My second baby is now six weeks old and we have all been adjusting to another little person in the family. Turns out life with a newborn is very different second time around especially when you have a crazy 20 month old to contend with as well! It hasn’t been as hard as I had anticipated though, I had myself freaked out that I wasn’t going to manage especially when my husband went back to work and was also panicking that my first born would react badly. Having said that it’s not exactly a walk in the park either but second time around I have been less anxious, all the newborn stuff is still fresh to me so it wasn’t as overwhelming as when I brought my first baby home from hospital and felt like I didn’t have a clue what I was doing!
I’ve also learnt not to sweat the small stuff. With my first baby I had unwanted advice coming from every direction with everyone telling me what I should be doing with my baby and as I result I began to feel like people must have thought I wasn’t cut out for the job so it made me determined to prove them wrong by trying to keep on top of everything. I soon learnt not to let other people’s opinions annoy me, as long as my baby was healthy and happy that was all that mattered. Besides he was growing up so fast that I didn’t want to waste time stressing out about the little things. Now that I have two mini people to keep me busy I don’t even have time to think about the little things so as long as everyone is fed, relatively clean and happy I feel like that has been a productive day even if the house resembles some kind of disaster zone! It also helps that this time people decided that since my first baby is still in one piece after 20 months that I must have got the hang of the whole mothering thing so are keeping their opinions to themselves!
My son has also reacted quite well to his little sister arriving which is a huge relief. He had already started to throw the odd tantrum before she was born and I was worried in case the upheaval of another baby getting attention would make things worse but thankfully for the most part he is still the same happy, affectionate little man except for the odd meltdown when I accidentally give him the wrong water bottle or some other equally serious problem! I’ve learnt to pick my battles though so if giving him chocolate at 9am or letting him go play out the back in his pyjamas and wellies in the rain is what it takes to give me a few minutes peace to tend to the baby then that’s just what I have to do!
I was also worried that I wouldn’t be able to give my second baby the same attention that my first born got but thankfully my toddler is very good at playing independently so I have got plenty of new baby cuddles. Also so far she has been a very good, contended baby so even though I have had to set her down more than when I only had one baby she is happy just to sit and watch her big brothers antics!
So if anyone is considering having two babies close in age I say go for it! You will never have a minute to yourself again, just finding time to have a shower will be almost impossible, keeping everyone fed and clean will become a military operation and conversations with your other half will be limited to discussions about dirty nappies or how little sleep we each got that night but it will all be worth it when you look at the amazing little people you created and watch them growing up together.
Oh what a little cutie! Life with 2 definitely changes tings and has its challenges!!
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Your little one is adorable! I highly admire moms with two little ones. I have a two year old and most days I can not imagine adding a baby into the mix.
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I have so much respect for mums who have two under two! You sound like you are doing an amazing job.
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Glad to hear you’re all starting to settle in nicely together. I can’t imagine having 2 under 2!
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Having 2 under 2 is hard, I had 3 under 2 (and an older child) and it was madness! Sounds like you’re doing well!
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Oh my gosh, yes to all of this! My boys are 22 months apart. I was so worried at first, too, but I think it was easier in some ways. Both my husband and I already knew how to care for a newborn. And my older son was such a big help.
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Life with 2 definitely changes things! I remember when I had my second I felt like my world was completely different.
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Your little one is so adorable. I am not a mum yet but I am sure you are doing a great job.
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The baby looks so adorable. Life with 2 babies sounds very challenging and enjoy I’m not a parent yet but you inspire me on your post 🙂
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Baby number 2 slots in nicely and I don’t see an issue having a small gap at all. You are more comfortable so just tend to go with the flow.
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Awwe. They both are cuties. I remember my aunt had two babies having same age difference as yours. And it was definitely not easy. But now both of the siblings share a good relationship and yep in whole pieces.
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My eldest was just over 2 when his brother was born, but it still had his challenges! On the plus side with that age gap though, at least you weren’t juggling a newborn and potty training 😉
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Awww and they will grow up to adore each other! My sister was 11 months old when I was born and we were like twins and just so close. Enjoy x
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I wanted to have three kids close in age, but nature decided otherwise! lol it was very hard to get pregnant the second time, due to complications during first delivery, and no third pregnancy (for the moment) but I see what you mean! You are a more relaxed parent with the second one!
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2 under 2???!?!? Wow…I have two under 4 (almost 5) and that is hard enough. You are so right about not sweating the small stuff too. It’s just not worth it.
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That’s so great that your son has been able to get along so well. I know I had a hard time when my brother came along but I know I love my brother. Having them get along well would be so important so close in age.
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I only had one two year old at one time and that was hard enough. I give mom’s props for having two under two! Oh man, I don’t think I could handle that!
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I was worried when I had my second but he slotted in perfectly. My first is 7 so a bit older but I had the same reservations I wondered how I would split my time and I do still get that mum guilt x
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I can only imagine what life is like with two in tow, but how amazing will those memories will be as they grow.
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I also had 2 under 2 (21 month gap) this is going back now they are 12 and 11. But I do remember those early days, and it was all so worth it.
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Sounds like you’re managing really well. I have a five year old and can’t imagine adding another one into the mix!!
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I have just had my second and although the age gap is a lot bigger than yours (my oldest is 5), I was worried about the same type of things. It’s amazing how much we panic but then when we’re in the situation we manage it all! Mums are awesome.
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