So we officially made it to seven weeks. Seven weeks of being a family of four. Seven weeks of being out in the world for little Oliver Finn. Seven weeks of being a big brother for Benjamin. Seven weeks post-partum healing. Seven weeks of breastfeeding. Seven weeks of increasingly longer evening sleeps (thank heavens). Seven weeks of all consuming parenting on many levels. And seven weeks of total joy, love and incredulity that we’re doing this!
When I was pregnant with Benjamin, I read all the books and I equipped myself with all the necessaries. Suffice to say that despite all the advice, support and endless mom forums perused at 2am, there is NOTHING that really prepares you for bringing a little life into the world. Seriously. Nothing.
It is hard, beautiful, tearful, life-changing, exhausting, miraculous. It changed our lives in such incredible ways. And suddenly 2 and a half years on, our little strawberry blonde splash that is Benjamin Louis, is suddenly a full scale toddler talking at a rate of knots and learning new things every second.
Oliver arrived into this family and has simply slotted into life with us all. He has had to! Life doesn’t slow down or stop with an energetic toddler in the house! And so, adjusting to life with two kids – while tiring and very hands on – has not been as stressful nor as much of an adjustment as the first time round. The baby stuff has rushed back (that’s been a relief that I haven’t forgotten anything!), and Oliver has just adjusted amazingly well.
The biggest change has surely been for Benjamin, but he has been really adaptable and loving being a big brother – it really is the sweetest thing to see! It was also a change for me as a mom – my son has been my one and only for 2 and a half years, suddenly another little life was going to be part of our family structure, how was I going to cope with this change? I will admit that I shed some tears at the thought that our exclusive relationship was going to be different from now on, but you know what, he has taught me a lesson in adaptability and that love doesn’t diminish to fit another in it, it grows exponentially to find a special, unique space for everyone. And Oliver couldn’t be a more special little person that we’ve all given our hearts to.
What a total blessing and privilege to be mom to these two special boys. Every now and then I catch myself thinking about the not so distant future: rugby matches and early morning coffees, playdates and pirate dress-ups, lego constructions and endless pool parties, scuffed knees and batting practice… I’m proud to be a boy mom!
And so, we carry on. Into the next 7 weeks and beyond we go. Bring on the coffee please!
all photos by Love Made Visible.
Thank you for putting into words how I sometimes feel kimberley. We’re expecting baby number two in jan and there are so many mixed feelings over my first daughter that is often difficult to explain. It’s so encouraging reading about your journey so far.
Thank you Carmen for your comment. It’s been an amazing journey for me, I have learnt alot about myself in this process and I’m sure you will too in your own way. Wishing you a wonderful rest of your pregnancy, a safe happy birth and special bonding time with your family in January x
Completely love this, am expecting my 2nd little boy in a few weeks, and this gives me hope that his brother,who has just turned 2 will love him just as much
Faziela, thank you for your lovely comment! I’m sure your little boy is going to love having a little brother, it really is amazing to see how they take to having a sibling. You may find he is a bit more needy of your attention, but plenty of love and cuddles will see him through the transition. Before you know it, his world will have righted and life will carry on 🙂 All the very best for your birth!
This is lovely Kim 🙂 Your boys are beautiful!!! x
Thanks so much Steph! We love them to bits 🙂