First Week of Transitioning to a Family of Four

Sponsored: I received this ring sling for free but these opinions remain 100% my own.

Transitioning to a family of four has definitely been an adventure. We are one week in and while my heart is full, it has absolutely had it’s ups and downs. It’s been hard for both me and Isla adjusting to having to share mommy with her brother.

I think the hardest moment I can remember this week was when Isla fell. I ran as fast as I could and scooped her up (ouch!) and she snuggled me so tight. Then her brother decided to cry. Trading her with her brother was the hardest thing I had to do. I had to peel her off as she sobbed “MOMMMYY!” heartbroken.  While mommy, equally sobbed. 

I know all of this will pass. We are getting closer to finding our new normal day by day. Finn will eventually develop a routine. Isla will transition. My postpartum hormones will balance out. But right now it is rough.

One of my saving graces has been Babywearing. I can’t believe it took me as long as I did to break out my ring sling. I actually NEVER wore a ring sling before this week. I tried it and gave up feeling like it was too difficult and I would never be the mom that could get the sling just right. Well, slinging a newborn is a totally different ball game.

With the help of friends and an amazing ring sling, I have found it super easy to use and adjust for a good seat. It has made it so much easier to chase big sister around. Every day is a new day. There are good days and bad days in this transition. I am thankful for today though.

I was able to wear baby brother and he was so content. This ring sling has bought me a few hours to relieve my breast from his comfort nursing (which I do allow him to do occasionally, but mommy’s nipples need a break!) while also providing him with the comfort and skin-to-skin that is important for a newborn.

While it wasn’t one-on-one time with my daughter, it sure felt like it. I was able to do just about everything I normally can do without having a newborn. We walked around the garden and picked flowers. We went for a walk. I was even able to hold her on my lap.

If you haven’t heard of Soul Slings. I highly encourage you to check them out. Their prices are pretty unbeatable and the carriers are gorgeous and so soft. My carrier shown is Moonstone and is only $28 USD! It is a single layer cotton sling and comes very soft. I am wearing a size 2 but they come in other sizes depending on how long you need it to be or if you prefer a longer tail. This tail was just long enough to wrap under his bum for a little extra support or by his head to support his newborn head.

I thank God for moments like this and for His Provision in times like this. Each day/hour/minute may not be perfect. But for a few hours today, it felt like paradise. Calm outside. Flowers blooming. My two little loves. My spirits were lifted.

All my love,

Ashley