What I Have Learned

As Conley approaches the four month mark, I feel like I've learned a few things about being a mom to a newborn and a toddler.  With some trial and error, I've somehow survived the first few months with only a few minor bumps and bruises.  Well not literally but you catch my drift.

The Mornings-
I try to finish feeding Conley and change his diaper before Nolan gets up. Sometimes he'll fall back asleep, and I will use this time to get Nolan's breakfast ready.  Nolan is usually up and just laying/playing in his crib, so I go and get him and change his diaper and out of his pajamas.

Leaving the House-
I always feel like no matter how hard I try to be somewhere on time, it never happens because either one of the boys poops or Conley spits up all over his outfit.  I have just realized I am officially always on "mommy time" which means late.  I change Nolan's diaper, feed Conley, change his diaper, put Conley in the infant car seat carrier, load Nolan in the car, and then go back and get Conley.  I figured a strapped in toddler is easier than having him running around while I put the baby in--so Nolan is always first in the car.  When we return from our outing, I take Conley in first then come back and get Nolan.  I figure Conley in a carrier will get into a lot less trouble than a toddler running loose!

Grocery Stores-
I always, ALWAYS park next to a cart return.  I think most of you mommies already know that rule, but when you have two it is even more crucial.  I load Conley in the cart first, and then put Nolan in the car. He walks around the stores when we have Dad, but I know that I can't guarantee he'll stay by me when I'm alone so for safety and my sanity he's in the cart.  I usually have tons of snacks-crackers or fruit/veggie pouches to distract him while we are there, or I'll here the words, "Nolan walk" a million times.  When we leave the store, I always put Nolan in first then the baby.  It's a real science my friends.

Dropping Nolan off to MDO-
Unfortunately the church that Nolan attends his MDO program has a long walk to his classroom.  It's either stairs or the ramp, and since I have the baby I choose the winding ramp path.  I have Nolan hold my hand, and I use the other hand to push the stroller.  (I just use the car seat stroller, so I can just pop him in and back out to leave.)

Nap time-
Oh that precious nap time.  I usually try to have Conley down before I put Nolan down.  Today however was a different story.  Thankfully Nolan has become accustomed to hearing a crying baby, so he doesn't protest when I'm putting him down while the baby is in a safe place testing out his lungs.  It probably bugs me more than it does him!  I use two sound machines, so during this time you will hear the ocean from two different rooms.  I do whatever it takes from letting either of them wake each other up.  Of course Conley naps more than Nolan, so it does get a little tricky when Nolan is trying to get my attention as I try to softly lay a sleeping Conley in his crib for his nap.  I usually will wait to get up from rocking until Nolan is distracted or doing something so that he won't follow me.

Well there you have it---some food for thought!  Now I do have a few questions for some of you experienced moms out there.

Conley is still sleeping in our room, but we are about to transition him into his crib.  How do you keep the baby from waking up the toddler?  During nap time I'm like a spider monkey and jump up to soothe him as soon as I hear him so that he doesn't wake Nolan.  But at night, it's going to be more tricky.  What are your tips?

Potty training will be in our future.  How do you take a baby and a toddler together in a public restroom?  All I keep thinking is yucky!

Please share your tips of handling multiple children :)