Madeline the Little Mommy

Being a mom is hard work. Lots of little tasks to repeat over and over again, day in and day out. But Madeline has embraced this challenge with lots of vhim and vigor! Truly, she tries to mimic me in every aspect of my day. Often times this is exhausting, because of course she can't do much of what I do as a 24 month old. Madeline would beg to differ, as evidenced in her various expressions: "Mama, I do it!" "Madeline have it." "Myself, mama, myself." 

So, as best as I can, I try to let Madeline work alongside me. Here are a few of the ways she's embraced the mommy lifestyle:

1. Cleaning

2. Cooking

We got Madeline a play kitchen for Christmas and she loves it. Lots of meals prepped for her babies here. 

She also always wants to be doing whatever I'm doing in the kitchen, so I try to let her help with anything age appropriate. Here she is learning to shred chicken, quite the skill set she is gaining. 

3. Changing Diapers

4. Staying fit

In the midst of one of the coldest winters in 30 years, it gets a little stir-crazy sometimes stuck in the house all day. So I found a toddler yoga video at the library, and she LOVES it. Especially downward dog. 

5.  Feeding Babies

A funny story with this photo. I was busy with Isabel, so I told Madeline she should go feed her baby- she has little baby doll bottles. But this is how she decided to feed her baby, and she said to me, "Where are they, mama?" "Where are what?" I said to her. "The boobs!" Ah, kids - always a laugh! 

6. Keeping Babies Healthy

7. Keeping general order in the ranks

Of course, really we just hope Madeline can learn to be a good big sister. She has her ups and downs in the world of sisterhood, but on the whole she loves her little sister. She loves getting to hold her, and has some very sweet, tender moments with her. I will cherish these days that I've been home with my girls on maternity leave. 

I think Isabel is enjoying being a little sister, too. Although there are those moments where she gives me the face below, the "mom, can't you make Madeline stop with all this tomfoolery! I'm not just another baby doll in her line-up of toys!" face. 

Poor Isabel. Well, at least she's not lonely!