What's it like with #2 - first couple months?

[Anonymous]

We waited for # 2 until we were completely comfortable with taking care of another child. With that said..the first one was so time consuming that we waited until our son wsa 5 to have our second and we are sooo glad we did. Our second is now 9 weeks and so far so good. Really the only hard part was going so far back in time with the whole infancy stage..but I am so glad that our son is self-sufficient for the most part because I don't feel like it is hell like some of the previous posters stated. They are in two completely different stages and right now it is manageable. Our son has soccer and basketaball games and we just put the little one in the stroller and go to the games. The mornings aren't too bad because the oldest can dress him self with little supervision. He also helps out with feeding or changing the baby because he is now at that age where helping is still fun to him and he really is a big help. My sister and I are also 5 years apart and I think that helped my decision. My parents never seemed stressed out or overwhelmed by us.

For us it was a matter of waiting until we thought "hey things are good right now, we can definately handle a second right now". With that being said, now that A# 2 is here I definately know that two is my limit. I am not made to handle anymore than that.

[Anonymous]

I found the second one a bit easier. I remember with my first, being so tired, and absolutely drained, that I would cry during the late night feedings. That poor baby, I would ask her why she couldn't just let me sleep for more than an hour at a time. I wasn't depressed, just freaking tired. It was awful, she wouldn't take a bottle, no matter what, and I never got any relief.

By the time the second one came around, I was better prepared. I was also so busy that I didn't have time to be tired. Besides having two children, we also moved, and did a ton of traveling.

[Anonymous]

We have an 18-month-old, and a 10-week-old. It is definitely crazy, but I would not trade my toddler's morning "hugs and kisses" for his little brother for anything in the world. In fact, we're thinking of having another soon! While everything is a blur and sleep is definitely in short supply, we thought it would be best to just grin and bear it and have them all in diapers at once! Of course, it definitely helps to have help, especially so that you can spend some time with your toddler alone.

[Anonymous]

PP from yesterday here- ahh- this PP reminds me of how adorable it is to see my toddler be the adoring big sister- and how our baby lights up when he sees her.. big sister loves to give her brother kisses and hugs.. when he was sick recently-she came and gave him his favorite stuffed animals..

of course sometimes she grabs one of his toys (her odl toys) and wants to sit in the high chair now.. but- that's expected!

[Anonymous]

I have a 3 year old and an 8wk old and I find that the hardest part is not being able to give my oldest the same attention that I did before. I miss our time together now that she spends a lot more time with my husband. They have developed a really strong bond (which is adorable) but also makes me a little jealous since she used to be such a mommy's girl. I've heard that it switches back after the baby becomes less needy.
Also, my baby is not the sleeper that her big sis was so that is a bit of a shock to my system.
Otherwise, I love the feeling of having two kids. It just feels more complete to me! It's fun being able to snuggle a baby but still have the enjoyment of playing with and talking with the older child.

[Anonymous]

I couldn't imagine dealing with two little ones, which is why I didn't have a 2nd until the first was almost 5 years old. I'm enjoying the age spread -- the 5 year old is helpful and independent, and was out of the house for several hours a day at preschool, thus allowing sleeping when the baby did. I'm honestly not sure why so many people have their kids 2 years apart (but my own siblings are spaced >4 years from me too).