baby number 2

[keesha1]

thinking about having baby number 2, is it harder

[MommaC]

Have you ever juggled? :) It depends on what you mean by harder. Some people handle it really well while others struggle. And it can make a big difference how old your first one is.

I am the oldest of 2, and I was not quite 2 when my brother was born. My mom tells stories about how I'd intentionally be naughty or ask to use the restroom whenever she sat down to feed my brother. Oh, and even before that, when she was pregnant and SOOOO tired, she'd fall asleep while playing with me and wake up to see me finishing up emptying all the kitchen cupboards. Once she almost had a heart attack...I had helped myself to some chocolate baking squares (how gross, right?), and when she woke she thought I had been eating out of my diaper.

I don't hear too many horror stories about having the second kiddo...I think 3 is where you really have to watch out. With 2, Mommy and Daddy can each take one. With 3, Mommy and Daddy are outnumbered. So I'd say...if you have a helpful husband and are relatively organized and can handle a decent level of stress, you're ready to take the plunge!

[benjiboo]

Having two isn't so bad, it's actually pretty easy *hee-hee*. No, honestly it's only hard the first few weeks when you're learning to balance your time. Some worry that "if I have another will I love him/her as much as child #1" and the answer is YES! You don't even have to try, the love is just there.

You'll be more tired with two, and you'll learn to pick and choose your battles. Sometimes I had to let my baby fuss and cry a little when my oldest one needed me. If my oldest fell and hurt himself, and baby was fussing because he was tired... the oldest won out. If the oldest wants to show me a bug fort he created outside and I need to change baby's diaper, baby wins.

Good luck to you!
http://mybenjiboo.blogspot.com/

[fldsjf]

I have a 2 year old and a 3 month old. The hardest thing to overcome is time. It never fails that when I am feeding my baby that the 2 year old wants attention too. I wish there were more of me to go around! Luckily my husband has been very good about spending quality time with him. The most important thing is that you spend time with the older one when the baby is sleeping or not needing you at the moment. Always give praise and affection to baby #1 and it will be easier for them to get along with the new baby.

[punamai]

I am six months pregnant with baby number 2. My first child just turned seven, we didn't intend on waiting that long but that is how it worked out. In the end its great because now i am getting the extra help. Anyway, I am hoping that having a second child will be easy. But you never know what cards are dealt until you jump in and play the game.

I feel the same excitment like the first time and have the same concerns. Nothing is 100% thou. I just cannot wait till she is here. :)

[sgrays01]

I am pregnant with baby number 2. My first will be a year old on April 29. I am nervous but not really. I am just concerned about the time that I will need for both. I don't want to make the oldest feel like she is being ignored. I hope that things work out for the best. We decided to try for the 2nd one because I am 40 and I hear it gets harder the older you get. It actually took us 3 months before it took. My expected due date is December 10 2009. Any suggestions or ideas would be helpful.

[ank131]

I'm pregnant with baby # 2 also and my daughter will be 5 by the time the baby is born (due December 10, 2009). I agree the two children's age difference is important in how the baby#1 will react to baby#2. My daughter is so excited about being a big sister and helping mommy out, she talks to my belly everyday and that puts me at ease a bit knowing she's aware of what's coming soon. I think it's also helpful to involve baby #1 in your pregnancy (assuming they are old enough to understand what's going on, probably around 2yrs or older) so that they become excited about the being a big brother/sister. For instance I took my daughter to one of my doctors appt when i was having a sonogram so that she could see the baby and she was so awed by the fact that she could see what was in my belly and that it was real. She will also be coming with me next week when I find out the babys gender (hoping it's a boy!!). She loves being a part of it all, she even helps me read to my belly!!! Good Luck to you all!!