Tips For Two Under Two

I'm no expert but I've got some tips for you Mamas with or expecting "two under two".

1. You've just had your baby and you are anxious to have your toddler come meet their new little brother or sister. Truthfully your toddler isn't that interested. At least mine wasn't. Not until Lily was about two weeks old did Emma actually acknowledge her existence. So my advice have a goodie bag waiting for your toddler at the hospital. Fill the bag with little trinkets that your child will think are super cool! Have your husband/partner/or ANYONE ELSE be holding the baby when toddler first enters the room or you can CERTAINLY count on an EMO breakdown of epic proportions. Prior to your toddlers first hospital visit make sure you aren't in too much pain or too sleep deprived to give lots of attention to little toddler who cant figure out why mom has left him/her FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME.

2. GET HELP. Enlist family, friends or hire someone (if you can afford it). Thank the good Lord for my parents. It truly does take a village!

3. Other children, especially toddlers, may be feeling a little misplaced and not happy with all the change. Let them watch movies or their favorite show more than you normally would. It won't last forever. Maybe two weeks tops . Perhaps they want to escape the reality of all the change. Their former perfect little world is drastically different. All the people in the house can be overstimulating. So go to Target and buy your little one some new movies- it will save your sanity AND more importantly theirs.

4. Breastfeeding. Ahhhh the blissful days of breastfeeding one bambino with no distractions or interruptions. Be prepared to do a million things while baby is on the boob. Like chase toddler, cook, clean, laundry, etc. Or in my case shop at Costco. Remember the hospital goodie bag mentioned above?? Well you need a breastfeeding goodie bag too. Only to be used when breastfeeding then put it away until next time. Popsicles and ice cream help too.

5. SLEEP. Easier said than done. But if your children miraculously sleep at the same time make sure you SLEEP along with them. Or else you will start doing & saying crazy things.

6. Find activities that your toddler can help you with. Emma likes watching me change diapers and playing with Lily Mae on her Gymini mat. Let your toddler play with the baby. Emma can be aggressive at times with Lily so I never EVER leave them alone! Had to put that in there.

7. You are not superhuman and know you are doing the best you can & things do get easier. Try and avoid running unnecessary errands that someone else can run for you. This will avoid many unnecessary mommy breakdowns. You will be housebound for months. Or if you are super brave maybe a couple weeks.

This is all the stuff I did wrong and I learned.