For those of you with multiple kids....

lynnshey

Hi all,

We have decided to TTC another little one.  Due to our ages (I'm 38 and SO is 43), we've decided to go ahead and try now so we have a potential for 2U2.  For those of you with multiple little ones, how do you balance everything?  Just the thought of another one is starting to be overwhelming for me.  I know I can't prepare for everything, but trying to keep in mind that I can do this......

rsd12

You really do figure things out!

I was so nervous about having my 2nd & at one point freaked out about having the 3rd - such as how am I going to get out of the house.  The 2nd was sooooo much easier than the 1st because you are too busy already & you have so much more knowledge.  I still think going from 0 to 1 was the hardest for me.  Going from 1 to 2 & 2 to 3 was a really easy transition for our family. 

I think it is really easy the first few months because all of your attention is still on the oldest.. all babies do is hopefully sleep, eat, poop, repeat.

I would love another... I am insane ; )

But, I am also home with the kids.. so it might be different for working parents.

Pesky

You just do it!  No lie -- the first 6 mos in particular are rough, until the baby can sit up and entertain him/herself for brief periods of time.  But you figure things out.  And I found that I enjoyed DS more as a baby than I did DD.  DD was awesome, a super easy baby but I was so overwhelmed by it all that it took me a while to find a groove.  With DS, it was been there, done that, so even though he was a little more difficult, I could just smile, cuddle him and press on knowing it all ended soon enough.  I will say now that DS is running around and more interactive, it is awesome watching them play together and hug each other.  Now I have to separate them at times but still, awesome.

Married2003

Oh man, oh man, I'm so glad I'm not the only one feeling nervous about having a second one. 

KKMMex

You'll just learn on your feet and as time passes, the logistics of managing two gets easier.  Our daughters are 21 months apart and the first year was definitely tough.  Now that our younger daughter is almost 3, DH and I think we're reaping the benefits of their closeness in age.  It definitely helps that they're the same gender because it means they have more in common.  But watching their relationship develop has been fantastic.

I think the dynamic of families with multiple children is so different.  I can barely remember the time when I only had one!   It's more work but you'll love love love it once you get over the hump.  Two under two will feel exponentially harder in the beginning, but it pays off big time later on when your children play together and entertain one another.

Kandie35

To be totally honest: The two I had under two HATED each other until relatively recently and just now tolerate each other without massive drama. They are 17 and 15 years old now (20 months apart). It was hell when they were younger, but it was our "norm" so we didn't know any different. I cannot imagine going through that at my age now!!!!!! I just do not have the tolerance or energy for all that. Not all siblings grow up being or to be besties. Just keep that in mind and prepare the best that you can.

lynnshey

Thanks to all for your feedback - the good and the bad.  I think I'm still okay with TTC #2, but it looks like I need to get a few more things off of my plate before it happens.  Wish me luck!