don't know how I'll survive these next few months...

ktshafra

I'm just having one of those terrible days. I have a 10.5 month old and am 27 weeks pregnant. I keep reading that being pregnant with a little one is harder than actually having two under two. I really hope this is the case. DD fought her first nap, only sleeping for an hour. Now she's fighting her second nap even though she's obviously exhausted and falling over. I just don't have the patience to deal with this. Between my irritability, being uncomfortable no matter how I sit/stand, back/belly pain from holding/carrying DD, and exhaustion from chasing after her (she's crawling but not yet walking), I have serious doubts about my ability to do 2U2 well.

Any advice on how to survive these last three months of pregnancy? Words of encouragement also appreciated today. 

ldbryan

I delivered about a month ago, and being pregnant and chasing a toddler was tough. I'm not sure a toddler and a newborn are any easier (yet).  I have a lot of doubts and guilt about whether I'll be able to do 2U2. We have good days and bad days. Yesterday, DD1 had no nap which means no break at all for me.  If one kid wasn't crying, they both were.  I think being a mom is one of the most difficult things to do.  I find that journaling is helpful--I feel guilty (I know I shouldn't, but I do) sharing a lot of what I feel with anyone.  I try to remind myself that hormones are to blame for a lot of this!

Mommy2CB

I don't have 2U2 (yet!) but with naps I let them CIO. They may cry a lot at first but eventually they get the idea. DS goes right down for his normal nap no problem and for his evening nap he will cry for like 5 minutes tops. I never was a fan of CIO but it really really works. I used it when DS went through his sleep regression at 9-10 1/2 months. For 6 weeks I would go into his room and rub his back several times a night til I finally tried CIO.. took maybe 2 nights and he went back to STTN - if you can manage it it really really works. GL!

LollyBug18

I'm right there with you wondering how I'll survive the last four. DD is walking now and I still find myself having to be physically on top of her as much as I was when she was just crawling/cruising. My back has been killing me and my belly feels like I've done about a million sit-ups - and it's not very big yet! I just try to keep telling myself it won't last forever, I'm stronger than I think I am and many, many women have done this before me. I'm still nervous about when LO arrives but I try not to dwell on it too much because no matter how hard I try to imagine it, I really have no idea what it'll be like. I just try to take it one day at a time and put my feet up whenever I can, especially once DD goes to bed for the night.

joelnrach

Maybe she is ready to go down to one nap?? Also just be very adamant, and do the same thing everyday. Put her in her crib shut the door and walk out. And if she cries she cries. She is exhausted and so are you. 

Keeping to a schedule is really the only advice I have to give. You will be thankful you have it once #2 arrives.

Also with the one nap thing, a nice an early bedtime

You can do it!!!! 

Irisheyes1247

I found it very difficult to be pregnant and chase after my toddler, but I was also working FT so I had that "break" from her when I was at work. After having the baby, I physically felt more like myself, so even though having two was (and is) very hard and a lot of work, I just felt like I could keep up better. And like pps, I would insist on at least one nap. DD just goes up to her room, I shut the door and if she sleeps, great, if not, she has to stay up there for at least an hour - we all need the downtime. By the time it is an hour she is usually fast asleep. She isn't up there crying, but usually playing with her lovey and stuffed animal, and looking out the window. 

morgs8384

I am right there with you! I have about 4-5 weeks left but it hasn't been super easy! I try to lay on the floor and play with DS as much as possible, and keep us mainly in one room so I don't have to chase after DS as far. It really has made this pregnancy go by super fast though.

bellelamb

Well I have a 2 month and a 20 month old, being pregnant was VERY hard with an active toddler. I'm not sure if easier is how I would word 2u2 so far but it is much more ENJOYABLE. Plus you can put them both down and a minute alone which is impossible while pregnant.  Just hang in there I found the stage your at harder than the last month at least then there was an end in sight.  You can do it!!

ktshafra

Thank you to everyone! Yesterday was definitely an off day. And I know I'll have more, even with two little ones scurrying around. Hearing I'm not alone and how everyone else is making it work definitely helped.

meredith anastasia

Just another one signing in to say I totally found it harder to be pregnant with a toddler than have a toddler + newborn! 

klp28

I've really been struggling this entire pregnancy with keeping up with my toddler. Some days I feel like I can't wait for the new baby to just come out, but then I start remembering what living with a newborn was like. And add a 19 month old into the mix. Yikes! It should be interesting. Here's hoping life with both babies on the outside is at least *slightly* easier that 3rd tri with a toddler!

nc@hotmail.com

I'm so glad I read this! I'm 28 weeks pregnant with a 19 mo old and I feel physically finished even though I'm in decent shape this time and not very big yet. My back and belly are sore all the time! I've been wondering how it will be when DS is born and questioning how soon I'm really wanting to try for a third baby because pregnant plus toddler is kicking my butt!

Coping: NAP TIME!, more Mickey Mouse Clubhouse than I'd prefer and not holding her/carrying her around as much.

Irisheyes1247

mummyofsix:

Being pregnant and having a toddler is always, at least for me, wayyyyy harder than having a newborn/ baby and a toddler. 

I always hear people say "easier in than out!" and think its total BS.  

In general I hated being pregnant but I do end up looking back, usually as I am carrying 50+ lbs of baby/toddler/carseat/diaper bag, and think, "Man, it was a lot easier to go out when you were on the inside." But then it is back to reality.