Life with 2 Kids at 18 Months

I love hearing from other moms how things work in their house from eating habits, bedtime and even the ins and outs of a daily routine.

Life with two kids is still a bit crazy but it has calmed down tremendously. It's interesting to see how my kids have shifted roles as I read back on previous posts at the one year mark and from when Henry was born. 

Henry has always been laid-back and chill while Evie has been more emotional and talkative. That's not the case anymore, Evie is easier now and Henry is a bit more difficult.

18 months is a tough age for me as a mom. I remember feeling this way when Evie was about this age too. It must be hard for the baby too because communication is difficult which makes everything harder for everyone. Sometimes, I miss the baby days when Henry slept a lot and was unable to move from room to room at the speed of light. 

Henry is beginning to talk more and he sure uses a lot of gestures to make his point along with a few temper tantrums. He takes me by the hand to the cup cabinet when he is thirsty and points to his diaper when he needs a fresh diaper.

Henry is so much easier to take out and about than Evie was at his age. He's just more difficult at home. He has had a rough month with ear infections and then tubes so maybe things will settle down again. Henry has broken numerous ornaments, dipped his toothbrush in the toilet, prefers standing in a chair for mealtime and refuses to obey on occasion. Just normal toddler stuff, it will be over soon!

Evie has finally become more independent and will play in her room for about an hour or watch a movie without requesting two hundred different things from me. She can pick out her own snacks, get her own cup from the fridge and cleans up fairly well after herself. Of course, there is some sass involved but overall this age is much easier for me!

I still find the hardest part of having two kids is when they both need me at once. It's rare to have them both crying but when it happens- look out because it can get wild around here.

I am sure Henry and Evie will continue to flip-flop roles just as we have figured out an action plan that works. Both of our children are delightful even on the hard days. It has been so wonderful watching them learn to love each other. Evie is so nurturing to her brother when she is not yanking her toy back. Henry passes out kisses quite freely until Evie pins him down for more.

Those hard days can feel really long but at the end of the day there is nothing better than snuggling with my kiddos under a warm, cozy blanket with a pile of books. I love their slobbery kisses, sweet smiles and all of the crazy things they do that make me laugh. Being a motherhood is harder than I ever imagined but it's also the most worthwhile experience of my life.

At least, 18 months does not last forever and I am pretty sure that all of this will look like a cake walk in just a few short years.