So I recently became a mother of two. It's kind of surreal.
Two kids is a lot fun and a lot of work. They are about 21 months apart so you can imagine the diapers. (Well, I am in the process of potty training but that is for later). It is amazing to see how much they love each other already. I didn't expect an infant to really pay attention as much as Kaitlyn does. Kaitlyn is so aware of her sister though. She watches her play constantly and I am pretty sure she wishes she could join. She stares at Kallie when she plays her little piano and watches us run around the house playing tag. She sometimes will cry if she feels too left out.
Kallie is also very fun to watch interact with Kaitlyn. She is always giving her kisses and toys. Most of the time she just sets them next to Kaitlyn on the floor. Kallie also gives her blankets because "Kaitlyn is cold". It's pretty adorable. But I think my favorite thing to witness is when Kaitlyn wakes up in the morning or from a nap. Once Kallie hears her making noises she runs into the room and says "hi" to her like 20 times in her high pitched voice that she learned from Kori and I. (Because you always talk to a baby in a higher voice, of course). Kaitlyn smiles and lights up every time. Needless to say, they love each a lot.
There are also some difficult things about have two kids. The hardest for me; splitting up my attention. I didn't realize how hard it would be to do this. I worry and wonder all the time if I am giving them both the love and attention they need. Kaitlyn especially because she does cry more than Kallie did. (But Kallie hardly ever cried). Kallie is two so I have to make sure she doesn't get into things. Plus disciplining and playing games with her. All the while, Kaitlyn just wants to join us. Sometimes she does join us, because Kallie likes to hold her on her lap.
Two kids is a lot of work. Especially when both are pretty dependent. Kallie is starting to get more independent but I still have to help her with a lot of things. With that being said, I never have needed "me" time more in my life. It gets tiring even exhausting sometimes especially if you don't get a good nights sleep, which is pretty common with infants. I have come to realize just how much it helps to be able to do something for yourself that you enjoy. Don't sell yourself short. Being a mom is a lot of work no matter what stage of life you or your kids are in so if you don't take time to do something you enjoy it might get overwhelming. We all need breaks. I have always enjoyed working out and running but it's still too cold to go running (Growing up in St. George spoils you) so I started going to a free Zumba class. Even though I feel very white (because lets face it, I am very white) it's still fun and helps me to feel like I am doing something for myself. Plus exercise releases endorphins which makes you happier, right? (I think).
Overall, being a mom of these two little girls is the best thing ever and such a blessing. They are smart, strong and beautiful and I get to be their mom!
An update about Kori; he graduates in July! Oh my goodness I literally cannot wait. It can't come soon enough. He is also currently student teaching seminary at Nampa High School. Oh and he is up for hire this Spring! If I think about it too much I get really nervous. But whether or not they decide to hire him full time, at least I know it is what is suppose to happen. Either way, it has been a huge blessing and a wonderful experience to be a part of the seminary and institute program.
P.S. My little sister finishes her mission a week from Wednesday!
