CB x 2

Carter and Cooper

Everyone has been asking how Carter's done with the new addition of a baby brother.  I joked before I had Cooper that we were going to ruin Carter's life and I guess on some level, I really thought so.  But, I'm happy to report, we haven't.  At least I don't think so.

"Bayyybee" is the first thing Carter says in the morning.  He loves seeing his baby brother and has learned to gently soothe the baby by patting and saying "heyyyyy", just like mama.  I've been very surprised and very happy to see the transition happen.

I won't lie though, the first couple of weeks were tough.  Carter was almost angry in his actions.  Lots of "NO!", complete with slapping at us.  C was home from work the first week, but when he went back on week two, I implemented time out and Carter got more of what he really needed and wanted-- one on one time with me.  We had both missed it, I think.  Slowly but surely, my sweet boy returned.  Don't get me wrong, he's still runs balls to the wall while his eyes are open, but at least there's no anger-- just all boy.

As for me, I'm exhausted.  Not because the baby keeps me up, because he doesn't (hate me if you must).  It's more of having two boys all by myself.  Thank goodness the baby naps a lot during the day still.  And, I LIVE for Carter's nap time.  That is something that will not be missed!  It's really my only down time until bedtime.  It's my time to shower or get dinner together or nap (which I've done once but say I'm going to do every day).  C had to work a lot over the weekend and I got a taste of what my reality could be... I was so happy to have him home. I joke that there's no rest and recovery during this maternity leave... wait, that's not a joke. 

I have gained the utmost respect for a) single mother's who do it all, all the time and b) stay at home mom's.  I feel guilty for wanting a break- shouldn't I WANT to be with my kids all the time?  I won't go so far as to say I want to go back to work, because that would be a lie, but man.... help sure would be nice during the waking hours.

And, on another note, both boys were weighed yesterday.  Carter:  31lbs & 33.5" tall.  Cooper:  7lbs 15oz!  Whooooo for mama!