The real, unfiltered difference between baby #1 and baby #2 – in 12 glorious Instagram snaps

When I was expecting my Baby #1, I viewed impending parenthood through rose-tinted glasses, days stretching out ahead of me like a glorious Pinterest board of cute babies, blissful family living and well-behaved children dressed in Instagram-worthy outfits. 

And while at least some parts of my experience of being a mother-of-one were vaguely like my pre-baby dreams, when Baby #2 arrived, let's just say that reality hit (hard), and I found myself constantly chasing my tail, forever feeling like my poor little boy was suffering a serious case of second child syndrome. There is comfort in numbers, though, as I am pretty sure every parent with more than one child under their roof will relate. Just check out the snaps below, proving that the struggle is very much real for the younger members of the family! Baby #1: Every monthly photoshoot is a staged production

Some bunny turned 4 Months! My #OliviaRose Don't forget last day to purchase bunny ears is Monday the 20th in order to receive by Easter. Hope you guys have a lovely day ?? #California_Cubs

A photo posted by Michelle Pugh (@california_cubs) on Mar 16, 2016 at 10:34am PDT

Baby #2: Who has time for photos once a month?!

When your sister sends you this in a text. ? Poor Beckett missed his 5, 6, 7, and 8 month pictures....so Emily just stuck all the stickers on him. #2ndchildsyndrome #momfail #beckettlee #nephew A photo posted by Erin Eberhart Lynch (@erin.eberhart) on Mar 3, 2016 at 12:33pm PST

Baby #1: Every small milestone is cause for a major celebration

I'm just here for the cake ✌ | Levi Elisabeth - 6 Months Old | Happy 1/2 Birthday Sweet Thang ? #ivfsuccess #twins #boygirltwins #ivf #6months #twinmama #twinstagram #funfetti #sprinkles #rainbowsprinkles #birthdaycake #brandrepsearch #birthday #halfbirthday #webeatinfertility #miraclebaby #unnaturallyknockedup

A photo posted by Unnaturally Knocked Up (@rachael_inc) on Mar 16, 2016 at 3:42am PDT

Baby #2: They all start to blur together and it's much harder to keep track

#sorryweforgotyourbirthday ???? A photo posted by Danielle Kinder (@capedani) on Mar 13, 2015 at 4:24pm PDT

Baby #1: When the baby sleeps, you sleep Baby #2: When baby sleeps, mummy does damage control with toddler

I'm frickin dying.. It's official, I'm ready for a new #job .. I just can't anymore.. How do you not laugh when you walk into a room and this happens?!? I really liked that matte lip color too ? #mommylife #momofgirls #makeupjunkie #riseandgrind #terribletwos #sahm #drinkallthecoffee #daughter #babygirl #wellness #coffeetime #domestic #fitmom #girlboss #happyhumpday #lifeisgood #someonesaveme A photo posted by Alicia Kidman (@liciamariek) on Mar 16, 2016 at 10:52am PDT

Baby #1: You spent a lot of time (and money!) to ensure you purchased only the most educational toys

Our weather board is hanging up in Rhys's playroom, and it looks like we need to change our season marker from winter to spring! So grateful for the beautiful warm weather this week! ☀️?

A photo posted by Courtney - Today I Felt Crafty (@todayifeltcrafty) on Mar 16, 2016 at 5:14am PDT

Baby #2: As long as it keeps them entertained, they can play with basically anything they want

I made lunch, while they *quietly* played upstairs...and opened an entire box of pantiliners. You can't make this stuff up. ???? #momlyfe #lifewithtwins #terribletwos A photo posted by Amber Kuiper : Mommy's Me Time (@ambermkuiper) on Feb 22, 2016 at 11:22am PST

Baby #1: Every day is a new opportunity to dress them in an adorable outfit

Lulu knows how to rock a mini skirt!

A photo posted by Liv & Lulu (@livandlulu) on Mar 16, 2016 at 7:52am PDT

Baby #2: You consider it a success if they're clothed

#momsshoes on the #wrongfeet ? #toddlerlife A photo posted by Shannon (@sms0918) on Mar 12, 2016 at 12:14pm PST

Baby #1: Only organic baby food and Pinterest-inspired homemade recipes will pass through your baby's lips

We set up Parker's highchair, & I started making my own homemade baby food with our new baby bullet! First peas & then carrots! #homemadebabyfood #babybullet #peas #carrots #organic #organicbabyfood #onlythebestformybaby #newmommy #sofun #maternityleave #nopreservatives #asseenontv

A photo posted by Lyndsay Powell (@lil_lyndsay) on Mar 14, 2016 at 7:06am PDT

Baby #2: When has chocolate chip cookies ever hurt anybody?!

My little cookie monster, Mila very rarely gets sugary treats but today the nice baker lady offered her a cookie so I let her have half, yummy ? #cookie #chocolate #chocolatecoveredbaby #groceryshopping #daughter #cute ##forgotthewipes A photo posted by Welcome to my Life ♡♥♡ (@lchf_sammie) on Nov 6, 2015 at 10:22pm PST