Big Sister Gwen

All throughout my pregnancy, I made my "fears" for this next stage of our lives very well known.  A major one being how Gwen would react to being a big sister and no longer having us and the house all to herself.

I am happy to report... she's been amazing.

I can't lie, she has exceeded my expectations and put all of my fears to rest.  Does that mean that there haven't been moments with her that I have wanted to pull my hair out??  No, of course not.  She's THREE.  Those moments would be there with or without another child in the picture.

But, as a big sister??  She rocks.

She adores her "Addie Kay."  She wants to help with every task - feeding, burping, changing, diapering, bathing, EVERYTHING.  She gives me the play by play if I step away from Addison for a moment - "Mom, the baby's crying."  "Mom, she's waking up!" "Mom, I think she's hungry!"  She's like my human baby monitor.

And all she wants to do is hold her and kiss her and love on her.  It makes my heart explode.

Now, I am realistic and know that this won't ALWAYS be the case, but in this time of transition, it is EXACTLY what we needed.  I love that Gwen loves her and is proud of her and is happy she is here.

Yesterday Gwen went back to school wearing her "Big Sister" shirt and bringing her teachers a birth announcement {which btw I am in love with}.  Her teachers made a big deal about her becoming a big sister, made her a special hat, and had Gwen wearing a huge smile when she walked out of class.

So overall, the "sibling" thing is going well... so far.  Now, I must admit that I have some work to do on myself and my patience being a stay-at-home mom of two.  I am ashamed to say that I have raised my voice more than I should have.  That I have lost my cool more times than I would have liked to.  But, I am adjusting too.  I'm working on balancing it all, while not losing myself along the way.  Baby steps.  That's what I keep telling myself.

*****

Moms of two+, how was the "adjusting" period for you? What survival tips do you have??