Two weeks. It’s been almost two weeks since Ivy joined our family. It’s been a hectic blur, partially because we have so much going on with our home build project. Lately, I’m taking care of both girls, which is a true struggle since Ember is curious about and obsessed with the baby. Here’s a sample day in my life:

What time is is? Is it time to feed the baby? 
Pick up baby, feed her for an extended period of time.
Try to stay awake.
Burp baby.
Change diaper.
Attempt to put baby back down.
Pick up baby when she cries and wants to be held.
Let dogs outside.
Feed dogs.
Hear Ember wake.
Here we go…
Let Rob take care of Ember while he’s home.
Snuggle Ember and remind her that you love her.
Function as a human jungle gym for Ember.
Give Rob a kiss as he leaves.
Look for phone.
Find dead phone.
“Ember, be nice to the baby! Don’t hit her.”
Fill a cup of water and have every intention of drinking it.
Make Ember’s breakfast.
Feed baby while Ember is distracted in high chair.
Let the dogs lick the high chair and the high chair tray.
Leave the mess in the kitchen.
Read books to Ember while baby is in your arms.
Look around for water but do not locate it.
“Ember, Ember! No, Ember! Don’t do that. Please, Ember.”
Try not to cry.
Have I worn these pants for more than one day? 
Attempt to get dressed and fail.
Change diapers.
Allow Ember to throw every book off the shelf and watch her do so.
Pick up baby.
Feed baby.
Burp baby.
Seriously, where is my water? 
“Ember, are you pooping?”
Change diapers.
Hug Ember.
Carry baby around while Ember empties several dresser drawers.
Put Ember down for a nap.
Find protein bar and eat half.
Get distracted by baby crying.
Hold baby.
Attempt to clean kitchen and pick up while carrying Ivy.
Feed baby.
Burp baby.
Make coffee.
Have three sips of coffee and lose sight of the mug.
Have I eaten yet today?
Hear Ember cry.
Get Ember from her crib.
Change diapers.
Attempt to dress Ember in something normal.
Give Ember milk.
Change diapers.
Feed baby.
Burp baby.
“Ember, NO! You’re going to fall!”
Run to Ember.
Load baby in carrier and Ember in the stroller.
Go for a walk outside with the dogs.
Envy everyone who is able to enjoy this beautiful fall weather.
Head home.
Put Ember down for nap.
Feed baby.
Burp baby.
Hold baby.
Stare out the window wistfully.
Hear Ember cry.
What am I going to do when she only takes one nap?
Give Ember lunch.
Wolf down some lunch.
Feed baby.
Burp baby.
How many wet diapers has Ivy had today? 
Watch Ember spill a giant cup of water onto your breast pump.
Run, apparently in slow motion, as Ember turns on the pump.
Watch as the water is sucked into the pump tubes.
Turn off pump.
Haul Ember away from the pump and leave the mess for later.
Change diapers.
Ask Alexa to play music.
Dance with Ember in the living room while baby sleeps.
Feed baby.
Burp baby.
Take phone away from Ember.
“Ember, please don’t take the baby’s pacifier!”
Give Ember her own cup of water.
Watch Ember spill at least half the water.
Call the dogs and ask them to lick up water.
Change diapers.
Hug Ember.
Give Ember a snack.
“Ember, please don’t give the dogs your food!”
Eat three bites of old toast.
When will Rob be back? 
Find coffee mug with cold coffee.
Feed baby.
Burp baby.
Let dogs out.
Feed dogs.
Make Ember’s dinner.
Let Ember make a massive mess with food.
Bathe Ember.
I’ve never been this thirsty in my life.
Fill a cup of water and drink as much as you can.
Hand Ember to Rob when he walks in the door.
Read books and give Ember a bottle.
Get Ember to bed.
Sit on couch for one minute.
Why am I crying? 
Pick up disaster that Ember created.
Eat food Rob heats up for dinner one-handed while feeding baby.
Clean up kitchen.
Drink more water and spill half of it on your shirt.
Wash bottles.
Feed baby.
Burp baby.
Change diaper.
Talk to Rob about his day.
Collapse on couch.
Sleep for 2.5 hours.
Feed baby.
Burp baby.
Change baby.
Repeat until morning..

REPEAT.

Truth be told, I’m blessed. But the beginning is really hard.  I’m grateful for the love and support I have from family and friends. And these girls–I’m so lucky. (I wanted to say more here but both girls are crying, so I gotta go! Duty calls. Now, if only I could find my water…)