Two Under 2

My take on 2U2

This board seems to be made up of 20% moms that have 2U2, and 80% that are going to soon....and a large percent looking for the right stroller! :) Anyway, as one of the 20% that has 2U2 right now, I thought I'd post my experience for the rest and hopefully it is somewhat helpful.

 2U2 is hard. I feel that I get through it because I have a super involved DH and tons of help from my parents. I am lucky because DS (the baby) is super easy and mellow, while DD is a typical needy toddler. The first couple months I was very scared - scared to be alone with the two of them, to go anywhere with both of them, etc. We stayed home a lot. I felt like I was constantly feeding or changing someone. And as soon as you think you're going to get a break, someone poops. But honestly things got much easier for me once I stopped BFing...this is not an anti-BFing post; I am very pro-BFing and strongly encourage moms to tough it out if they can. It's been easier because now DH can feed the baby which is such a huge help. So if you are able to pump some bottles that he can feed and you can get a break, go for it.

The most surprising challenges to me were how long it takes to get ready to go anywhere. It takes us 2 hours to get ready and be out the door in the mornings by the time both DH and I shower, get the kids dressed, fed, stuff loaded in the car, etc. It also surprised me how much longer daycare drop-off and pickup took. It added another 10 minutes on to my morning and evening commute for work.

There's never enough time in the day to do everything, but I try to keep the evenings after dinner free to completely spend time with the kids and then I wash bottles, fold laundry, etc. after they go to bed at 8 p.m.

If you are worried about your first one being jealous, I have found that sometimes if I can give DH the baby for 30 minutes or so and just take DD outside by herself or read her books and get that one-on-one time with her she is much better behaved for the rest of the night. She usually acts up the most when I'm feeding the baby.

So 4 months in with 2U2 and things are starting to get so much easier. DS is such a happy baby and is so much fun. When DD wakes up in the morning she immediately asks "Baby?" wondering where he is. She wants to hold him on her lap and she gives him kisses and talks to him. We have finally figured out our routine and I am not scared to be alone with the two of them like I used to be; it's easy now. oh and the days they nap at the same time or when they both sleep through the night are priceless! I have seen many moms on this board say that after 3 months it got much easier and i would definitely agree with that. We know it's crazy having 2 kids 15 months apart, but we are done with having kids and like it this way.

So good luck to everyone!

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Re: My take on 2U2

  • Thank you for sharing-it's reassuring to hear that it's going well for you!
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  • Thanks for sharing! As my due date gets closer and closer, I find myself growing increasingly nervous.

    And I agree- the majority of this board is those expecting the second of their 2u2. I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that's most likely because those with 2u2 already have hardly any time to post. ;)

  • Thank you so much!! This was very helpful!
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  • I wonder how different it will be for us SAHs.
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  • As a SAHM - it's different :) For me, anyway...with a DH that works a lot and no family around.

    And unlike a lot of moms - I found the early days a piece of cake compared to what I was envisioning. But things are SO MUCH HARDER now with two toddlers who want to go in different directions. I have trouble taking them anywhere by myself for fear of losing one. SO much depends on your spouse, family, daycare or SAH, how the kids sleep...

    I'm sure this will sound mean - and I honestly don't intend it that way...but I can't help but chuckle at a "2u2 review" from moms with #2 being so young. It happens on this board all the time. It's like giving a review of a football game when only the first quarter has passed.

  • imageTelyco:

    As a SAHM - it's different :) For me, anyway...with a DH that works a lot and no family around.

    And unlike a lot of moms - I found the early days a piece of cake compared to what I was envisioning. But things are SO MUCH HARDER now with two toddlers who want to go in different directions. I have trouble taking them anywhere by myself for fear of losing one. SO much depends on your spouse, family, daycare or SAH, how the kids sleep...

    I'm sure this will sound mean - and I honestly don't intend it that way...but I can't help but chuckle at a "2u2 review" from moms with #2 being so young. It happens on this board all the time. It's like giving a review of a football game when only the first quarter has passed.

    Yeah, but this is the 2 under 2 board, where people share experiences with life with 2 kids who happen to be under the age of 2. I dont know about you, but when I was pregnant with #2 and spending time on this board, I was wondering what life was going to be like with a toddler and an infant. I wasnt exactly concerned about how life would be with a 16 year old and a 17 year old that were 13 months apart. lol.

    In terms of being a SAHM with 2u2, I have to say I like it more (although I do work a 17 hour a week job so I'm more of a part-time SAHM). I think it's busier, which I prefer. I found it a little boring being home with just one infant honestly.

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  • imageTelyco:

    As a SAHM - it's different :) For me, anyway...with a DH that works a lot and no family around.

    And unlike a lot of moms - I found the early days a piece of cake compared to what I was envisioning. But things are SO MUCH HARDER now with two toddlers who want to go in different directions. I have trouble taking them anywhere by myself for fear of losing one. SO much depends on your spouse, family, daycare or SAH, how the kids sleep...

    I'm sure this will sound mean - and I honestly don't intend it that way...but I can't help but chuckle at a "2u2 review" from moms with #2 being so young. It happens on this board all the time. It's like giving a review of a football game when only the first quarter has passed.

    You're not alone.  I just keep saying to myself, maybe when they are 4 and 5...  Don't get me wrong I love my kids and the benefits of 2u2 greatly outweigh the cons.  It just seems like since LO hit toddler stage I have to look a little harder for the benefits. 

  • Just wanted to add that I SAH.  Mine are now (finally!) ages 3 and 4 (almost 5).  This board wasn't around when my second was born, but I sure wish it had been. 

    Having 2 under 2 was a huge transition for me.  I just wanted to say that when you're in the throes of it, it can be overwhelming.  But looking back on those hard times I can truly say it was absolutely worth it.  I love love love having two children so close in age.  My girls are very close to one another and they really enjoy playing together.  And it's gotten soooo much easier!  I'm thankful that I went through those early hard times to get to the place we're in now.  Totally worth it.

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  • I'm 4 weeks off from having #2 and my "big" guy is going to be 16 1/2 mo at that time. Your post gives me some hope - I'm scared $hitless!!
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