It was just about five months ago now that my husband and I stood peering at two very positive lines on a pregnancy test. Our thirteen month old daughter; oblivious to our fast changing life, was sleeping soundly down the hall. Unreal is the only word that could describe that moment; coming to grips with the fact that we would have two children, under the age of two in the very near future. Of course, once the shock wore off, we were thrilled beyond words. A brand new adventure was about to wrap us up into an exciting, fresh chapter in our lives.
Fast forward a few months into my pregnancy. I woke up with a sense of excitement; I was to see our sweet baby on a ultrasound screen this day at my OB/GYN appointment. My daughter woke up, and I hurried around our home, getting little one and myself ready to walk out the door. Already, I was a little flustered; feeling a likeness to a pack mule as I tried climbing the stairs with a twenty four pound toddler on my hip, and a diaper bag over one arm. Upon opening the door, I am greeted by an unexpected downpour (or should I say typhoon) standing between myself, my daughter, and the fifty feet to the car. Awesome.
Drenched, we climb in the car and hurry to my appointment. Once again, pack mule style, I balance a soaking toddler on my hip, and rush into the doctor’s office. Lo and behold, once inside the receptionist apologetically informs me that the doctor has been called to an emergency delivery at the hospital, and I need to come back in two hours. I think, no problem. Immediately, I start fantasizing about a sweet little coffee date with my little one, as we pass some time. She will drink her organic vanilla milk. I will sip on a decaf iced fruit tea. And all the while we sit and giggle about things, and wave at strangers as they walk leisurely by.
Yeah, right. We enter the coffee shop and it’s packed from wall to wall. My toddler is squirming to take off running into the great unknown, and these strangers don’t seem quite as amused at my daughter’s cuteness as I had hoped.
As I am packing her back into the car (and have I mentioned it’s one hundred degrees outside?), I start to think about how in a few short months I am going to have two babies under two years old. How on earth am I going to ever go out in public again? Or cook a meal? Or clean my home? Or even go the bathroom? Don’t panic, Mandy. Keep your cool.
I’ve always shied away from baby wearing, simply for the fact that I have a really messed up spine that requires frequent chiropractic care. Baby wearing just hasn’t been an option for me in the past. Thankfully, a sweet reader of my blog (who consequently also suffers from severe back pain) suggested I try an Ergobaby Carrier, as it is the only carrier she can use. I was thrilled to find from others that Ergobaby Carriers worked wonderfully for people with back pain.
Now, having a beautiful carrier, I feel so much more confident about this baby coming, and soon to have two under two. The thought that I will be able to bundle baby number two up in my Ergo, and have my hands free to take care of my very energetic toddler. run those errands, and cook those meals; relieves my mind and makes me want to do a little happy mama dance. I cannot wait to use my Ergo.
Who says two under two can’t be done?
It is challenging for parents and providers to care for infants admitted to the Neonatal…
Parenting in the modern world is a balancing act of nurturing close bonds with your…
----------------- For the next Life with Baby podcast episode, tune in for an unforgettable journey…
Welcoming a newborn into the world is an unparalleled experience, filled with moments of tender…
Last week, we partnered with @chamberofmothers to bring more awareness around the Momnibus Act in Washington…
We believe that caring for your children and caring for the planet go hand in…
View Comments
I have 3 under 3 and I totally can relate!!!
Oh, girl! I think you deserve a super hero cape! : )
My parents had three kids in three years and seven months, and the middle one, my brother, has high functioning autism. You can do this!
It can, trust me! My sister and I both have two under two! =) It's definitely work, but gets a lot easier, especially because the kids become each others' best friends, and they're developmentally not that different (even though I have a boy and a girl). Enjoy!!! BTW, I have two Ergos...=)
Congratulations on a wonderful new journey. I was in your shoes about 5 years ago and I cried a little bit. It turned out to be the best ride of my life I did it 2 more times. I gave birth to my 4th child when my oldest was just turning 3.5 years old exactly. Mine were extremely close in age (first two 12 months and 1 day apart and last two only a mere 11 months apart) and unfortunately I did not get an Ergo until I had number 4. I too have back problems (degenerative lower spine area) and cannot tell you how much I love love my Ergo. I was not a baby wearer with my first and now you have to pry it off of me. Good luck with your new adventure.
Awesome! We're in the same boat, just a little quicker! My son will be JUST 13 months when Baby #2 arrives, and I know my Ergo will be a lifesaver! My son fit perfectly in the infant insert, and could stay snuggled up for hours. I think that's how I'll survive this!
Yeah, I am not sure how one is supposed to survive having two little ones without the baby carrier. Thank goodness for my Ergo! : ) And congrats on your pregnancy!
Wear the baby! You can do it! (Wear the tot now - she'll start to love the "pacpac" as my little one calls it - lean forward a bit and toss her on your back!) We have 3 ages 5 and under and are due for # 4 in 6 weeks. My Ergo has honestly been through all three kids, and is super durable, and looks gently used still! and I can say it has saved us TONS of times. Always have it with you! You'll end up needing it when you least expect it! I have back issues too and have had no problem with my Ergo - and even wear it now when I'm about to pop - it's like Belly support! Good Luck!
You are one busy mama, I bet! Yeah, I am so impressed with the quality of the Ergo. I really wish I had it when my first was born last time- it would have saved my back! Congrats on your little one coming (so soon!)
my son was 13months when we learned son #2 is coming! 22 months apart was tough and took some time to get back into caring for two babies. i second the ergo and cloth diapers! two in cloth is a life saving god sent i tell you what. we spent like $70 a month in diapers and wipes for over a year until son#1 potty trained and those last few months were spent in expensive pull ups. yikes. good luck and dont fret over house work and groceries just worry about your babies until you can adjust.
I found out half way through my unplanned pregnancy that I was having twins so I kinda know how you are feeling ha :) Good luck my dear, that carrier may just save your life ;)
my first two boys are only 14 months apart. We just welcomed a girl - baby #3 shortly before first son turned 4. I am so grateful for my Ergo!
My first 2 are 13 months apart, and we will soon have 3, 2 and under! We baby wear all the time! It's the only way I ever get anything done.