Lately, I’ve had some friends who are gearing up for their second child, and I can see the fear in their bloated eyes. I reassure them that it won’t be as hard as they think it will be. Then they go further, “No, really, tell me?” Because after you have had one, you know most people were full of crap when they only told you how much they loved their kids more than sunshine and whipped cream. Once you’ve done it, you know the trapped-at-night, how-am-I-going-to-pay-for-this, I’m-so-ugly-and-lonely-and-tired, am-I-going-to-accidentally-hurt-this-little-thing feeling.
So, herewith, are my tips for #2. These are just what worked for me. Those of you who have bigger families, I tip my hat to you. Two and a half is enough for me.
Number one is get a C-section? Right next to shopping for fun presents and planning activities for your kids? I’m speechless. I always thought recovery from C-sections took longer. Hmm.
Keeping your brain in two places is for sure the new task. It’s really a good exercise for the mind and attention span, makes you feel stronger, more capable. Transitioning to two when you have somewhat more parenting experience from your first one, much easier.
It’s just the juggling that’s hard at first, but eventually there’s enough time/attention/love for everyone involved.
yes, the juggling you are right. For me, the C sec was good the second time. I was dead set against it the first time. Then I felt Labor. Could not handle it, so skipped right to planned for #2.
the recovery from it was easier the second time. Maybe because I had been through it, maybe because I had the best nurses, it worked for me.
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This is so spot on for me right now! I have a 11 week old and a 4.5 year old!! EEk! My husband went out of town again for tonight and I just don’t know how to get them both to bed yet! Don’t get me started. I know I will get a routine figured out but not tonight. I think my blood pressure is through the roof right now. And that baby is probably going to wake up again when I am finally in the shower and it’ll wake up the 4 year old! man, I am going nuts!
Everything else you said is true too and I second it! You’re funny!
Oh Daphne, you nailed it. We’re figuring out life here with a 6 week old and a almost 2 year old. Holy cow, this is what it feels like to be schizophrenic.
Oh Daphne.. this was a super hilarious video. I brought my husband over to watch it. Not that we’re trying to work on baby #2.. yet..
This actually warms me up to the idea though..
Spot on, as usual. I agree with everything in your list except #1, but only because I never had cause for one. I had a miserable delivery with my first and a Disneyland experience with my second. Seriously – the doctors and nurses were practically singing it’s a small world around our bed whilst little blue birds fliuttered and chirped overhead (and this lasted for our entire stay). Unreal dramatic difference. Presents for the older sib(s) are clutch – so glad we did that, and she totally remembers. I’d add that if you can stage it (and the older sib is old enough), give them a chance to hold the baby (with towel or boppy for support). My daughter still talks with great pride about how she got the baby to sleep (don’t want to break her heart by explaining that it would have been harder to wake her up at that point). Anyway, good advice, all. And your jacket is a-MAZ-ing. Love love love the chic vintagey look.
i think the 9.5yr age spread between mine really puts a spin on all these tips since she understood what was happening and old enough to go with the flow.
and honestly, i really can’t get my mind around scheduled c-sec since i can’t imagine picking my kid’s birthday. and, elder child watching me birth her younger sister… excellent birth control! she’s sooooo not interested in ever having a baby at this point, “mama, that hurt you!”