The days where it’s just Max and I at home are dwindling fast. We’re down to about 35 days; even typing that brings an overwhelming rush of emotions.
I remember so so clearly the day we brought Maxwell home from the hospital, the day Zack went back to work, the day our families went back to Michigan. Each day was a stepping stone towards it being just Max and I at home together (with Bauer, of course!). And we’ve done so well, just Max and I :)
Most of our day is spent doing something together. He’ll play by himself for a few minutes, then he’s off to find me. He’s constantly curious to know what I’m doing, and he absolutely loves when we do something together.
The heirloom baby cradle is set up and tucked into a corner of the nursery, waiting to be filled with weight. Once Baby #2 is born we’ll bring it to the living room next to our bed, but for now it’s across from Max’s crib in the nursery.
But even though I do most of the talking about the baby joining our family “very soon”, it’s almost like Max can feel it, too — in his own 18-month-old way. He wants to be held multiple times each hour, which I can’t do as often (per my OB). Instead, we snuggle and read together on the couch during the day and at night for bedtime lullabies.
Just like when he nursed for the last time and I cried knowing that chapter was over, Max will be a big brother soon and once again we’ll be turning another page in our book. These are all healthy (but hard) changes, definitely something to cherish as life continues to circle and the pages continue to turn.
Maxwell may not be “a baby” anymore, but he’ll always be my baby. And watching him grow from baby to little boy is seriously so amazing. Life is transforming before my eyes, in more ways than one.
Becoming a mama has revised me into the richest and fullest version of my self.
Mamahood is my best story to tell, but also my most untold story, and it is perfect imperfection.
Hi Maggie,
Your post brought so many memories when I was pregnant with my youngest. Kristy was almost 3 and I was in labor at the hospital with Lynsey, walking the halls and I got this rush of emotions and started crying. My sweet sister in law thought I was in pain but I was overwrought with the thought that Kristy would not have all my love anymore. I was so worried I wouldn’t have enough love left to give to her too. That was so far from the truth. They are both still my “babies” at 33 and 30 yo! I still call Kristy “baby girl” at times and Lynsey is “little one”. I pray for a sweet delivery for you and welcome your new baby and Max will be the best big brother ever. Hugs, Diana
I think that’s going to totally be me… walking the halls and a tear fest :) Thank you for all the warm wishes, I know it’s going to be perfect.
My “baby” boy is turning ten this year :) I love every new stage but it’s always bittersweet. I do remind him often that he will never be too old to give his mama a hug!
It’s awfully funny with our first.. they seem to grow up so much more quickly than others that come along. Looking back to this time a few years from now, you will realize how much of a “baby” Maxwell still is. My advice to you in this transition is grace. Grace for you and Zack as there will be times when both have needs they need met at the same time, lots of grace for Max… it is a change no matter how long you prepare. An upset in any routine will produce some growing pains. But trust me when I say… it is short lived and the love that you will see between them is overwhelming. I am about to embark on #3 with a toddler at home and I am just as much telling myself this too!
Cherish these last few weeks with just Max. :)
Love to you Maggie!
Thank you for all the wisdom shared in your comment — it means so much! And yes, GRACE! :)
Precious, precious times. And to see you cherishing every minute with Max makes my heart happy. As young as he is, he’ll look so big when you bring the baby home. I know everyone says it over and over again, but it does go by so quickly. I’m enjoying granddaughters now with a grandson due around Christmas. It just keeps getting better and better. Enjoy every single stage. Don’t rush it.
The time before our youngest arrived was definitely bittersweet. I remember cherishing our afternoons and outings together, expecially in those last few weeks. And truth be told, I was really nervous about how a baby would fit into our family, with our established routines and roles. But these days, with our youngest now 2 years old, I cherish watching my girls’ relationship grow every day. It’s magical. So know that there’s much more excitement and love coming your way! And while you will be holding two babes at once for a while (building those biceps!), they’ll get used to sharing you and talking turns. And when they play together and you get a much needed break, it’s pretty great too :)
Our pediatrician told us today at Maxwell’s well baby appointment that a little sibling “competition” is very healthy for children. I know it is, but a little encouragement always feels good — right? :) xoxo
My “baby boy” is now 18. When my daughter was born 2 years after having him, I thought the same thing. Our lives were changing. And then they changed again 3 years after that. But all these changes are part of a growing family and each one falls into place as it should and all the worrying and wondering will be forgotten. I remember sitting down to nurse my daughter and my son would sit next to me and we would read a book. If I knew I had to do something for the new baby, I would always have something ready to occupy my son. It works, you will getused to it before you know it!
Max is most definitely still a baby! They’re still babies for much longer than just that first year, and I think when they become “big” brothers or sisters when they’re still babies too, it’s easy to expect too much of them. We just had our third in April, and my middle guy is three. Even HE still needed me and lots of mama attention once his baby brother was born. With my first, I remember thinking he was a “big boy” at two. He was verbally advanced so I just assumed he was able to handle much more than he really was. I expected him to play alone a lot more, to not be AS needy. But my sweet boy was still just a baby, and now that we’ve had our third, I’m realizing that while the baby might need me in a have-to-keep-him-alive kind of way? My middle guy needs me in a I’m-still-so-little-and-need-your-attention kind of way.
All this to say: Max is still so very much a baby. Not an infant, but definitely a baby. He might toddle but his little heart and soul are still in babyland and all he wants is you. He might be becoming the “big” brother, but I hope you remember (as I did not) that he’s still so very much a baby that needs his mama. My two youngest are three years apart and I finally realize how very much a three-year old still needs his mama, let alone an 18-month old! I hope this doesn’t come across in any way but loving, and in a don’t-make-my-mistake kind of way! I’m so excited to see you with your TWO precious babies! You’re such an awesome mama and those precious souls are lucky to be in your charge. God bless!