

And oh the jealousy! Not to mention the neverending list of needs and appointments. With two, it all just compounds. Hate to say it, but it doesn't seem to end.

The good news is that it can get better. My theory is that "better" = just going with the flow. Let things happen. If your house doesn't get picked up right away, the world won't end. If one of them wants to have a meltdown, that's okay too.

You're super smart for keeping your time with big people. Keeps you sane. :)

And in the end ...it's all totally worth it! Which of course you know. :)

Shelley

Anonymous said...

Stacey,

I feel for you...

Have you checked out the jump house place in Monterey? We went to a birthday party there and it was a BLAST.

Kandi

Stephanie said...

I am so glad that things are going well.

I too will be going from one child to two kids once we bring out daughter home. I am a little scared of the added responsibilities and stress that adding another child to our family will bring. I do have high hopes that my daughter (who will be approx 4 1/2 to 5 years old when the adoption takes place) will make a great big sister.

Anonymous said...

Oh My GOD, was going from one to two hard. I let all housecleaning and cooking go for two weeks until I could juggle the girls without having a heart attack. It has gotten easier, though.

My older daughter (3 1/2 years old) spent 6 weeks informing me that it would be a good idea if we all went back to China to find Isabel's Chinese Mommy. Although she still has her moments she is coming around - we didn't push either allowing her to work through it at her own pace.

Good Luck!

sybil

Kim said...

I one of these people who loves the rain, but it is easy to feel down when you can't get outside, especially with kiddies (I live in Oregon, so I KNOW the feeling!). Life with two will get somewhat easier, mostly it is just different and you will adjust. Hang in there!

Alyson and Ford said...

I can feel the spirit of a BOB Stroller making its way towards our house... I'm lovin' the BOB.

Now - do we get the Navy or the Green???????