Didn't even know I did 2u2!

annemarie96

So, a friend pointed out today that I actually had my first two kids 20 months apart. Our second was born 3 months early, so it was going to be 23 months. Then in all the chaos of nicu I never even paused to label that phase as 2 under 2 because there was so much happening. 
It was very hard, but now, with #3 and #4 being 18 months apart I'm not so nervous, after realizing this today!
I know if you adjusted my second kids age it was more like 23 months, but there was also an incredible amount of stress and therapy added to our lives that I don't foresee happening with this baby. So now I feel so encouraged! 
I think the point I wanted to share is just that sometimes a label can be scary. And the anticipation of 2u2 has been too hyped up in my opinion. Dreading something always makes it so much harder, and while our standards for cleanliness may have to be a lot more basic for a season while they're tiny, this is not something to dread! 
I wish I had just chilled out more when he was a baby. I don't remember my second's babyhood at all because of just being anxious about every milestone since he was a preemie, but I think we can all relate to that even if you're not a mom of a preemie. 
My goal for #4 is also to FINALLY give myself permission to not have a clean house. It hasn't been perfectly clean this whole time but I've just carried so much shame. 
Let's not do that to ourselves, especially if we're having 2 babies so close together. As long as we can function in our house and everyone is safe it is GOOD ENOUGH. For now. 
❤️❤️