posted February 10, 2006 04:56 PM         

As some of you know, I'm expecting my second child in may. I already have a little boy who will 2 and a half when the second one arrives. He is adorable, but is also an 'atomic lad'(!)
He was also very hard work as a baby as he would wake up constantly through the night until he was 8 or 9 months old and I decided to get him into is own bed/routine as I was like a zombie.

I've seen how hard it is for other parents with two small ones, how worn out they seem. At the park today, I met two different ladies in the same situation and they said that it is really hard- absolutely nothing compared to just having one.

So, is this always true?

What are the good things about having a new baby as well as a toddler, putting the sleepless nights aside?

If anyone has any ideas, please tell me! I need a list to carry around with me in my head for now. Of course, I know I am going to love this baby with all my heart as I do my other son. There will always be that! And I am very lucky I can have children- they are absolute miracles! Don't get me wrong. But, to be honest- I'm a lttle scared- and not of the labour (been there, done that). I'm scared about how I am going to cope.....with the sleepless nights, etc. I'm a light sleeper by nature and have recurring insomnia....it took a while to get life relatively back to normal when my son started sleeping through most nights & I have developed a bit of a thing about getting enough sleep. Nowadays, my definition of being successful in life is to be able to get enough sleep, and thats about it!

P.S. I failed to recover my forgotten password for my other username- ListensToTrees- so I am using this one instead.
P.P.S. The father may be able to help me some nights as he is a nocturnal & self-employed creature, but I don't know how often- plus I was hoping to breastfeed.....why DO men have nipples anyway?!!

posted February 10, 2006 06:04 PM         

You'll be fine.
There's nothing anyone can say that will make anything true or different, you are blessed and things will be fine if you let it, great if you want it.
Sleep?

don't worry, you'll catch up one day.

As far as breastfeeding goes, whats wrong with laying next to your baby and having a snooze while they have a nip? (literally)
Millions survive this way.
It's not like you aren't vibrantly and primally aware of your infant on every level, especially at that brand new stage. Nothing bad will happen if you snooze when you can. After all, your baby sleps while they do everything else too....
Breast is easier. As well as better.

posted February 11, 2006 03:36 AM         

To your words:

I adore the sound of the wonderful relationship your children have, Canceriamoon! They sound almost as close as twins. Though I was watching this programme on siblings, and not all get on; depends on personalities.....but your two cherubs sound as though they have definetly known each other before!

posted February 11, 2006 09:40 PM         

Yes it is kind of scary when the the second child arrives and you wonder how will I have time and energy for two? but somehow it works out and you'll be fine.

I have three daughters,two of which were born on the same day 4 years apart(and lol born on the due date the Dr. predicted) so unfortunately as my four year olds birthday was comencing at my house, I was at the hospital giving birth. It's kind of like having twins but that's where astrology helps a great deal, they are absolutely different. Both lovable cancers and the last daughter a firey aries which is exactly the kick our household needed.

In some ways you worry if you will have enough time, patience, love, and endurance but from somewhere it's provided so good luck to you.