I’m having some issues with Word Press today, so I’ve written this post five times now. Each time it has gotten shorter. Sorry. Or, You’re Welcome.
Mainly, I just want to say thank you for your sweet comments and congratulations here (and on Instagram, FB, etc.) in response to my announcement yesterday. Jeff and I (and Sam – although he is still living in a little bit of a dream world and asking if I could please just have a “big kid” in March instead of a baby) are so excited and grateful for the opportunity to bring another little life into our family.
Am I nervous? A little. As many of you know, my transition into motherhood with Sam wasn’t nearly as smooth as I (naively) thought it would be. Last night I was at a women’s event at my church and the speaker (Priscilla Shirer via video) was talking about how we have to get to a place of “doing our very best and not being quite good enough” before we really learn how to rely on God. That thought took me right back to the early months (year?) with Sam – feeling empty, exhausted, and like maybe I should have just stuck with teaching and writing and things I was “good at” and left parenting to the blog/Pinterest expert-moms. That season (although so precious is so many ways), was kind-of an ugly one for me. It was a hit to my pride and to my spirit; but, ultimately, I learned to LET GO a little bit and rely on the Lord. As Shirer said last night, I had to run out of myself in order to run in to God. I am a different person than I was when Sam was born three years ago… Of course, I don’t know how this person will handle parenting two little ones or if the adjustment will be any “easier,” but I do know that I don’t have to do it alone this time. This time, I won’t even try. 🙂
On that note, it was especially fun hearing from lots of you who a.) walked through that season of new parenthood and transition with me back in 2011 when Sam was born and b.) who have recently welcomed second babies (or third or fourth) of your own, and offered words of encouragement and support.
I also LOVED hearing that several of you are also expecting babies this March/early spring! Yay!! We will totally meet up for middle-of-the-night Twitter chats (or something). 😉
Anyway, I’m incredibly thankful for this community and looking forward to sharing this leg of my journey with you all…
Love,
E
P.S. Jeff sent me a link to this article yesterday, and I loved it. I totally agree that – while I may be more tired, less social, and chubbier than I was pre-kids, I’m also SO much happier. 🙂
Such exciting news! Congratulations! Mine are 23 months apart and not by choice. My 2nd pregnancy was literally the .01% chance and totally awed the emergency room doctors when they realized there wasn’t anything wrong with me other than being pregnant! I cried for days. I felt unprepared, still not sleeping all night and ultimately was mad at God for not letting me have control over this situation when I paid good money to HAVE control! Looking back….I laugh at myself. This little guy is the best thing that has ever happened to our family. He was born just a few days after Superstorm Sandy decimated our town and our families lost their homes. I will always remember saying to my parents, “Now I know why God gave us this baby…he’s here to help us through and to be our bright light!” Almost 2 years later….my parents are ALMOST back in their home (they had to demo and rebuild) and my son is the coolest kid around. My daughter just said to me this morning (she’s almost 4) “Mom, I don’t want to send him back….I really like him!” They are the best of friends. God’s timing is perfect. But in keeping it real, its hard, its crazy hard – but its also crazy awesome! Its also more enjoyable …for instance, you know if you feed them one jar of non-organic non-homemade baby food….there is a very good chance that they will still survive! ha!
you’re going ot do GREAT!!!
my transition to mom was hard, too. but adding #2 was hard for sure, but much more seamless.
and tell jeff that he might even like the baby stage more. i don’t LOVE the newborn stage, but i cherished it a bit more the second time around. this time i was more aware that it’s fleeting. xo to you all!
Oh my goodness, I missed your announcement yesterday – I AM SO EXCITED FOR YOU!!! You are going to do great with two! I can’t wait to read all about this pregnancy! Congratulations!
I’m sorry, I should have introduced myself Saturday at JoAnn’s. I’m not a creepy person, so please do not worry. I just enjoy your blog!!
I think you’ll find with Chapman #2, the transition will be much smoother. I will never tell you two is less work (it’s actually more like quadruple the work), but it’s definitely a lot more entertaining 🙂 Plus, you aren’t a newbie anymore so there are some things you won’t struggle with out the gate.
We are currently parenting 2 who are 14 months apart! I regularly call us the moron parade, and we manage to get it done decently most days. So I’m pretty positive you’ll be just fine!