Now that I’ve been a momma to 2 children 19 months apart for 19 months, I thought I’d share some thoughts and feelings and tips all on having kids 19 months apart. I did post a little bit about the transition here when Eliza was 6 months old, but I’ve been wanting to share even more, now that we’re deeply in toddler-hood over here.
First, for those of you not familiar with our story, here’s the quick version: Abe took us 12 months to conceive, and then was the best baby around. When he was 9 months old, we decided to start trying for #2, because we were ready for another child, and we knew it would probably take a while to get pregnant again anyway. And then…. Well, less than 8 weeks later I got a positive pregnancy test! We were shocked and surprised and so happy.
Fast forward to now, and my mind is blown that I was 9 months pregnant/had a newborn when Abe was the age Eliza is now — because WHAT.WERE.WE.THINKING? To be honest, the first few months of that time in my life are a blur, and I’m not sure if it’s because it was hard and I’ve blocked it out, or because I was sleep-deprived, or because it was quite a while ago — probably a combination of all three. I do remember that it wasn’t as hard as I thought it might be. It was hard, but to me, all of motherhood is hard, and there are always hard things no matter what stage of life (or motherhood) you’re in.
So, there was a transition period, and it was a bit tricky, but you know what? It flew by. Somehow my squishy newborn is running around with her older brother, chatting up a storm, and sometimes it takes my breath away, because where did the time go?
That all being said, I wanted to share one of my biggest tips for moms (kids close together or not!) that I hope will help you out, and keep you sane, as you go through any motherhood transition —- and then I’ll leave you with some words of encouragement, too.
Buy in bulk.
That is it. Buy. In. Bulk. This is one thing that has absolutely saved our sanity! I cannot tell you enough how nice it is to buy a large box of diapers, wipes, garbage bags, or dish or laundry detergent, and then not have to worry about those things running out for months! By becoming a member of a wholesale club, like Sam’s Club, you’re setting yourself up for success. And good news for me and for all you moms with littles in diapers — right now Sam’s Club is offering $10 off of 2 or $18 off of 3 Huggies products, so you can bundle and stock up on those necessities. This means you can stock up on wipes, too, which I’m all for! I can’t be the only mom who literally cleans her whole house with baby wipes, right?
By buying in bulk you are crossing off some big to-do’s off of your list, and saving yourself time, money, and energy. You won’t have to worry about running out of diapers, wipes, toilet paper, etc., at the worst moment possible — whether that moment is when your in-law’s or in town or your baby just had a blow-out! It will save you. I promise. Which reminds me, another great thing about Sam’s Club? They offer club pick-up which means you can choose the items you want online, and just go pick them up! Another saving grace for us busy mommas.
So there you have it! I know it seems like such a small thing, but it’s really been life changing and sanity saving for us. And when you’re saving time, money, and your sanity, you can get back to enjoying your time as a mother to little ones, because that’s really what it’s all about, isn’t it? Creating memories with our children that will last forever. If you are having a hard time, or a harder time than expected – know this: It gets better. It gets easier. Having two little toddlers running around all day long is still a little crazy and hard, but seeing them become best friends is literally the best thing about having kids so close together.
It’s hard, but it’s beautiful and rewarding.
