Subtitle: We thought we were “one and done”… but the world had other plans
After Kayden was born, we honestly thought we were done. One amazing kid. Full hearts. Full hands. We even started donating some of his baby gear — crib attachments, onesies, the bouncer that made it through more midnight shifts than I can count.
Amanda was the first to say it: “I think we’re one and done.” I didn’t disagree. Life was full. We were content.
But then came the surprise we didn’t know we needed — baby #2. And now, we can’t imagine it any other way.
We’re not starting from scratch — but we’re definitely re-buying some things
This isn’t our first rodeo, but it’s still a wild one. While we did have Kayden’s nursery set up ahead of time (chalk that one up as a parenting win), we weren’t exactly stocked for round two.
When we found out, it was like flipping a switch: “Wait… did we give away the bottle warmer? And the swaddle sacks?!” Spoiler: yes, we did.
But beyond the gear scramble, this time feels more grounded. We know what’s essential. We know what’s noise. And we’ve learned that not every decision has to be agonized over. (Just most of them.)
We’re making different choices — without second-guessing
We’ll be using formula from the start this time, and honestly? That decision brought more relief than anything else. It’s what worked best for us, and we’re leaning into it without guilt.
We’re also being more intentional — prepping freezer meals, planning support, and making sure Kayden feels like a part of this next chapter, not just a witness to it.
I’m mentally more present this time
When Kayden was born, I was balancing the whirlwind of new parenthood with the demands of my healthcare tech career. I showed up — but I also missed moments in the haze of exhaustion, overthinking, and work emails.
Now I know better. I know those first weeks (and the months that blur behind them) go by fast. So I’m promising myself more stillness this time. More floor time, more eye contact, more being in the moment — not just around it.
Amanda’s strength still stuns me
Seeing your partner become a mom is powerful. Watching her do it all over again — while chasing a toddler, running a household, and still somehow laughing at my dad jokes? That’s next-level.
She’s carrying the weight of growing our family while still being the heart of it. And I’m lucky to be witnessing it.
Final Thought
We didn’t plan on having a second. But maybe the best stories are the ones you didn’t see coming.
This little girl isn’t just our second child — she’s our second chance to soak it all in, mess up a little less, and love even harder.
So yeah, we thought we were done. Turns out, we were just getting started.