Two Under 2 — The Bump

When did you take family pictures after #2 arrived?

krisim — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 13:02:29 +0000

I'm due in July. I'm trying to decide when will be the best time to take new family pictures.

We'll only be able to afford to do family photos once next year...should I get them when DD1 is 2 years old, DD2 is 3 months old and obviously 3 months post partum for me (ugh...I hope I've lost the weight by then). Or should we wait a few more months until DD2 is a little bit older?

Another great thing about 2u2...

ayram — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 20:19:04 +0000

It's been 3 years since my last AF!! Yay!

grad school with a 1 and 2 yo?

moonfaerie — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 22:54:43 +0000

I have been putting off grad school for one reason or another for the last several years. Even before I thought of having kids the timing never seemed right. Now I think the timing will never be "right", so I might as well just dive in. I have seriously been considering applying to start school this fall, when the kiddos will be turning 2 in Sept. and 1 in Nov.

DH thinks I'm nuts. Not that he is against me going back to school, but he doesn't understand why I want to add more to my load after cutting back at work. (I'm switching to part-time and soon will be working just three days a week.) I figure by fall, #2 will be less dependent on me, we'll likely be done with BFing, and both kids STTN pretty consistently. DH doesn't mind having the kids to himself one or two nights a week while I would go to class, and I would start with one class at a time to see how it goes.

So WDYT....am I nuts or is this a good idea? Getting my master's is growing in importance to me and I don't want to keep putting it off.

Some 2u2 love (for those that are scared, LOL) PIP

g8orell — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 20:22:45 +0000

See...it's not so bad!

When did you start going out again after #2?

Cygal — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 12:23:43 +0000

Realistically, when did you start getting out and about to your activities when you had #2?

I'm trying to think of fun things to do this summer for my older one (he will be almost 2) but I'm not sure how realistic some things are with a newborn in tow. We are thinking things like the zoo, parks with playgroup, library storytime.

What to do with newborn before they're ready to share a room

mothling — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 11:11:28 +0000

We are planning on having our 2u2 (16 months apart) share a room once the newborn is STTN for the most part. We are having trouble figuring out what to do with the newborn before that happens. We had DS sleeping in his own room from about 4 weeks on, and I'm really glad we did that because I think it helped everyone sleep better. So we really don't want DD to be in our room for very long. We don't really have another room to put her in, though, besides DH's music room which is full of his amps and guitars and recording equipment, and which he needs for work....Any suggestions? TIA!

Do you have a cleaning lady?

mrsseguin — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 13:25:59 +0000

I cracked last month. After cooking, picking up after the kids, bathing, lack of sleep...the last thing I want to do is scrub the bathroom and mop. We decided to pay my MIL to clean every other week. We pay her $50. I LOVE it. It is such a huge weight lifted. Just wondering how many others have hired someone to help around the house.

Anyone here use or consider a night/morning nanny?

rdgove — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 09:46:57 +0000

DD is 14 months old and we're TTC. Hopefully DD and the baby will be around 2 years apart. DH works long hours and we have no family nearby or available to come out to help for a while. Most days, it will just be me and the kids. We're pretty well-off financially, so I suggested to DH that we look into getting a night-morning nanny to help me out a bit. I was envisioning hiring someone to come around 10pm, bring the baby to me to BF during the night, change his/her diapers and rock back to sleep, then get up with the kids in the morning so I can shower, dress, etc. The nanny could get the kids into clean clothes, feed them breakfast, and then I'd take over around 8/9am.

What do you think? Is this realistic? How much do you think this would cost per hour?

Here I go again!

Raffes484 — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 18:29:06 +0000

I just found out this afternoon that baby #3 is on the way! I'm nervous but excited!

STROLLERS

mamamimi77 — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 18:00:07 +0000

Hello all,

My DS will be 16 months in November when LO#2 arrives. Im wanting a stroller for both of them that is front to back for the mall, outings, shopping, etc. Im looking at the Sit n Stand but not sure how it works. Does the infant carrier go up front or in back? My son wont be big enough to ride in the back at 16 months so I figured Id put him up front and attach the baby seat to the back. If it doesnt work this way, does anyone know a stroller that does or have any suggestions? Im not willing to spend gobs of money on a stroller so anything that is over $200 is ruled out. I have a safety 1st infant seat that I want to use. DS will be in a convertible seat by then.

Thanks!

Diaper bags for 2u2. Yes another post.

kattyleigh — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 09:44:00 +0000

Just wondering what you veterans found that works the best? I have a PPB waxy boxy for DD and I love the hands-free backpack style, but now I'm thinking it will not be big enough for two sizes of diapers, two sizes of outfits, bottles and sippy cups, snacks, my wallet, my sanity, etc. Help a soon to be new 2u2 mama out. Thanks so much.

You know, I think we actually get more positive comments.

ShannonSky — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 14:52:31 +0000

We live in an area where the average age of women at their first marriage is 31 (I think - don't quote me, I haven't seen the stats in a while). So to be having our 2nd so close to our first, and especially at the age we are (I was 23 when DD was born), is pretty unusual. The negative comments I've gotten have been mostly from people my own age, but most of the people I've talked to of my grandparents' generation have been very supportive. I've had more than one stop me to tell me how great it is to have them one after the other, and to be a young wife/mother. Anyone else noticed this trend?

Sunshine Radian Car Seat?

Raffes484 — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 20:28:45 +0000

Has anyone used this seat, especially with a newborn?

Now that we're expecting #3, DH and I have to choose between buying a new car or buying 3 new car seats. Obviously, even though it's expensive, buying new car seats is the less expensive way to go.

Question for full time moms with 2u2!?

cmenasco — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 17:57:39 +0000

I am still pretty new to the bump and do a lot of lurking, and have never posted in the 2u2. My little guy is only 4 months old right now, but we are starting to think about #2 already! We want them pretty close in age, 18-20 months? I wish I could be a SAHM and in an ideal world I would be....but I am the money maker in the family and have to go back to work full time (4 days a week). For those who work full time, how is having 2u2? Do they go to the same daycare? Are your AM's crazy? Any suggestions?? Thanks!

would you work PT if all your pay went to daycare?

Summer20 — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 14:47:59 +0000

Right now I work 2 days a week. DD goes to an in-home daycare that she loves. Overall, it has been a really good experience for both of us. I don't make a lot, mainly I'm working just to get out and do something different a couple of days and I do enjoy my job. Once DC#2 comes along, literally all of my take home pay would go to daycare for both kids.

My first thought is that it's stupid to work for nothing. However, I think I might go crazy staying home 5 days with two babies. We might be able to keep DD in her daycare for one day a week and could possibly add a babysitter for both kids 1-2 afternoons a week so I could get some things done*. But I don't know if that'll be enough of a "break". Gah, I sound horrible trying to get away from my kids!

Anyway, WWYD? Thoughts? Experiences?

*edit - it would definitely be a big financial strain, but short-term as we're moving closer to family (and help!) in a year

Name Help for 3rd Child

jennaw21 — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 13:49:21 +0000

My husband and I are at a total roadblock on what to name our 3rd child, a boy. Our first two are Jameson & Mackenzie and I LOVE both of their names and feel very connected to them. I'm having a hard time finding another name I love as much for #3.

Any suggestions?

looking for book recs

4realyo — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 13:07:33 +0000

My daughter loves books and I was hoping to get her a cute book about becoming a big sister or having a little brother to talk to her more about the baby.

Any recommendations for books like these?

What car do you drive?

krisim — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 11:13:23 +0000

Just curious to see what cars (not SUVs or minivans) others drive that can fit 2 carseats in the backseat.

eddie bauer double stroller lone mountain

katie052409 — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 14:16:45 +0000

Does anyone have this stroller? Do you like it? I just bought it for 60 bucks from a consignment shop and I'm assuming its an older model... Just wondering if anyone has it or something similar and likes it. Thanks!

has anyone tried the balance bikes?

Bryant03 — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 18:59:34 +0000

If so- what was child's age? Mine is almost 3 curious to see if it would work for us

NEW SUV

Wedding607 — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 22:55:20 +0000

We are looking for a new car that will be good for 2 kids 2 dogs and 2 adults....

With gas prices going up and up what do you think?

If your house is/was recently for sale, please come in

kmh2201 — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 07:27:05 +0000

Maybe we're crazy to put our house up for sale with 2u2, but we did. What I'm hoping for from you is your "triage" list of things to clean/pick up around the house when you have a request to view your house on short notice. The kitchen is first on my list becuase it's the first thing they see, then the bathroom countertops and toilets, then vacuuming. Are there other important things to consider? TIA!!

3 Kids - Is a Minivan really that much better?

jennaw21 — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 12:57:04 +0000

I've never wanted a minivan, but I'm expecting #3 in June and I've already got a 3 year old and a 1 year old. It seems like the minivan is the smart choice.

to attempt to potty train or not?

MyLucky7s — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 20:04:19 +0000

Hi Ladies,

My daughter is 20 months old and I am due in June. I had no thoughts on even thinking about potty training until after the baby was born and seeing if she was ready in the fall or winter. However, a friend gave us some pull-ups and my daughter told me out of the blue the other day that she needed to go to the potty and she actually went. Yes this has only happened twice in 5 days but I have not been focusing on training her yet. On one hand I feel like if she is ready maybe I should try to train her even though she is so young. My daughter is super independent and I feel like she will be one of those kids who will decide when she is ready or not. It also might be easier to train her now since Ican devote all of my time to her.

On the other hand I am thinking that because she is so young she will not be able to get her pants off and will need alot of assitance for awhile. To be honest, I think that with having a newborn, it will be so much easier to have her in diapers still. Especially when I am BF and out in public, having two little ones and having to visit a public restroom in each store does not seem like fun.

So please can the experienced mommies chime in?

thank you!

There goes my European Vacation!

katykat17 — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 21:26:34 +0000

I just realized that with 3 kids and the price of travel we definitely won't be able to leave the country anytime soon. Any international vacation will easily cost $10,000+

*CRY*

I will be joining you in 8 months and I am just wondering....!

Battlebaby09 — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 09:28:12 +0000

How do you do it? Are there any tips for happily managing two at these ages?

Just wanted to say "I applaud you!"

d&a914 — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 15:14:31 +0000

To all mothers of 2 under 2! I have a 25 month old and a 4 mo and it's tough. I couldn't imagine 2 under 2.

LO#2 isn't here yet and I am already annoyed with the comments!-Vent

amc_banana — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 22:24:18 +0000

And it seems like its mostly family! Like I don't know it is going to be hard? I need my mom telling me that I am going to have to neglect my DS because the new baby will need me soo much. Or my MIL telling me that before DS we must not have known how to make babies (because it took us 4 yrs-we faced IF) but now we can't stop making them?? OH my that should make me laugh right??

Have a 7-month-old; expecting again. Needing Similac coupons!!

mandylbeck — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 16:03:15 +0000

I am the mother of a sweet 7-month-old baby girl. Two months after she was born I was in ICU for pregnancy-related blood clots, which I still have and can't work. Few days ago we learned we were expecting again. I now have to take $100 a day blood thinner shots for the duration of my pregnancy for my clots. If anyone has any Similac coupons, please let me know at mandylbeck@hotmail.com. Need all the help we can get!

PIP Game: 1 & 2 as babies

I'mAcrossThePond — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 03:40:33 +0000

Okay, the post about LOs looking alike/different got me thinking that my 2 don't look terribly alike either. And I went back to look at baby pictures of Alex (my oldest) and they do favor each other more than I thought...still pretty different, but hopefully as they grow, they'll look like brothers...so let's see your two kiddos as babies and bonus points for posting more recent pictures of them too!

Toddler bed vs. crib

jmlushbough — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 19:50:21 +0000

We're expecting number two in late November/early December. Our son will be 21 months. Is that too early to do a toddler bed?

Realistically, the baby will probably sleep in our room for the first 6 months, so DS wouldn't need to be out of his crib until after he turns 2.

I just don't want to have to buy another crib.

Talk to Me About When Things Got Easier...

MamatoJackson — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 00:01:14 +0000

Up until this week, things have been pretty easy but as DD is getting 'older', spending more time awake, demanding more attention, I'm having difficulty when I am home all day with both of them, feeling like I am providing them both with adequate attention.

Does it get easier? Harder? Tips?

Getting youngest (5 mos) to nap with 2 kids? Any advice?

Ndsmommy — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 16:13:07 +0000

-->

RP from SAHM: Hi, I am mainly a lurker, but needed some advice on this. My DS is 2 1/2 and is on a very good nap schedule. He sleeps from 7:30 - 7:00 with a nap around 1:00. My problem is DD who is 5 months old. Her naps have always been chaotic and usually she was only falling asleep while nursing. When I swaddled her (up until 4 months) she would sometimes nap in the crib (usually at least 1x per day). However, since she has been unswaddled she will not nap in the crib at all.

For the last month I have been putting her into the swing to sleep which had started out working pretty well. She would take 2 hour naps, 1 - 2 times a day with the other nap usually being in the car. However the last week, she will not nap without screaming in the swing. The first time we put her in the swing, she screams for several minutes (at least 20) before she finally falls asleep. I have been watching for her sleepy cues ever since she was 2 months old, but she doesn't have any specific ones, so I usually try to put her to sleep in the swing within 1 3/4 - 2 hours from waking up and stick with that routine. However with the last week, I have had to lay down in the same room as her to try to get her to nap and it is taking upwards of 30 - 45 minutes of me shushing to even get her to finally sleep. This is almost impossible to do on a regular basis with my 2 1/2 year old. Any thoughts on tips on how to get her to nap more easily? I'd like for her to nap in the crib, but I will take any nap without 45 minutes of crying first. I should probably also add that she has, in the last 3 weeks, learned how to roll over completely, sit-up, is babbling, and may be teething. So it may be a componenet of that too, but would appreciate any suggestions that everyone has.

Advice and or Suggestions

CariannelovesTim — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 12:16:18 +0000

I have a toddler and a baby due in May. Any advice on how to prepare my son for the new baby? TIA

I'm coming back!

stewiegriffin — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 12:32:45 +0000

I recently just left the 2U2 board, but I got another BFP. The first 2 are 19 months apart, and 2 and 3 will be 21 months apart. I am so excited!

Any good dbl strollers for use w/ Chicco other than BJ City?

Irishbabee — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 13:44:28 +0000

I like the Combi b/c it is ultra compact but it doesn't work with Chicco infant seats. It's the same situation with the Baby Trend doubles, they don't adapt to Chicco.

Are there any other nice compact strollers out there besides Baby Jogger City Mini/Select that you could recommend? I do not like the Britax double.

Thanks!

Is this feeling ever going to go away?!

allie_smalls07 — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 14:20:01 +0000

I still feel nervous being alone with both kids! Why?? What the heck is wrong with me? Also - when DD is sleeping and I know she is going to wake up and need me to nurse her/tend to her needs/play with her I feel anxious. Do I need help?

Did anyone else have these feelings? I'm wondering if it will help when DD is truly mobile because then I won't be as preoccupied trying to keep her entertained when she is awake and DS won't be so jealous (or at least I'm telling myself that). I think knowing he is jealous is at the core of my issues...

Veteran 2u2 moms tell me I will get over this!

Looks like I'll be joining you ladies!

Mrs.M317 — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 07:54:28 +0000

Just found out last week that I'm pregnant with #2, My DS is only 5 months old. I have to admit, I'm a little afraid.

A little background on me is that it took DH and I a year and a half to finally get a sticky baby. So I was completely shocked to see that I was pregnant after only a few months (and a few, mostly careful, encounters). I'm excited to be pregnant again and excited to have another little one!

Can't wait to get to know all of you ladies

Don't know if I can do this...long

mothling — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 09:13:59 +0000

I'm 18 weeks pregnant with my second, and DS will be 11 months old on Friday. They will be 16 months apart. This was planned and I've always wanted to have my kids close together, but I'm so discouraged right now.

I lost my temper this morning and was rough with DS. It was 6am, which is about an hour earlier than he usually gets up, but NOT unreasonable, I know. DS was crawling around while DH got ready and I laid in bed. DH said something complaining about how the laundry wasn't folded (completely reasonable because it's been clean for days and just sitting in the hamper...I should have folded it by now). DS was whining, and I flipped out -- jumped out of bed, picked DS up really fast and stormed into his room and put him down not-so-gently on his changing table. I wasn't trying to hurt him and didn't hurt him, but I know I was being rough and I'm sure he picked up on it.

I'm terrified, because if I lose it over nothing when I've had a reasonable amount of sleep, what's going to happen when I'm not sleeping at all and having to take care of two babies?! I'm so scared of not giving both of them what they need and also being able to take care of DH and the house like I need to....I feel so small compared to this huge task.

Thanks for letting me vent.

When did you feel #2?

ivyreb — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 19:15:45 +0000

I felt DD1 for sure at 5 months or so... wondering if anyone here who's had other children have found it to be true that you feel the others sooner (because you know what it feels like)?

thanks!!