What was the biggest adjustment to having 2 kids?

MayDayGirl

What advice do you wish you had been given (or taken?)

 

Thanks!

MrsGeek

It's easy to let yourself become overwhelmed.  When you have one kid you respond to their every little noise.  When you have two, you don't always have that option and you feel bad.  Don't feel bad when both kids are asking for something at the same time.  Just go to the child that needs you the most at the time, fix them, and then turn your attention to the next child.  They will not become emotionally scarred (no matter what your mommy hormones are telling you).

kgb1411

The biggest suprise for me was how easy it is to take care of a baby when you know what you are doing.  I wish I could have been a second time mom the first time around.

That being said, taking care of two babies is a handful.  Don't ever turn down offers of help.  Even if you think people don't mean it and were just being polite. 

MrsGeek

kgb1411:

Don't ever turn down offers of help.  Even if you think people don't mean it and were just being polite. 

I second this.  Take advantage of every offer for help.  Don't worry about imposing on them.  It's the only way to survive, lol, and you will make it up by helping the next mommy that comes into your life.

scherza

MrsGeek:

kgb1411:

Don't ever turn down offers of help.  Even if you think people don't mean it and were just being polite. 

I second this.  Take advantage of every offer for help.  Don't worry about imposing on them.  It's the only way to survive, lol, and you will make it up by helping the next mommy that comes into your life.

I third this!  If they offer, take them up on it.

Early bedtime is key in our house.  Both our kids are in bed asleep before 7 p.m. every night, which gives DH and me a couple of hours to have time together and time to ourselves to unwind a bit.

HappyTXChick

To me it was easier going from 1 to 2 kids, than from 0 to 1 kid.  We already knew what to expect, but just x2 now.  We love it!

Do take offered help.  Try not to get overwhelmed.  ANd know that every phase passes!  Just when you feel like you are so sleep deprived and can't go anymore, that phase will pass. 

And I totally agree with the pp about early bedtimes.  You need to keep up yours and DH's relationship so shoot for early bedtimes.  DD is in bed at 6:00 and DS is in bed at 7:00.  After 7pm is OUR time.  It keeps us close.

BabyBurns

No advice, but wanted to say hi!! Brighton is adorable, I haven't seen you in forever!!

Mrs.Reem

I guess for me the biggest adjustment was dealing with the guilt that comes with not being able to give 100% to my toddler anymore and then the guilt of not always being able to respond to the baby right away. My advice is to read up on how to deal with behavior issues because you never know what might come up once the baby arrives in your home. I also wish I'd at least started potty training because now we're starting from scratch and it's very difficult to drop everything and take the toddler potty at a moments notice. Nothing happens at a moments notice with two kids around here.  lol!