From 1 to 2 - advice, books?

[wanderingstar]

Can anyone give me some advice or some suggestions of books to read for the shit show that is going from one kid to two? I'm a little terrified and would like to know a little of what to expect. Or at least some tips on how to handle it at and not completely lose my shit.

[wanderingstar]

Jan 31, 2017 14:48:59 GMT -5 @kelsz12 said:

Do you SAH? How old is your kiddo? Preschool/daycare? I need more sweets** before I can answer 😁

**that was supposed to be deets but since I'm a crazy pregnant lady I would totally have more sweets before answering too.

I do SAH, my DD will just be turning 3 when this baby is born. She goes to daycare for 3 hours a day in the morning, from 8:30 - 11:30. Comes home and eats lunch, then takes a short nap. I'm pretty sure she's getting ready to drop her nap though, sadly they are getting shorter and shorter. Hopefully she will nap a little when the baby comes, fingers crossed!

[elliecat17]

Most do, because even they have less sleep at night. Idk what to offer for books for you though. I could have offered a whole list for your DD to prep for baby though! Teaching Littles gives you such a weird skill set.

[wanderingstar]

Jan 31, 2017 19:32:39 GMT -5 elliecat17 said:

Most do, because even they have less sleep at night. Idk what to offer for books for you though. I could have offered a whole list for your DD to prep for baby though! Teaching Littles gives you such a weird skill set.

I will also take book suggestions for DD to get ready!

[elliecat17]

Bernstein bears new baby
I am a big sister
On mother's lap
There's going to be a baby
The baby tree.
These are my favorite to suggest.

I found one for you on my shelf of teacher stuff! The second baby survival guide. By naia edwards.

[wanderingstar]

Jan 31, 2017 19:48:41 GMT -5 elliecat17 said:

Bernstein bears new baby
I am a big sister
On mother's lap
There's going to be a baby
The baby tree.
These are my favorite to suggest.

I found one for you on my shelf of teacher stuff! The second baby survival guide. By naia edwards.

Thank you so much!

[jessa1228]

@kelsz12, thank you for posting that. I'll be following this thread closely too!

[wanderingstar]

Jan 31, 2017 20:34:36 GMT -5 @kelsz12 said:

wanderingstar sorry it's taken me so long to respond! Parenting is not conducive to me typing long, thought out posts. I don't have any book recs but here is my experience/advice otherwise--

1- give yourself (and YH and DD) a lot of grace, room for everyone to experience adjustment pains and ask for help. I was terrible at asking for help before DS2 came, but after about a month I started letting people do things to help. My mom would pick up groceries for me (that I ordered online), take my car to put gas in it, stuff like that.
2- the first 3-4 months after DS2 were the hardest in my marriage and in my life I think. Not to sound dramatic but I was physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually drained. Not to mention we had a brand new business and another kid that I was taking care of. It was so hard. Keep an open dialogue with your doctor if it goes that direction for you.
3- it took up about 6 months to implement but now, MH and I have 1:1 time with the boys individually about once every week or two. Even if it's just running to Home Depot or Target, a little bit of time helps our relationships with our kids and we make sure they get our undivided attention.

Your DD is at the age where she can be 'helpful' too which may be fun for her to assist with little things with the new baby, bringing baby a toy, a diaper for diaper changes, etc. There will likely be jealousy and I try to spend 30 mins or so per day with just DS1, when DS2 is napping or has gone to bed for the night. It gets easier as they get older.

If all else fails...my parenting motto is 'it'll be fine!!!!' 'It' can also be changed out for I, him, her, they, etc.

Thank you for this!! This is all great advice, I really appreciate you taking the time. Great idea on the 1:1 time, and of course the open lines of communication. It will be hard for sure, especially because we don't have any family that lives in state. My MIL will come out for 2 weeks to help, which will be very much needed. After that, we're on our own! Again, thank you for the tips!!

[mominthemaking14]

Following this thread as well.

We're just getting in the swing of things DD1 will be 2.5 y when D2 comes. I've heard that giving special time for #1 is key and that remembering each kid is different is critical. Right now H and I do bi-weekly date nights so we will probably drop to once a month for a bit.

I never even thought about books for being a big sister off to the store I go today.