Life with two kids hasn't been that much different than life with one; Mason still takes up about 95% of my time, energy, and day. Bless his little heart. I am not sure what it is about him that makes him "difficult," but he is. I can say that with confidence now because Sadie is so different, so easy. I know now that I am not just an inexperienced mother who doesn't know how to deal with children. Mason has been hard and the proof is in how easy Sadie is.
The things that make Mason hard are also the things that I love about him. The way he depends on me for everything. I'm not talking about getting him juice or things like that. From the beginning of his life he has wanted me there to witness every step of his day, every car that he pushes, every sound that he hears, and every truck that he sees. His little mind is so complex. He can tell when people are being fake with him - and he doesn't care to please them with smiles or by saying something cute. He is detailed oriented, particular about how he wants things to go, cautious and slow to warm up to something new. He can be the life of the party, but it has to be on his own terms. I love how he challenges me to be a better, more patient mom. In a lot of ways I am glad that I got my demanding child first. I feel like it has helped me learn how to handle the stresses of parenting small children.
And then there is Sadie. Sadie is so patient, independent, and easy going. She is quick to smile and smiles with a sparkle in her eyes. She never gets bored with people talking to her. In fact, she loves it so much I feel guilty when I have to stop talking to her and get something done. She hardly ever cries and when she does it just breaks my heart because she doesn't deserve to cry. But, the best part about Sadie is her awareness. I can't tell you how many times I have been having a busy, stressful, or just a plain BAD day and Sadie knows. It is at these times that she has quietly played in her crib, put herself to sleep, or slept all night. It is a huge testimony to me that Heavenly Father knows me and knew that at this time in my life I would need a sweet baby girl to give me strength.
Motherhood is so fulfilling in so many different ways. I am grateful for the small moments during the day when I can look at my children and appreciate their personalities and what they add to my life. There is no greater achievement or honor than that of being a mother.
