Going from 1 child to two, What is it like?

[HarleyQuinn]

Me and DH have decided to try for number two, our DD will be six when the new baby arrives if all goes to plan, So what is it like having two children? and importanly hope do you cope T I A

[SarahL2]

Looking forward to reading this thread as we have recently found out that number 2 is on his/her way. Bit of an accident but one we're happy about. DS will be almost 3 when new baby arrives

[MrsMattie]

Everyone told me it was crazily difficult and that 'going from two to three is child's play compared to going form one to two'. I didn't find this true at all.

So far, I have found going from one to two a breeze. It took some getting used to - my first few outings with both children, bedtimes for both etc - but I honestly don't find it difficult in the slightest. I think I am actually better at being a mum to two than I was with one - I am firmer, have got clearer routines in place and have straightened out my priorities.

I don't want to sound too smug, though. My DS was 3 yrs 9 mths when DD was born (she is 28 wks now), and although it has meant things are fairly easy logistically - no double buggies, two sets of nappies, two sets of bad sleepers etc - he definitely had an only child mentality, and was severely knocked off his perch by the arrival of his DD. Lots of jealousy issues, although they are getting better.

Also, I'm sure it will get harder to juggle when DD is crawling/walking!

But generally - it has been fabulous. Don't regret it for a minute and it was the best thing I've ever done.

[juuule]

Great

[neolara]

Hideous.....and then brilliant!

Actually, I think it depends massively on the kids you get (e.g. do they sleep, throw up, cry loads etc) and how much support you can muster.

I found the first 6 months no fun whatsoever. But now youngest is 2 and older one is nearly 5, it's lots of fun.

[4andnotout]

I found it harder going from 1 to 2 but that was because when i had dd1 i was a single mum and when we had dd2 i had a dp and a mil!
It can't have been too bad though as we now have 4 dd's

[4andnotout]

Oh and it gets easier everytime!

[lizziemun]

Bloody hard.

It took me prob a year to be comfortable and feel like i was coping. By which time i was 3mths pg with 'surprise' no. 3.

But from 2 to 3 hardly noticed

[littleboyblue]

At first I found it easier going from 1 to 2 than from 0 to 1 iyswim, but like someone else says I think it depends massively on the children. There is an 18 month age gap between my boys. ds1 is 21 months and ds2 is 16 weeks.
After a few weeks it got a bit tough because ds1 became more demanding and clingy and ds2 got colic and I couldn't put him down either. Now ds2 is at that stage where he screams everytime I leave the room, but I remember ds1 doing it too and it passes. The good days are really good though and it's lovely to see the adoration on ds2's face when he looks at his big bro and it's very sweet when ds1 gets protective and loving with his little brother.
Hopefully, by the time your 2nd comes along, dc1 will be able to have that bit of understanding. That's the thing that really upsets me, I can't sit down with ds1 and tell him exactly what was happening and reassure him he wasn't being pushed out or anything. It breaks my heart when I see the anger and frustration pass over his face, but that's soon forgotten when he's giving the baby hugs and kisses. Wouldn't change anything for the world.

[HarleyQuinn]

Thankyou very much for the insight girls