We talked with some friends last week who have two kids. Their daughter is the oldest and she was about the same age as Isabelle when their son was born. Their advice to us? Take it easy. Try to enjoy this time. And from one cloth diapering family to another, they advised not worrying about cloth or anything else that's too time consuming. Instead, focus on each other and enjoying the kids. They also said to make sure daddy gets plenty of time with the newborn. It's easy for dad to be the one occupying the toddler while mom tends to the newborn, but daddy needs to bond too! We loved and appreciated their advice to us.
I talked with my mom on Sunday after my baby shower, and she kept telling me that I really need to spend the next week and a half resting. I'm very task oriented, and when I thought of the 12 days left until the baby is born, I immediately thought of all the little things I can get done. Mom said yes, do some things, but others can wait. Focus on relaxing, napping, and resting as much as I can. I'll need all the energy I can get when the baby comes.
Mom and I after the shower at church. We were so overwhelmed by all the gifts and love from everyone. It's such a blessing to bring a child into such an amazing family and church family.
So what's your advice for our growing family? I'd love to read your comments!
I totally agree with what you friends told you. Switch out.. when Andrew isn't needing to nurse pass him off to Damian and take that time to snuggle Izzy. She's going to need lots of reasurance in the firt week or two. Also, let her help. She can go get diapers, find the wipes, get a blanket. Gavin was, and still is, a HUGE little helper with Shane.
ReplyDeleteI found that 2 was actually easier than one! I was more relaxed in those early weeks. I knew what to expect, I knew what to do, and you will too. Just be relaxed about it and it's easy peasy! You guys will be awesome!!
Thanks, Sam, that's really great advice. Very reassuring. One friend said tonight that two children are not twice the work! That's a great way of looking at it.
ReplyDeletehey gabbi!
ReplyDeletefirst, i cannot believe it is nearly here already! where does the time go? in light of that, i definitely agree that you should just take it easy and spend extra time with Isabelle for the next few weeks--read, snuggle, let her help get the baby's room ready. these are precious days.
and let Damian help with the baby! barry was able to help so much with Jessie when we were raising support, and it was such a blessing. i think his bond is stronger with her because of it--AND i found that #2 was much easier than #1--THREE is what rocked our world! lol.
know we love you and are praying for you all--HUGS.
you look beautiful, btw. so proud of y'all.
-april
You look so great! I like your haircut, too :o) Definitely take it easy - you'll have more than enough to do when baby comes home. One thing that you may find trying is not being able to get much sleep during the daytime. With one, you can sleep when the baby sleeps. However, with two, you can't sleep when the baby sleeps unless your toddler happens to sleep at that time, too! Prepare to be tired. It's tough, but hang in there and you'll be on to the next stage in babyhood before you know it. If you can get the baby down for a good daytime nap, then adjust Izzy's nap schedule so that all three of you can sleep at the same time.
ReplyDeleteThanks, April and Leslie! I'm working on resting as much as possible, but it's so hard to shut down mentally when so many changes are coming. Oh, I hope you're right, April, and #2 will be easier!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Leslie, my favorite thing about my hair is that I'm done with it in 5 minutes. Just what I need right now! That's exactly what I'm worried about--not being able to nap during the day. I survived on naps with Izzy.