Toddler and a New Baby on the Way!

Just know that the transistion from 0 to 1 kid is harder than the transition from 1 to 2 kids. Somehow, you just find a way. But there were times when all three of us were crying and there were times when I soothed the baby with my feet while pumping and times when Its one bite for baby, one bite for sister, and one bite for mommy.

Well I spaced all my kids 2 years apart. I have a 4 year old, 2 year old, an 8 week old and my hubby is in Iraq so I take care of all 3 all by my self. Honestly if you are organized it's really not bad. Yes you will have a 2 year old and yes he/she will have tantrums from time to time but if you have your 2 year old on a good schedule that will help a lot. Little ones thrive on schedules and doing things the same way every day helps them out a ton. So when my first was 2 and I had my second yes she did have to adjust to having a little sister but her routine stayed the same. Same eating times, snack time, nap times and bed time routine. She loved her little sister and never seemed jealous. And now with my 4 year old and 2 year old it's the same thing. They love their new little sister. So really it will be just fine.

You know, when I was pregnant with my second baby, I was really really worried how I was going to have the energy, patience, or knowledge on how to take care of two babies. With my 1st I never realized the level of exhaustion I would experience. I thought how would I or could I ever go through that same exhaustion with TWO children at once. At least with the 1st I could at least TRY to sleep when the baby slept. But, with two, you can't just go to sleep when the newborn does b/c you're too busy entertaining and caring for the older child.

However, once I got in the situation, I didn't think, I didn't worry, I didn't hesitate...I just did it. As a mother when you come to an obstacle, somehow you pull yourself together and do what you need to do. Of course having the support of your family and friends is always a plus...but, once you get into the day to day routine, you just kind of make it work without thinking about it.

So remember, you are strong, you are capable, you are a MOTHER and YOU CAN DO THIS! Don't worry, ask for help, pray, and be positive knowing that you are not alone.

Yes, I've been there.

My 3rd son was born about a month and a half before my 2nd son turned 2. My 4th was born when my 3rd was a month shy of 3.

Even though I've been there, it's really hard for me to tell you what you can expect. It really just depends...

Not all 2 year olds are difficult- maybe yours won't be. My 2nd son was really pretty easy at 2 (my others were a little more challenging).

Also some babies are easier than others. Mine had reflux, and were very fussy (meds helped).

Also depends on how much help you have, what kind of recovery you have, what kind of energy level you have (are you typically a high- med- low energy person), and whether or not you struggle w/ PPD.

Another factor is how your 1st reacts to the baby. Some are very jealous- some are all over the baby and constantly wanting to hold the baby, feed the baby, and help with everything. Each scenario has its challenges- lol.

Congratulations and best wishes !! =o)

Lol, I had a six month old when I found out I was pregnant with my second. Then I had a nine moth old and a 22 month old when I found out I was pregnant with my third. I had three under three and I did it all on purpose! People ask me if my youngest two are twins. Anyway, my youngest is now three, and I'm just coming out of the sleep-deprived fog of caring for babies and toddlers. you will be absolutely fine. Just remember that countless women down through the ages have done what you are about to do, and survived.

My son was 18 months old when my second was born. It's a lot of work but I wouldn't change it for anything. I would rather them grow up close in age than farther apart. If you have family or friends in the area that offer to help, take them up on it!! You'll want it in the beginning newborn stage when you're extra tired and not getting as much sleep.

I think I felt more overwhelmed when I found out I was prego with my second...rather then my first.

I had a lump stuck in my throat for about a month after. I felt oh so guilty, like I had just taken my first kiddos young mommy years away from him.

I look at it this way though. My kids are all close in age. 21 months between the first two and 17 between the last. When my second was born, my oldest had the green eyed monster issues for the first few weeks. I get them both into a routine that worked well for my older guy. I had to juggle taking care of baby and making sure that he was getting the attention he needed.

It all comes down to routine for the first few months...after that when baby is more mobile the older one will begin to see baby as a playmate. Then you will have a whole new load of things to deal with...mine get along, but there are those moments when they both want the same thing...those moments will be easy.

Just take as much time are you can in the months ahead to enjoy your oldest. That way when you look at the time you two had together before new baby comes..you have great memories..and those times will hopefully make your older one more secure with mommy..take older one to your ob visits make them as involved as possible.

Good Luck and congrats!! I love to hear new buns are in the oven...as well have when they have popped out:)

That is about the age difference of my two girls. The first thing I would do and tried to do but just lacked enough energry is to pottty train your first child if they are ready. As time gets closer for baby #2 start talking about how glad her baby brother or sister will be to meet his or her big (sister). Tell him or her about the cool things the oldest can do to help mommy and make sure you have plenty of fun things to do that is just for you 2 to do (cause the baby is just too little). Have some small toys and a outfit for your oldest when the new child recieves baby gifts limits envey. Once baby number two arrives rest as much as possible at the hospital while you have help. When you get home and as soon as you are up to it feed your youngest as many times as you can durring the day. The goal is 8 feedings a day. She or he will sleep longer at night. So you have a better chance of being a good momy to the oldest. From exepierience I know when you are tired it is easy to say you are the oldest why do you do this stuff. Just remind yourself they are still only 2.5 years old. It helps get me in the right frame of mind. Hope this helps

Congratulations! I know you're in a bit of shock right now, but you'll adjust eventually (hopefully...hehe). My current pregnancy was a complete surprise. I can relate a bit with you.

The age spacing isn't too bad. Your 17 month old will be around 25-26 months old? He/she will be nearing the age of being more able to be more obedient:-) so that's a plus!

For the terrible twos, I'd HIGHLY suggest reading this book called:
"Positive Discipline for Preschoolers: For Their Early Years--Raising Children Who are Responsible, Respectful, and Resourceful"
http://www.amazon.com/Positive-Discipline-Preschoolers-Ye...

That's a nice long name, eh?! But if you can get read up on a good book like this, you will have the skills you need when you need them to help your situation not get overwhelming for you. It's a much different approach than the "Super Nanny" punishment methods. And, this method (from the book) has been proven over time to have excellent long-term results. You respect your child as you are loving and firm in disciplining and helping them be who they are and be a respectful person who feels good about themselves (whereas more punishment type of parenting often destroy self esteem and cause lots of issues later on).

Anyway, I won't ramble forever. Just HIGHLY recommend this book and her other one called "Positive Discipline" which is good for once they are a bit older. Both are by Jane Nelsen. Educating yourself so you have the skills when you need them will be a life saver for you.

Oh, and another good book "Siblings Without Rivalry". This is an awesome book too.
http://www.amazon.com/Siblings-Without-Rivalry-Children-T...

If it helps any, my 2nd baby was 19 months old when baby #3 arrived. Baby #3 was 22 months old when baby #4 arrived. Baby #4 will be 15 months old when baby #5 arrives (our surprise baby!). It is a bit of a challenge for sure, but it's more doable than it seemed like it would be. And you adjust and it gets fun living in a world of chaos where your life goal becomes figuring out how to shower every day:-)

Good luck!

The first thing I would do is chill :D Before baby comes you will go crazy washing, cleaning and prepping everything. Right now you have to deal with your first trimester while raising a little one, so relax. God gives us these amazing nine months to adjust. My baby was only 14 months when I discovered that my third lil' cutie was coming, not expecting that one, but it's all good :D Just don't put any extra pressure on yourself with worry, it won't help. My first two are the same distance as yours and it was a little crazy with a 2.5 yr old and a baby, but you get through and having a new baby in your arms is so awesome. Cannot imagine life without both of my baby boys so I know this one I am carrying will be the same way. If you first shows interest in potty training, go for it, if not, don't worry. I tried to get my 2 yr old potty trained to no avail and it left us both very frustrated. He didn't train until three, but did it in three days, no problems. Having two in diapers is not the wost thing, I am about to do it again, no worries. The main thing is to be good to yourself, have some casseroles in the freezer when the new baby arrives and try to get some rest before hand. The rest will be handled as it comes!! Congrats!!

My beautiful baby girls are 25 months, 3 days apart. We wanted them to be about two years apart, we didn't know how close that would make it. My youngest is not quite 3 months old yet and so far it has been a dream come true!!!
Sure there are moments when I wish I had another hand or two, and things that had gotten so easy with a toddler (like going to the store) are much more difficult and take a little more planning now, but it is so do-able.
My youngest is a dream baby, she cries if she is hungry or uncomfortable in her position, and that's it. She loves being worn, which makes my life easier becuase I know she is safe from her super loving big sister.
Now other's might hate me for this, but my sweet baby also has never had a night in her life that she didn't sleep for at least 5 hours at a time. Like I said she is a dream. I thank God everyday for how wonderful my babies are.
Once you get over your shock (:)) I'm sure you will love having little ones so close in age. It has amazed me to see how wonderful my two year old is with this little one. She is so in love with her sister. She is constantly kissing on and loving on her, she loves bringing her little toys.
I made sure to take my oldest to all of my appointments, my doctor was wonderful about letting my daughter measure my belly and hold the doppler to listen to the heart beat. We talked about the baby and how things were going to change. We also made sure to do special things with our oldest, like trips to the movies, disney world, the zoo, etc. We also took our oldest to build a bear right before the baby was born (like 2 weeks) and had her pick out a bear and outfit for her new sister. We also got the Rapunzel dress for the bear we already had for big sis, and the movie Tangled came out the day after out newest was born. In the hospital they exchanged gifts. It was adorable and my oldest still talks about it.

Just trying to share some of our experiences and hopefully they will help you out. Good luck and ENJOY!!!

You know, it's life.

Mine were 4 years apart, and I remember thinking what in the sam heck I was getting myself into because my 4 year old was so independent in so many ways!
I remember talking to a friend of mine whose girls are 18 months apart. She said you just jump in and do what you have to!

I also believe that things happen for a reason and God doesn't give us anymore than we can handle. Your #2 will be as big a blessing as #1 and you will do just fine!

I only have one but I was just reading a section in the Happiest toddler on the block and they had a page of new babies and older siblings. Like don't mention the baby tooo much until 2-3 months before the due date. Give your toddler a doll so he/she can feed/change him (just to interact with a "baby" I guess). Let your toddler overhear you gossiping to the baby in your tummy (and after the birth) "psst baby, I can't wait until (name) shows you how to pick up your toys (or whatever). He does it so good"
They have patience-stretching and magic breathing that teaches them anger management stuff for when the baby comes
It says to avoid big changes 3 months before the due date and 6 months after the baby is born... they start feeling betrayed by you and the baby and may blame it on the baby.. apparently my older brother did cuz he was mean to me as a young child
Buy a great toy that the new baby will "give" to his/her older brother/sister

Great little book, it's on pg 247. Maybe the library has it?

Plus it has all these methods for terrible twos, two in one :o)

Sorry, I know I don't have experience I just thought the book would help ya cuz it has these exact situations in it.