I’ve had a baby for six years straight. SIX LONG YEARS.
By age 2 each of my two oldest boys were either preparing for a new baby or had a new baby brother.
And now? Now SJ is turning 2 and there is no new baby in town.
My baby days are ending.
Tear.
I know we still have one more child that we are anxiously awaiting, but in case you missed the memo…our child will not be a baby. We will be getting a 1-3 year old.
In international adoption it is very difficult to get a young baby. Mainly because of the process and paperwork that it takes to adopt. Most small children adopted out of the Philippines are over the age of one.
So it’s official…I may never have another baby again and that leaves me with conflicting emotions.
1. It seems awesome that life is finally getting easier. These little humans are getting more independent each and every day and it gives me a little more freedom. Hooray for more freedom,Β right?
2. It seems terrible that these little humans are getting more independent each and every day. I always want them to need their momma for everything.
I’m just so use to all things baby that my mind can hardly comprehend what it feels like to only have toddlers.
I also think I am having a hard time because I feel like I am entering in to a new phase in my life. There is a part of me that enjoyed the stares and glares from people in public when we walked up with 3 kids under the age of 5. I almost felt like, “Yea, go ahead and stare…I GOT this!” LOL!
<<I secretly love when SJ does yoga.>>
The good news is that these boys are the biggest lovers…all of them.
They tell me I am their best friend at least 3 times a day. They still snuggle me. Hug me. Kiss me. And make me laugh. <<especially Mr. P Man>>
I pray that never changes.Β Never ever ever.
As I reflect back on the last two years as a mother of three…I give thanks to God. He truly has provided us the most amazing boys on the planet. He always knows just what I need and when I need it.
SJ is a joy to have in our family and I am thankful God chose me to be his mother.
Happy Birthday my little buddy!
[ois skin=”Home Tour 2″]
Patty says
I’m a new reader of blog and I must say…you have the cutest boys EVER!!! I look forward to following you and your husband!
Mandy says
Thank you so much Patty! Welcome and I hope you come back! π
darci says
So TODAY is his bday?! I knew it was soon, but just wasn’t sure of the day! Gosh, it seriously seems like two days ago that we were both working on nurseries and I remember when you posted that SJ had arrived and I was secretly oh, so jealous that you had your bundle in your arms and I still had to wait another month!!! Haha!!
He is just too precious and the perfect third babe — he seems so laid back (or maybe that’s more of a result of being the third than his actual personality – ha!!!). All I know is that you are one loved momma and your fourth BABY {I consider them babes until the age of 2!} is going to love you just as fiercely!!
Wishing SJ a very, very happy 2nd birthday!! Lots of high fives and even a hug from his buddy, Jackson! π
Mandy says
Thank you mama! It’s truly hard to believe it’s been two years! What’s the date of Jackson’s birthday? SJ is totally laid back and the most chill child ever! Such a blessing since Bents is not so chill. Ahem. π
Chas says
My little girl is turning 2 on Monday and it’s been quite traumatic for me. Sooo emotional!
Happiest of birthdays to your little SJ. π
Brittany C. says
Still can’t believe that little cutie is turning two! Even if he’s gaining more independence it was obvious the other night that he loves his mama! π He is so precious!
Jessica says
Aww…I’m sure that’ll be me in a few years. I’m in the beginning stages right now and am loving it! My little one is 9 months. I do miss my peaceful nights..but every morning I realize it’s worth it!!! Happy birthday little man!
Lori says
I remember that feeling so well, and I only have 1 who in a couple of months will be 11. The transition to each new stage was always bittersweet for me. Hope he has a great day!
Andrea says
What a lucky mama you are π happy birthday to your beautiful little boy!
Kelly says
Happy Birthday to your little man!
I completely get how you are feeling. My third “baby” is going to turn 2 next month. It is amazing, refreshing, yet pulls at my heart strings.
Good luck with your next phase. π
kelly thompson says
so sweet- great fam pics! praying the adoption goes as scheduled!
Julie Walker says
I promise you, the best days are ahead! I have 2 kids, 18-months apart. And now they are 11 and 12 and I’m telling you that life with them just gets better and better.
You have lots to look forward to, and only good baby memories to look back on. And yes, they still do love to snuggle – just make sure you have nice smelling body wash and deo. You know that “sweaty boy” smell? You’ll have it times 3 or 4.
Happy Birthday to your littlest man. π
Amy Howard says
So nice to see a post where another Mama has the same feelings I do about our little ones growing up! I have a 5 year old and a 2 year old and while it’s always a blessing to watch them grow and learn, it tugs at my heartstrings to know that my baby days may be over. We haven’t completely decided if we are “done” or if we will try for one more. Still praying and debating!
dotsie says
Awwww…
You looked great the night he was born! π
Do you have your adoption story on this site somewhere? I didn’t realize you you adopted and gave birth. Clearly I am way behind! Anyway, I love your blog…I usually pass on mom blogs since I am just not in the same place in life, but your blog is aweeeeesoooome!! π
rea says
awe..that is so sweet ? i tell you what mandy, boys are much sweeter to moms…i have a 4-yo boy and a 2-yo girl but my girl would care less about mommy but my boy, oh i cannot count how many times he will say “i love you mom?” on each day…i love them both equally though…
goodluck to your adoption from the Philippines, I was born and raised there and I hope you will be blessed with another beautiful child through adoption..
huggies?
rea
ps: your boys are so adorable! happy birthday SJ!?
Carrie This Home says
These pictures are precious! I love every one of them. As my little P man is getting older I’m going through the same emotions. I think I’m going to have a hard time when he turns two. But knowing that more freedom is coming is a great consolation!
Susan Jeffries says
Your boys are just darling. I love the little spiked bangs! Too adorable. I totally understand how you feel. I have one daughter who is now a tween. We could not have more children so I dreaded her birthday because she was growing up so fast and I loved having a baby. But I find that she actually needs me more as she gets older and in different ways. And we have become best buddies. I realized that, even if I did not have another baby in the house, the one I already have is the best gift I could ever ask for. So don’t despair. Your boys will always need you. And you will get to be their friend someday, which is super cool(: Blessings, Susan
Teresa says
Sweet boy!! Happy, happy birthday to SJ!
I am so going through baby withdrawals with Audrey being 2 now!! Ugh! When PT slung that paci back in her crib, I didn’t even care…I’m keeping her a baby for a while. (more time to pay for counseling…jk)
Hope the party goes great!!
Abby @ Just a Girl and Her Blog says
Happy Birthday, sweet SJ!! Girl, I totally hear you on this one! My baby is turning 2 in July, and I am SO in denial about it. We are done, so I just want him to stay my tiny little guy forever!
Praying for you guys and your adoption. My BIL & SIL just brought home their son from India, and I know how hard the waiting period is! <3 Have a wonderful weekend, Miss Mandy!
~Abby =)
Mindi says
Happy 2nd birthday SJ! I can’t believe he is two now! I remember when you were pregnant with him…wow I have been following your blog for that long now. Crazy how fast time flies when you have kids. Your boys are so gosh darn precious. We are not sure if this is our last baby so I’m trying to enjoy every bit of this pregnancy. We will see how we feel after the birth I guess. So strange to think it may be the end of my baby days too. These munchkins grow far too fast! Hope he had a great day.