how our lives changed when baby #2 arrived

Our sweet Everly Blue joined our family on October 27, 2016. Her arrival went much smoother than big sister Hadley’s had two years earlier, and since this was baby #2, I felt much more comfortable about what to expect. Everly was beautiful and healthy, and after nine months of waiting, she was finally here.

Everyone says that you’ll love the second child just as much as the first, but that’s hard to imagine when you’ve only got one that you love so immensely. It feels as if nothing can compare. But sure enough, the very second I saw her, my heart was consumed with even more love than I ever thought possible. And seeing both my girls together, I have no clue how my heart didn’t explode out of my chest. So. Much. Love.

It seems weird to me how naturally things have fallen into place. Everly was made for our family and now it seems like we had been waiting for her all along. Life before her included a little more sleep, more one-on-one time with Hadley, and less clothing changes for me. But now I sleep when I can (it’s overrated anyway), spend time bonding with both girls, and am enjoying every minute (mostly) of the new-baby stage. I’m surprised at how much I’d forgotten about newborn life since having Hadley, but also how quickly it comes back. We’ve had our share of late nights, early mornings, and tears of frustration. Babies and toddlers (I’m sure all ages, but I can only speak for these two) are the most challenging, frustrating, hair-pulling-out, beautiful, wonderful, amazing beings! One minute you are crying from frustration, and the next minute you are laughing at their cuteness.

As much fun as watching Hadley grow brings to our family, Everly only adds to that! She is her own little person and her own unique personality. Plus, she’s a much chunkier baby than Hadley, so this time around we get to enjoy all the baby rolls! It’s also been especially fun to experience everything through Hadley’s eyes. She’s fascinated by this tiny, round, real-life baby that lives with us! She gets a little jealous sometimes, but she’s mostly been a great sport about sharing her mommy and daddy. I can’t wait until Everly can interact and play with her big sister. They are going to have so much fun together.

Good friends of ours told us that once you get used to two kids, adding another is no big deal. I’m not sure how true that is. But we might have to find out…