new sibling – Playing House

6 weeks… That’s how long it took for the reality of baby brother Henry to really sink in for Charlotte. Since last week, we’ve been dealing with a green mutant version of our girl.

I’m talking hitting, scratching, hair pulling. Mutant Charlie.

At first, Mark and I were annoyed. All the whining and misbehaving. Oy. It wears on you. Especially when so sleep-deprived. But yesterday, I read about 40 different articles about jealousy when a new baby comes and it just left me feeling really sad for Charlotte.

She is very clearly testing us, but what I didn’t think about was that it likely stems from an insecurity regarding her current situation. Do mommy and daddy still love me? Do they love me the same? Will they love me no matter what? Why does Henry get all of mommy’s attention? And so on…

The gist of what I read is to just shower her with love… But let me tell you, it’s not always easy. She’s got SUCH spice. One minute she’s our sweet little girl and the next, she gets this look in her eye and does something so naughty.

This morning’s victims? Mark and Ollie. Mark got kicks on the changing table and hits when he tried to put her in her car seat and Ollie got his tail pulled.

Ugh. Please, please, please tell me this is a phase… A short-lived phase.

To all you mommas of two… Any advice? I know I need to find just mommy/Charlie time. But what else? Ignore the hitting? Timeouts? Any advice is welcome!

Before Henry arrived, I was worried. As cliche as this sounds, I literally was concerned about being able to love him enough. I have spent the past 2 years falling more and more in love with Charlotte. Would there be this noticeable disparity between my love for Charlotte versus Henry? I was feeling so many levels of guilt. For Charlotte who would no longer be my one and only… for Henry who might never know the full capacity of my love… just guilt..

Fast forward to today, four days later. There is no worry left in me.

I am four days in and instead of stressing over being up all night, I’ve been loving every night time feeding with my guy. Taking advantage of the time I have alone with him… every cuddle, every kiss. I am absolutely smitten.

And during the day, I’m trying my best to share the moments with my sweet C. I am literally blown away by the love I am feeling. Watching Charlotte love Henry, watching my husband be this amazing father and husband, just everything. I’m blown away.

I’m sure this honeymoon period will fade into reality, but for now, I’m simply enjoying every moment.

Plus, how cute is this little man???