So what is it really like when baby #2 is born?

I'm starting to try to imagine what it will be like with a newborn and a just-turned-two toddler. How do you make it work? I mean the chances of sleeping when the baby sleeps are probably zero with an active toddler. I'm exhausted everyday now and Jack goes to bed at 7:30 and sleeps til 7am. I can't imagine my full days with Jack and adding a newborn to the mix.

Re: So what is it really like when baby #2 is born?

Honestly, it's very tough in the beginning... thankfully my DH took my son to work with him sometimes so that I could sleep and my Mom and MIL also pitched in and brought over dinners and stuff.... it takes some getting used to, but soon enough you get into the groove and it's fine.

Re: So what is it really like when baby #2 is born?

I am no where near pregnant with #2 and I don't know. I know my friends always say its crazy and fun but exhausting. I just pray number 2 is a better sleeper when we decide to have #2.

My friend just had her 3rd boy. So she has a 4 year old an almost 2 year old and a one month old. I can't imagine. Her sister is working in our school and says she is calling in for reinforcements constantly. I know when I call or any of our friends call she can't really talk.

Re: So what is it really like when baby #2 is born?

I feel like it will be a huge adjustment but my friends have made it look so easy.

Re: So what is it really like when baby #2 is born?

My DS's are 25 months apart. #1 doesn't nap (not since he was 23 months ) so that makes it much harder to get anything done!

For me, the first 3 weeks was really hard! My toddler was not very happy with the new addition and he acted out quite often. He even scratched my little guy. .

Fast forward to now... they're 33 months and 8 months and in love. The baby thinks his big brother is an icon and my toddler loves his captive audience.

They share a room so when the little one is whining in the crib, my big one says "Kedin..shhhh" and in the morning, he says "ohhh, Kedin... I love you". He's constantly hugging him and saying "mommy, he's soooo cute!".

It's just the sweetest thing. Can they stay like this forever?

Re: So what is it really like when baby #2 is born?

Kathi, how sweet your boys are

It's almost my time for #2. While I dread it for some obvious reasons, I also like to think ahead to how it will be after the initial phase and I really look forward to it.

Andrew was just so easy, he ate well, slept well, is generally a good boy. He does have his moments and I know he will have a hard time adjusting, but overall I think it will work. I think my excitement over meeting my little girl is clouding all my negative thoughts for now.

Re: So what is it really like when baby #2 is born?

It's an adjustment.

Mine are 18 months apart and Gabriella has never really acted out with Gianni. Only in the beginning did she cry if I couldn't get to something she wanted right away. It's still constant juggling and I was lucky because almost from the start (if my DD naps) they nap at the same time in the afternoon.

It is one of those things that you just need to find your own groove and go with it. You will, too. You'll also adjust just like you did going from no baby to 1st baby.

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't even more exhausted now. Some days I don't know how I do it, but I do. The hardest thing for me is to get as much done around the house as I use too.

Seeing them play and interact is just the most awesome experience. No one can ever believe how my two are so inseparable already.

Re: So what is it really like when baby #2 is born?

Mine are 15 months apart. Our newest addition is a little over 3 months old...still doesn't sleep through the night.

I am exhausted. I went back to work last week. I wouldn't change anything ...I JUST THINK ABOUT HOW MUCH THEY NEED US AND MELT INSIDE. Some days are nuts but I just look at them when they smile and know it's all worth it! Thank God my DH is a great help!

Message edited 4/18/2006 7:54:30 PM.

Re: So what is it really like when baby #2 is born?

Angela was 18 months when we brought Danielle home - and now Danielle is 9 weeks old and things are great, they both sleep through the night. It really was all just a blur at first, but we made it and so will you!!

Re: So what is it really like when baby #2 is born?

Going from 1 to 2 was pretty rough, especially since your 1st was use to 1:1 time with you, once you get to baby #3, there is another sibling to be occupied with. It gets easier, but I think the first few months are really challenging.