10 Tips for Transitioning from One to Two Children

We're almost at the two month mark. Two months of having a second sweet little boy. Two months of never sleeping more than 5 hours at a time (on a good night). Two months of "Sorry I'm crying honey. I'm not mad...just hormonal!" Two months of "Is that seriously the last diaper? We just bought diapers!"

To date, they've been the best, fastest-flying, most sleep deprived months of my life. The best.

I don't think there's any way to make a seamless adjustment from one to two children. The shift in your family dynamic + limited sleep + hormones + healing time + more little ones with needs...it all equals a stretching, challenging time. It's healthy and good and knocks the wind out of prideful perfectionism.

With that said, there are a few things that have made the transition smoother for us.

10 Tips For The One to Two Child Transition:

Pre-Birth:

1) Get organized. This is an obvious one. Put that nesting urge to use! Things get twice as messy (or is it really more exponential?) when you add another kid to the mix, so it's helpful if you know where to find stuff. For me, this included organizing my toddler's room, purging toys, washing and organizing baby clothes, organizing the bathroom cabinets, organizing the kitchen cabinets. I put a basket with wipes/diapers/burp cloths in our room (where the baby would sleep) and the living room. We live in a very small home and babies typically involve more stuff, so I made room where I could.

2) Make a hospital packing list. People always ask, "Is your bag packed?" The question strikes me as funny, since half the stuff you need to pack in your hospital bag can't be packed until the last minute (camera, toiletries, etc). This time around I made 4 packing lists for my hospital birth. One for:
     - Labor
     - Post-Labor
     - My husband
     - Our toddler, for when he would be with a babysitter/grandparent

The hospital packing lists ended up being invaluable when I had to have an unexpected C-section! We had a very short time to go home, pack our bags, drop Squishy off with friends, and get back to the hospital so that they could try to turn our baby. We were rushed and in a very new-to-us situation (i.e. I couldn't think straight) and the packing list was so helpful.

3) Stock the freezer with meals. It's hard to do a ton of cooking when you're 8-9 months pregnant, but WOW, it pays off. Between meals brought to us from church family and the meals I had prepped in the freezer, we were able to go three weeks without having to cook. It was awesome.

4) Prepare some fun activities/toys to have on hand for your older child. Pinterest is a wealth of ideas for busy bags. Some parents will buy a special toy or two for their toddler/older child to play with after the baby was born. For us, this was super easy since Baby E.'s birth fell right after Squishy's birthday and Christmas.

After the baby's birth:

5) Sleep. Sleep when both kids are sleeping. If someone offers to watch your toddler so you can sleep, take them up on it. Sleeping when you can (especially in those first 6 weeks) is so important! I always get these bursts of adrenaline in the first couple weeks after I have a baby and I am so tempted to "get stuff done" when the baby is asleep. But I have found that life is saner for everyone if I get as much rest as possible.

6) Think about a schedule that will work for you. With a newborn, no schedule is set in stone. But so far I've found that my babies fall pretty easily into a routine, and that routine can be tweaked to work around the rest of the family. I set the baby's morning wake-up time based on what will work best with the family's schedule. This is what our routine roughly looks like now.

7) Be intentional about spending 1:1 time with your firstborn. 

 

8) Memorize Scripture. This has been so wonderful to me! I've been trying to memorize one verse/passage per week. When I've missed having set-aside time with God, I can roll these verses around in my head as I was dishes or change diapers or play outside with Squishy. It's been refreshing and grounding when I've been tired, hurting, or hormonal (or all three).

9) Invest in a few convenience items. We bought paper plates for the 1st couple of weeks!

10) Adjust expectations and accept help. You can prepare for everything thoroughly and do all the "right" things, but if you're banking on your own know-how then your heart's in the wrong place. Have an attitude of dependence on God. Live that out practically by accepting help from other people.

And remember to adjust your expectations. There's a new "normal" now! It doesn't mean your house has to be a permanent pig-sty. It does mean that there will be more work and  less unoccupied moments.

(but don't worry...there will also be more FUN!)



At 2 months in, these are a few actions that have helped us along the way. I'm still brand new to mothering two little ones! Tell me, mamas, what has helped your family when adjusting to a new baby?



P.S. Tip #11: Have your mother quit her job and come live next door. (Haha, just kidding. But it would be nice.)

Linked to Top Ten Tuesday and Works For Me Wednesday.

10 Tips for Transitioning from One to Two Children

2nd Blogiversary {+ Giveaway!}

2 years ago I hit "publish" on my 1st little post on this blog. Now, I'm so thankful that I did! If I hadn't started blogging, I may have never:

1) Applied myself at developing photography skills. My interest in photography really started when I was trying to take pictures of food with my 4-year-old 5 megapixel point-and-shoot!

2) Finished the 30 Day Shred after having my 1st baby. You guys helped keep me accountable!

3) Met Sarah, Christine, Amanda, Mandy, Kathy, Robin, and so many other lovely ladies.

4) Documented half of the sweet moments from our life over the last two years that are recorded on this blog.

5) Purposefully tried to have some sort of adventure or tackle something new each week. Like mulberry picking, canning jam, cooking Thai food, or container gardening.

6) Reconnected with childhood friends like Jodi.

7) Started a twitter account. I thought twitter was ridiculous/confusing. Like any social media, it can be a time waster if you don't watch out, but used wisely, it's a fun tool for connecting. And it's definitely useful for connecting with other bloggers.

8) Learned the basics of freezer cooking from bloggers like Once A Month Mom, Money Saving Mom, and Life As Mom.

9) Forced myself to write. My posts are not poetic or perfectly formed. I aim to simply say what I'm thinking. But, of course, attempting to do that has pushed me to work on communicating more clearly. And to try not to say the word "amazing" or "really" 20 times in one post.

10) Formed relationships with you, my readers. Thanks for your comments, new ideas, encouragement, advice, recipes, and sweet emails.

After attending Blissdom early this year, my blogging goals changed. I'm not stressed by trying to monetize my blog or meet a lot of the "blogging standards" that float around out there. My blog works around our life, and it's a comfortable fit. I typically have at least 5 posts in my head that I'd like to write when I have the chance...but all in good time. Meanwhile, the truly important parts of my life are not neglected.

So! In celebration of two years here at Alicia's Homemaking, I'm having a giveaway! There are two different prizes up for grabs, the 1st being this fun bird's nest charm that I made myself (get out!).

Bird's nest charm, approx 3/4 inch in diameter.

The second item is a $20 giftcard to Starbucks...one of my favorite places to get away and have some time alone.

There will be two winners (one person will win the charm and one will win the giftcard). To enter, simply comment on this post and make sure to include your email address.

For additional entries (leave a comment for each):

• Subscribe to Alicia's Homemaking via email or RSS.

• Follow Alicia's Homemaking on twitter and tweet about this giveaway.

• Follow Alicia's Homemaking on facebook.

I'm looking forward to the next year!



Linked to Top Ten Tuesday.

P.S. Honestly, my nose is not as big as it looks in that picture! Haha...
P.S.S. This giveaway will run through November 16, 2011!

2nd Blogiversary {+ Giveaway!}

Gratitude As A Habit

Since early February, I've been documenting a list of things I am grateful for. The huge, slap-me-in-the-face-I-can't-believe-this-is-my-life gifts and the tiny, rarely-noticed kindnesses God puts in my path on a daily basis.

When I read the Bible, I'm blown away by all the times God commands us to be thankful. So I'm trying to cultivate that attitude as a habit. Nothing gets me out of a funk faster than simply telling God (sometimes outloud!) thanks for whatever comes to mind in the moment. Talk about a perspective adjuster.

Today I'm seeing God's goodness in: 

1. The note my husband left on my to-do list.

2. Squishy's book-reading routine, complete with a blanket, a pillow, a sippy cup, a book, and me. 

3. Little boy clothes mixed in with the laundry.

4. A husband who is patient when I doubt.

5. Potty-training progress.

6. A neighbor to go on morning walks with.

7. Skype for talking to a sister in London.

 
8. Kicks on my bladder.

9. Borrowed maternity clothes.

10. A new morning, a fresh start, and a sleeping little boy.

What are you thankful for today?



Linked to Top Ten Tuesday.

Gratitude As A Habit

Potty Training Kick-Off Day

Today's the day! We are officially kicking off potty training. Our little Squishy boy is just over 22 months old and is showing multiple signs of readiness. Baby boy #2 is due in less than 3 months, and it would be SO AWESOME to be a mostly diaper free home by the time he arrives (I'll get to the mostly part in a minute).

The 1st time Squish tried "going potty"--several months ago.

Everyone has a slightly different approach to potty training. Mr. Squish has been using the potty on and off and has been very interested in the process for the last several months. Today we're kicking off a marathon potty-training week of sorts. Our plan consists of:

1) His own potty. He likes to sit on it and read books. We'll probably keep it in whatever room of the house we're in for quick access.

In Walmart, picking out "Big Boy Underwear"

2) Hello big boy underwear and goodbye (mostly) diapers. He is very excited about the fact that Nemo and Woody are on his big boy underwear. This week he'll be primarily underwear-clad for the 1st time. We are saying goodbye to diapers except for at naptime and bedtime. Since we don't have a washer and dryer in our apartment, the cost of washing all of those dirty linens would be too much right now (um, not to mention the energy! The laundry facility is up the hill). Once he's mastered day-time dryness, we'll work on sleep-time dryness. But that probably won't be until a few months after baby's born at the earliest.

3) Staying home. At least for the next 3-4 days, we'll stick to the house and immediate outdoors.

4) Lots o' liquid and salty snacks. We have goldfish and pretzels, water and juice (a rare thing for him). The goal is lots of peeing action so Squishy can figure this whole thing out!

 

5) A timer. At least for the 1st couple days, I am going to try setting a timer and taking him to the potty every 20-30 minutes. {Oh boy oh boy. Should make for an interesting day!}

6) Excitement, Encouragement, Patience. Going in the potty = celebration! But I know we'll have our fair share of accidents today. That's ok, too. And, Squishy is pretty young, so if he seems to be struggling with the concept after a good try-out, we'll postpone intense potty training until later. No biggie.

7) Potty books. The Elmo one makes flushing noses and hooray noises and just noises in general. Squishy is a fan.

8) Potty chart with stickers. Because why not?

9) Treats. After each successful potty run, Squishy gets a "teet!" (as he calls it). 3-4 chocolate chips or a couple fruit gummies. Exciting times, I tell ya. In general, he doesn't receive many desserts, so this is definitely fun for him. After all this work, Mama's going to need a few chocolate chips, too. And a nap.

10) Bucket of soapy water and rolled up carpets. Our floors are tiled (thankfully), and I'm rolling up most of the rugs in preparation for the inevitable accidents. Soapy water and clean cloths for quick clean up!

What's your best advice, mamas? What was your potty training method? Having never potty-trained before, it seems surreal to think that it could even work! I'll keep you updated on our progress...



P.S. Oh yeah. Since we decided to initiate potty training this week kind of last minute, some of my other goals may get pushed to the side. We'll see.

Linked to Top Ten Tuesday and Works For Me Wednesday.

Potty Training Kick-Off Day

Dear 1 1/2...

You are simply wonderful. I am treasuring these last 3 months with just you before our sweet new one arrives.

I want to remember...

1) Your love of the moon, guitars, the rain, balloons, and BUGS.

2) How you're my biggest helper with the dishes...clamoring to get your stool and "rinse." Your joy at holding the KNIVES (just the butter knives, ya'll).

3) Your excitement regarding all things with wheels and wings...at 1st it was cars, bikes, and planes, but now it's scooters and helicopters. 

4) This is seriously the stage for cute words. Berries="Bey-yo!" Apple="Appy" Smoothie="Moomie" I Love You="I Lu Lo."

5) How sweetly you go to sleep--happy to see your blankets and wave "Ni-ni." Most nights.

6) How you "touch base" with me when you've been in a high stimulus situation for a while...coming to stand next to me for a bit before venturing out to play again.

7) Your blown kisses...and freely given kisses on the lips when asked. Unless, of course, we get a "No, tay-tu." (No, thank you.)

8) Enthusiastic calls of "Daaaadddy!!!" when Andrew walks through the door.

9) How every appetizing baked thing is a "cookie." Muffins, bagels, etc.

10) Post-nap and pre-bedtime cuddles. {Oh be still my heart.}I hope these last for quite awhile...:)

What special memories concerning your kids are you tucking away right now?



Linked to Top Ten Tuesday.

Dear 1 1/2...

The *New and Improved* Top Ten Freezer Cooking Recipes!

The last time I wrote a "Top 10 Freezer Cooking Recipes" post (a year ago), I was fairly new to freezer cooking and working on building a solid repertoire. Many of those stand-bys have stuck (and some are still on my new list!), but a few new favorites have come along. Now I have far too many delicious freezer-friendly recipes to fit on a list of ten--but here are a few that stand out in the crowd!

1) Butterhorns. These are awesome to go along with a meal. Or even to eat for breakfast. YUM.

2) Chicken Spaghetti. One of the few "casseroles" I frequently make and freeze. Ree Drummond, of course, will not lead you astray.

3) Blueberry Pancakes or Banana Pancakes. I never would have thought that pancakes would taste good after they'd been frozen and then reheated, but it's true. They taste great....sooooo much better than buying frozen waffles or the like!

4) Chili. Soup in general freezes excellently. Another favorite is FishMama's Cheddar Vegetable Soup.

5) Freezer Breakfast Burritos. My husband loves it when I make these because they are a quick on-the-go breakfast for him. The fillings can be altered to your preference!

6) Blueberry Zucchini Bread. We love this bread in the summertime when zucchini and blueberries are in abundance. It is so moist.

7) Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Coffee Cake. This is not one of those healthy, everyday sort of recipes. This past Christmas I gave it away to family as Christmas presents!

8) Pizza Dough. Make sure you make this recipe successfully start to finish before you freeze it (so that you know you have the yeast/rising part down). We love this recipe for pizza dough, and it can be frozen after kneading. When you thaw it, it will rise.

9) Enchiladas or Taco Meat. Simple, frugal, hunger-appeasing.

10) Lasagna. This was one of the 1st freezer recipes I ever tried, and it's a keeper!

I'm excited to get back into the swing of freezer cooking once all the beginning of pregnancy symptoms subside...



Linked to Top Ten Tuesday and Homemaking Link-Up.

The *New and Improved* Top Ten Freezer Cooking Recipes!

10 Fabulous Ways To Eat A Strawberry (Or Two)

In Florida, Strawberry season has almost run it's course, so last week we went strawberry picking again, probably for the last time this year. 14 more pounds! This go-round I didn't have time to break out my canner, so we made lots of strawberry freezer jam (I'm trying to make sure I don't have to buy jam at the store for the rest of the year! Thankfully there is still blueberry season and peach season to look forward to...).

With 14 lbs of stawberries in the house, I've come up with...

10 Fabulous Ways to Eat/Use Strawberries:

1) Freeze strawberries for smoothies or future baking. This is a favorite at our house!

2) Strawberry Pie. This Chocolate Drizzled Strawberry Cream Pie is a departure from the typical gelatin containing strawberry pie and looks so perfect for rounding out a summer dinner.

3) Strawberry Sauce. We tried this just this past week with lovely results. We served ours over ice cream and over banana pancakes, but you can also use this strawberry sauce to make strawberry limemade!

4) Strawberry Freezer Jam. This is crazy easy and sooooooo yummy. I have 7 jars in my freezer right now and one in the fridge.



5) Strawberry Jam (the canned version!). Canned jam takes a bit more work (and more dishwashing!), but it's perfect if you don't have a lot of freezer space. It also makes a wonderful homemade gift.

6) Strawberry Chocolate Chip Scones. This recipe is from the new Once A Month Mom Whole Foods menu, which I'm very excited about.

7) An addition to your salad--like this Strawberry Feta Salad from Good Life Eats!
 
8) Strawberry Cheesecake Trifle. What more can be said?

9) Strawberry Salsa! This looks so fresh and summery. :D

10) And, of course, you can never go wrong by dipping your strawberry in chocolate...

What's your favorite way to eat/cook with strawberries?



Linked to Top Ten Tuesday.

10 Fabulous Ways To Eat A Strawberry (Or Two)

Ultimate Blog Party 2011

"This is a special announcement."

I'm taking a moment to participate in the 2011 Ultimate Blog Party...for the first time. :)

If this is your first time visiting Alicia's Homemaking, then welcome. I'm going to give you a tour in fabulous Top Ten Tuesday style. On any given day when you visit here, you are likely to find me:

1) In the kitchen...

Quick Crustless Quiche

Apron-clad, I love to cook for my family and share the best of it with you...from homemade sushi to homemade bread. Or yogurt made in a crockpot!

2) Having adventures. Each Thursday I host Try New Adventures Thursday, which is a challenge to get creative and try something new in life each week--to get out of our comfort zones, stretch ourselves, have fun.

Last week, I canned my very 1st jam! This Thursday, feel free to stop by and add your own adventure post to the weekly linky party. :)

3) Chasing my one-year-old...

As a SAHM, I now have the job I always wanted as a little girl. Here are the Top Ten Reasons I Love My Job.

4) Kissing my hubby....oooh, OOPS! TMI. But I do treasure my husband and our marriage, and I write occasionally about married life in posts like Top 10 Tidbits of Marital Advice, 10 Wonderful Things About Marriage, and Top 10 Ways I Want to Support My Hubby. And apparently I always write about marriage in groups of ten.

5) Having a budget meeting. Way less interesting than kissing, I know. But with a husband in grad school and the current salary for stay-at-home moms running as low as it is, we are in the midst of The Less Project--a two year mission to live on less and remain as debt-free as possible.

6) Figuring out the difference between ISO and aperture, because I am the proud owner of a new DSLR camera!

 

I'm just dipping my (very green) toe into the waters of all there is the learn...but loving every minute of it and sharing some of my new found knowledge here.

7) Singing to my garden...

...or at least trying to remember to water it. We are growing a container garden for the first time ever, and I desperately want it to live.

8) Cleaning the house. Between my new cleaning schedule and some sporadic spring cleaning, I'm giving it my best shot. Although, I must say, some days I wonder if it's even possible to maintain a relatively clean house with a little one underfoot. Ah, well...it's a small price to pay for all the crazy joy those small tornadoes bring! Regardless of strewn toys, I hope to create a place where people can be at home. Many times that has very little to do with cleaning.

9) Learning to be a Jesus-girl. Browsing through my blog, I realize I have dedicated very few posts solely to this topic ("topic" is hardly the right word, since following Jesus is the ultimate!). I hope my love for Jesus is in-between the lines of every post I write..but in future posts I may share more of my story--what being a Jesus-girl looks like in my life and how He won my allegiance. :)

10) Getting to know you. Some of the best action around here happens in the comments. I love getting to know each one of you...it's a blast to learn from each other. If you're here for the 1st time, please introduce yourself! And if you're one of my lovely, faithful readers, won't you share in the comments a bit about yourself, too? Some of you I know more than others...and many of you are lurking un-introduced. Wave and show your pretty face!

If you like what you see, you can have posts from Alicia's Homemaking arrive cheerfully in your inbox or in a reader. I'd also love to connect with you on twitter or facebook. :)

Ultimate Blog Party 2011