Hello everyone! I am now a mama to two little ones (which explains the radio silence as these past few weeks have flown by — holy cow, two kiddos under two keep you busy!!) On February 11th, we welcomed Leo Guthrie L'Italien into our lives. He was the second biggest surprise ever, since like Juniper, we totally guessed the wrong sex. I was 99 percent positive I was having a girl. I so love waiting to find out — you just never know! Leo's birth was a really sweet ending to a difficult pregnancy. My midwives were amazing and I had a fantastic doula by my side. I was able to be in the incredible birth center at St Luke's Roosevelt and have the natural childbirth I was hoping for — and my recovery has been so much easier than with Juniper. I am so thankful.
We're getting to know this little man, with his eyebrow that furrows and his strong spirit. It's sweet to watch the looks he gives his big sister. Juniper is showering him with her sweetness — lots of kisses and gentle head rubs (sometimes some not-so-gentle pokes as well.) We're all adjusting a little more each day. I had somehow forgotten how breastfeeding in the beginning is like a 12 hour a day job. It's a lot harder to do while caring for a toddler. I marvel at all the moms with multiple kiddos — it's tough work. I do miss sleep. I haven't had a chance to write an email in a long time. I really would love a haircut. But Leo is waking up to the world a little more each day, and I'm excited to get to know this little angel I feel lucky to call my son.
Sometime after Juniper turned one, I remember a mama friend telling me that the first year of being a mom is physically challenging. And after your baby turns one and becomes a toddler, it becomes more mentally challenging as a mom. I totally agree with that. So far, I feel like being a mama to a toddler and a newborn feels like the biggest physical and emotional challenge I've faced, and most days feel like a marathon. My biggest struggle is not being able to do two things at once at times when they both need me. I'm hoping to master nursing in a sling because I can't figure out how moms of two manage when both kiddos need to eat — how to make Juniper's dinner and nurse a newborn?! I welcome any tips from you mamas out there on how you managed caring for two littles. I find it so heartbreaking when I can't take care of one because the other one needs me more. I wish I could somehow grow two more arms. But until then I'm hoping that patience and love will go a long way to making a smooth transition into being a family of four. And dance parties. I didn't get to do all the one-on-one outings I'd hoped to have with Juniper before Leo arrived. So I'm making sure she knows how much I love her and dancing with her in my arms now that I can pick her up again. I know she's going to be one amazing big sister.
Welcome to the world, Leo Guthrie. You are our sweet valentine.
