Our new normal

I've had so many posts in my head, but not enough minutes (or desire left) in the day to sit down and type them out.

My new normal involves a needy newborn and an attention seeking three year old.  Both are equally cute and charming, but both are draining, and at the end of the day the only thing I want to do is to crawl in bed and close my eyes.

While it has been challenging, it has been so rewarding in many other ways.  Experiencing the newborn stage all over again... the cuddles, the grunts, the first smiles.  Watching R with his two sons and seeing G interact with his little brother.  Running errands or leaving the house and realizing how much easier everything is the second time around.

Other than a bump in the road the second week L was home, G has been really good.  He wants attention and someone to play with him, which I think (read hope) is normal for his age, but otherwise he is very go with the flow.  No potty training regression and no aggression towards his little brother.  Whew.

Little L is growing like crazy and has been nursing like a champ.  There are only so many things you can do when you are nursing, so I have already watched the entire first season of "Orange is the New Black" (loved it!) and started re-watching "Grey's Anatomy."

I have already taken L out to run errands many times and have even ventured out with both of them in tow (I normally try to take care of things when G is in school).  I will say that having G in school has been a tremendous help and I've also been fortunate enough to have his favorite sitter coming on the two days that he's at home to go on "special play dates."  The extra one-on-one attention has been vital for his sanity and for mine.  ;)

It has also helped to have the support of friends and family.  We had many meals brought over to us and my family lives nearby if we need to get out of the house and have a change of scenery.  R has been great about taking care of G and his needs in the evenings while I tend to baby brother.  

Just like with a first baby, I know that as L gets older everything will get a little bit easier.  He will eventually sleep longer and G will eventually play more independently for longer amounts of time.  Eventually, they will even play together.  

Until then, I will try to soak up these fleeting moments.  The days are long, but the years are short.