I have chosen physical exhaustion instead of mental exhaustion. Probably it is best for the kids too. Staying home with the 2 children has been exhausting with Jack bouncing off the 4 walls and constantly asking me questions. Carrying Jade in the Ergo and pushing Jack in Jade’s Combi pram (in case I want to let her lie in it during her alert phase) has been infinitely more rewarding.
Every day we have a playdate either with friends and their children or with family. It has been immensely more enriching for us 3 and although I am physically exhausted by the end of the day, I don’t get cabin fever and feel more alive and surprisingly, awake when out.
Night time is another story. Jack has regressed to waking as much as 20 times a night, primarily in the morning where he MUST nurse. He will let his sister nurse first though if she wakes too and thankfully, the little one sips and dozes off quickly. She only wakes on average of 3 times and not always to nurse, and can fall asleep by herself sometimes, thankfully. I wonder how long sleep regression lasts. It has been exhausting, both emotionally and physically, for both Jack and I.
The other night I took the children to the nearby park and pointed to the sky, telling Jack about the planets, moons, and stars out there and how special we all are, to even exist, against such amazing odds. He was quite enthralled.
Today, DH has taken Jack out to the park and Jade is entertaining herself on the bed, cooing in delight and talking to herself (“ah papah”) at something only she is entertained by, I am not sure what. So I grab this special me-time and finally write a post.
I am grateful she is a healthy, happy, calm, and good-natured girl. It has helped me manage both of them so much easier despite walking around in a daze of permanent delirium.
Mephala is a strange and rather interesting 
August 11th, 2009 at 1:50 am
Jack sounds like my Sean except he has no sister yet! I think it will be tough on him if I have another.
August 12th, 2009 at 1:01 am
It will be… but look long term – 20, 30 years from now. He will appreciate having his brother or sister around.