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10 Tips for Going From One to Two Kids

Sarah Parlett • February 18, 2021

Many people often wonder “what is it like going from one child to two?”

Throughout my second pregnancy, I often wondered what the transition would be like for us. I felt guilt thinking I could not love another baby as much as I love Mason. How could I possibly have more room in my heart?

The idea of handling both a toddler and a newborn really overwhelmed me at times, especially living the lifestyle we do and navigating through a global pandemic with a lot of unknowns.

I was surprised to discover what it was like transitioning from one to two kids… immediately my heart GREW. Watching Mason meet his baby brother for the first time is a memory I will cherish forever. The first few months were a little chaotic but I am forever grateful for the help of family and friends. Going from one to two children is a lot on your partner at first. Some days I’d get emotional because I wanted to be there for Mason but Colton was clusterfeeding and needed me. I missed putting Mason to bed every single night and getting up with him every morning. It was a wonderful chance for my husband to strengthen his bond with Mason even more. Fast forward a few months, and everything fell into place. We established a routine and my husband and I take turns with both kids as Colton became a little less dependent on me.

Newborns are a bit more flexible, toddlers aren’t and they shouldn’t have to be.

Here are some tips for your transition:

1. Learn to let go. You need to realize that your partner and family members can fill up your toddlers “cup”. They will be surrounded by love and have their needs met even if it is not done by you all of the time.

2. Ask for help. Although you would like to conquer everything, please don’t try. Give yourself time to heal from your birth and bond with your new baby.

3. Babies are so much easier than kids. Caring for a newborn is like riding a bike. It is scary at first (even the second time around) but then you will get the hang of it – no big deal. Once you bring home your second baby, you’ll realize toddlers are much more work than babies.
The moment we got home from the hospital, I felt like Mason grew 2+ years. He seemed SO much bigger when I watched him meet his new baby brother.

4. You won’t panic as much. Chances are you won’t be so stressed out because it is not your first rodeo. You will be more confident as a mama second time around. There will still be times you second guess yourself and wonder if you’re doing it right, but remember you know your baby best!

5. Your first born may act out. Be sensitive to the massive change going on in their life. I once read this analogy of putting things into perspective and it stuck with me: Imagine your partner brings home a new wife. This new person is going to live with you, share your family, and everything you believed was once yours is hers too. Your first born’s little world is being turned upside down. Everything they once knew is going to change.

Try to carve out special one-on-one time with your toddler every day, even if it is just fifteen minutes. Make sure someone else can care for your newborn so you have no interruptions. This is important to ensure your toddler knows you’ll always make time for him or her.

6. Create an infant feeding treasure chest. My doula shared this incredible tip. I will share a link to their blog post on it. Essentially, you fill a special “treasure chest” with new toys, books, and activities that is only pulled out when the baby is feeding. It allows them to become engaged in play while you feed the baby.

7. It won’t be such a shock as it was the first time around. Going from zero to one child flips your world upside down. Chances are you have already established a routine with your toddler. You already waking up early, spending most evenings at home, and going to the playground on Saturday afternoons. It isn’t that different taking a second child along.

8. Mom guilt is real. No matter how much time you spend with each child, you may feel guilty because you can’t be as present as you were with your first. Learn to embrace it because you love and care for your babies so much, and that makes you an amazing mama.

9. The sibling bond is magical. There is nothing sweeter than seeing your children play together, share a bath, and become best friends.

10. Take time for self-care. Create a small list of ways you enjoy taking care of yourself. The list can change and evolve as time goes by. Be kind to yourself. At the beginning you might not have much alone time and things might feel wildly out of control, but as time goes on, you will once again.

There are days I don’t know how we keep going but we do. Just because something is hard does not mean it is not enjoyable. It is a special season in life. Everyday I am actively trying to be more present. I am soaking in every experience while my boys are so little and chaotic. Everything is a season, nothing is static. It makes you appreciate everything that much more. The second time around you realize the newborn stage does not last forever and to cherish those priceless snuggles and grunts.

I found the transition harder going from no kids to one versus one to two kids. When Mason was born, we had to make more life changes. When Colton came along, we just fit him into the mix and kept going.

If you have more than one child, what was your experience like?

Love,

Sarah

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Happy Valentine’s Day, my love ♥️

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Merry Christmas Eve 🎄

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Game day vibes 🖤

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When in Rome…

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Mason picked out flowers and brought them home “because he loves me” 🥺♥️

🎃Trick or Treat 👻

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I’ve fallen in love with Nuremberg.

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We spent the day surrounded by over 55 million Lego bricks - it was magical, minus the rain.

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It’s the little things 💙 #boymom

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Hockey night with Mase. (His “my mom is making me take a picture” face) #memories

Date night with my guys.

As a holistic health and nutrition coach + yoga instructor, I am very passionate about promoting a healthy lifestyle through movement and nutrition. For me it all started with a desire to feel "healthier". I suffered from an undiagnosed thyroid disease for many years. In 2018, I was 6 months post-partum living in Berlin, it all came to light. I received an autoimmune diagnosis that changed my entire world - Hashimoto’s Disease. After years of struggling with numerous ailments, I began to realize I could manage my symptoms through diet and lifestyle changes. As soon as I started to experience improvements, I knew it was my calling to share with others what had helped me. In September 2019, I enrolled at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition to become a certified health coach. I am so proud to have completed the program in 2020 and join an amazing community focused on health and wellness. I am thrilled to be able to share my knowledge and experience with my clients. My mission is to coach you to a healthier and more fulfilling life. I offer a safe, judgement-free, and supportive approach to those who are wanting to improve and enhance their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. I want to empower you to be an advocate for your own well-being. Message me to book your free discovery call ✨ #healthcoach #healthylifestyle

Colton’s First 🏒 Game. The boys are thrilled that hockey is back! . . . . #bestfriends #brothers #icetigers #icehockey #hockey #boymom #biggestfans

Showering my sister & Baby Madelynne 💕 I can’t wait to be an auntie!

I honestly never pictured myself a “boy mom”. I pictured pink and purple dresses, hair ribbons, Barbie dolls, dance recitals, and stealing my makeup. I pictured all things sass and sweetness rolled into one cute package. Life has a way of surprising you. What you imagined your life would be like rarely is exactly the same. Sometimes, it’s not what you expected but it turns out even better than you could’ve dreamed. Some days I believe there’s a greater plan than the one we thought we wanted for ourselves. I’ve been blessed with two amazing little boys and can’t express how much I am enjoying their brotherhood. I was made to teach these future men how to be tender and tough at the same time. I was made to show them a mother’s grace and what a strong woman looks like. They were meant to be mine💙💙 . . . . #boymom #muskoka #instagood #bestfriends #boys #brothers #brotherhood #lifestyleblogger #motherhood #momsofinstagram #motherhoodunplugged #momsofinstagram

Our last weekend in Muskoka before we move to Germany ♥️ These boys make me the happiest girl in the world. . . . . #motherhood #motherhoodunplugged #boymom #lifestylerblogger #muskoka #lakeofbays #nature #brothers #mytinymoments

Ladies! Pelvic Health Physio is so important for post-partum recovery no matter how you gave birth. It has been a key part of my healing journey after delivering my boys. Have you tried it before? Would you like more information? If you are currently pregnant or recently have had a baby, check out @physioroop. She is AMAZING! She can assist you in rehabilitating your body for optimal physical function. On a side note: after living in different European countries I’ve learned that pelvic floor physio therapy is a standard post-partum practice there. However, in North America too many women have never heard of it before. DM me if you have any questions or are curious about my experience 💕 . . . . #motherhood #motherhoodunplugged #postpartum #health #wellness

My little blondie🤍

GIVEAWAY! Talk clean to me🤍 Calling all clean beauty lovers out there! I like my products how I like my people... non-toxic. Our skin will absorb up to 60% of the beauty products we put on it. Over time, harmful ingredients can cause a build up of toxins in our body that have been linked to numerous health issues - from autoimmune diseases to breast cancer. I am so excited to share some of my fav clean products/brands with you! How to enter? It's simple: 1. Follow me @sarparlett 2. Like this post. 3. Tag as many friends, family, and colleagues as you wish. Every tag acts as another entry. 4. Share this post to your story and tag me @sarparlett for an additional entry. Winner will be announced Saturday, August 14, 2021. Goodluck! #iliagiveaway #alevagiveaway #opalexgiveaway #lawlessgiveaway #beautycountergiveaway #cleanbeautygiveaway #giveaway #sephora #skincareproducts #cleanbeauty #lifebydesign #lovetheskinyourein #beautytools #holisticbeauty #cleanbeautyrevolution #cleanbeautyproducts #cleanbeautyblogger #cleanbeautythatworks #cleanbeautymovement #cleanbeautycommunity #beyondcleanbeauty #cleanbeautygram #discoverunder5k

They will outgrow my lap but never my heart. . . . . #boymom #muskoka #instagood #bestfriends #boys #brothers #pinelake #lifestyleblogger #motherhood #momsofinstagram

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Lions and tigers and bears - OH MY! 🦁🐅🐻 . . . . . . #family #familytime #torontozoo #toronto #zoo #zoolife #animals #wildlife #boymom #boys #brothers #mytinymoments #makingmemories

Date Night 💕

💍5 years married 👦🏼👦🏼2 amazing little boys 📍Lived in 4 different countries (5 cities) 🌎Travelled to many more… 🇨🇦3 Canadian addresses ✨Countless memories What a wild adventure it’s been! I love doing life with you and adore the life we are creating together. ♥️Happy 5th Anniversary, Blake♥️ 🎥@honeyanddear @bigwinisland @hollymatrimony @seasonsinthecountrymuskoka

🥳Happy 4th Birthday to the little boy who stole my heart and made me a mommy. I love you so much Mason George ♥️

Dear little boy, Don’t be afraid to make a splash. Not everyone is going to like everything you do and say... and that’s okay. Do it anyway. Be bold. Be brave. Be you. 💙

Pine Lake weekend photo dump 🤍

The only thing better than having you as a husband is our boys having you as their daddy ♥️ Happy Father’s Day @parzy05!

Happy #HEALTHCOACHDAY to all of the health coaches! I am grateful to be a part of this growing community in the health and wellness industry. I am so thankful to have found this career path. I have always had a passion for health and wellness. It began almost 10 years ago when I became a yoga instructor. Even though I believed I was living a "healthy life" I was chronically stressed and tired. It was affecting my digestion and hormones. I was experiencing daily cravings. I felt guilty when I ate certain foods. My Hashimotos flare ups were awful. In 2019, I discovered @nutritionschool and my health coaching journey began. I found my authentic wellness. 🤍I learned to balance my life on and off the plate through primary and secondary food. 🤍I learned to set boundaries and feel confident. 🤍I learned to deconstruct my cravings and tune into what my body was telling me. 🤍I learned we are all bio-individual. We are all different from one another and that is perfectly okay. 🤍I learned about mindful eating. I feel empowered and guilt-free about my food choices and what works for my body. #IIN changed my life in the best way possible. I love helping clients find their health and happiness. If you are interested in working with me, comment below or send me a DM. I look forward to helping you discover YOUR authentic wellness. . . . . #healthcoach #health #wellness #IIN #iinalumni #happiness #mindfuleating #holisticwellness

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Current mood if you live in Ontario 🙋🏼‍♀️

Not. A. Fan. Who else dislikes packing and unpacking? We have moved SO many times over the course of Blake’s career. You’d think I’d be a pro by now but I still despise it. At least I have a super cute sidekick to “help” me. 🥰

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A beautiful day begins with a beautiful mindset. Grateful for this little man. 🤍

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Happy Easter from the Parlett Boys 🐣 . . . #motherhood #honestmotherhood #motherhoodunplugged #motherhoodmoments #theeverymom #momlife #boymom #babyboy #momblogger #mytinymoments #lifestyle #thehappynow #instagood #instalove #happyeaster

Tonight is Blake’s 600th professional hockey game. I am so proud. Words can’t describe it. I have supported him since the beginning and been there through the ups and downs. Being an athlete takes grit and perseverance. Not everyone can deal with such a competition. The road to success is paved with many adversities. Blake has overcome them and is stronger because of it. Persistence can change defeat into extraordinary achievements and here we are today. He has a great amount of wisdom to share with others. Blake’s hard work, dedication, passion, and love for the game has gotten him to this point in his career. I am so incredibly grateful our sons have him to look up to. He is an amazing father and husband. Tonight we’ll be cheering extra loud for #55. 💙🧡 . . . #hockey #athlete #Finland #Tappara #Liiga #motivation #proudwife #inspiration #fatherhood #lifestyleblogger #bloggerlife

Let them be little 🤍 Some days it is challenging to take the time to embrace these tiny moments, especially with two children. The mom guilt never ends. The dishes, laundry, cleaning, and work can wait. I will never get these moments back. . . . #motherhood #honestmotherhood #motherhoodunplugged #motherhoodmoments #theeverymom #momlife #babyboy #momblogger #mytinymoments #lifestyle #thehappynow #instagood #instalove #wellbeing #raiseyourvibrations

Life becomes more meaningful when you realize the simple fact that you’ll never have the same moment twice. . . . #lifestyle #blogger #instagood #travel #inspiration #instalove #theeverygirl #motivation #mindbodyspirit #selfcare #wellnessadvocate #nourishyourself

Tonight I’m reflecting on the world we are currently living in. I am so grateful we had the opportunity to live in China. Hockey has brought us to many amazing places around the world. I remember when Blake first told me @krschina offered him a contract. My initial reaction was “umm no”. We were adjusting to life as new parents and Germany was comfortable. My concerns: What would I eat? What about the air pollution? The language barrier? What about bringing a baby there? Looking back, it’s one of my favourite places we have ever had the privilege to live. I’m fortunate for the opportunity to experience the amazing culture and beauty Shanghai has to offer. Life is short. Take the chances. ✨ . . . #motherhood #hockey #KHL #travel #traveller #seetheworld #shanghai #thebund #mytravelstory #grateful #lifestyleblogger #bloggerlife #instalove #theeverygirl

Because... baby jeans and that cheesy smile😍 #motherhood #babyboy

Being a mom has made me so tired and so happy. It can be hard to get up everyday and have little people rely on on us. Their world revolves around us. Parents...even on the hard days know how special you are. Especially to your little ones. Remember, the days are long but the years are short. #motherhood #parenting

Random Facts About Me: 🩰I was a ballerina and went to an arts school for dance. ♥️💍My husband and I are high school sweethearts. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👧I’m adopted. (I am forever grateful for my family) 👦🏼👶🏼I am a BOY mom. 📺Friends is one of my all time favourite TV shows. 🍫Chocolate is my guilty pleasure. 🤓I wear glasses for reading. 🐶I am obsessed with my French Bulldog, Arnold. 📍Muskoka is my favourite place in the world. 🌍I have lived in Croatia, Germany, China, and Finland (for my husband’s career). ⚓️My first job was at a marina on Lake of Bays. 🗣I talk A LOT. 🐍I am terrified of snakes and spiders. 🤰🏼I suffered postpartum depression (and postpartum rage) after Mason’s birth. 🎄Christmas is my favourite holiday, and not because of the presents. I love the lights, music, and time with family. 🎶I love attending concerts. 🙋🏼‍♀️I have Hashimoto’s Disease.

Baby, it’s cold outside

He has Daddy’s eyes and thighs 😍

This is 33🥳 I spent the day surrounded by love and I’m grateful for every moment.

Goodbye 2020👋🏼 The year that gave us sweet baby Colton. The year we stayed home. The year we slowed down. Important lessons from this year: ▪️Find happiness in the simple things. ▪️Difficult times show us the real face of life and the real face of people. ▪️Make self-care a priority not a privilege. ▪️Time is a limited resource. Don’t waste it for people and things that don’t add value to your life. ▪️Protect your energy. ▪️Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Don’t be judgemental. Be kind. ▪️Don’t take anything for granted. Be grateful for what you already have. I’m looking forward to 2021✨

🎅🏼Rovaniemi is the official hometown of Santa Claus. ❄️It is the capital of Lapland and lies right on the Arctic circle which makes it the gateway to the Arctic. ✨We crossed into the Arctic in Santa Claus Village, a magical experience.

Christmas magic is in the air

♥️Merry Christmas🎄

‘Tis the season to sparkle✨

I am a health coach🤍 I learned a lot about myself throughout the program last year. I was reluctant to become a health coach because I am not “perfectly healthy” however, my imperfect struggles have allowed me to grow. I have always been passionate about living a holistic lifestyle. I look forward to empowering others to do the same. I’m excited to work with future clients and improve their health and wellness. #WeareIIN

Finland’s beautiful landscape🤍

6 months💚

My baby BOY👼🏼 When I was pregnant with Colton I thought he was going to be a girl. I always dreamed of having a baby girl. Little did I know the universe had other plans for me. I didn’t know how much I needed this little boy in my life. Colton is my sweet angel baby. #boymom