Going from one kid to two....

counselinggirl28

I know this sounds bizarre, but I have started to think alot about how different life will be with two kids.  My DS just turned four.  Alot of people have told me what an adjustment it is, which of course I can imagine.  But what I am wondering is....what most surprised you or do you wish someone had told you about having two kids versus one?  In so many ways, life is so smooth now and I just know this is going to change! Just wondering what I am up for

Thanks ladies!!!

adri77

Well, I have a H who isn't home in the evenings (until after we are all in bed anyway) so I was suprised at how hard evenings were.....you know, right around 5-6ish when everyone (us included) is the most tired, cranky, hungry....throw in a newborn that wants to cluster feed hourly from 5-9, all the while you are making dinner, getting your oldest to eat, and then doing bath/bedtime routine with your oldest.....I was very overwhelmed with that whole part of the day for months.  But, hopefully you and most others have a SO around to help at that dicey part of the day!  The rest of the day seemed ok....DS2 was sooo easy for the most part, I could continue doing what I was used to doing with DS1, and the baby was just kind of an extension of me.  When DS2 got older (walking age) things got crazy busy again and also the FIGHTING started, which hasn't stopped.  OMG, that alone makes me want to lose my mind!!!!  GL to you!

SOON2BMRSHOLTE

I was a single mom when DS2 came along and like PP said the evenings were the hardest. What helped me the most was wearing DS2 in a sling. I wouldn't cook with it on but if I just needed to nuke a frozen meal for me and DS1 I could do it while nursing. As for the bath/bed routine for DS1, I just tried to be flexible. If I could get to it a little early I would, if he went down 15 min late it wasn't the end of the world. Just don't be too hard on yourself when you have to modify your schedule. And have DS help you, he'll love it when you praise him for being such a great big brother. My DS1 was 4 when DS2 was born and I can honestly tell you that you're lucky he's at the age when its exciting to help mommy. GL! I'm sure you'll handle the transition great!

Luckylove29

It is obviously harder. The hardest thing for me is making sure the older child has equal attention. It's so easy to get wrapped up in the baby and caring for him/her that I have to remind myself to give my daughter an equal amount of time.

counselinggirl28

Thank you ladies so much!  My husband generally doesnt get home until right when I am putting DS to bed, so I anticipate that will be a tough time as you mentioned (and something I hadnt thought about!)  I am grateful DS is four and is able to do some things for himself.  I definitely know it will be an adjustment for all of us!!