I'm going in for my c-section on Sunday and I'm very nervous about how DD1 will react to having a baby in our house. She just turned two. I know people do it everyday, but she seriously has been the center of attention on all sides of our family since she was born. I'm a tad bit nervous. Any ideas, other than buying her a gift that she doesn't need, about how I can handle this?
Re: How is your oldest coping?
I say just try to go with the flow and give DD as much special attention as you can. Kids always adjust... some times are just harder than others.
I think just be fair, keep giving attention and make sure he gets out of the house when possible to do fun things too.
Don't worry, I have found moms have tons of love and attention that can be spread around!
It's been hard we tried to prepare him and get excited but he knows...
Good luck !!!
JHB 1/19/09
Baby girl due 11/22/12!
When Ds was born I tried to make it all about Dd who was 2.5. It was about her being big sister and her helping mommy, etc. I sat on the couch to bf so she could "help" hold ds at the same time. Or I would play pretend games with her while bfing... Games like "zoo" where she piled all her stuffed animals around me and ds while I just sat and talked about the animals with her . I also kept ds in a sling a lot so I could help dd as needed on the potty or whatever, and we could still walk to the park as usual instead of changing dd's normal routines.
Her DD1 was 2 when DD2 was born, and when they brought her up to the hospiltal, DD1 kind of looked at her and was unimpressed, but after a while she liked seeing Mommy take care of DD2.
After they got home, DD2 started mimicking Mommy more. It was really cute, soothing her baby sister, talking sweet to her, etc.
My friend shared that DD1 was the apple of their eye for so long, she did wonder how she'd do with a new baby sister, but with her having an infant again, she realized how much DD1 has grown and how much she wants to grow up.
They have their days, I remember one time when we went over DD1 was playing with a drum and was singing 'Go away Sister'. But DD2 had had a difficult day, no nap and was coming down with something, so Mommy had to take extra time with her.
I think everything will work out great for you guys and I wish you all the best.
We tried very hard to prep ds1 for ds2's arrival. Books, home Doppler, took him to ultrasounds, talking and singing to my belly, etc. Since I'd been in the hospital for 35 days before ds2 came and then was there for about 6 hours every day for 21 days until he came home, I was worried. Ds1 came to the hospital almost every day for those 8 to 9 weeks and I held him a lot. Read to him. And when ds2 came, he held his hand then held him and helped with baths.
When he came home, it was like ds2 had always been there. He loves him! He talks to him, gives him kisses and hugs, wants to hold and burp and feed him, and likes to put my pump parts together and turn it on. It's great. We try very had to give him lots of attention apart from ds2. I know this wont last forever, but it's wonderful now.
ETA he got a bunch of toys and clothes from everyone too. Didn't hurt!
Our first family photo!