On a rare occasion I was grocery shopping sans kids, I opted for the longest line while checking out so I could spend a few minutes catching up on all the celebrity gossip in the rag magazines. Don’t you dare judge me. It’s my guilty pleasure.
Through the dozens of celebrity divorce rumors and Kardashian family splashed pages was an article that literally made me laugh out loud :“How will Duchess Kate handle two under two?”
While I absolutely adore Duchess Kate and her little royal family, surviving the trials and tribulations of two under two is really no skin off her back and probably won’t even ruffle that perfectly coifed mane.
For the rest of us common folk, a palace full of nannies, chefs, maids, and assistants will not be at our beck and call during this daunting time. But just for giggles, let’s pretend the Duchess is one of our gal pals and share what really happens when you have two kids in two years, shall we?
- Tears- lots of them. Some from your newborn and some from your toddler, but a whole lot will be from you. With a mixture of pregnancy hormones, exhaustion, and a dash of the terrible twos, it can be a real shit storm.
- Just like Elsa, you need to Let it Go because, honey, there is no perfect mom and there will be chaos for quite some time. Laugh at it and be like the rest of us and start a Mommy Blog.
- He or she that cries the loudest will get Mommy first. It’s very Darwin but then again, we are in survival mode.
- Expect a HUGE decline in personal hygiene. Embrace it. After a particularly long spell of not showering I thought “Why the hell would I go DAYS without showering with just ONE kid?” Flip side, our water bill went down significantly.
- Exhaustion is inevitable. A newborn that is up most of the night and a toddler ready to play at 7 AM on constant repeat. Coffee and Diet Coke during the day, wine at night—the Mom’s holy trinity.
- Get yourself some help! I was that mother that would never think of leaving her first born with a babysitter, but three months into two under two, and I basically tackled a babysitter on the playground and dragged her back to my house to watch my kids just so I could shower or maybe visit heaven alone Target alone
- Did you get both kids dressed, fed, out the door and to a doctor’s appointment all before 11 AM? Well then, high five yourself, Mamma! Even if it took three hours and six outfit changes, you celebrate these wins no matter how small!
But don’t be too scared because now that I’m on the other side of those early years, I sort of feel like Gloria Estefan singing “Coming out of the dark…. I can finally see the light and it’s shining on me…
At 3 and 5, my kids are getting, dare I say, a little easier. Both kids are very independent and I don’t feel like I’m doing 100% for them day in and day out. Plus I feel like an expert in some aspects of parenting because once I wrap up one phase with the first kid, it’s quickly time for the other to start into that phase.
But more importantly, they really, really love each other. I love listening to their sweet conversations of nonsense and watching them snuggle on the couch while they watch Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs for the 400th time. When my son is at school, my girl misses her big bro, and when they are reunited, they hug like it’s been ages since they were together.
So even though those early days were touch and go for me, I’m glad my kids are so close in age. Would I do it all again? ………………………………………Oh, sorry I think I just blacked out for a second reliving those first few years. No, no, absolutely not.
Stephanie says
OHMY!! Those pictures! His little face! THE BABY!!!!
Excellent advice–made me giggle the whole time. Bless you, Dutchess.
La Dale says
This is why I side eyed everyone that asked me when I was going to have another one a year after Johanna was born. I am so not about that life. But you survived! Cheers!
Michele @ A Storybook Life says
Those pictures are THE BEST. They totally hit me in the mommy gut/wave of postpartum hormones and now I’m all teary. Except that may also be a) from laughing and b) because this hits so close to home as I hold baby #2 on my lap. Can you describe your technique for tackling said babysitter on the playground? I may need to use that one. I sincerely hope Duchess Kate is reading this, as how else will she survive with two babies?!?
Susan says
Hope Kate reads your tips! Those days fly by so quickly, although they seem to drag by at the time. Every single moment should be treasured because in just the blink of an eye they’re off to college (ask me how I know).
mommyjenna says
My twins just turned three so I can totally tell you, I feel it all
lisa says
Great pics. I have 2 girls that are 13 months apart. They are now 5 and 6 and it gets easier!
Real Life Parenting says
Yes!!! Mine are almost 18 months apart. There were lots of crazy, busy, zombie days for me … but the Boy and Girl are great friends–even as teens. The chaos is worth it!!
Debbie Denny says
Ha I love it. I had 3 under 3 1/2 years old (twins +1). This is real world …am I right!?
Pam says
I never had two under two, but several of my friends did. It’s so neat seeing the kids grow up together as best friends. But their sleep schedules were wacky for a while!
becca says
You are a rockstar mama. I think all mamas whether they children close in age or not are heros they do so much to raise and nurture these little humans.
maria @ closetohome says
I dont; think the duchess will have too much trouble with the help she can have. I had two under 2 for a few months and husband traveling. IT is a lot of work.
Heather says
Two under Two can be difficult I’m sure! I have enough trouble with one 4 year old!!
Christina Berry says
Your children are absolutely adorable – you appear to be incredibly blessed, even with a handful! Thanks for sharing their beautiful photos!
Milena says
LOL! Been there. It can be done and I’m sure the Dutchess with all her help will never even notice.
Trisha says
Love this! I feel like this could apply to anyone because I have a newborn and three-year-old and a lot of this sounds like my life, lol!
Annie {Stowed Stuff} says
I love that photo of you with your kids so much! I totally hear ya with “Let it Go!” I did that today after NO sleep thanks to the one year molars. NO fun!
Mama to 5 BLessings says
I have 5 little ones I know about the craziness! We are women and we are wired to handle this craziness!
Rosey says
I love the end. I always say the best thing I gave my kids was siblings. And it’s true. 🙂
Pamela :: Still Dating My Spouse says
It definitely take some getting use to to take care of two kids under the age of two. Downtime for the mom is so important. Thanks for these tips.
Lois Alter Mark says
Two under two?! I’m exhausted just thinking about it and give all of you who have done it lots of credit!
Censie says
I couldnt have done 2 under 2!! lol I am struggling with my 2 and 4 year old!! lol Good luck to her.
Lexie Lane says
I’ve only got one who’s 4 and people had asked me over and over if I was going to have another one soon. I think I’ll wait til he actually goes to school as this sounds like chaos! lol!
Wendy @ ABCs and Garden Peas says
I wanted two under two, but ended up with 3 years between mine. Most of these tips still definitely apply!
Becca Wilson says
I have a 2 year old and a 6 month old and so I know how trialing it can be. Sometimes I am thankful that I also have a 6 year old boy that can help in some ways to take care of his two younger sisters. I am glad that the two girls are so close in age that way they can be each other’s best friend (fingers crossed).
Janeane Davis says
I liked this post. The best thing you can do when you are a parent of small children is accept your new reality and embrace it.
Giveaways 4 Mom says
These are some great tips. Any mom in this situation could find them useful.