Kids Complicates Things

I remember once flying behind a couple with a kid. The mom and dad were arguing about the fact that the dad caved into the whinnying toddler and gave him a candy bar. The mom was furious because she had said no. I felt bad for her. So much pain and annoyance in her voice. I also felt sorry for the dad. He just wanted the kid to sit down and shut up. But overall I felt bad for their marriage. They were arguing over a candy bar with so much passion you'd think someone died.

Fast forward six years I get it. Children are blessings but they do complicate a marriage. The candy bar mom could be me any time of the week.

More than a being a united front with the kids, you gotta know when to let things go and trust that whatever decisions your partner makes they are with the best intentions. If that doesn't help; I tell myself, he won't kill them.

What About Me?

Someone once said to me that you slack off with each additional child. The person further explained that parents worship and protect the first child like he is a delicate creature. That they take photos and videos of every moment--both important and mundane. But that by the time baby number two, three, and then some come around you stop being as careful, stop taking photos of everything, and stop fretting and worrying. I thought this was ludicrous when Leon was small. "older" (not their age but I'm referencing their kids age) moms annoyed me. I hated when they told me to ignore this or that. I hated (and still do) when they would say "he is ok" to a recently fallen child.

Side note people, the quickest way to get on my bad side is to say (after Leon falls or injuries himself) is "he's ok." i think its important to check out a kid, obviously their are times when a fall is more scary than harmful but i would appreciate the time to help my kid up and kiss him in the cheek.

Back to the blog at hand.....

The truth is some of that (slacking with the second child) is true. Our camara is in the repair shop. If it weren't for her monthly photos (like below, Elsie is seven months old) she might not have any pictures. I'm always running around; getting things done. I don't always have time to find the iPad when Elsie is doing something cute. I also rely more on gut than Dr. Sears or baby books. I found myself giving puffs to Elsie to eat the other day. She loved them then I read the package (for babies who crawl etc). Still I'm giving her puffs. She enjoys them. I watch her and I doubt she would choke on them. I think Leon was at least none months old before he had puffs.


So this all makes me ask, "what about me?" I'm a second child. Does that mean my parents didn't watch me as carefully? If (that's a HUGE if) we have more kids will I let them drive the car at 12 and and play with knives while running downhill?


Only time will tell!

It's decided!

The ongoing drama has been whether I stay a full time working mom or quit my job and become a SAHM. Well for now I have a compromise: I'm taking a one year leave (unpaid) starting in July. I am really looking forward to being with them and watching them grow and learn. Now that the decision has been made there's a little fear. Not so much related to me missing work but can I handle it? Sometimes when I'm alone with both kids (especially when it's time for bed or nap) I think this is impossible and find myself using the TV as a babysitter (for Leon at least). But I should be ok. I won't have a nanny or maid but I will have a schedule :). That should help, hopefully.

Leon and Elsie

I know we are not out of the water. As sibling rivalry probably progress with age. I can expect to hear "MOM s/he ____ me!" many times in the years to come. Still I'm lovin the relationship between Elsie and Leon now. Leon makes Elsie laugh all the time. And as long as she keeps her teeth and hands off his toys, he seems to really enjoy her presence as well. It's super cute and if I wasn't trying to be a "live in the moment" kind of person, I would look forward to the years to come with much anticipation.