OK, give me the truth. How much different is two kids than one. I
know many people do it and seem to survive but I'd love to hear the
lowdown from you experienced moms of what to really expect. Some of
my concerns/questions may seem a bit trivial but I wonder anyway.

Personally I found going from 1 to 2 the hardest, but my gap was only 16
months.

- Does the new baby crying at night wake up older child

Not for us and the baby has always shared with a sibling. We pick the
sibling who will sleep through it to share a room (so far that's always been
child #1).

- How does older child react to younger child. Any ideas for helping
with resentment issues for the older one.

We've never had resentment issues. #1 was too young I think when #2 was
born to be jealous or have any problems. It's also important how you present
a new baby.

- When baby is mobile, how do you keep them safe from older childs
toys

Make the older child keep the toys away, where the baby can't reach, only
get them out when baby is napping.


- What do you do to keep older child happy while breastfeeding younger
child

I didn't breastfeed but when I fed the baby the older child always liked to
look at a book while I fed the baby. #1 did it when I fed #2, and #3 does
it when I feed #4.

- Any techniques for taking two children on errands

A Baby Bjorn or some kind of carrier/sling for the baby. That way you have
your hands free. It's a lot easier than you think it will be. Also start
watching moms with 2 kids now and see how they do it. I was worried about
taking 3 out but through watching moms of 3, I got ideas.

My DS will be 3 years, 2 months with baby is born. Any thoughts you
could give me about your own experiences would be great.

Thanks,
Shelley
mom to Jacob (2.5)
edd march 30/05

Sorry, our biggest gap is now - 2.5 yrs between #3 and #4.