Those with 2...

Addy1227

If SO gets a promotion we will likely try for number 2, seeing that every once in a while I pester SO like crazy with baby fever I figured I'd be a little more excited that we might be able to try soon but I'm worried. I'm not sure if it's because LO and I had a rough day or if I'm doubting my ability to have 2 LO's and not go completely bonkers. So I guess my question is when you had your second how drastic did things change? For the most part LO is very easy going and I probably couldn't have gotten more lucky with such a well behaved toddler (aside from hitting me and poking me in the eye today! hah) but I'm worried 2 will be too much for me. What was your experience?

JessAnnJ

Just like with one you get used to your new normal. Taking care of a another child during the sleep deprivation period is very difficult but I think having two close in age will benefit us later. DD2 is only a month old and things are starting to get a little easier.

jac409

I am only a week in, so my experience is limited. The biggest challenge so far is making sure to give DD enough one on one time. I am definitely sleep deprived, so I also find myself losing patience with her more often than I used to. I feel bad about that because she is adjusting to major changes too, and it isn't her fault. The other challenge is figuring out the logistics of things like grocery shopping with two. I feel like it was soooo much easier with one. We will get used to our new normal and it will all be fine. I just have to remember to lower my expectations a bit until we get more comfortable.

jsoubel

Eight months into 2 under 2, and I will say that it gets easier to manage the needs and wants of both babies, especially after that initial newborn stage.  My brother and sister both also had their 2nd babies this year and we are all going through the same thing.  Some things are really hard, like getting out the door (someone always has a poopy diaper after putting on coats) and bed time (who do you attempt to put to bed first?).  But, DD2 is so entertained by DD1 that it is a little easier too.  Overall, having 2 is a totally different (and overwhelming) experience but then you get the hang of it a bit and it's also twice as much fun and twice the open mouth baby kisses.  Who could ask for more? 

*LrCg*

I just had my 4th baby in July.  My oldest child is 5 years old.  So I have 4U5.  Honestly for me it hasn't been overwhelming but I'm a good multi-tasker and juggler.  We follow each baby's schedule and we work our schedules/plans around that (vs. settling a schedule for them).  The first few months are rough on the older kids because we can't just go out and about at whim but I explain that we have to do this for the baby and we never allowed them to cry and we won't allow this one to cry and they understand it.  We also make a point to keep up on our daily one on one time and fit it in wherever we can (mostly during nap times).  Bedtime isn't hard because you have to think babies go to bed much earlier then toddlers/kids.  My 4 month old is in bed by 7pm, the other kids are 8pm.  DH works during the day so I wait until all the kids are in bed to do my grocery shopping (its my Momma time alone).  I do a lot of house prep work when its nap time/after bed time (cleaning, meals, etc.) and now that I have a 4 & 5 year old they help me with those chores (not to mention its great bonding time with them)!  We teach at an early age for the siblings to watch out for each other and I have to say they all get a long great and are more upset when separated.  We planned to have our kids close together in age and I LOVE LOVE LOVE it!  They are all so close and I feel its helped them learn compassion, compromise and sharing at a young age. 

misscarter87

We have two dd is going on 2yrs old and ds is 6months old i must say it is very challenging at times but as they get older it gets alot better

ilenegrace

I go crazy most days... but I wouldn't trade it for the world! the best part is when they play with each other and entertain each other! Love that!