I mentioned earlier that I was hoping for a little alone time with each of the girls, and my wish actually came true tonight (though for an unfortunate reason). Zoe came home from school not feeling well (tired, sore throat) and wound up going to bed before 6. Avery and I, in turn, were able to spend some quiet time together, snuggling and reading books – and I couldn’t help but think now nice and easy it felt. (When you have two, caring for one kid feels like a piece of cake!)

At the same time, though, I missed Zoe – and so did Avery, who I think was confused by her absence. She pointed to Zoe’s room and looked up at me quizzically at one point, and also called out for Zoe, who’s always there to wish a good-night to Avery, a few times. Here’s hoping Zoe is better in the morning!

-M

I’ve been single-parenting it a bit lately: Q’s gone to a few baseball games (go, Giants!) and I’ve been home with the kids. Whenever I’m alone with the girls, I tend to reflect on parenthood and all that has changed since Avery’s arrival – and I’m happy to report that things continue to get easier. Taking care of two is no longer the exhausting event that it once was: I’ve learned how to juggle the girls’ various demands, and double tears or tantrums (which, thankfully, aren’t terribly common) don’t stress me out like they used to. Another bonus: The girls are becoming more interactive by the day, which means they can entertain one another while I sneak away for a few minutes of quiet (or, relatively, quiet) time. And, unless someone is sick or there’s some sort of fluke, the girls sleep long and well at night – which means me and Q feel, for the most part, well-rested and emotionally strong.

With that said, I don’t remember ever feeling so busy – or feeling like life was moving so quickly – as I have since Avery was born (or, more specifically, since I returned to work a year ago). It’s not all bad – I’m the type of person who thrives on being on the go, and I get great satisfaction out of my job and the activities we do as a family – but I don’t want to be moving so fast that I miss out on the amazing little moments that make raising small children (and life in general!) so wonderful. (My biggest fear: that I’ll look back and regret not slowing down and savoring this amazing time.) And I do wish I could have a bit more time to myself or time with each of the girls separately: time to breathe deeply and soak in my surroundings and just be. (Perhaps I’d even blog more!)

But while a bit of calm, and a little bit of down-time would be welcomed in my life, I can’t really complain. I have it pretty good, and – on my good days, at least – I feel like things will only get better.