Dec
9
Sometimes I think being the parent of a toddler and an infant is not unlike dealing with a mixture of glycerol and nitric acid, which is to say: DEADLY. Someone is always crying, someone is always pooping, and the combined force of their whining has the power to detonate an adult’s temporal lobe at fifty paces.
Other times I see it from a different angle, and instead of all the wrong notes being struck at once I get this sense of a phenomenally rich chord humming away, pitches and durations that pour into every last corner and crack. The little boy often squirms away from my hugs but the baby accepts them with openmouthed wriggling joy. The baby can’t talk to me but the little boy carries out lengthy conversations and surprises me every day with what he knows. The little boy gets mysterious and has Moods, the baby is a wide-open storm of emotions, no subterfuge yet on his horizon. The baby must be eased carefully into sleep, the little boy wants the light left on so he can page through books while curled in his bed. The little boy leans against my leg and tells me he loves me, the baby claps and squeals and burrows his face into the crook of my neck.
If it sometimes feels as though one and one does not equal two, and that I am flailing under the weight of responsibilities and inconveniences and various pains in my ass, it is also — and more often — true that the joy and amazement brought into our lives by having one child has more than doubled. There are so many good things, so much of the time, and it is multifarious, an impossibly, deliciously-balanced landscape.
That brought a tear to my eye. Sadly I would love to give my son a sibling, my husband doesn’t want any more children.
Aw – the Brothers Plaid.
Very sweet.
I would very much like to steal this and put it on my site as my own. Because it’s like that here, too.
That picture brought a tear to my eye as well.
We took my 2-year old to a brunch with Santa last weekend. Every kid was given paper to write a letter to Santa (which I of course helped with). When I asked him what he wanted Santa to bring him, he replied “a baby”. I said “what kind of baby?” and his response: “a baby brother”
Precious, priceless, and so touchingly sweet…from someone who has more than tested my patience lately with his Terrible Two’s.
I’ve been trying to teach Hot Pocket how to clap because having since seen Dylan do it on your video, I’m insanely jealous of the cuteness.
Thanks for that. We are about to pursue medical help for baby No. 2, and things like this help remind me that it will all be worth it in the end.
Yes. Exactly. What you said.
SO awesome (must remember this since the 3 yr keeps telling everyone that he wants Mommy to put his four month old baby sister back in her belly… sigh.)
My big boy is 33 months old and my little boy is three weeks old. I can already completely understand. Thank you for putting it into words so nicely.
Great post. And hey, I didn’t get an update in my inbox that you posted. Am I still subscribed huh huh huh? Don’t wanna miss out!!!
Perfect. Exactly.
Ohhh. Look at their little blond swirls of hair.
So cute.
You have such precious precious boys!
Aaaaand you’re not writing a book becaaaause?
Found you on Casey’s site (halfasgoodasyou). Beautiful post!
I’m with g~… it’s like that here too. You said, very poetically, what I’ve thought many a time.
You do have the way with the words, you know.
I also love the way my boys interact together in ways that have nothing whatsoever to do with me, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. This time many years ago, I was taking our Christmas picture of the older holding his two week-old brother! (Now they are 22 and 17!)
Wow. I am SO glad you wrote this post. Being newly knocked up with #2, I’m scared about the coming changes to our lives. My boy is almost 4, he is so independent, and I’m reluctant about getting back into the needy world of an infant. I’m worried about how they will relate to each other being 4 years apart.
Thank you for reminding me that all the hell of pregnancy will be worth it and that having 2 will be even more fun/insane/wonderful.
Exactly.
LOVE the picture.
Also, a random head’s up, some of your readers here or on your other sites might be interested in the fact that 30 Day Shred is on sale at Amazon for $7.49! I have had it sitting on my wish list, but now I am finally going to buy it.
This is beautiful and makes me want to have a second baby o-so-badly!
Hey Eric’s Mommy, do what my wife did – bribe me. I got a new scanner, 21″ monitor and color printer to have another child. I figured I was going to lose anyway so I might as well get some new hardware out of it. ;-)
haha Pete, good idea, maybe I’ll try that :)
It’s so nice to read this during a week when I’ve been feeling like the combo is much more of the DEADLY variety; so nice to remember that so much of what’s not deadly is wonderful beyond measure. It’s like that here, too.
I’m a new reader, and also the mom of a 2.5-year-old and a 5-month-old…so thank you so much for this post. You really captured how I feel, both the good and the bad.
I love your blog, and your boys are precious.
Wow. I needed that! With a 29 month old and 15 month old I sometimes forget to sit back and enjoy the GOOD moments. As usually, you expressed your feelings much more eloquently than I could have! Thanks for reminding me how awesome it is to have to little boys! :)
So true. The best of both ages( and the worst ERR) Thanks, This helps me think hopeful thoughts looking forward to March and Boy number 2.
I am in the final weeks of pregnancy with son #2, and I am glad I read this post today. Thank you.
very beautiful post. I am one step closer to being ready for number 2 thanks to you. My husband will be happy to hear it!
my ovaries are aching from [1] the CUTENESS of that picture [2] the BEAUTIFUL sentiments and [3] your AMAZING way with words.
im a 27 year old single gal living the city life, working on a masters degree (and thinking about a phd, i must be nuts) without a marriage or kids anywhere in my near future. for a while i thought i didnt want any of that, but reading your words makes me think that just maybe im starting to change my mind, and for all the right reasons.
you are blessed beyond words to have such a beautiful and loving family and im glad you choose to share some of these thoughts and moments with us!
They have beautiful hair – I mean that. Such a vibrant color.
And I’m totally there… some days, my 5-going-on-14 daughter and the troublesome 3yo twins drive me to the brink of insanity, and then all of a sudden they cry out “Get Mommy” and pile on for a huge hug with smothering kisses. Ups and downs, I love them all.
So very beautifully put. My two guys – one 4 the other 20 mos are now at that stage where they play together and actually enjoy it – well, not all of the time, but most of the time. Last night I came around the corner and stopped in my tracks because there they were sitting side by side playing with dinosaurs -each making thier own dinosaur noises. I love moments like that!
ok …..lump in my throat beautiful, girl you have a knack ……enjoy those boys….as a mom of 2 teens you always bring me back to those simple wonderful days….
One of my favorite things about being a mom is watching how my kids have grown into such good friends. They are even going to be roommates at college next year!
Okay, you’ve got me thinking that another baby might be do-able.
But please keep the syllables under 3 until I’ve had my chocolate. Multifarious?!
Beautiful post! My first time reading, but I’ll definitely be back. :)
I know I’m just echoing other comments but that is exactly how I feel about my kids. My daughter is almost 3 and my son is 7 mos. It’s a crazy and yet extraordinary time. Thank you for putting into words so beautifully!
That photo is priceless.
Well said. Had you not captured the mood with your words, I would have just thought they were unraveling the carpet. Great blog…I read it every once and a while to get a sanity check.
Your post and picture brought tears to my eyes. You have a gift with words and the camera.
Aw, that photo just tugs at my heart. And my uterus, a little.
Beautiful post!
Most. Excellent. Photo.
Ahh, I love reading this. I, too, live in the seattle area and had my (first) baby in February. I do have a stepdaughter, but have cautiously been approaching the idea of having another child. But the thought of starting again – UGH!! I won’t have the luxury of spending the last 2 months of pregnancy watching back episodes of LOST in my bed again! It’s worth it though… right? ;)
Oh man, did I need to read that tonight. I have kids about the same age as yours and tonight was a screamfest with the baby and my husband decided it was time to finally let him cry it out. And it made me cry too. And now I feel a little better because I read your post and I was reminded how great it is to have two kids. As long as I can forget about lame sleep habits!
I’m just coming to terms with one, my admiration for managing with two and retaining the gratitude.
They’re fantastic, though, little boys. Mine just gives me a joy I never thought possible.
Great looking site, came your way from Pardon The Egg Salad.
So So beautiful! I especially enjoy that you can write the part of Mommydom that many don’t speak of – the royal “pain in the ass” that is our children – and still make it completely clear how wonderful it is!
Thank you!
I LOVE how you just “get” it….and then can express it so well!!!
That picture is beautiful.
And I really want to smooch on Dylan’s neck. In an entirely non-stalker-ish way. I love baby necks and that looks like an especially sweet specimen. :)
That picture is so sweet!
Oh yes.