Monday, January 14, 2008

The second time around

Although it seems like many of my days are an endless parade of crying and poopy diapers, it isn't all bad. Some things have actually gotten easier the second time around. Let me explain...

When Porgie was little, I couldn't stand to hear her cry. My heart would race, and I would feel panicky. This is no longer the case. Porgie cries and Izzy cries and I am okay with this. I no longer judge the success of my parenting on the amounts of tears shed. As long as my babies are fed and cleaned and relatively happy, I am doing my job as a parent.

When Porgie was little, I was terrified of SIDS. I would wake up in a cold sweat, certain that Porgie was in danger. I remember sleeping with my hand on her chest some nights. However, SIDS is no longer at the forefront of my thoughts. When I put my babies to bed, I am confident that they are sleeping safe and sound.

When Porgie was little, I was terrified of letting my husband take her out by himself. She needed me. Obviously, I was the only person who knew how to take care of her - right? WRONG. Now I heartily encourage my husband to take my kids and leave the damn house already! They'll be fine without me.

In summary, I am not nearly as neurotic as I was the first time around. Its kind of nice to let go of these irrational, crazy fears.

9 comments:

A Mom Two Boys said...

I agree that it's easier the second time around, although I'm full of irrational, crazy fears of a whole new kind. Which I wrote about here---http://amomtwoboys.blogspot.com/2007/12/i-wasnt-this-crazy-before-i-became.html.
Oh, and Dylan is 3 in March. And I just found and LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, The First Years Breastflow bottle. It's at Babies R'Us, and Target's with a big baby department. Did I mention I LOVE it? It looks like a nipple. Not like one of those weird, boobie shaped bottles, but the nipple part looks like a nipple. I think it tricks them!

Antropóloga said...

I'm so glad. I want to be like you when I grow up.

Suz said...

I'm glad! Our first and second times around are only separated by a single minute, so I have very little perspective on this!

Amber said...

Things are definantly easier the second time around! And I hear ya on having the husband leave with the kids, I only wish mine did that more often!

Mary said...

I agree completely: it's so much easier the second time around. With Elise, everything was by the book. I'm so laid back this time.

Anth said...

Hey, good! I struggle sometimes with the husband thing - like I am the only one who can take care of Baby E, or that she needs me constantly. I am getting better at just letting go of that stupid idea and letting myself have a BREAK.

Rachel said...

It sounds liek things are calming down for you and I am so glad. You are a great mom.

Carrie said...

Please, please remind me of this when it is my turn! I'm so afraid of turning into a basket case.

kristi said...

You do learn to let go...you should have seen how easy going my Mom was with #6.

My Hubs is just now taking both kids and my baby is 6.