A typical morning lately at our house resembles something like this…a little potty training, lots of cloth diaper changes, dealing with a difficult stage in child training a toddler, and all!
The clock chimes seven o-clock and the baby awakes (if we are lucky). Titus is fed while we have our morning devotions. Karis awakens and needs a diaper change and dressed for the day (and do that hair so we can see her little face!). Mommy needs to get dressed. Karis is extremely hungry and makes it known. Mommy prepares breakfast while trying to figure out what should be pulled out for dinner. Titus begins to scream with tiredness and ready for a morning nap. Mommy prepares to get Titus ready for a nap while delivering breakfast to Karis and Daddy, only to discover that Titus has burped up everywhere and needs a new outfit (yes, he is a burper!). Change Titus and lay him down for a nap.
Mommy finally sits down for her breakfast only to last for a minute or two before Karis has completed her breakfast and wants to get down and read stories with Mommy. Mommy engulfs her breakfast while reading stories and trying to clean up the kitchen (or at least throwing it all in the sink!). She looks into the mirror and decides it would be nice to do her hair but only after Karis sits down on the potty chair and Titus has been nursed and changed once again. It is 11:30 am and time for lunchtime. Wow! Life is busy and I only have two!
What am I learning while adjusting to life with two?
1. Serving my family is full-time ministry! I have been struggling thinking all my time has been consumed with caring for two little ones and asking myself, “Doesn’t God have something else for me to do?” He is gently reminding me that this is my ministry. These are two precious souls that He has entrusted to my care! Nothing is more important right now then changing diapers, patiently dealing with a naughty attitude, and caring for the basic needs of these gifts of life.
2. Be purposeful to cultivate kindness – it is so easy to burst out in anger when dealing with two screaming children and a hungry hubby, but God calls me to practice demonstrating kindness. According to Jerry Bridges, “Kindness is a sincere desire for the happiness of others,” and “goodness is the activity calculated to advance that happiness.” Do I desire their happiness? For in serving to meet their desires, I will find true joy and fulfillment.
3. It is essential for Mommy to have a few moments of time in the Word before the children awake and take a passage of Scripture to meditate upon through the day. Write it on a piece of paper and post it above the kitchen sinks works for me! I must prepare my heart before the Lord for the day, otherwise I will get caught in my own sinfulness and selfishness. On my own strength, I have no desire whatsoever to serve my husband and children all day long.
4. Don’t forget the hubby! I don’t want to get too consumed with my children that I forget that my first priority is my husband. How can I purposefully make time to enjoy him? A kind greeting, frequent kisses and hugs and expressing my gratefulness to his faithfulness in providing for us, snuggling at night, and listening to him when he shares about his day and what is on his heart. Those are the simple things I am working on.
5. Some things just have to go! No, my house is not perfectly cleaned…nor do I plan on it being so for awhile. 
On the more practical side…
(in order to maintain peace and harmony in our home)
1. Prepare breakfast in advance as much as possible – soak some oatmeal the night before so it only takes 5-10 minutes to prepare in the morning, start breakfast before Karis wakes up and is starving by whipping up some green smoothies or prepare them the night before and put in the fridge, etc. This allows for a peaceful morning with no crying hungry toddler!
2. Mommy needs a short nap, or at least close my eyes and rest, if only for 20 minutes. This is in order to maintain peace and harmony in the home. This is one way I can serve my husband and children. Rest restores my strength and enables me continue to strive to joyfully serve my family.
3. Scheduling my children to nap simultaneously is essential in order for mommy to rest! It is possible!
God has been good and we are enjoying this new season! Baby Titus is nursing and sleeping very well. We are so thankful for the many meals that have been prepared for us by family and friends, for the individuals who assisted with housecleaning, for our mothers who came to assist us after the birth, for the blog readers who graciously gave or loaned me cloth diapers for our children, for the dear friends who loaned us baby boy clothes, to name a few of the recent blessings poured out upon us. All our needs are being met! See…you really don’t have to find out the gender of your baby in advance in order to be prepared! God provides! And that surprise really helps get you through labor and delivery!
Hi there,
We women are tough and it is hard to manage the attitudes of a toddler and provide a calm respite for hubby but through Him, we can do anything. Congrats on your new arrival and I can’t wait to read more. Many blessings!
I just found your blog and really love your ministry here. Great job, love the natural recipes the best. I wanted to tell you that going from one to two is so hard. I have an 8 month old and a 2.5 year old. This was a huge, emotional change but the more they interact and giggle and laugh together and the times I see my husband interacting with both our babies, I just glow inside. It did take about 4 months that I wasn’t crying all the time though, I think while you are breastfeeding, your emotions run wild
Just found your blog!
These are the Biblical truths I wish a Titus 2 woman would have told me 20 years ago. I am only NOW finding peace in my role as wife and mother because of God’s gracious work in me.
Blogs like yours will encourage the next generation, as I pray to do! My children are now 20, 16, and 12. My greatest joy is cleaning their clothes, feeding their bellies, and homeschooling them. WHO would have thought I could have such peace by dying to self?
We’re expecting our second one sometime this fall, but unfortunately, most of these suggestions for keeping the older one busy won’t work for us. My older child is only going to be, essentially, about 9 months old. He was born 3 months prematurely, so his real age will be around 12 months, but his adjusted/developmental age will be about 9 months. I suppose it’ll just be somewhat similar to having twins! Any specific suggestions for my situation? Oh, and there’s a good chance I’ll have to have a C-section (my first one was a T-cut), especially since they’ll be so close together, and technically I’m not going to be able to pick up my older child because he’ll be too heavy for after a C. My husband’s family lives a mile away, and I know they’ll be a great help!
It DOES get better! I have 4 boys, and 2 of them were 14 monthes apart, the next 2 were 28 months apart. But you have the right idea, if you don;t keep reading the Word everyday AND have time for you to rest, you might as well forget being a good wife and mother, because it ust won’t happen!
Preparing ahead is another great thing you are doing, especially since you have 2 little ones that can’t do much for themselves! Lots of planning ahead does make it a lot less stressful in the long run. And keeping organized helps too. Even when you can’t keep everything spic-n-span, you still have a spot for everything, and most things can find their ways back to these spots in time and make it all easier. This really helps in training yopur child to help out too, because they always know where certain things are kept.
I just wanted to second all your thoughts. When Baby Girl joined us, I was so overwhelmed. Hubby started talking of planting a church, buying a home here for exquity, and added a second child to the mix. And there may have been some postpartum mixed in there as well. The first year was long. But we’ve since found our groove, and continuing to thrive. Best of luck and love to you as you cut yourself some slack and welcome a new little one into your home.
Sounds like you’ve learned a lot in such a short time Mothering two.
I almost hate to comment because there are so many already, but the absolute BEST thing to balance two children (and, I think, naturally the way God intends us to stay close to our babies) is a sling. I fell in love with my Moby Wrap with my second child. We were even able to survive (thrive) on a rustic camping trip with a 3-year-old and a 2-month-old. I could play kickball, make dinner, have a dance party, ETC, all while snuggling my little one. Sometimes she was asleep, and sometimes she was learning about the world from my perspective. I’m a big fan!
I did find a used moby wrap for our little guy this second time around and love it as well! It is so wonderful to be snuggling with him while being completely hands free!
he’s s beauiful! Both of them are! You have some great tips in this post. It is so easy to just get impatient when you are so tired. I wish I wish I wish I could get a nap in…:) but my 2 year old will not sleep…I am learning o just cling tight to my bible verse and take deep breaths!! My favortie part of your post is Dn’t frget the hubby! Amen!
Great reminders! This was encouraging to me, as I also have a 2 year old and a newborn 3 week old….am adjusting as well. Blessings as you are in this “stage” of life, along with many others of us.
Hi I wrote to you over the summer and you kindly wrote back to me about staying home and making it work. Well I am 38 and was married in august and just found out that I am six weeks pregnant. (Its our first) We are overjoyed and scared at the same time. I hope to be a stay at home mom when the baby comes. I appreciate you sharing you day with us readers that enjoy your blog so much. I had a question about home birth which I am considereing. Do you highly recommend it? My concern is like everybody else is what if we need medical assistance? Was it extremely painful? I am so scared about how my life is changing. I need to do more praying and less worrying.
Congrats on you addition to your family.
Shannon
Shannon, I do highly recommend home birthing. My research has shown (from watching the Business of Being Born and reading Christian Childbirth Manual) that our hospitals are really not safer than giving birth at home. I believe the US has the third highest infant mortality rate in the world. Midwifes are amazingly knowledge women. They know if a situation deems it necessary to go to a hospital. If you are a safe distance from a hospital than you shouldn’t be too concerned about that. I found Business of Being Born a powerfully informative video on comparing hospitals to home birthing. I recommend you watch that video and start reading a few natural birthing books. The Bradley birthing class is another excellent resource for preparing you for birth. Definitely pray together with your husband and make an informed decision for your family. I love home birthing because I find I can relax and be far more comfortable in my own home while birthing than at a hospital and this helps significantly in cutting down on the pain. I can move around freely which is another huge factor in handling pain. There just is so much freedom at home. It is very wise for you to do your research and come to a peaceful decision. To tell you the truth, fear is the biggest factor in increasing pain! Praying for you in this big decision!
just had to comment…i am there too! i feel a kindred spirit in you even just through your blog. we had a homebirth (our first after a csection with our son) on 2/28…our 2 1/2 year old is still potty training and between that, the baby, my work (from home) things are CRAZY. i totally agree about the necessity of sleeping at the same time and napping with them (one in each arm HA HA!) ALSO ESSENTIAL – baby carriers! we have a pouch and wrap and they make life possible with a newborn and toddler!
happy chasing!
GREAT post!!! My husband and I have just started paperwork for our second adoption. I’ve wondered what it would be like to have two littles in our home!!!! I’m glad I read this post AND the comments! I will be relieved to remember this advice on the hard days and think “I’m not the only one! I CAN do this!!!”
And your children look so happy!! You’re doing a GREAT job!!
His,
Mrs. U
I don’t know how you even keep this blog up with all that is going on in your life right now. I have been a reader for almost a year now and always enjoy your posts… So much great information and Godly information to boot. Thank you.
Goodness, I remember when I went from one child to two. However, my oldest was only 11 months old when the second was born!!! I remember feeling like I had to race to accomplish everything- when they napped I would fill 9 4oz bottles of formula to last 24hrs, sanitize pacifiers, prepare food etc.
(all this racing around after my second c-section too)
But, after awhile, we got in the groove and life was pretty easy. They both slept a lot during the day, so I was able to keep up with the house etc. and neither were mobile yet, so it didn’t get all that messy
Now I am expecting our 4th baby, and am wondering how things will go when he is born. What happens when I’m alone with all of them?? What if I have to go somewhere by myself with all of them? It will become second nature though…you are doing a great job already. Your family is blessed to have you.
I did the bottles for the next day the night before, if you are going the same route this time around, try it that way. That way I could clean or do laundry while they slept. And on a very rare occasion, SLEEP lol.
Congratulations on two beautiful children! I can certainly, as many others have shown here, relate to this post! I often have to remind myself that my children are my first ministry. There are so many other worthy things I could be doing, but my family comes first and as you said, sometimes I have to let some things slide. I try to tell myself that a new baby changes things so much and is constantly changing, so I give myself at least one year to get back in the swing of things. I may have a great week this week and a terrible one the next! Recently when I was lamenting about my home that appeared as though wild pigs lived inside, my mother said, “If you are expecting perfection you are not going to get it, there was only one perfect person that walked this earth and He had a dirt floor.” It is humbling to think that Jesus likely did have a dirt floor. We know He was humble enough to be born in a stable. She let me know that He would not be disappointed if the floors went un-mopped for one more day as long as my family was taken care of.
That said this time around (my fourth is 8 months old), some things really did help me out. 1. preparing older kids and Hubby’s lunches the night before. 2.Doing breakfast prep the night before or even days before and freezing it. 3. Doing dinner prep during baby’s one long nap. It was usually in the morning, so any chopping defrosting etc got done then. 4. The crock pot is my friend. 5. quiet time: My next oldest was 4.5 at the time so she no longer needed naps, but we have always practiced “quiet time”. So she and her brothers when they are home have an hour to an hour and a half in their rooms where they can read, rest or play VERY quietly. It is a mommy lifesaver! And it really seems to recharge the kids to have some time away from the others. (Yes the boys do share a room and usually they do quiet time together, but sometimes I do have to separate them.)
Have fun and enjoy! I can’t believe its already been 8 months! or ten years for the oldest!!
Kendra
My dear sister in law told me that going from one to two children was much more difficult than going from two to three. There is a skill in multitasking that takes time – and I’m glad to see you are on task. Just take one moment at a time – absolutely nap when you can – ask for help when you need it – and love every minute!
You are doing a great job and that picture of you looking at little Titus is so touching! I have to tell you, going from 1 to 2 was a little tough for me and rest was my #1 life saver. You have so much wisdom for your age! Bless you and your little family at this season of your life! I am praying for you all!
The transition to two kids is so very hard at first. (Two to three was easier for me!)It will get easier! You’re doing great.
We are right there too! I have a toddler who is 20 months and VERY busy. As in, everyone who babysits says, “wow, he sure doesn’t ever sit still, does he!” (as all boys are, you will find out!) and a little 5 week old girl. Every day seems to get easier and I am a firm believer in observing naptime–for myself!
good luck! this was the first week where our groove of the routine felt somewhat normal!
sarah m
Lindsey – Thanks for this! I have a 20-month-old daughter and a little boy due in May, so I am looking for all the tips I can on managing life with two–especially since I don’t really have any SAH friends and all my family is over 1,000 mi away!
~Bethany
Just reading this brings me back 15 years.. it does get easier. I think my main (and only) priority was getting the two to nap at the same time. Baby’s second nap and toddler’s only nap HAD to coordinate or the world fell apart.
I can relate! Someone once told me that the days with little ones are long, but they are the shortest years. It takes a long time to adjust. Don’t be discouraged – you are doing an awesome job!!
You are doing the very most important thing you could be doing right now! Trust me it goes by fast so find joy in the journey! Thank you for your wonderful thoughts and great example! Never forget “The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world!”
What a beautiful baby boy! He is just precious.
(hugs) Go easy on yourself, it takes time for everyone to get into a new routine. It sounds like you have some good ideas as far as prepping breakfast, etc. It will definitely get easier as you go.
Could Aaron help you out w/breakfast, keeping Karis occupied while you finish breakfast and tiding up a bit? I know my hubby did as much as he could before he went off to work. Like making sure I got a shower, and dressed!
I know it’s hard to pass off some duties to our husbands but it’s a must once we have children.
I have a 2 year old girl(25 months exactly) and a 3 week old boy…I noticed you mentioned a difficult stage in child training and was wondering what you are dealing with. My normally compliant daughter has been downright difficult at times. She also seems to take advantage of times when I am nursing the baby, changing the baby etc. to ignore my words. I know it is partly the age but wonder how much is a total change in our life/routines etc. She hasn’t done or said one negative thing about her baby brother and just adores him so I have no concerns there. I just do not know how to handle disobedience while I am busy with the baby. I am making a point to spend 1 on 1 time with her among other things. If anyone has any suggestions I would love to hear it!
In our case, the 2 yr old acting out while I fed the newborn was a matter of “testing the waters” for the 2 yr old. She wanted to see how much she could get away with while I tended to the newborn. I ended up having to interrupt the feeding a few times to discipline the 2 yr old to teach her that she could not get away with things just because I was feeding the baby. It did eventually get better, but once in a while we do still have to deal with disciplinary issues again. I would be interested in hearing what worked for others on this matter though.
You have such beautiful children!! I love when you post pictures of them. We dealt with the same things you are going through. Learning how to be a mom of two is challenging, but it certainly gets easier. I had a friend who told me by the time the baby is three months you are over that hump. That time frame was right for me. For my daughter (she is the older one) I focused on spending as much lap and cuddling time with her as I could when our son was sleeping. We did not deal with any jealousy problems with her – mostly thanks to prayer I’m sure! Anyway, you certainly sound like you are doing great! Congratulations on your newest addition, he is beautiful!
So true! Thank you for sharing reality. I’m glad there are other mothers out there that are not supermoms.
This fall, I’m going to be in the same stage you’re in right now, with a newborn and a toddler. She’ll only be 1 1/2, though. Lord, I need you!!!
Thanks for the advice and suggestions. When my mom was only 20 she had an 11month old and a newborn. My dad had to work double shifts to support the family. Having the help from friends and mothers/mother in-laws means a lot! I sent her your post of today and it brought back a lot of memories of a very difficult but joyous time in her life. It is funny how two opposites can wind up being one of the best times in your life. Enjoy your little ones, they will be grown before you know it!
Thank you for being so transparent in this post. I am a mother of a 2 year old and a 9 month old, and sometimes I feel as though I am going through it alone, or at least faltering while trying to keep up with how I think other mothers are dealing with it. I TRULY am going to take to heart your comment about taking a bible verse and meditating upon it all day. As soon as I drift from the Lord, I can feel my own selfish needs and wants creeping into my family life. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for sharing your life to help make others journey a little sweeter
God Bless you and your family
I agree with the napping at the same time. I have a 21-month-old with one on the way and I watch a 13-month-old in my home. I couldn’t survive without them napping at the same time!
I plan on making different breakfast meals like muffins, breakfast burritos, pancakes, etc. and putting them in the freezer before baby comes so my toddler (and me!) is sure to be fed in the morning.
You’re doing a great job!
Don’t worry!
It will slow down, and it won’t be quite so intense. Those first few months seem so hectic! It is definitely a big adjustment. Sounds like you’re doing great. 
Many blessings to you, Lindsay. It really is difficult some days to mother a toddler and a newborn and it feels like all you do! It gets hard to find time to take care of yourself or pick up the toys. You have blessed me today through your insight and your kind, patient heart…I am trying every day to remember the responsibility I have to my children.
You’ll make it through!
What an encouraging post! I’m due with our second baby in less than two months and have been wondering what life would be like after our second baby.
Sounds like you’re adapting quickly and well! Good job mommy! Yes, life is busy in this season, but it does get easier as time goes on. Not because circumstances change, but because we do
Oh, and by the way, your children are ADORABLE!!!! Have a blessed day!
Wow… sounds hectic!! I’m glad you’re managing so well! The photos are lovely
God bless
I am sitting here smiling as I read this and remembering the huge transition we went through each time we were blessed with another child. The first six weeks always seemed the hardest, the exhaustion overwhelming while trying to be loving and patient for everyone else. At times it was like I was left to sink or swim with no understanding from anyone in the house as to how overwhelmed I was. Didn’t everyone know how much work I had to do! The hardest lesson to learn was not to let my own pride at trying to be the perfect mother and new homemaker according to society standards, get in the way of accepting help and guidance from others when it was offered. I was frustrated at not being able to do everything and make my home look like something out of Leave it to Beaver. Looking back now, I can laugh at my silly, self-imposed, “perfect stay at home mom” ideas and be grateful for what I have become. Someone who values the help and guidance of other women on my journey to creating a loving and peaceful home. Treasure the help you receive with each child’s birth. Welcome the wisdom given with each new addition. I can honestly say I have learned something new each time, and it has only made each blessing more wonderful.
Oh, and by the way, those are some beautiful babies you have! And I agree with the whole waiting to find out the gender of the baby. We did it that way the first two times.
Thanks so much for this insightful post! We’re expecting our second child this fall, and our little girl will probably be around 21 months when the new baby is born. Although we pray God gives us many children, it doesn’t mean mothering 2 or 10 will come easy. (Though I will have one thing easier–our daughter still won’t have enough hair by then to worry about having to fix it.
) Thanks for sharing, and enjoy this phase in your life! I’m thrilled with the way God has blessed your family. I’ll look forward to learning more as you learn from being a mother to 2!
It is hard Lindsay. It gets easier when the baby gets old enough to interact with the toddler.
And just a little (unsolicited) advice: don’t push the potty training. My first two children were two years and two days apart and I pushed my daughter (Lindsay is her name!) to potty train and I sooooooo wish I could take it back. Two is still such a baby in the scheme of life. And she has a lot to adjust to also, not being the only baby…
You are doing a wonderful job and the pictures are so cute!
God Bless,
Sugar and Spice
very sweet Lindsay! Not only enjoy, but squeeze every minute for all it’s worth, because it goes SO fast!
Hi, I don’t know how I found your blog, but I wanted to let you know I appreciate it. I am a mommy of 2 as well and I know how you time gets consumed by “trivial” things and I think you are learning a lot and have a lot of good tips! I know this time in our lives where our children consume every moment of the day will only last for a few years. We can have clean houses and nice hair later!
Oh so true on all points!!! Such gorgeous children.
Lindsey,
Congratulations! I am so happy to see your family growing. I wanted to thank you for your articles. Especially, the cloth diaper articles. I am currently pregnant with my 3rd (1st is 9 and my second is 5.5)! I used disposables with my 2 oldest and I can’t wait to go green with my 3rd.
Continue to be an example of God’s Word and to inspire all women who read your blog. You are truly making a difference. You have enlightened me and I am 42 years old. It is never too late to learn how to live GODLY!
In His Service, Lisa
Beautiful post, Lindsay. Everything you said is so true. Your family is your full-time ministry, and – having two little ones myself – I’m learning the very same lessons, especially about cultivating kindness. It is so important for me to get up before my children to at least get dressed and spend some time in the Word. You’re learning some important lessons, and you’re doing a great job.
Blessings!
shannon in Texas
My son was 8 months old when I shockingly discovered I was almost 2 months pregnant! I made the decision to stay home from my teaching job, and never looked back. Now my daughter is 8 months old, and my son has just turned 2. In the beginning I wondered if I’d ever have time to myself (and some days, I still wonder that!). Some things I’ve learned, you are already discovering for youself. The house work will always be there for you to get to, there’s always someone to feed, and yes, Daddy needs some of our time too. Somehow God works it all out and finds ways to show us that we are fufilling his purpose right here at home – amidst a chaos we wouldn’t trade for the world. Enjoy this new time.
Just remember that it takes a little to get “in the groove of things” when adding a new little one in the mix. Things will smooth out quickly and it will feel it has always fit together. Karis may need to learn that she is not the only one any more and so she has to wait sometimes on the demands that she wants such as reading books if Mommy is eating breakfast. Maybe she could go sit and look at the books by herself until you are able to join her. You need to be able to sit and enjoy your breakfast and she need to learn patience which is so hard for all of us to learn. At least, this is true for myself.
I just found your blog before you had Titus. I have enjoyed it and look forward to getting to know your family better. Sorry if I have presumed too much in my comments. I am a Mommy to 7 children ages 9 to 10 months with another on the way. So I’ve been there and am still doing it!
May the Lord continue to bless your family and give you the strength and patience to press on!
Amy
http://www.thehouseofshelbys.blogspot.com
Had to laugh as I read the morning! I hear you! I am in that beginning lofe with a new baby stage too right now and trying to get everyone adjusted and keep some semblance of a meek and quiet mommy. Our baby Oliver will be 4 weeks old this week. He joins his 4 big siblings who are age 17 mos, 3 yrs, 4yrs, and 7 yrs. I have to say it gets easier in some ways the more children you have! There is always someone willing to play with their siblings, talk to the baby, or help mommy make a meal.
Of course they also have the combined destructive ability of a sherman tank in a glass store – it can be frightening how fast the house falls to pieces! But again, there are many hands to help mommy pick it up, so it works out.
Congratulations on your little blessings, they will only make life sweeter as they grow.
Thank you for the reminder to care for my husband in the midst of caring for the children. I always need to hear that!
Karis and Titus are such beautiful children… and you, a great example of a Godly mommy!!
I understand what you’re going through. I was completely surprised by the about of work involved in adding a second child to our family. Our two little ones are 16 months apart. The first few months were very exhausting, especially since I’m still nursing our oldest. We have gotten back to some sort of a routine though and life is getting a little easier.
I definitely agree with you about putting both children down for naps at the same time. Somedays that’s the only way dinner gets done or the house gets cleaned. Keep focusing on God, your husband, and you precious little ones and everything else will fall into place.
If you’re interested, here’s a post I wrote shortly after our second baby was born. It’s about leaning on God and trusting that he’s in control.
http://a-heart4home.blogspot.com/2008/11/keeper-of-my-heart.html
God Bless,
Allyson
http://www.a-heart4home.blogspot.com