The Joys of Being a Second-Time Mom

There are lots of joys the first time around, but as a second-time mom, the harder times just seem easier.

I don’t usually write a lot about my personal life, but today I feel compelled to. As a second time mom, baby life just seems easier and I’ve been trying to figure out why. What makes being a second-time mom easier?

The only answer I come to is that this time I have the wonderful knowledge of hindsight. Oh, hindsight. You know when something happens and you think if only I knew then what I know now, that’s what it feels like to have a baby again.

While my babies are not complete carbon copies, their sleep patterns are different and their personalities are not exactly the same, both girls are happy, healthy kids. (Now you know why I’m This Happy Mommy!)

I could probably go on and on about how much I love my two kids. (I can be a bit mushy sometimes). Instead, I’m going to share a couple things I wish I knew as a first-time Mom.

Will I ever feel like me again? Yes and No. The beginning is all over the place. Little babies are awake at odd hours and sometimes throughout the night. You are sleep deprived and this little person is constantly depending on you for everything. Yes, everything.

After a while, life finds a new normal. You’ll spend time with your husband and friends again. You’ll have moments when you are the old you, the you that you knew for so many years. That person is not gone, I promise.

Then you’ll have moments in your new life that are truly magical. Like when your little baby looks up at you with eyes filled with so much unconditional love or when you laugh so hard about something that your baby did and somehow life is perfect. When those moments happen, you won’t miss your old life, you’ll feel thankful to have both. This new life may be different (and you may wear your pajamas a lot more), but it is truly amazing. It’s more wonderful than I could have ever imagined.

Will I ever sleep again? Yes! I’m no sleep expert, but eventually, all babies and kids sleep through the night. It may take some longer than others, but at some point, everyone will sleep.

That dreaded four-month sleep regression was tough the first time around, but we got through it. One thing I always held on to was nothing last forever. So, those sleep-deprived, difficult moments will come to an end too!

There are so many changes in those first years. Some are amazing – first words, first foods, first time sitting up, standing, or even walking. But there are also some lasts that are worth mentioning too – last midnight feed, last time you want to plead, “Please go to sleep!”, or the last time you worry about your baby around stairs, plugs, or anything that they can open.

Life changes, babies grow. If that last four years of motherhood taught me anything it’s that nothing last forever. Before you know it, that little baby grows into a toddler, a kid and beyond.

Before that happens, I will take extra special care to enjoy every smile, giggle, cuddle, and all the joyful moments that we will share. Afterall, the magic moments, those indescribable happy ones, are the times that you treasure and remember the most.

Can’t get enough? Keep up to date with recipes and other fun at This Happy Mommy. Follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

If you want to read more about me and my family, you may also enjoy Our Newest Addition

Family Vacation to Las Vegas

Surprise Box and Exciting News

Apple Banana Muffins (aka Baby #2 Announcement)

What are your thoughts on babies, motherhood or being a parent? Does it get easier or harder?