New. I can do this, right?

beeunit

By the time the new baby is born, Aaron will be 21 months.  This pregnancy was a bit of a surprise for us.  We had been talking about it, but I didn't think it would happen so quickly (it took IF treatments the first time around..one drunken night this time around :-) ).  While I'm very excited about expanding our family, I.am.terrified.  How do you guys do this?

lauriebyronm

Mine will be 22 months apart, I'm kinda freaking out when I think about it

Jacqui105

I think we have the same birth month board. Just wanted to say we are in the same boat- were thinking about another and then had one drunken night...DD will be 22 months when #2 comes. I just plan on having lots of family members help the first few weeks. After that, coffee.

cahoff

Mine are 19 mo apart and I'm not going to lie, it does get difficult.  Do a lot of pre-planning with meals , outings and nap time.  I have an Ergo carrier and it is a life savor.  Don't be hard on yourself and there is definitely a learning curve.  Also don't be afraid of using the TV every once and a while. My DD gets really jealous when I BF so think of activities or something to entertain the older one.  Someone also gave me the advice of taking care of the older one, esp when crying, before the new one. Oh, and catch up on sleep whenever you can.

laura1

I am on the same birth month board, too, but for #3.  I had a similar story for #2 - took IF treatments for #1, #2 happened after one weekend away before I even got a pp AF (they are 15.5 months apart).  It is hard at the beginning and doing anything takes lots of planning.  But for me, the transition from 0-1 kid was harder than going from 1-2 kids. Now for going from 2-3 kids...I am not sure about that one and I am afraid.  But I won't be 2u2 again this time - just 3 under 4.  

Wanda Star

lauriebyronm:

Mine will be 22 months apart, I'm kinda freaking out when I think about it

Im on your same boat, when LO2 is born Lo1 is gona be 22 months, I gotta say, I have no idea on how we are gona get through this. Im just thankful that DH helps out a lot. But I dont know how im gona do it with day care. my MIL doesnt want to take care of LO2 since shes been taking care of LO1 for almost a year. At this point we cant afford for me to stay home, I have to work. But daycare in my area is super expensive.

Im sure we'll figuer something out but right now its a monkey on my back

bellelamb

I'm going to have 2u2 very soon plus my almost 8 year old.  I'm scared about it all, how fast ds will have to grow up he's only 18 months.  Having to share my cuddle time, giving up my special one on one time with ds #2 while ds#1 is at school.  How much less time I'll have for my oldest.  Yeah I'm not sure I can do this but I guess I have to. 

Eamonmomma

When #2 arrives, DS will be 12 months and I am terrified.  Originally, we were told we couldn't have children, so I never figured on being a mother, but after #1, apparently things were working so well that #2 happened right away...I just cling to something my mother told me, "If one child takes all your time, two can't take anymore."  I am figuring that it will be rough, but once I get the hang of it, things will smooth out.  Besides, at least there are all you other mommies out there who have done 2u2 and survived!

dale5689

YES you can!!!!  Mine are exactly 21 months apart.  I got pregnant and it hit me after, Wow, they're really going to be close in age!  Is it too soon?  How will I give #1 the time she is used to?  How am I going to do this?  Even, how will I love another one as much? Honestly I worried about everything!! I wasted a lot (TOO much) of energy stressing my pregnancy rather than enjoying it.  Many people told me it'd all work itself out and I'd find a new norm.  And that is *exactly* what happened.  It is WAY, way easier than I anticipated.  Not that it is easy or that I'm not always on the go or busy or have any time for myself but caring for two has been much simpler than I imagined.  Yes you'll be tired and yes your house may not be clean or dishes will be in the sink but you can do it!!  You will have time for your 21 month old (although harder to find time for my baby as my toddler isn't a great napper) but hopefully you'll do better there.  My toddler ADORES her little sister and the baby lights up for no other like she does for her big sister.  My toddler felt the baby's presence a little bit for a short period of time and I just made sure I gave her a little extra attention at that point but since then she has transitioned beautifully and is a great little helper.  There really is nothing more amazing than seeing the two of them together and I just wish I could go back and not have stressed as much during my pregnancy.  It is the most wonderful thing in the world and really, in retrospect now that I'm living it, 21 months apart isn't that bad.  For me it gets easier each day although I do think once #2 is mobile it may become a bit of a challenge.  I would just work hard at getting into a predictable routine and working on sleep early on.  Enjoy the miracle that pregnancy is, enjoy the solo time you have with your son and enjoy the sleep you won't get later on