tips for when #2 comes?

lazysusan

Ok, so I'm starting to freak out a little bit.  What did you find most helpful to prepare ahead of time and then when DC2 comes home?  How do you spend enough time with DC1?  I'm looking for any and all ideas....even the very practical ones...

Alexandra*sMom

DH and I really relied on zone defense for the first months.  He took care of DD1 and I took care of DD2.

Sleep is the most essential and was hardest for me to get used to.  My DD1 refused to nap after her sister was born.

I also made a dozen freezer meals to have on hand.  I rely on those a lot now.  I would say to cook meals ahead that you can freeze.  (email me at eddownen AT yahoo DOT com for recipes)

Aprilbride88

I agree with PP about having lots of prepared meals on hand. Also about you looking after DD"2 mostly and DH being with DD#1.

 I would say that it's also important to try and have just a little bit of time for you and DD#1 to cuddle alone. She will be feeling weird. I know that it took a long time for DD1 to adjust... I think she was still adjusting 6 months after DD2 was born.

 What I think is also good is to let DD1 get close to the new baby and cuddle her. We really built up the big sister roll to her and I think it really helped her bond with her baby sister.

 Good luck and it's so great to have two little girls. :-)

Sulla

If you're nursing, it helps to have a special nursing basket filled with special things (toys, treats, books, stickers, etc.)  for the older child that only comes out when you're nursing. (Which is all the time those first few weeks!)

GettinNervous

Agree with the make-ahead meals. Also, I suggest doing a HUGE stockup of things around the house so that you don't need to run to the store because you ran out of TP or things like that. Then when you go to the store for things like milk, you aren't carrying 10 bags full of soap, laundry detergent, paper towels, etc. You will already have them.

 If you are sending annoucements, know which style you want so that all you have to do is make a few clicks to place the order. If you are having a baptism, get the invites and thank-you notes now. You can even start writing out the invites. Need to make food for it? Get the recipes ready, and make a shopping list.

Look at your calendar to see whose birthdays are coming up for the next 6 months. Buy the cards and gifts now, have them addressed/wrapped, etc. Those things will escape you when you are tired, and you will end up spending more money because you will buy something last minute. Or you will forget someone.

Make appointments for things like hair, pictures, doctor as early as you can so that you get the date and time you need.

I felt as if DC #1 needed me more than DC #2 most of the time, so I spent time with him while she was napping, even it it was just us sitting on the couch watching his shows.

Have babysitters lined up!! I wish I had more help.