From One to Two: What Motherhood Looks Like This Time Around
A lot changes when you become a mom. I don’t care how “ready” you feel—your life is just never quite the same again. Because now? You’re responsible for keeping another tiny human alive and thriving. No big deal, right?
When I became a mom for the first time, it flipped my whole world upside down in the best possible way. And now that baby number two arrived just over a month ago, I thought I’d share what this season is looking like. Spoiler alert: it’s a little chaotic, a lot exhausting, and somehow still so full of joy.
Zero to One: The Identity Shift
Going from no kids to one changes everything about your life and how you function. That might sound dramatic, but it’s the truth.
That said, I did feel ready to become a mom. I’m pretty introverted and a little anti-social, so a lot of the changes were kind of welcome. Early bedtime? Yes please. Gotta leave an event at 6 PM? “Oh no, it’s bedtime for the baby 😏.” Can’t make it at all? “Darn, it’s nap time.” (Bless the built-in excuses.)
It wasn’t always easy, but it was manageable. It was a shift, sure, but not one that broke me. If anything, it made me feel more grounded.
One to Two: The Logistics Hit HARD
Now the jump from one to two kids? That’s a different beast.
You’re already used to life revolving around small humans. But now? You’re feeding the baby while your toddler is scaling the couch like a baby Spiderman getting ready to launch. And suddenly, you realize: I do not have enough hands for this.
Actually, not having enough hands is just a permanent problem now.
One kid’s finally asleep in the bassinet after two hours of bouncing and butt pats, and the other suddenly wants to go run laps around the farm—aka way out of baby monitor range. Cool cool cool.
Oh—and if you’re a fur mom on top of all this? Buckle up. Our pup has decided this is the perfect time to start handing me tug-of-war toys or licking her paws loudly enough to push me straight into sensory overload. Love her, though. Mostly.
Things That Have Changed
My coffee is always cold—doesn’t matter if I brew it hot or iced.
My outfit check has changed from “is this cute?” to “can I chase children in this and still go to the grocery store without someone thinking I’ve fully lost it?”
What’s Helping Me Keep It Together (ish)
I’ve had to make a lot of small changes to keep life and my household functioning without total chaos. A few of my MVPs:
The Baby Wrap
This is everything. It keeps my newborn snuggled up close and safe from my toddler trying to “share” toys (aka launch them at his head). Plus, I can pivot directions almost as fast as my toddler changes his mind. Almost.
Grocery Delivery
Getting two kids ready and strapped into car seats at the same time deserves an Olympic medal. I'm still in training. So the fact that I can load up my cart during a 1 AM feed and groceries magically appear on my porch later? Literal magic.
FaceTime
Thank goodness for Nana showing up (digitally) on demand. My toddler gets to run around and show her every toy he owns while I get five minutes to regroup, bottle-feed, or just breathe. MVP move = turning on the child lock so he can’t hang up.
Story Time on YouTube
We had family members record themselves reading their fave children’s books, and I uploaded them to a private YouTube playlist. Originally, it was to help the kids stay familiar with family who live far away—but now it’s my go-to guilt-free screen time. Bonus: my toddler never plays shy when they actually visit!
Frozen Meals
I prepped freezer meals like a maniac at 37 weeks both times. With my first baby, they were helpful. With my second? Absolutely life-saving. Now I know my toddler is eating something balanced, and I don’t have to spend brain space figuring out lunch the next day. Yes, we still eat dino nuggets sometimes—but that frozen stash? Iconic. Let me know in the comments if you want my go-to recipes!
A Good, Trashy Audiobook
These are my middle-of-the-night lifesavers. I used to scroll or stare at the clock during feeds, but now I pop on a lighthearted audiobook to make it feel like a tiny slice of me time.
Honestly, the shift to two kids is wild, but I wouldn’t trade it. It’s louder, messier, and requires a lot more dry shampoo—but it’s also full of the sweetest moments I didn’t even know I was missing.
So if you’re in this season too—or about to be—just know: you're doing great. You’re not alone. And cold coffee still counts as self-care ☕
What helps you survive motherhood right now? Let me know in the comments.
As always, it’s just me over here—no robots, no AI, just a girl with an iced latte and a whole lot of love, chatting with you. Hit reply and let’s talk.
