Lessons I’ve Learned from Baby #2

By on July 14, 2016 in Health Tips

The last 5 weeks is probably the longest I’ve gone without posting a blog since I started writing in 2010. The reason you ask? I had another baby!

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Maxwell Andrew Follett was born on June 6th, 2016, and wow life is next level busy with a two-year old toddler and a newborn. Every minute in a 24 hour period is filled with breastfeeding, cleaning, laundry and toddler needs, ie. searching frantically for his favourite stuffed animal while putting sunscreen on him and getting his lunch packed for daycare. This leaves little time to have a longer than 10-second conversation with my husband, cook dinner, shower, brush my teeth, and have any personal time.

Before having Max people said to me that I’ll wonder what I did with all my free time before he was born, and they were right, but I know what I did with my free time – I blogged, worked with nutrition clients, wrote nutrition articles, and tried new healthy recipes; things that will have to go on the back burner for the next few months while Max is so young. Being a parent is not about you; one of many lessons I’ve learned in the last few weeks. Other things I’ve learned:

  • When you only have time to choose brushing your teeth or going to the bathroom – choose going to the bathroom
  • It’s impossible to be everything to everyone in your family
  • Having kids is friggin’ hard sometimes, and it’s ok to admit that
  • With every bad moment, there is a good moment on the horizon
  • The newborn stage doesn’t last forever; “this to shall pass” (I’ve never said that phrase more in my life)
  • Eat fast (opposite of what I tell my clients, but I’m going to retract that recommendation for people with young kids) and when you can. My favourite healthy grabs lately: boiled eggs, baby carrots with hummus, blueberries, granola bars, apples, nuts, cheese and crackers
  • Learn to be content with your circumstances. When the going gets tough, a natural response is to look ahead and want to speed up time; long for the day when your children are more independent, but I look at Jack who’s already two, and I miss the days when he was a bouncing, cooing baby. Things go so fast, and I have to force myself to enjoy the moment regardless of how hard it may be
  • Dinner is no longer a relaxing time to unwind in front of Etalk – it’s pure pandemonium
  • I’m so blessed to have two healthy, beautiful boys and an amazing husband – something I remind myself everyday
  • I can’t believe that I can survive on so little sleep (I said survive, not function properly in society)
  • Taking 10 seconds to breath deeply can work wonders
  • A positive attitude is everything – when both boys are screaming sometimes it helps to just laugh out loud
  • Try and do one thing everyday for you that makes you feel like yourself. Whether it’s painting your toenails, curling your hair, working out…it’s important…the laundry can wait
  • For the next year, I can only wear shirts that allow me to whip out my boob at a moment’s notice
  • I need to put “shower” on my to do list or it won’t get done

Despite the craziness of life, and no matter how hard it gets we have so much to be thankful for, and before I know it Jack and Max will be all grown up and I’ll miss these days (at least that’s what I keep telling myself).

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Unfortunately, I’m going to put blogging on hold for a few months until I get the hang of this “mother of two” thing, but I will be back – hopefully with some awesome tips on how to whip up healthy meals for a family of four in 30 minutes – stay tuned!

About Lauren

Welcome! I’m Lauren Follett. A couple years ago, while working in the corporate world of downtown Toronto, I decided to pursue my passion for healthy living and enrolled in the Distance Education program with The Canadian School of Natural Nutrition. I studied on my lunch breaks, after work, on the weekends, and while travelling through South America. The world of health & nutrition can be confusing. There are a lot of mixed messages out there when it comes to health: low fat, low calories, sugar-free, low-carb, gluten-free…leaving you confused, frustrated, and wondering where to start. That’s where I come in. As a Registered Nutritionist, my goal is to help you accomplish your health & wellness goals. I don’t believe in diets or quick fixes. I believe in living a healthy lifestyle, which requires you to get educated, and learn how to make healthy choices. I’m dedicated to working closely with my clients to teach & motivate them to make healthy choices, discuss healthy living strategies and create customized nutrition programs that fit with their life.
View all posts by Lauren →

8 Responses to Lessons I’ve Learned from Baby #2

  1. Julia July 15, 2016 at 12:15 am #

    I put shower on the to-do list as well! So funny – these are great insights. I have an 11-month old and a 3.5 year old – it gets so much easier and manageable! 😉

    Reply
    • Lauren July 23, 2016 at 1:17 pm #

      Thanks Julia! I love hearing that it gets easier from other moms of two – good motivation during those hard moments!

      Reply
  2. Brooke July 15, 2016 at 12:35 am #

    Family of four!!! Wow! Still can’t believe it! Love this post!! Xoxo

    Reply
    • Lauren July 23, 2016 at 1:16 pm #

      I know right! Thanks sis xx

      Reply
  3. Sara July 15, 2016 at 2:24 am #

    Thanks sis

    Reply
    • Lauren July 23, 2016 at 1:16 pm #

      You’re welcome sis – were in this together xx

      Reply
  4. JoAnne July 15, 2016 at 4:18 am #

    Well said Lauren….in the end… time goes sooo fast. Enjoy!

    Reply
    • Lauren July 23, 2016 at 1:15 pm #

      Thanks Joanne! That’s what everyone says – it can be hard to remember in the hard times, but I already can’t believe Max is 7 weeks old!!

      Reply

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