Baby Pizza is nearing five months and Lil’ Pizza is 2 (almost 34 months), and I have to say having two little ones is not so easy. There are some good moments sprinkled here and there of course, but here is a list of what has changed now that I have transitioned from one to two little ones!
1. There will be times when both kids need you and you won’t be able to meet both their needs right away.
Usually when I am getting Lil’ Pizza ready for bed, Baby Pizza is getting fussy because she is starting to get tired too and wants some extra attention. I’m often going back and forth trying to meet both their needs. I’ve learned that sometimes you just have to let one of your kids cry while you are present for the other. Lately, I’ve noticed that Lil’ Pizza wants me all to herself for a moment and a simple hug will settle her down so that I can then meet Baby Pizza’s needs.
2. Sleep will not consume you as much.
When it was just Lil’ Pizza, I was always concerned about her getting good rest. My schedule revolved around her nap and night time schedule and I often held her in the early months to help her sleep longer during her naps. While I still want to try to set up good sleeping habits for Baby Pizza, it’s not out of the norm if I have to wake Baby Pizza up from her nap or prolong her nap to do an activity with Lil’ Pizza. Sometimes when we are out, Baby Pizza is taking a cat nap here and there, and I’m learning to be more okay with that.
3. But sleep is surely missed.
When it was just Lil’ Pizza, I tried to sleep when she slept. However, now when Baby Pizza is sleeping, that is when I am trying to give my undivided attention to Lil’ Pizza.
4. There will be more crying.
Between meltdowns from Lil’ Pizza and Baby Pizza crying from being too tired/uncomfortable/hungry/bored, there are times when there is a whole lot of crying…even at the same time.
5. It will take longer to get everyone ready and out the door.
Every time I am leaving to go out the door with both girls, I need to: 1) make sure I have everything I need in the diaper bag, 2) try to time it right, by considering Baby Pizza’s sleeping schedule, and 3) get Lil’ Pizza focused on leaving the house (basically, she runs the show in how quickly I can leave the house).
6. Time flies even faster the second time around.
Baby Pizza seems to be hitting milestones sooner or time is just flying by much faster this time around. I can’t believe I’ll be starting solids with her soon and that she will be crawling and sitting on her own soon too.
7. You will get even better at multitasking.
When I am trying to put Baby Pizza down for a nap, Lil’ Pizza usually wants my attention too. Sometimes Lil’ Pizza can do some activities on her own and wait for me, but there are other times when she just wants to be by my side as I try to put Baby Pizza down. Lil’ Pizza loves when I change the words to songs to make it all about her. So, as I rock Baby Pizza to sleep singing to the tune of Amazing Grace, I’ve replaced the words to make it about Lil’ Pizza. Multitasking at its finest, don’t you think?
8. Planning ahead is always helpful, but just go with the flow too.
I usually do better if I plan the day the night before and have the diaper bag already packed. However, I usually don’t like to tell Lil’ Pizza what we are doing until we are closer to leaving since I have no idea how the day may unfold.
9. You gain more parent superhero powers.
Entering parenthood with your first is such a life changing period of time. I remember going through difficult periods when I would wonder if I was cut out to be a mom, but somehow you get through it. Then, when you have two, you wonder why you were struggling so much with one because now that seems easy. With every additional kid, I guess you are able to handle just a little bit more.
10. Sibling interactions (when positive) are sweet.
I guess I should enjoy it before the two start fighting over their toys. But it is seriously the sweetest thing when Lil’ Pizza is talking to Baby Pizza and Baby Pizza just gazes up at her sister wide eyed with a huge grin…or when Lil’ Pizza holds her and sings to her…or when Lil’ Pizza gives her eskimo kisses….the list goes on and on. 
Seeing them together like this, makes the hard days worth it!
. . . . .
If you transitioned from having one to two kids, what are some things that have changed for you now that you have two?
wonderful kiwi / 23653 posts
This is a great post for me to mentally prep for having a second one later on!
guest
I have a 16 month old and 2 month old and this is the story of my life! Thank you for posting this!
pear / 1946 posts
Lord does time fly by faster with #2!
I read on here a while ago some advice about tending to the older child first and that has helped us. I also make it a point sometimes to “tell” the baby he has to wait while I tend to older sister so that she can hear it.
grapefruit / 4923 posts
don’t know how you do it (i have 2, but i WOH and my husband is home in the evenings taking care of our eldest while i put the baby to sleep)! you are a superhero.
i agree with @BeachMama: about tending to the eldest first when possible.
blogger / apricot / 431 posts
@snowjewelz: Glad you found it useful!
@BeachMama: I like your advice. I will try it out!
@edelweiss: dinner and night time routine are so hard on my own….but then I think about parents that have a partner who may travel a lot for work…or single parents….they are amazing!! Some nights Mr. Pizza is able to make it in time to help with bedtime… I always love those nights!
blogger / nectarine / 2010 posts
Now that the little one moves a lot the big one doesn’t want him around. Being a constant referee sucks. Everyone warned me about it going in though! I wasn’t prepared for how annoyed I’d get with my first. Although it could just be that four is rough.
blogger / apricot / 431 posts
@Mrs. Stroller: ah, I really have to enjoy these moments when one is not mobile because the time is coming soon when all this will change!