My Parenthood List

There are probably hundreds of posts out there that describe the complexities of parenthood in list form.  After all, parenthood is a pretty "in" topic in the blogosphere.  And lists are pretty "in" too.  Even J-Man started a blog and used a list for his first real post.

I won't pretend I can compile all the sentiments of motherhood for all women in all of time into one little list.  Here, instead, are a sampling of things I've learned these past four months about what happens after baby number two.

1. You can do laundry daily but somehow never be fully caught up.
2. Breastfeeding still hurts at the beginning. A lot.  Apparently nipples don't have muscle memory. 
3. Loading the car takes at least three trips.  Infant carrier? check.  PDG with his milk? check.  Mama with her pump, baby bag, lunch etc? Usually check. 
4. A mama, when alone on a spring afternoon, can both breastfeed an infant and tend to a bloody, busted lip so that, miraculously, two sets of wailing tears fade to silent at the same time

   

   You should've seen the other guy.  You know, the pavement...

5. It's never to late to become ambidextrous enough to spoon feed both boys simultaneously.  If I had a 3rd arm I would've taken a photo. And no, MDG isn't really eating yet, he just kinda plays with the rice cereal spoon right now.
6. The same genes really can create two wholly different children. 
7. My lap is never, ever empty.
   

   

   my boys holding hands unprompted for the first time 

8. It's ok to have a favorite at first, especially when only one smiles or laughs or hugs you back. It doesn't mean you can't/won't/don't love them both unconditionally so much it hurts.  Liking is different than loving, especially at 3am.

   

   I've come around though. I mean, look at that smile!

9. There actually is something more precious than breastmilk (aka liquid gold) and whole-family Sunday afternoon naps. It's those few minutes after both babies are fed and bathed, diapered and lotioned, read to and prayed with and kissed good night. After bottles are washed and daycare bags compiled. Lunches packed and outfits assembled. Leftovers placed in the fridge and toys kicked gently out of the way. There are those few quiet moments when you can hold your husband's hand, remember life before you made the crazy decision to procreate - twice - and feel at peace. Those fleeting minutes pass far too quickly, but are just as worth cherishing as any other memory the world tells us to hold dear.