Life with 2...

is harder in some ways, different in many ways, and like nothing's changed in a lot of ways.

Of course the logistics of having 2 has definitely changed. Coordinating nap times and bed times wasn't too bad, but we had to change the way we put Noah to sleep. Noah's been put to sleep by one of us since he was 7 months old, when we started this whole co-sleeping business. So since then, its been either me or Mike lying next to him until he falls asleep, then carefully climbing out of bed so we can resume our nightly chores, watch TV, get on the Internet, or talk to each other. That definitely had to change because lying next to Noah for nap time could take anywhere from 5 to 45 minutes, 20 minutes being average. Not happening when I have a newborn in the next room needing to be fed or cuddled, or whatever. So 2 days ago, we stopped laying with him, cold turkey. It's worked...no fussing, nothing! And the little guy...he's easy. Feed him, change him, and swaddle him and he's good to go. He usually konks out in his crib in 10 minutes. Bedtime has become more pleasant in our house...Mike and I actually have time to talk to each other now!

Going places with 2 is a lot more challenging. It takes about 5 minutes to get in and out of the truck with the kids, not to mention the time it takes to load and unload the truck with grocery bags or whatever else we have in tow. Its definitely a 2 person job...a couple weeks ago I had to go to the doctor with both Noah & Caleb while Mike was at work...leaving the house is entirely its own story! I had Caleb crying in his carseat while Noah's wanting to wear shoes I couldn't find. Out the door I was carrying the infant carrier while holding Noah's hand so he didn't run into the street. When I finally got into the truck and started down the street, I was exhausted.

Having 2 is a lot more expensive! You'd think such a little person wouldn't make that much of a dent in one's bank account, but man, they do!!! Diapers (I swear we go through a box of 100 every 2 weeks, maybe less), formula (because he's feeding so often, we go through 2 cans a week!), wipes (Caleb can go through a pack of 5 in 3 weeks...alone!), etc all adds up. This isn't factoring in the money being put into their college funds every month...we're going to need to put those boys to work soon! ;)

But no matter how exhausting, or challenging, or frustrating it gets, I have never felt so whole in my life. I look at my family of 4 and feel so blessed. I have 2 beautiful, healthy boys who bring me & Mike so much laughter and joy...I have a wonderful husband who is not only a great provider, but an awesome Dad and my best friend. I never envisioned my life to be this good. I have so much to be thankful for...