This blog post has been in process for approximately 3 months.  One day, I will figure out how to take care of my family and focus on some other things I love to do as well, but for now, I am still trying to find my equilibrium.  Thanks for your patience!

Success!  H2 was born on April 9th at 3:44 p.m., measuring in at 8 pounds, 3 ounces, and 20 inches long.  He’s a beauty.  We went in for an induction at 7am, water was popped (not a pleasant experience), contractions began during a game of Rummy (we only had time for 1 game), and as soon as I felt the first gut wrenching, want to pull your hair out, minute and half contraction, I said I was ready for the epidural.  Luckily I was at a 5 and already half way there, hallelujah!  The contractions began rolling in quickly and intensely (some definite animal sounds escaped from somewhere within).  The anesthesiologist came within 10 minutes and started the epidural process.  35 minutes later, the pain subsided, and I was one happy camper!  Miracle drug.  After a few pushes and about 15 minutes, I pulled H2 out onto my chest and gushed with happiness at the sight of my tiny little 8 pound baby.  It was just as incredible this time as it was the last…the miracle of life.

Our 2 year old came to the hospital and was so excited to see his new baby brother.  The first meeting went better than expected (thanks to nana, grandpa, and TT).  Though, the first day home, sh** hit the fan and H2 got smacked upside the head (yes, I balled my eyes out uncontrollably….hormones).  H1 just isn’t quite sure what to do with all of his intense emotions.  I’ve been told to never leave the kids alone in a room together until the little one can run from the bigger one.  Duly noted. We had a few episodes in the following days, but the dust has settled and it is as if H1 doesn’t even remember life before H2, what a relief.

My recovery was much quicker this time around and I’m feeling pretty great physically.  Mentally, I’m out of sorts.  Even though H2 has been a gem, the sleep deprivation is still rough and I’m confused as to how I am going to find time for my husband along with a little ME time.  It seems all of my energy is spent on H1, H2, and the to do list.  There really aren’t enough hours in the day.

Life has been crazy (hence the lack of recent posts).  The day we got home from the hospital, we put an offer on a house, which was accepted and we moved into the new home on Memorial weekend (thanks to our amazing family, friends and neighbors).

One day, this house will be unpacked, and furnished appropriately, but until then, please excuse the mess and empty walls…being a mom of 2 has and will take priority.  The new home is awesome and a win win for my husband and I.  We are basically in town, but it feels like the country.  I see a sweet treehouse in the boys’ future.

I’ve learned a lot of important lessons in the last 5 months

1. It takes a village, so lean on family and friends.  Don’t be afraid to ask for help because your people will be happy to pitch in
2. Accept any and all meals
3. Lay the baby down awake right off the bat so they learn to put themselves to sleep
4. Naps are essential in the first few weeks
5. Get rid of your crap, simplify
6. Hire movers (we didn’t)
7. Pay someone else to clean your house after you move, it’s worth every penny
8. Great neighbors are a blessing
9. Lower expectations, and then lower again, and then you will be pleased with the results
10. Find the humor, even when it’s clearly not funny
11. Kids are always watching and taking everything in, watch yourself
12. No one is perfect
13. Everything is negotiable
14. You are capable of a lot more than you think you are
15. Buy the home warranty
16. Inspect every inch of your new home before you put an offer in, don’t trust the actual inspectors
17. Life is beautiful, but can be really really really hard, so enjoy when it’s not really really really hard

I have a lot of great ideas for blog posts and have gotten some requests for topics, so I hope I can make a date with myself weekly to get them written.  Will do my best.  Happy week all!