Mom to Two

Alternately Titled: "I Can't Do This (on my own)"

Good thing I don't have to!

I am working on writing my birth story, to share with you all (I always LOVE reading other women's birth stories, I think it is such an amazing experience, and love to share in the intimacy of it all!), but I am just a little busy over here, so it may be a few more days before it's finished. :)

Hubby's parents helped us get home from the hospital, and have been staying with us while I've been recovering the last few days. They were a huge help, with the kids, and getting the house all cleaned up, and they're always such a blessing to be around, but sadly, they left yesterday afternoon, and then Hubby had to go to a wedding last night.

Leaving me at home with two children. And only one of me. Overwhelming much?

Okay, so it wasn't NEARLY as terrifying as staying home with Z alone for the first time two years ago, but I was still rather scared.

And we survived. I fed both kids, nobody starved, nobody cried too much more than they would on a typical day, I even got Z bathed, and after he went to bed, Natalie slept a little while, and I had some nice time to myself.

Earlier in the day, I was pretty fearful about the whole experience, and as I laid down to rest while the kids napped, God kept bringing two verses to mind:

2 Timothy 1:7 - "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."

and Phil. 4:13 - "I can do ALL THINGS through Christ who strengthens me."

This morning, Hubby & Z headed in the deep snow to church (and Z's first day of his 2-year-old Sunday School class - waaaaahhhh), and as I sat on the couch, feeding Natalie, I came across this post that stopped me in my tracks. It was JUST what I needed to hear today. I love the verses that this mother of 9 (!) reminds herself of when parenting her children is above her own strength (which, truthfully is all the time for all of us, right?).

I was totally floored by her description of her 18-month-old stopping to pray for self-control, and turning to God, as she has obviously done in example many times. My prayers are typically private, silent; prayers for strength & help & patience are said inside my head, but not out loud, as an example to my children - and this needs to change. What an godly testimony can come from my openness, and my obedience as I lean on God for the strength I don't have, as He helps me do the things that I can't do on my own.

Including parenting two children at once.