Dear Mama: Embracing the Chaos with Two Two and Under

Dear Mama,

If you’ve ever tried cooking dinner while stopping a toddler from coloring on the baby — this one’s for you.

Life with two two and under is a beautiful blur. LALA just turned two, and we’ve started potty training — some days feel like we’ve got it down, others… not so much. MJ is nearly eight months and almost crawling. She lights up around her big sister, and their growing bond is the sweetest part of my day.

But let’s be honest — this season is loud, messy, unpredictable… and full of grace.

There are moments I want to freeze in time:

The way my toddler hugs her baby sister without prompting or tackling her.
Their matching giggles over nothing and everything.
The quiet pride in my oldest’s eyes when she makes it to the potty.
The way my baby watches her big sister like she’s the sun.

And then there are moments I want to fast forward through:

The potty regressions.
The tantrums over the wrong color cup.
The “please just nap at the same time” prayers that go unanswered.
The constant mess, laundry, and never-ending snack requests.

Still, through the chaos, I’m learning to breathe — to laugh more, stress less, and rest in the fact that I don’t have to do it perfectly. Just lovingly, intentionally, and with grace.

Here’s What’s Helping Me Right Now:

Letting go of perfection. There’s no award for spotless floors or folded laundry. Some days are all about survival… and that’s okay.
Leaning into rhythms over routines. We don’t have strict schedules — just anchor points that help us all feel steady.
Giving grace freely. To my girls. To myself. To the day that didn’t go as planned.
Celebrating small wins. One dry potty day? We dance. Ten minutes of peaceful playtime? We cheer.
My husband being a steady support. Whether it’s taking over bedtime when I’m spent or making me laugh in the middle of a toddler tantrum, he reminds me I don’t have to do it all alone.
Going to the gym — alone. Just having that hour to breathe, move my body, and listen to music without Goldfish being flung at me is pure therapy.
Finding joy in the sweet sister moments. When my toddler shares a toy (without being asked!) or when the baby’s eyes light up just watching her big sister, I pause and soak it in.
Leaning back into my Scripture study. After a few tough weeks balancing school and life, I’m finding peace again in God’s Word. It’s been grounding — reminding me that even in chaos, there’s a purpose and a plan.

To the Mama Reading This:

Maybe your toddler tried to feed the baby a cracker while you were in the bathroom.
Maybe your baby only napped if you held her the whole time.
Maybe you’re wondering if you’re doing any of this right.

Let me remind you: You are.

You’re showing up. You’re giving love. And even on the hard days, you’ve got this.

Drop a 💛 in the comments if you’re in the two-and-under trenches, or any sort of trenches — and share one thing that made you smile today. Let’s lift each other up!

With love,
Mama, You Got This

Mama, You Got This