"Raising 2 under two is more cuteness than I could've ever imagined, more diapers than I could ever count, and more cries than I can handle at times. It is the ultimate test of my personal capabilities and more motivation than I have ever embodied. It is the strongest push I've ever felt in the mornings, to wake up and be my absolute best each and every day at every single moment. Thank you eternally Juniper Jame and Maverick Noble." ~Mommy Misty Jame

At last my journey of 2 under two has come to an end. Juniper turned 2 at the end of the August and it seems that Maverick isn't too far behind. I'd love to share my experience with all of you who have asked or wondered how I survive and thrive with my 2 under two.

Having two under two is setting my individual self aside sometimes more than I am comfortable with. It is setting aside my blog for longer than i'd like, to regain sanity and to love my kids extra hard while they both get their teeth in and adjust to a new home. 

It's like being bombarded and overwhelmed by 2 of the most beautiful and innocent beings in the world. It is the largest responsibility I have ever held and I will hold it forever. To be fully accountable and  constantly attentive to two humans of my own creation is such an honor, so magical, and adorably loving. My kids are 100 percent trusting of me and I hold such high value in this. I am their safe haven, the mother bird who feeds them, momma wolf who protects them, and their favorite person in the world. 

I am not only responsible for loving my children, but I am fully in charge of protecting them. The role of protector can often be intimidating and anxiety driven. The world around us is fast, busy, and scary at times. I am mother wolf, no one else can do this for me. My instincts and thought processes have never been so deep and bold. My will and voice are louder than i've ever experienced. I am a stronger and more in tune woman thanks to my children. Despite the heaviness, selflessness,  and fear that can come with motherhood, I am mindful to constantly tune in to gratitude, love, and appreciation in the midst of difficulty. 

Even with the help and love of a strong father and partner, balance can be hard to obtain when dad works long hours to support us. Shane helps with the children as much as possible, but often must be away from home working, to enable me to be a stay at home mother. I am grateful for this, however the road of motherhood can often feel isolated and heavy. There must be a tremendous amount of mindfulness and understanding between us in order for us to flourish as a couple and as parents to our children.

Physically being a mother of two children under 2 is the most exhausting thing I have ever endured. This is crazy for me to say! I have hiked the Altai mountains of Siberia for a month straight! I was a surfer, a rock climber, a yogi, a hyper traveling adventurist! Yet still, by body and mind have never felt this kind of exhaustion. My hips and back are still in a fragile state from birthing my babies and lifting them daily. I must be very mindful in the ways I move my body. It is a challenge for me to rest enough to heal my body when there is no break in motherhood or the needs of my children. I have not physically returned to the woman I was prior to having kids, and I don't know if I ever will. I am thinner, more fragile, and sensitive than before and everyday I learn a new way to love myself as Mother.

Having two children under 2 is honestly everything I have ever wanted, all at once. It is balance, it is challenge, it is the ultimate personal promise of never ending expansion and growth. ~ Mommy Misty Jame