My split screen life

Well, to say it has been awhile since I blogged, would be quite the understatement. I haven't blogged since 2012. I think life just got in the way. However, with the arrival of our beautiful, second daughter- Caroline- I think it might be time to start writing again. Caroline arrived about two weeks before her due date. But then again, I never thought I'd make it to my due date. Due dates are rarely right. She is happy, healthy and not sleeping more than two hours at a time. I had forgotten about that. I think the filing away of memories like no sleep and constant feedings is our body's way of tricking us into having more children. More on the "no sleep" later.... for today, I'll focus on one of my biggest observations thus far as a "mom of two." It has to be the constant dichotomy of our life. It is a beautiful blend of happiness and chaos all at once! Take our first family hike, for example. We wanted to join some friends to check out a state park with gorgeous views. It started off perfectly. Caroline in the baby carrier - totally shielded from the sun- for those of you worried about that :) Grace, A.J. and myself walking some trails and snapping a few lovely pictures. Here's one!

It looks so perfect... but perfect can turn into crazy in short order. We hiked further and met up with some great friends. The kids checked out some tide pools while I tried to feed the baby. Luckily, one of our dear friends stayed with me... because this only gets worse. There was the large diaper mess and the diapers were with A.J., who was wandering around the tidal pools. Oh, and there was barely any cell service too. So, a very messy diaper and she needed to eat. We found a quiet little bench area. I kept feeding her. Then the flies attacked. For some reason, they wanted to bite my ankles. Trying to be a "super mom", I figured, I could take the flies biting me - I just didn't want them to bite the baby. Well, you can only take it for so long. We started walking back. I then realized we've hiked a ways in. So, the baby was crying and still needed to eat. The nuttiness of the moment led me to feed her while walking through the state park, as she was shielded by a blanket, so as not to give the families and elderly folks walking by too much of a show. Oh and the flies didn't let up. Husbands and kiddos finally caught up. They needed a snack- which is not new for four year olds- they always need a snack. I needed to keep walking. It all ended well at our nice, air conditioned car but it hammered home the reality of how picture perfect things can look one minute... and then not so much, the next.

The dichotomy of our new reality extends into the more mundane moments too. Like this loving picture of our sweet Caroline. This, while just four feet away, my husband and Grace are screaming and playing games at the dining room table. Gone are the peaceful, serene moments that I had with our first daughter. This little girl is going to have to learn to sleep through blaring Disney music, Grace's off-key singing, lots of loud voices, and more sister kisses than she can count.

While not so peaceful, I wouldn't change it for the world. I am totally in love with my new, complete and crazy little family.