When Harper came and visited us in the hospital, after we had Camille, I was shocked at how much bigger she seemed. After holding a newborn, everything about Harper just screamed “little girl….” her hands were bigger, holding her in my arms, something that a few days prior was a cinch, seemed harder, and all her facial features were so much more pronounced. Gone was my view of Harper as my baby… she seemed to morph into this little girl overnight. With my pregnancy hormones running wild, a few tears were shed…..

Arriving home brought with it an entirely new challenge for our family. Learning how to appropriately juggle, and balance, life with a newborn and toddler. I spoke briefly about it last week, but my biggest source of “mom guilt” has been over my divided attention between Harper + Camille. And while Harper, for the most part, seems relatively unaffected, I still get emotional about it (maybe it’s the post-pregnancy hormones….)….

Over the past couple of weeks though, we’ve started to fall into a rhythm and routine… one that still needs perfecting, but one that allows time for both little miss + Camille. So I thought I’d share the few ways that I try to balance out the job as a mom of two….. and keep some of my mom guilt thoughts at bay….

But first, I have to divert slightly and chat about how adorable the new LOFT littles line is. It’s their newest collection that features adorable mommy + me outfits…. From these gingham jumpsuits to these adorable polka dot dresses (mini version) + little white dresses (mini version)… you’re sure to find the perfect combination for you and your little lady. Harper was obsessed with her gingham jumpsuit the moment it arrived and couldn’t wait to wear it for a Sunday coffee date (my mom + dad watched Camille so TJ + I could take her out solo)…. and she was even more tickled when she saw that I had a matching version (which, btw, is super lightweight and perfect for those summer + spring days). Be sure to check it out… perfect for Mother’s Day outfits… and they’re currently 40% off today with code LOVEMOM!

1. Enlist Her Help: We really try to make Harper feel as if she is part of our team…. and involve her, age appropriately, in helping out. She loves helping bathe Camille… and getting a diaper when we need one… or singing her a song when she becomes fussy. We’re always sure to praise her on what a loving, and kind, big sister she is… and how much Camille loves all that she is doing for her. We’ve found that this is a much better solution than telling her we’re “busy doing something for Camille.”

2. Focused Time: Between nursing + the demands of a newborn, finding the same amount of one on one time is a bit more challenging. Yet I’ve found that 15-20 minutes of dedicated Harper time, per day, goes a very long way. I put the phone away, no television, and we color, read, or do whatever she wants. Lately, this has involved her blow drying her hair at night and then reading her a bedtime story (this is usually TJ’s role). I also found that reading to her, while I’m nursing, is something that she really enjoys.

3. Maintain Routine: For the most part, Harper’s daily routine has remained unchanged, which I feel has helped her make the transition pretty well. She wakes up, naps, and goes to bed at the same time… and we pretty much follow the same daily structure. We’ve woven Camille into the evening routine… with the family being in the bathroom during bath + hygiene… and that’s something Harper really enjoys.

4. Remind Myself: When I shared this struggle over on instagram, so many people responded in encouraging ways… and several people offered a very helpful reminder. Being older siblings themselves, they said they’re not scarred from the diverted attention, and just feel so thankful that they have a sibling, and friend for life. It’s something that stuck with me. Being an older sibling myself, I can’t imagine my life without my sister… and the years when she was a newborn aren’t something I even think about. Obviously, I’m not scared either.

In a nutshell, being a mother is the most emotional job I’ve ever had… it takes trial + error… but as long as we come from a place of love we’re doing a good job! Annnnd, if we can look cute along the way with some matching get-ups all the better! Happy Mother’s Day mommas!
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(Outfit Details || My Jumpsuit (wearing a P for length) | Belt Bag (obsessed, comes in tan too) | Harper’s Jumpsuit | Harper’s Srunchie)

Thank you to LOFT for sponsoring this post. As always, I selected my own products and all opinions are my own.