🎉 A Party of Four: Surviving & Thriving in Our First Week with Two Kids 🎈

Facilitator: “Hey Andrew. Welcome back!… You’re late. That’s unlike you, but I guess that’s to be expected. Would you like to jump in and share?”

I shuffle in, eyes nearly crossed, notice I’m wearing one wool and one silk sock.

“Hello. My name is Andrew…and I’m a Father…again”

Class: “Hi Andrew.” I wave. A new… new tired.

Last week, felt a bit like a Christopher Nolan swipe. Not quite as confusing as Tenant, but long and anxiety inducing like Dunkirk. One minute our family was in four different places, with each member experiencing trauma, in one form or another. Then suddenly we were all here, together, healing and welcoming each other to a new normal. Suddenly, with a rack of focus, our family home transformed into a bustling hub of activity, a joyful chaos punctuated by coos, cries, and laughter. Yes, we've expanded our ranks from three to four, navigating the often thrilling, sometimes overwhelming journey of welcoming our second child, January Reign.

A Million Times Thank you

I want to take a moment to thank some people whom without, would have rendered this process nearly impossible to navigate. First, to the Hospital Staff. You saved the lives of the people who mean the most to me. In turn you also saved mine. Thank you.

To my brother Bryan L., Godfather to my girls and his, wife Amy L., sharing in the Godparent duties. You guys stepped up in ways I didn’t even think of. I will never be able to thank you enough.

Finally to all of you who reached out, sent well wishes, and offered emotional support, Thank You!

Our biggest critic and the one human being who needed to be pleased with this transition, was just that. Olive was overjoyed to meet her baby sister. Maybe a little too overjoyed. Day 1 a sister hug turned into a unintentional UFC level choke hold, and ended with Olive trying you feed the baby rice. But love none-the-less.

“…Ignore the Baby”

To get to this point of smothered affection, I took some really great advice from one of our NICU Nurses on how to facilitate the introduction. She told me to introduce Olive to the baby, then put the baby down and focus solely on Olive the way we normally would. At some point the baby will start to cry, she said. Ignore the Baby! Eventually Olive will become concerned. She will tell you “Hey the baby is crying” and a bond will be formed. What’s the science behind this you ask? No clue. I’m sure it has to do with Olive feeling like she was sending us to help her sister vs. us abandoning her for her sister. But no matter because it worked! They are in love & I am in love with them as a unit. I feel extremely lucky to be able to watch this relationship grow.

So yes, we’re all home and it's been seven (ish) days (cause who has time to count days) of double the love, & double the exhaustion, but let me tell you, it's all worth it! Here's an inside look at our 'Party of Four' adventure this past week. 🎉

Baby-Proofing...Again! 🍼

The first few days were a wild scramble to baby-proof the house...again! With Olive, our firstborn, now in her terrific twos and Baby January needing a safe space, we were knee-deep in safety latches, corner guards, and outlet covers. Thanks to these Adjustable Safety Locks and Clear Corner Protectors, our home is once again a baby-safe fortress.

Sleep? What Sleep? 😴

To all the parents out there navigating the tumultuous seas of sleep deprivation, I feel you. We've been in a constant tango with erratic sleep schedules, midnight feedings, and the occasional lullaby. We recently discovered this White Noise Machine that has been a lifesaver, providing soothing sounds to send both our little ones off to dreamland. I mean sure you could use your phone… but you need that.

Big Sister, Little Sister 👭

Introducing Olive to her baby sister was a heartwarming moment that I'll treasure forever. One of the ways we prepped her was with this adorable I'm a Big Sister Book, which gave her a sense of excitement and responsibility. The sibling bond is magical, folks.

Becoming Octo-parents 🐙

Handling a toddler while caring for a newborn is like discovering a new set of limbs we never knew we had! We've been rotating between changing diapers, preparing meals, playtime, and snuggles, all while trying to catch a breath (and maybe a nap) ourselves. These Lalabu Shirts have been a godsend for both my daughters. They are stylish, comfortable, great for multitasking, and they get almost as much attention as the baby does.

And finally...

5. Taking One Day at a Time 📅

The best piece of advice I've received, and one that I now share with you, is to take it one day at a time. Every day is different, with new challenges, new milestones, and new memories.

We're all in this together, Villagers. As always, remember that it takes that village to raise a child, and our community is here for you, whether it's your first week with two kids or your hundredth.

Always feel free to share your stories! How did your first week with two kids go? Reply to this email, and we might feature your experience in our next newsletter!

Hey Parents! If you’re in need of some extra help around the house… If you’re losing yourself in laundry or boxes long overdue to be unpacked.. or if you can no longer see the back of your refrigerator, closet, or pantry… Our parent company, Village, provides on-demand assistance so you can focus on the things that are most important. Click the link to find out more! 😀 

Until next time, breathe, love, laugh, and remember to take a moment for yourself amidst the beautiful chaos. Here's to the journey from one to two, and beyond.

Sending love and light from our family to yours,

CPO- Chief Parenting Officer

Andrew-

PS. Lots of people have reached out to ask how they can help in our time of transition, or to say these newsletters have been helpful to them. If that’s you, I’d only ask that you subscribe and share. If this has touched you, helped you, or moved you in any way, it will probably do the same for someone else. 😄 

Thank You!

Dad Joke: 

Q: What do you call someone with no body and no nose?

A: Nobody Knows