You know, I never really had the first-time expectant mom jitters. I wasn’t very nervous about having a baby the first time around. I think it was mostly naiveté…I had no idea what to expect and couldn’t begin to fathom the ways in which my life would change. (Mostly in a good way, I must add!) After suffering a miscarriage of our second pregnancy at 9 weeks, I was a nervous wreck during the pregnancy with our third. Each week I made it to helped a little, but nothing compares to the relief I felt after delivering a healthy baby girl!
Most of my nervousness had to do with whether or not I would be able to sustain the pregnancy, and whether our baby would be healthy. But I was never really worried about going from 1 child to 2. Kaia was 3 1/2 at the time Kinley was born, and she was fairly independent. She was a great helper to me and I knew she would make a fantastic big sister. Plus, I knew my husband would be a great help, and we would be able to each take a child if necessary. We had even coverage.
Fast forward a year and here I am, just a few short weeks from having another baby. Hallelujah! We are incredibly thankful to be blessed with another child and are thrilled to be able to add to our family, especially after what we went through in the past. But this time around I am nervous about what life will be like AFTER the baby is born. How are we going to handle life with 3 kids, now that we no longer have even coverage? I will admit that I already fear that I am in a little over my head some days. Ok, so maybe every day. LOL. But isn’t this the way the moms of all toddlers feel? Please tell me it is! If you read Sara’s post about her daughter Nora, then you know exactly what life is like with Kinley. They could be twins. She is into absolutely everything and has only one speed: fast forward. And in my 3rd trimester I have only one speed: s-l-o-w. I have begun to think: “what am I going to do when the baby comes?” How in the world am I going to handle this crazy toddler and a newborn? Add to that the fact that my oldest daughter is starting kindergarten, and I am a bawling mess just thinking about it!! (The pregnancy hormones may have something to do with it as well.)
So I am writing today to ask for YOUR advice. How did you handle going from 2 to 3 (or more) kids? And for those of you who have kids who are close together in age, what are your tips for managing a toddler and an infant? I would love to hear the wisdom of your experience! Or even just a little encouragement that you have been there too and survived! 🙂
I hope you are good a zone defense! 🙂 J/K I have 3 boys. Always have snack and many books ready for when you are feeding the new baby. Include your other children in getting things ready for feeding time. Show them where burp cloths are and where diapers and wipes are. Just include them in your routine. Question…do your children play well together? When my third was born, I too, was nervous, but the older child and middle child played so well together, I didn’t even need to worry. You’ll be fine. Just give yourself an extra 15 minutes to get out of the house. Because when you want to leave it will be that middle child who will be in slow motion! 🙂
in a very similar situation, #3 on the way with a almost 4 yo and 18 month old ( when baby is here) would love to hear coping mechanisms!! 🙂