Since you responded to my Christmas card by sending me yours (thanks for that by the way…the Royal Mail and Buckingham Palace stamp was thrilling to receive!), and now that we are totes besties, I thought I would write you a letter with a little bit of mommy advice.
Verity Banner Reback, #15, just a few weeks younger than Prince George
And I can do that…because you see, I am the mommy of 15 children. Ten daughters, five sons. My youngest daughter is just a few weeks younger than George, so you may wanna mark my address down in your book. You’re going to need my number in about 18 years for Prince George. My daughter Verity is a real catch.
Anyhow, I didn’t always have 15 kiddos. I started out with one. And then I had my second 21 months later. That’s another thing you and I share, BFF. We’ve both had our first two babies inside of two years apart and that is just more than a wee bit challenging, now isn’t it?
So here’s the short list of advice, from a mama whose done this 13 times more than you, and I remember every moment of bringing home my second baby 18 years ago.
My second oldest, Ryli. Hard to imagine there was ever any doubt that I could love two children at the same time.
#1- Right now you’re wondering if you’ll ever be able to love another child as much as you love George.
I know because I literally lamented the upcoming birth of my second daughter. I was so sure that I was betraying the love in my heart for my eldest. How foolishly shortsighted I was. Love doesn’t divide your heart with each child, it exponentially multiplies. So no worries there my dear friend. You’re about to experience the miracle of discovering that in fact, yes, every child is a miraculous explosion of adoration.
#2- You’re going to worry endlessly about Goergie regressing and being jealous over the new baby.
The truth is, my adorable future son-in-law will never remember being an only child. So don’t be afraid when he whimpers and fusses needing a few extra bedtime snuggles. In less than a few days to two weeks all that will be behind you.
#3- Sleep is overrated and coffee is severely underrated.
I tell all my new mommy friends that at least with the first baby you can sleep when they do…but with a toddler and a newborn you really only get one shot at nap time. So get your routine down pat and guard your own rest time like the national treasure it is. If someone even thinks of waking you or either one of those babies up from 1-3pm, call the British version of the secret service. God knows I would’ve if I could’ve on every delivery man, ill-timed neighborly visit or uninvited in-law.
My oldest three daughters, Daly Kay 20, Bliss 17, and Ryli 18. Each royalty to their father and I and childhood went by in a wink.
#4- Enjoy every minute.
Before you know it, you’ll turn around and they’ll be grown. It’s hard when two wee ones need so much of mommy, but the love and attention you and your husband give them now is teaching them moment by moment that mom and dad are the ones you can trust and rely on. All the temper tantrums and late night feeds will add up to the children trusting your judgement and late night talks about all their dreams. I know this to be true because my two eldest are now 20 and 18 years old. It went by in a wink.
So feel free to ring me if you need any further advice or encouragement. Please know that I keep your precious family in our prayers and look forward to next years Christmas card! All the best my dear friend! Ta-ta for now!
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