Having two kids made me worry about the future. In fact, I had to change plans for the entire third quarter of the year 2016 because I was pretty sure I wouldn’t be able to juggle my career and parenting with hormonal imbalance coming in and my growing tummy. But you know what? I was able to do A LOT, more than what I expected. And I wish I didn’t let fear get in the way in the first place. So now that baby #2 is almost two months old, here’s what I learned so far..

1. Enjoy the afternoons

Most moms like me try to be the super version of themselves- meaning they want everything done on time. If you think that the best time to finish all your chores is when they nap, think again. I learned that being able to tick off things from your to-do list is superb but being able to rest with the kids is beyond amazing. I get to cuddle with my toddler while marvel at my little one’s small toes. Afternoons are meant for some tea, some relaxing Spotify music and of course some Zzzs if you’re lucky to catch some.

2. Create a task force

I tried doing everything during the first few weeks- homeschooling, changing nappies, putting my daughter to sleep and pumping milk for the newborn. Needless to say, I was exhausted. I knew I was because I became irritated with my toddler who is now in the No! and I don’t like! phase. As much as I wanted to do the disciplining on my own, I asked help from my partner, my mother in law and trusted helper. It wasn’t easy because they did things differently but it saved me a lot of time and energy.

3. Sing in the shower

We’ve already been told that me-time will be cut once you have kids so the 20 minute shower time that I have is so precious that I just wanna sing my heart out and enjoy the music that I once loved back when it was just me, myself and I. Go ahead, try it!

4. Go out

And don’t feel guilty about it. Luckily, we have this small commercial place right outside the village where I can meet my friends for some coffee or dinner. I feel recharge every time I meet old faces. It feels good also getting out of your pyjamas and wearing some lipstick even if you’re just running a bank errand.

5. Clean up

Clean the house, don’t let the old and dirty clothes pile up, throw your trash right away, wash the dishes. The thing is we tend to skip duties because we are tired from taking care of the kids but once you see that everything is in order, your mind and heart clears up too making you more energetic throughout the day. But if you can’t do it because baby kept you up all night, don’t worry I understand. You can just delay or ask help.

6. Be you

People just tend to judge moms when they don’t act like moms. Just go with whatever you think is right for your baby. Don’t feel bad when you can’t be the mom you saw in your Instagram feed. Or if you can’t go back to your pre-mommy body. Remember that you carried a baby 9 months and it will take a while for your body to heal especially for CS mommies. Have fun and enjoy the treats you’ll be getting. This is the perfect excuse to eat your favorite (but healthy) snacks if you’re breastfeeding.

Breathe and don’t sweat the small stuff. This too shall pass. :)