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Matt and I were walking through a supply store the other day when we saw a sign that read “available for rent.” We both took notice and looked at each other. We laughed knowing we were thinking the same thing, “This is exactly how back-to-back pregnancy feels like.” I feel like my body, my emotional stability, my wallet and my mind have been hijacked once again by a new tenant—one I love so much!
We had our first baby in July of 2016. Around the first of the new year, we were announcing our second bundle—this time it was a boy! What has somewhat fascinated me since first bringing my daughter home from the hospital is my ability to adapt to my new environment. I may have thought I was drowning or barely surviving, but in reality, I was becoming a new person. As time went on, I adjusted to the new life of parenting and honestly impressed myself. I often tell people that having a baby can’t be described because it is so personal. But I do feel I can somewhat speak to the masses when I say you will adjust! You are stronger than you think you are with more reserves than you think you have.
This is good news for me. It’s not that we didn’t think one baby was enough. We really didn’t have that much time to think about it before getting the big news. But almost as quickly as I got used to the idea of life with one baby, I was having to give myself the “you will adjust” pep-talk once again. It was a very important conversation to come back to as often as needed. A parent’s capacity to carry responsibilities, stress, change of plans and just more in general is honestly remarkable. It’s the ultimate test to roll with the punches of raising children and adding to your clan. It’s not for the faint of heart, and even if you are faint in the heart … you will adjust!
I love this philosophy because it is inclusive of all people. Anyone can adapt to a new situation. It’s the how that changes depending on the individual. You can do your fair share of prep work beforehand, but ultimately, birth and parenting are too unique to generalize. I appreciate the pruning process of adjusting to something difficult and arriving at a place of personal normalcy. Of course, parenting is probably a series of adaptations, but bringing your new babe into the world is no easy feat.
I remember vowing to have a few more things figured out before having baby No. 2. That didn’t exactly happen. I can’t tell you what we did or didn’t do with the time in-between then and now, but I know we adjusted and became better from it. I know we grew in our patience and our ability to handle challenges. We opened ourselves up to a new idea of day-to-day living and grew to love the pace of life of having a baby. It’s sometimes intimidating to think about doing all of this again (especially when it’s double the energy, the finances, the resources, etc.), but I am living proof of my message today.
If you’re unsure about your position as a soon-to-be parent, just know you will adjust. I can’t say it enough (and have probably used that word too many times already). I’m not one to tell other people what to do, but I really believe in the ability to not only get through something, but learn to do it well. Some people plan and then adjust, and some people go with the flow (me) and then, you guessed it, adjust. It’s just part of the process, and I am so thankful it’s available to us all! Know one day you will look back on the rougher times of bringing up bebe and realize you changed for the greater good. Whether it’s one and done or lot of babies, you can and you will thrive again.
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