September 2018 Moms
spottedginger
member
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STM+ Discussion w/o 1/10
spottedginger
member
How far along are you?
How old are your other kids?
Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now?
Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM:
GTKY: What do you hope or plan to do differently this time around? The same?
How old are your other kids?
Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now?
Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM:
GTKY: What do you hope or plan to do differently this time around? The same?
Re: STM+ Discussion w/o 1/10
5+0
How old are your other kids?
20 months DD
Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now?
We keep asking DD if she wants a baby sister or a baby brother... The answer is no for both hahaha but she is currently in a "no" phase. I am annoyed that DD keeps getting bit at daycare. I asked if DD was part of the problem (taking toys, playing rough?) and they told me no. I understand that some kids are just "biters" and they are working with the child but I'm really frustrated and I don't know what to do about it.
Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM:
I have a sibling and while we fought a lot as kids I really appreciate having a sister so I'm excited to give DD that experience
GTKY: What do you hope or plan to do differently this time around? The same?
We took DD everywhere with us (the store, out to eat, friend's houses, parks) and she does really well out and about. I hope we can have repeat success!
How far along are you? 4+0
How old are your other kids? DS is two (25 mo)
Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now? Not at the moment
Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM: I’m so close to my brother and we are three years apart (which will be about the spacing of our two). I am so excited to see the bond and friendship DS and two share.
GTKY: I’m going to try to worry less and live in the moment more. (Not super hopeful for success, but it is a goal)
Other kids - DS#1 is 4, DS #2 is 2
Challenges/concerns - my only concern really is getting through the sleepless newborn phase when I have two other active boys that need me all day. The transition from one to two was tough but we got through it, so I'm hoping two to three is alright as well.
Joys/successes - our boys love each other a lot, they really are best friends, so I'm excited to see another one in the mix. Our family doesn't feel complete yet so I'm really hopeful.
GTKY - with kid #1, I felt like I needed to have all the answers and "know what I was doing". I didn't like feeling unprepared. But, hello, that's parenthood. With #2, I felt much more comfortable just letting him grow and develop on his own without worrying about "how much tummy time does he need *exactly*?" and "what month is the correct time to introduce blueberries?" I just trusted my gut and knew it would all come out in the wash, so to speak. Both kids are awesome and just fine. I'm thankful for that perspective shift that came with #2, and I hope to just relax and enjoy #3.
6weeks
How old are your other kids?
DS is 2.5 years
Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now?
a little worried about splitting my love. Scared that i don’t know how I could love someone else as much as I love my DS
Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM:
I can’t wait to see DS as a big brother. He is so good with babies and other children
GTKY: What do you hope or plan to do differently this time around? The same?
i hope to actually use my crib this time and be able to breastfeed a lot longer than last time
@lumosmaxima with DD I was exhausted even after she started sleeping through the night. My doctor suggested a vitamin D supplement and it helped so much! Fingers crossed this time around isn't quite so bad if I remember to continue to take vitamins (I also wasn't good about continuing prenatal vitamins)
How old are your other kids? DD is 5
Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now? No concerns right now, the one thing mostly on my mind is the transitions my DD will have within a month's time - starting kindergarten and then welcoming a sibling. I think she will do great with both, though. I work FT outside the home so I am really excited to get to spend that extra time with her before/after school for the first few months she is in K, though!
Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM: I feel really happy and confident going into round 2! I am so excited to see DD as a big sister. I love being a Mom so much and am thrilled to do it again. I got emotional thinking about it this morning on the way to work!
GTKY: What do you hope or plan to do differently this time around? The same? I hope I'm a little more relaxed this time around, and I think I will be. One thing I for sure know I want to do differently is to not have so many visitors at the hospital this time around, to allow us (and DD) plenty of time to bond with the baby. I also hope breastfeeding is a little easier in the beginning this time. My DD and I made it one year which I was thrilled with, and I hope to do it again!
BFP #1: 1/23/2012 DD: Born 9/20/2012
BFP #2: 12/30/2017 DS: Due 9/10/2018
4 weeks 3 days
How old are your other kids?
DS1 is 3.5yo DS2 is 1yo
Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now?
Im nervous to be outnumbered! my second is a Velcro baby, I think he might have a rough transition when baby gets here. My 3 year old is nonverbal ASD so we are going to rock his world too lol my sister is due in a few weeks so I will have some practice juggling 3 before baby gets here.
Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a StM: excited for another squish to love. Excited for them to grow up together and have each other when we aren’t here anymore. I think it would be cool to have a girl and everybody keeps commenting that. I’m so used to penises though, I’m ok with staying a “boy Mom”.
GTKY: What do you hope or plan to do differently this time around? The same? I’m hoping I can do no epidural in delivery. Didn’t work last time anyway so I felt everything but still couldn’t get up afterwards. Home birth curious worried I will risk out because of previous pre eclampsia. I plan to wear this baby all the time, how else will I get anything done lol
@EErin86
@spottedginger we used to have a vizsla and now have a coonhound who enjoys counter surfing as well lol they are funny and cute, a lot of work and attention!
6+2
How old are your other kids?
9.5 months
Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now?
We have off and on been dealing with teething and a sleep regression, so I’m pretty much exhausted all the time. I’m also dealing with a decreasing milk supply, and DS will not take formula, not even the slightest bit mixed with Bm, so I’m panicking a little about how to stretch my supply and stash to one year.
Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM:
I’m so excited for DS to be a big brother and be so close in age to #2. I’m hoping this makes them close, but I know it’s not a guarantee. We plan to be done after this, so I’ll also be glad to really only have to do diapers and baby stuff essentially in one fell swoop!
GTKY: What do you hope or plan to do differently this time around? The same?
I hope this next little one is a little less finicky about sleep. DS is generally a good sleeper but needs a sound machine and generally won’t nap on the go. I’m hoping #2 is a little more adaptable. I also definitely plan on introducing formula here and there at a younger age in case I have supply issues again, so I don’t end up with another baby who won’t take formula if needed!
Posting and running. Will be back later to reply!
6+1
How old are your other kids?
13 month DD
Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now?
Just the thought of having two. One has rocked our world in such an amazing way, but life is definitely hectic, so I'm a little concerned how the dynamic is going to change with a second.
Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM:
They'll be less than 2 years apart, so hopefully they'll be very close and good playmates. Looking forward to seeing DD as a big sister, she loves other kids so much.
GTKY: What do you hope or plan to do differently this time around? The same?
During my pregnancy I hope to chill out a little more than last time. I have a tendency to worry about every little thing I eat and do while pregnant, so it's pretty exhausting. I hope I can give #2 the attention we give to DD and have the same success with breastfeeding.
Somewhere around 5 weeks. I'll be glad to get a dating ultrasound and have an exact number to go by.
How old are your other kids?
She is almost 5.
Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now?
She will have just started kindergarten when the baby comes. I worry about so much change all at the same time.
Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM:
DD has been begging for a sibling for a long time so I can't wait to be able to tell her when we are a little further along. DD is so nurturing and a little mother to babies so I can't wait to see her that way with her own little brother or sister.
GTKY: What do you hope or plan to do differently this time around? The same?
I hope to relax and enjoy the newborn stage more this time.
4+4
How old are your other kids?
DD is 3yo
Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now? Just working on potty training and ditching the paci. You know, fun stuff, lol.
Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM: I'm pretty excited about being a stm (trying not to be to anxious during the first few weeks). I had a TFMR (termination for medical reasons) at 19w my first pregnancy, and my second I was still working through my grief over saying goodbye, so I am looking forward to enjoying this one like I didn't get to the first two times around.
GTKY: What do you hope or plan to do differently this time around? The same? I just want to be able to enjoy this one. It will be my last, and I am not sad about that at all. I will probably do a nice photo announcement this time around. We didn't do that when I was pregnant with my second daughter and I wish we had.
How old are your other kids? Almost 17mo little boy
Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now? None - my LO is in a wonderful stage right now, and I'm just loving it.
Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM: I'm just so excited to get a bump again and to feel those little baby kicks. I feel like I was JUST doing all this with my first and it's insane to be back here again!
GTKY: What do you hope or plan to do differently this time around? The same? I'd like to request a unicorn sleeper next time please. My son was a horrendous sleeper, and I still have PTSD.
Married 5/2015
BFP 11/27/2015 - EDD 8/4/2016
BFP 1/6/2018 - EDD 9/19/2018
How old are your other kids? 3.5 years
Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now? As usual with STM, worried my DS will be jealous about having to share our attention...but im sure it'll be okay! My other concern is with how difficult this baby may be! I always hear the second one is the exact opposite of the first and DS was such an easy baby!
Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM: I know DS will be excited to have a sibling (minus the possible jealously!). I'm excited that this will be my last pregnancy (as long as everything goes well and I have a sticky baby!), I don't enjoy it!
5+5
How old are your other kids?
19 months
Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now?
Toddler is nursing and knows something's up. I'm mostly just concerned with them waking each other up when we get to that point. DS is a TERRIBLE sleeper (so am I), so it doesn't take much to wake him.
Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM:
My son is the most social dude ever, I have always wanted to get him a sibling. He's never been truly overstimulated I don't think. At least, not to the point of upset. Starting at 8 weeks old he was happier out and about with people than at home with just me.
GTKY: What do you hope or plan to do differently this time around? The same?
I hope that we can avoid super traumatic delivery, plus c-section, and then 3 weeks in NICU, ventilator, reflux/fussy baby, and total velcro baby and me not being comfortable walking for 9 months afterward. For the same, I'd love if I could have another cloth diapered, breastfed, co-sleeping, baby that I wear quite a bit. Also one that's been so happy since 9 months.
DH: 32
Married 7/18/15
1st born at 35+4 on 6/6/16
Team green turned BLUE!
2nd born at 38+6 on 8/30/18
Team green turned PINK!
Due with #3 on 6/6/20 Team Green
How old are your other kids? Just turned 18 months.
Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now? Currently my 18m old is going through the 18m sleep regression and only taking 25 minute naps. It gives me a little anxiety to think about having a newborn and a toddler who may go through sleep regressions at the same time.
Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM: I am SO excited for my first born to have a sibling!
GTKY: What do you hope or plan to do differently this time around? The same? I definitely plan to be more vocal those first couple weeks home. Last time we had 10 days of people parading through our house staying for however long they wanted. I was so exhausted and annoyed. I also hope to be more vocal with my husband with how he can help instead of assuming he knows what I need and then getting upset when he doesn't do it.
6.3
How old are your other kids?
5 year DD
Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now?
im more nervous about delivery this go round. Things were pretty tense last time. I didn’t realize until later how scary it was.
Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM:
My daughter is being super sweet and is asking a lot about the baby and even got on her “computer”(an old laptop that doesn’t work) to make a list of things the baby will need. She insists she’s going to be a momma and not a sister.
GTKY: What do you hope or plan to do differently this time around? The same? I don’t see myself doing things much differently.
How far along?
4w5d
How old are your other kids?
DS is 3.5 years.
Current challenges/concers/questions?
A little concerned about the size of our current house. It already feels crowded with one child, 3 dogs, and a cat. My husband works from home, so an entire room is designated as his office. We're considering renting a small building from my Aunt to use as his office, because we could really use the extra space for the baby.
Current joys/successes/happy thoughts?
Just really excited to be a mom of 2 and to see DS grow up with a sibling like I did.
GTKY: same or different?
I hope to spend less time on the pump and more time nursing. Last time, we never really clicked with the nursing as I was unable to for a whole week after DS was born - he was in NICU - and he had to be bottlefed. I'll still have to pump some as I'll be working part-time this time around.
@katethemom Oh my gosh - your cousin! I am sure that was so frustrating. I honestly think this time around, I just want immediate family for short visits at the hospital. I don't even want to call MH's family (they are out of state and will come right away) until we've had plenty of time to bond/DD time to visit. We had friends/cousins who stayed for hours at a time visiting when I really should have been sleeping!
BFP #1: 1/23/2012 DD: Born 9/20/2012
BFP #2: 12/30/2017 DS: Due 9/10/2018
How old are your other kids? DS will be 14mo on the 21st
Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now? Nothing really, I'm glad I know what I'm getting myself into this time. I hope i'll be able to enjoy that newborn stage a bit more.
Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM: DS is the best. Seriously, he's such a good kid. I'm so excited for him to be a big brother and I'm so excited they'll be pretty close in age. I'm very much looking forward to lots of new squish baby wearing and snuggles.
GTKY: What do you hope or plan to do differently this time around? The same? I suffered from PPD last time and didn't get myself help until way too late. I feel like I missed out on so much because I was in this fog for months, and I'm so upset I didn't recognize it and get help sooner. I know the difference between "baby blues" and PPD now so I'll be getting myself help earlier if I need it and hopefully the whole PP experience will be a more positive one.
5 weeks 2 days
How old are your other kids?
5, 3, and 13 mos (all boys)
Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now?
Probably one of my biggest challenges/concerns right now are the speech delays that my oldest sons have (both are going to be receiving speech services from our school system, which is a relief on multiple levels. My other largest concern is trying to get my super stubborn 3 year old to finish potty training - he doesn't seem to have a whole lot of interest and is always saying no when I/we know that he needs to go. I'm also a bit worried about how he (my 3 year old) will react to a new baby. The first few weeks with our youngest were difficult for him; hes a bit reliant on me. Also, this will be our second time with 2 under 2, and they're all going to be 5 and under. Heaven help me.
Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM:
Just excited to be adding a sibling to our little crew. They're all pretty close, and it's great seeing those bonds develop as time goes by.
GTKY: What do you hope or plan to do differently this time around? The same?
Not planning on doing much differently this time around - just hoping that I am able to BF/nurse again. Definitely easier than EP'ing with my first two.
6w 3d
How old are your other kids?
6 years DD & 19.5 month DD
Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now?
Having my youngest and this baby closer in age than #1-2
Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM:
I love being pregnant. I’m excited that even though this baby is a surprise that my husband is excited as well.
GTKY: What do you hope or plan to do differently this time around? The same?
just live life with my children. I need to learn to be more relaxed and less stern with them. I hope to have a natural birth with no meds again.
BFP#1: 11/15/2010 * Missed M/C 12/28 * D&C 12/29/2010
BFP#5 12/26/2017 *SURPRISE* Due 09/02/2018
How old are your other kids? 2 year old (just turned 2) son
Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now?
Mainly just that I’m feeling so exhausted but my little guy just does not stop and does not want mommy to rest at all! I’m excited to see what he thinks about a baby on the way but not telling him until we tell people because he is too smart and never ever stops talking so he’d blab for sure.
Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM:
I think like many above have said I’m looking forward to being more laid back this time around! Been there done that so should be a bit easier in that sense?
GTKY: What do you hope or plan to do differently this time around? The same?
Different: Take more pictures in the hospital. Rest more instead of trying to entertain family and friends. Ban everyone from the hospital until we’re ready to see people.
Same: babywear, take kiddos everywhere we can to get them used to flying by the seat of our pants, baby led weaning and breastfeed until baby is ready to quit (14 months last time)
4w5d
How old are your other kids?
DD will be 2 next month
Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now?
i just started back to school and I really wanted to finish the spring of next year. I’m hoping that I can find balance quickly and still be able to finish.
Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM:
We are so excited. We’ve been trying for a year and I was worried it wasn’t going to happen. I’m 36 and I didn’t want to wait too much longer.
GTKY: What do you hope or plan to do differently this time around? The same?
i really like the comments about more pictures in the hospital. I don’t have very many from the first time. I also want my husband to take more pictures of me. I have a lot of selfies with the baby but no candid mommy/baby moments.
I also want to establish routines a lot quicker. I’m a SAHM and it never really mattered. Well I’m paying the price now that DD won’t go to bed... EVER!! It’s a struggle and even more so that I’m nauseous and bloated like no other!
** edited because it cut my post off. Which it’s been doing a lot.
How old are your other kids?
4 yr old son.
Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+:
Our son was diagnosed with Autism in February 2017. He has been having weekly speech therapy since March 2017. He will be starting IBI therapy soon and has just come up on the waitlist for Occupational Therapy. He also started full day/everyday kindergarten this fall (We are Canadian and he started at 3.5 in our local Catholic Elementary School) he does have a 1:1 EA thank goodness! He is a flight risk, unaware of danger, not toilet trained, speech delayed etc.
I’m nervous about how to juggle all of his needs with a new baby. Also nervous of the risk that baby #2 will also have special needs as we are at a higher risk of having siblings with Autism. More so nervous about the potential of baby #2 having more severe needs. We are comfortable in our current world. We don’t know what it’s like to have a Neurotypical child like most people have. So this is our norm. But more severe would also through a curve ball. But we can’t add to our family without taking a risk! So here we are embracing the roller coaster ride!
Current Joys/Successes/ Happy Thoughts about being a STM:
I thoroughly enjoyed my first Mat leave with our son ( 1 yr in Canada. I’m going to try out the new 18 month mat leave this time around) I grew up with an older half sister and although we were 16 years apart in age, I couldn’t imagine my life without her. So happy to have taken the plunge to give our son a sibling. Bring on the new baby smell and snuggles! Can’t imagine the love I will have for this new little one knowing the love we have for our first born. Indescribable.
What do you hope or plan to do differently this time around:
Give breastfeeding a longer shot. Only made it exclusively BF for 6 weeks then did half breastfed and half formula.
Hope to relax a bit more this time. My anxiety was quite high the first time. I think I was in shell shock of what just happened.
How old are your other kids? 3 & 19 months
Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now? This baby was a surprise. I was so happy with our family and feel like it was perfect. I’m worried about the imbalance of things when we add a third. I’m actually terrified because I already feel like 2 is hard!! (H works 5 nights a week). I also love that my 19 month old is my little girl and I love her so much and hate that she might get lost. It’s my job to show them all equal love.
Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM: I’m still processing! Trying to look at the positives, I’m excited to have another newborn and I mostly love being pregnant. My 3 year old is going to be such a great helper, I’m excited to see them all together.
GTKY: What do you hope or plan to do differently this time around? The same? I think with my second, we really got the baby thing down. Or maybe she was just so easy going. DS was not an easy baby at all. So I’m hoping for another angel baby haha! (Prob not how it will go!!)
@Bear14+ DD was/is super easy and I'm worried #2 will be a wild child like everyone keeps telling me. I'm hoping that realizing right away that this baby will obviously be a different person with a different personality will give me a head start
How old are your other kids? 11 month old boy
Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now? We are very excited as we tried for 5 months for this baby, but I'll admit, I'm nervous to have 2u2! As bad as it is to say out loud, I didn't really enjoy the newborn period with my 1st. The lack of sleep really took it's wear on me and I can't imagine doing it again with another baby in the mix, but ready or not here we go!
Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM: We really wanted our children close in age. This will be our last baby so it's bittersweet experiencing all of the firsts of pregnancyfor the last time. I can't wait to watch our children grow up together and (hopefully) become the best of friends!
GTKY: What do you hope or plan to do differently this time around? The same? I am going to relax and hopefully go with the flow more! With DS, I've found myself always worried about him not making certain milestones on time, comparing against others, etc. I don't like doing that and I'm vowing to be a more chill Mom the next go around. One thing we will do again, is a strict nighttime routine. It did wonders for DS and I hope the same for #2!
How far along are you?
6ish weeks - Due 9/2
How old are your kids?
DS 23 months
Current challenges or concerns?
I’m mainly concerned about sharing my love and how DS will react. I visisted a friend who had a newborn and my son cried hysterically when I held the baby, which is unlike him. I know he will eventually get used to it but I’m hoping the transition is more smooth than I’m currently picturing it. I’m also debating on how I’m going to handle work and if I plan on working part time during maternity leave.
Current joys?
DS is finally sleeping completely through the night. I have to admit I was very fortunate to have an extremely easy baby. His only difficulty was sleeping. I’m glad to be able to finally have a full nights sleep.
What do you plan to do differently this time around?
I too want to take more pictures in the hospital. My mom took a pictures with a camera for DS and they were all blurry. This time I think I’ll just have her use my phone and hope they turn out better. I also want less visitors so close together. All our family live in different states and last time they all came to visit within the first 2 weeks and stayed with us. It was just too much all at once. I’m not sure how to handle that though and don’t want to offend family. I don’t know if DH agrees with how I feel either and will probably want all his family up at one time (which is 8 people).
DS - 02/21/2016
4+5
How old are your other kids?
18 month old son
Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now?
I'm definitely nervous about adding another child to the family and how my son will react. I know he loves being around other kids, but I am worried about juggling two so young and giving them both enough attention.
Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM:
I'm SO glad I won't be a FTM again during the newborn stage, that crap is really hard. I'm excited to be adding another person to love, in my mind when I envision my future with my H I definitely have always seen at least 2 kids!
GTKY: What do you hope or plan to do differently this time around? The same?
Different: I hope to relax a bit more throughout pregnancy, exercise more too. I also would like to be more laid back once #2 is here and embrace baby wearing (and find a wrap/carrier that I like better). I need to pay better attention to my mental health too and not be afraid to ask to get medication/help if I need it! I need to make a better effort at sleeping during the day when baby sleeps and not feeling like I need to be awake all day long with my H, I know this will be harder when I also have a toddler though.
Same: I hope to be able to breastfeed and pump for 12+ months like I did the first time. I'll also stick to my guns about how many visitors I want at the hospital, I didnt want many people around the first time and this won't be any different except I may tell people to leave when I've had enough. I'm sure there are other things I want to do the same, but can't think of right now.
6 weeks, 3 days
How old are your other kids?
DS turned 2 in September.
Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now?
I’m really hoping DS is a caring big brother but he really likes his “me time”. He starts school next week and I’m hoping that will help. I was the older sibling in my 2 child household so I am anticipating some of his sensitivities based on mine, but I don’t want to prescribe anything onto him just because I felt that way ::cough cough:: a billion years ago. I’m also struggling right now with being an attentive mom while feeling so sick—DH is a freakin’ hero for picking up so much slack and letting me focus on keeping my food down..
Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM:
I think the best gift you can give a child (if, G-d willing, you’re able to) is a sibling. I am feeling really lucky to be able to do that for DS.
GTKY: What do you hope or plan to do differently this time around? The same?
I need to lay down the law a little more with my MIL. She was way too invasive last time during my pregnancy and then very insensitive after DS was born. I didn’t say a word about it, but it totally affected our relationship in a negative way. Before DS, we were super close. This time, I’m not going to just keep quiet because clearly that didn’t work—I’ll express my needs appropriately and in a kind way.
Right after DS was born, there was a fire that started in the apartment next to ours. We were displaced for months and it was very stressful. I think we made the best of it, but I’m really looking forward to a more stable home situation for #2. At one point, when DS wasn’t even 3 months old, he was in a new “home” every week for five weeks! I am so glad that period is behind us and we are in a new house that is all ours now.
6+2
How old are your other kids?
17 mos
Current challenges/concerns about being a STM+ or questions about things your children are going through now?
I'm worrying about where to find the energy to entertain 2. Wondering how to get through the no sleep stage if I can't sleep when the newborn sleeps during the day since I will have a 2 year old too watch? And feeling guilty about not being able to give all it attention to DD anymore.
Current joys/successes/or happy thoughts about being a STM:
I'm just excited to see what this child will be like, similarities and differences with DD. I really hope that they have a good relationship, especially as adults.
GTKY: What do you hope or plan to do differently this time around? The same?
If possible I would do a lot the same, just with more confidence. DD is a pretty easy baby though. I'm definitely only letting visitors come by the hospital like once and taking the rest of the time to rest and heal. Hoping to finally push myself to make some mom friends but I'm so awkward! Lol Also I am definitely not going to go by what the doctors say as far as waiting to go to the hospital - last time they told me repeatedly what I was feeling were not contractions. And my contractions didn't follow the 5-1-1 rule so I waited to go in and wasn't able to get an epidural until I was complete. F. That.