That Baby…

People have been telling us for some time now that going from two children to three children is a much easier transition than going from one to two. Let me just say… the jury is still out on that one.

While the Preschooler is thoroughly enjoying her role as the “biggest” sister and is intently interested in each diaper change and sponge bath, the Toddler continues to refer to her new sister only as “that baby.” Throughout the day she’ll ask me, “Where’s that baby?” or… “What’s that baby doing?” or… “Is that baby going to cry?” She’s processing all the changes and struggling a bit to adapt to this new normal. Her new favorite words are “ugly” and “gross.” They are usually used only in the context of insults, like… “Mommy is acting ugly” or “Daddy’s shirt is gross” or in conversation with her sister…

The Preschooler {talking to her sister while coloring together at their table}: Do you think my picture is beautiful?

The Toddler {without ever even looking up}: No, it’s gross.

You can imagine how well conversations like this bode with the Preschooler who repeatedly sets herself up for disappointment by posing such questions at less than ideal times.

When she’s not hurling verbal insults, the Toddler might also be found working on projects like the one she created for me in the bathroom earlier tonight:

Despite the frustration she is very capable of causing, I know that welcoming a new little life {and one that cries and needs tons of attention} is a huge adjustment for both her and the Preschooler. So, I’m trying to be mindful of that in the midst of some of this meanness and mischief. She may be the middle child now, but she will not go unnoticed. That’s for sure. And, I’ve got to respect that kind of spunk.

Here’s to hoping that we’ll all adjust soon to life as a crew of five. For now, at least one of us is getting some great sleep…