I saw a friend the other day who just had her second baby. She asked for advice on dealing with two children and basically said she's living in hell. I told her that I completely understand. 2002 was basically one of the worst periods of my life. Sleep deprivation made me a walking zombie for most of it. Though The Daughter is sleeping better, she still barely sleeps compared to the majority of human beings and she's still much more high-needs than, frankly, I'd like her to be (she is who she is and I love her to death but, man, I'd enjoy being able to sit down just ONCE a day without having to nurse). I found it so difficult to be a great mom to my 4 year old and my 1 year old while working with the very small brain cells I had left on a no sleep diet. I actually have felt like a pretty bad mommy as of late. I finally can say that I'm seeing some light and life seems to be hitting a groove that is easier and more enjoyable... but it's taken nearly two years. So when my friend came up to me in near tears what could I say other than I understand, I've been there, yes, I've lost it with my older child, yes, I've yelled "I want a divorce" to my husband too. My empathy is as much as it can be for her and, yet, I also realize that there isn't a whole lot I can do except be there to be an ear. What it did solidify for me though is that I'm done having children. I don't want to go back through babyhood again. I don't want to readjust again. I want to look forward this year and all the years to come to all of the good things we can do as a family as our children get older that have been too hard too do with two small children. Family vacations, hikes, family movie nights, cooking together, reading together (like each of us reading), biking... So, hooray for this year... the first year out of our own readjustment phase.