A New Experience
Have you ever thought you’d have some sort of an idea of what something would be like before you experienced it? That was definitely me when it came to being pregnant and taking care of toddlers. I’d been pregnant before. Okay, so I definitely have that covered. Pregnancy wasn’t new to me. I’ve been pregnant before while taking care of a newborn/infant. Check! So having two toddlers while being being pregnant is going to be harder, but not too different, right? Just more children to watch. I have learned that I was wrong. It’s very different, but not impossible!
What Should You Do?
Asking for help from God as well as from family and friends is key. Taking time for yourself, even if it’s only in small chunks throughout the day is essential. Your kids don’t need you burning out on them at the start of the day or at any point.
Give yourself grace and cut yourself some slack. I used to and sometimes still feel guilty about when I was laying on the couch or on the floor because I wasn’t engaging with my toddlers in a playful way like I wanted to. I also used to and still sometimes feel guilty when the girls are in front of the tv for more than thirty minutes to an hour even thought it tended/tends to be educational shows or educational music. I have come to terms with the facts of the matter. The important thing is that I was still supervising Cecelia and Margaret while also taking care of Baby #3 and myself. Another thing I would feel guilty about was being cranky and short with people especially to those closest to me, but they’ve all been nothing but patient, loving, supportive, and understanding.
Working on Acceptance
Another thing that I’m working on is accepting the fact that things aren’t always going to go the way I planned or hoped for and this is important to remember at all times, not just during pregnancy, but especially during pregnancy.
That huge load of toddler laundry that has sat in the basket waiting to be folded, sorted, and put into drawers is fine where it is. My girls have clean clothes to wear.
The dishwasher that needs to be unloaded and the dishes that need to be loaded into it and/or hand washed will be there when I have a few minutes or when I don’t need to stop to rest. I also know that I can count on Kenny, my husband, to help me clean up at the end of the night after we’ve put the girls to bed.
The blogging, the newfound hobby that I love that I haven’t worked on for a few months is okay. It has always been there waiting for me for when I was ready to get back to it and it feels so great to be back at it again!
The book that still needs to be read in less than a month for the book club that I am in charge of, will be there for me if I want and I am able to get back to reading it. My friends will understand if I don’t get the book done in time and won’t judge me. The list goes on and on.
Reminder: It is OKAY if things don’t go as planned. That’s the way life goes and God is always right there with you through the thick of it all.
Being Confident and Making Adjustments
There is nothing wrong about being confident about what you can handle, but re-evaluating your current situation when you’re ready to pull your hair out and when you’re not feeling like yourself is a must. Seek the help and support that you need! I swear it’s a real game changer! Recognizing that I’m going through a lot with my changing body and growing baby inside was and continues to be a step in the right direction. Leaning on friends and other women journeying through the same or similar experience has been very helpful. Being patient with myself has been another crucial step. Some days will be better than others and other days will be more challenging and that is perfectly normal and acceptable.
Applying Scripture
One of my favorite Bible verses is from Philippians and it gives me so much strength and encouragement. “I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me!” (Philippians 4:13) I highly suggest that you constantly come back to this verse, especially during challenging moments. I plan to place this verse somewhere that I can see it on a daily basis. Possibly tape it on the wardrobe next to the mirror. Maybe I’ll put it on my phone. What will you do to to rely on God during challenging times? Will you rely on family and friends for support? Will you give yourself grace and accept that things will not go as you planned and in those instances will you try to remember that God has something even bigger and better in store for you? He is using those challenging moments to shape you and wants you to turn to Him. He is ALWAYS right there with you. He will NEVER abandon you.
Until next time,
God Bless You!
The One Blessed Mama
I love this. Applying scripture hits me the hardest because it’s in my moments of greatest frustration that I tend to find it most difficult to apply scripture. Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome! I’m so glad you found it helpful! Hang in there!
Asking for help from God as well as from family and friends is key to survive during pregnancy while you already have kids. You said it right
Thank you so much!
Taking time in praise and worship definitely help along with prayer and scripture.
Yes! I agree! So helpful!
Applying scripture and being accepting are such great tips! It’s not an easy journey but possible.
Thank you! I agree! It’s not an easy journey, but it is possible!
I struggle with things not always going the way I planned because I’m such a planner. Thanks for your post and verses of encouragement!
You’re welcome! Glad my post helped! Hang in there!
Thos is so true and so so good. I love that you are seeking God through prayer and scripture. He will always give you peace, even when the answers and circumstances are not what you would have wanted or expected. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much! I appreciate time wise words of wisdom!
That’s my favorite scripture verse as well! “I can do all things through Christ …” it’s such a great verse for uncertain times and situations ❤️
I agree so much! It’s one of my favorites too!
Such wonderful tips and advice for fellow mamas! It is so important to “let go, and let God” sometimes 🙂
Thank you! Yes I love “Let go and let God!!”
Great post! I don’t have children now, but these nuggets of wisdom are great for when I do. 🙂
Thank you! I’m so glad you found it helpful! You’ll make a wonderful mother!
I love this post, so much grace and support for the mom. I love how you made God a focal point, asking Him for help first and focusing on Him. Beautiful post sweet sister …
Thank you so much! I appreciate your kind words!