It's funny, the rich sense of accomplishment I feel when the day is ending. There's this resounding "I made it through another day...and it went fairly well" echoing in my head. I didn't do brain surgery (or even leave my house) but seeking to love and care for two babies is downright hard work. At this moment, all that I want is to go to sleep and not wake up until at least 6:00 but that's just not reality and it probably won't be for another month or so. And it's completely worth it; don't get me wrong. I would not trade this for anything but I am tired. Very tired.
A week ago I really didn't see how it was possible for me to take care of two needy babies at once. They both need things at the same time and there's only one of me. I can't be everywhere doing everything at the same time. Thankfully, God is helping me to see the situation in light of who He is, not just in light of who I am not. God is everywhere and He does everything that needs doing, even if I can't do it. So, I guess the sense of accomplishment is just the recognition of the grace that He's giving me to do what I can as I trust Him to do what I can't.
Every single exhausting moment is a blessing and I am grateful for it. But oh, do I need grace to have the energy to keep on going with joy and diligence! As always, I would love your prayers.
I will definitely pray for you, friend.
ReplyDeleteI am praying that the Lord will give you His grace to persevere with joy.
ReplyDeleteAs a sweet old lady at my church told me at my shower, "Just do it."
ReplyDeleteAt the end of my first year as a mother of two little ones, all I can say when people ask how I do it, I just have to say that's it is all by God's help: that I get out of bed in the morning until I rock them to bed at night - all the affection and tenderness and perseverence I had that day to do anything, came from Him.
Whta sweet thing we have to share that same Care-giver and Helper, my friend! oooo, I so desire to see you!
Oh Katie! Almost 30 years later, when I hear the exhaustion in your voice, how clearly I remember!
ReplyDeleteI will commit to pray for you each day, and as God quickens my heart for you.
Just know that it does get easier, but never easy enough to take your eyes off where your strength comes from - and that is a blessing!
The word of advice that I can pass on that we did to help us through the difficult first month adjusting was when I was tending to one child's needs, Jim took the other - and we swapped. For instance if I bathed Luke today - Jim would bathe Clint. Then tomorrow we would switch it up so that we got equal time with each and there was no jealousy with the older one. That really seemed to help me not see life as too big for me to wrap my mind around. Jim saw to it that I didn't have to do the caretaking of 2 at once. What a relief that was! He also was really good about chipping in on the chores so that I wasn't overwhelmed with duties outside of two kids under 1!!! Needless to say alot didn't get done, but our basic needs and the daily important things were attended to. The rest I came to realize was important - but not urgent. I began to sort things that way and it sure lifted alot of unnecessary expectations I had on myself.
So bottom line . . . love where you are. It passes very quickly.
Love ya and your babies are beautiful!!
try my site again - I think I've firured it out...this saftey thing is not easy!
ReplyDeleteKatie, you've made it through the hardest part in my opinion:):):) The first few weeks of number "2" were by far the hardest for me! It only gets easier!!!!!
ReplyDeleteMay the Lord bless you today with strength from Himself to accomplish all that needs to be done and to do it with JOY:). And may He bless you with great sleep...even if it comes in 3 or 4 hour intervals.
Thank you, ladies! I appreciate each of you.
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