Well I am 37 weeks now and my dd 26 months has a limited time of being an only. I am super excited to meet the new babe and to see both of my baby's meet one another. But, when I think about it I too feel weepy about the last of my days alone with dd, and of her little world of being the only child in our family.
Here are some of the things we're doing to make these days special.
* lots of extra cuddling*
* spending more quiet time reading lots of books in bed *
* crafts that are one on one with her*
* turning the music up and having Dance parties*
* visiting a local farm that is kid friendly for petting the animals*
* going to the pool, library, park, beach*
* redecorated her bedroom (wall art from winners $14)*
* taking time to get ready for baby together*
* indulging her regressive behaviors*
* Baking together*
* planning activities for 1 on1 time with dd after babe is born*
Most of these are simple everyday things but we're taking the time to be more 'present' with her while we do them. Her behavior tells us that she senses a change coming and she is a bit anxious about it. I'm 'indulging her regressive behavior' and am really thankful that we are going through this before baby arrives. While putting out the new baby clothes and accessories, she's been wanting to wear bibs again and she's been wanting to lie in the moses basket and act like a baby. We let her, and take it as an opportunity for her to explore her feelings. We also take this as a time to explore the difference between babies and 'big kids'. "Babies sleep alot and wear diapers, but they don't have teeth and can't eat pizza" and so on are the kinds of things we talk about. I am hoping that by exploring these ideas and giving her the time of day about her behaviors will help her sort out her new role before the baby arrives. I really feel like she needs this kind of attention and guidance as she prepares for her life changing experience of becoming a big sister.
We're also gathering some small new toys, projects and gifts to take out for once the baby is here. We want her to know that she is not forgotten, that she is special too. There will be so much attention on the new baby, we want to make sure that it will be easy to pull out a new activity for times when she is feeling out of sorts and needing some one on one attention. This time should be a positive time for her too.
This is how we're making the last days special and preparing for the transition.
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