[BabyMae09]

what do you think? DS is 7 and has always been a single child - I'm used to only having one kid around, and he's used to being the only child. was there a big difference for you ladies when you 'upped' your count to two kiddos?

do you think the age difference might make my life easier, seeing as how DS is old enough to do some things for himself?

 

[BoringTales]

Popping into here from DIjuly...saw this post on NewPosts...

Anyway, I thought the transition from one to two kids was easy stuff, and my biggest two aren't even 18 months apart! I think you'll have no problems with a 7 year old and a new baby.

What kicked my butt was going from two to three kids! Yikes! That was a hard adjustment!

 

[Maine Mama Doula]

Totally agree with PP. My brother was 6 years younger than me as well and my parents seemed to do just fine. However, 3 is another story, when they're close together anyhow. We went from man-on-man to zone defense around here!

 

[Mary-Beth]

Well for me going from one to two kids was hard at first. The circumstances were different for me than you. We adjusted within a few months though and everything ran smoothly after that. Then when I had #3 everything went smoothly from the start for me and for the kids as well.

7years is a big age gap and you may have to readjust to life with a babe again. This is new for your ds but even if you guys take a little time to all adjust to the new family dynamics it will all come together. Before long you won't be able to imagine life without this baby in your family!

 

[the_lissa]

Going form 1 to 2 was a lot easier than going from 0 to 1 for me.

 

[Overthemoon]

Quote:

Originally Posted by BabyMae09 what do you think? DS is 7 and has always been a single child - I'm used to only having one kid around, and he's used to being the only child. was there a big difference for you ladies when you 'upped' your count to two kiddos? do you think the age difference might make my life easier, seeing as how DS is old enough to do some things for himself?

When I added to our only, she was just 2. I was so nervous about how another baby would change things. But it's been wonderful, and here I am expecting baby number 4 LOL. My kids are all the best of friends and play so well together. My now 7.5 year old loves her younger siblings so much, she is fantastic with them and so caring and loving, it makes my heart swell when I over hear her with them. My 5.5 year old can't wait for the new baby to come, she wants to watch and assist during the birth LOL.

I was 7 when my little brother was born and for me it was an adjustment because I was so used to being an only. But I think that's just natural : )

Good luck to you!

 

[cmoma]

Going from 1-2 was a pretty easy adjustment for us my oldest was 2.5 when #2 arrived. Now they are 5.5 and 3 and I am not expecting any diffiulties, but I have been watching an under 1 yr old in my home since I got pregnant so that wil help a lot atleast for the 3 yr old.

As far as your 7 yr old adjusting, I think it really depends on his personality and how well he adjusts in daily life now. I was 8 when my sis was born and as far as I remember I adjusted very well, always wanting to help out and never felt like I was pushed aside. My friends oldest was 4 when her youngest was born and she had a really hard time adjusting. But I think she new it was going to be hard from the beginning.

It will be an adjustment for both of you, but he is definitely old enough to help out and do lots for himself.

 

[SunCB]

For me going from 1 to 2 was hard at first but probably bc I ended in a 2nd CS and did not have support at home (yes, DH was here but the 1st month he was majorly campaigning so not around as much) so I was left to do everything which ended with me over doing myself.

I know people who said going to do was not hard for them so I think it is just based on your situation with spacing, type of deliver if any complications, help at home at really determines if it is hard or not.

I am hoping the transition will not be as tough this time but I supposedly have a more natural OB which seems more likely I will get a VBAC and DH is not campaigning so he certainly can be home more though running your own business does not give you maternity leave especially since hrs from his biggest client was cut over 1/2 so he will still have to work upon LO's arrival.

 

[sdejje]

Yes. Two kids are more fun!

 

[RasJane]

My oldest 2 are 6 years apart. It was a super easy transition. I did have help from the grandmas, who ds adores, and that made it much, much easier. Ds saw it as a treat to have family there to dote on him.
I think a lot of it depends on the preparation you make now. M knew for years that we wanted another baby and was involved in the adoption process.
It was so helpful that M could do things like get his own drinks, breakfast cereal, play on his own, get things for me.
Oh, and we spend those first few intense nursing months camped on the couch with water bottles and the Chronicles of Narnia. That, I'm sure, was a huge help too!

 

[Full Heart]

My oldest 2 are only 15 mos apart so I can't really comment. And that was like 6 kids ago lol. I do remember that when I had my 3rd (who was born when my oldest was 2.5) I loved it. It was the most fun ever in being a parent. Now its more work than fun, not that having 3 babies wasn't hard lol. But Now there is fighting over computers and crying over school work and all the things that come when kids are older. For me it wasn't really hard I don't think. Hardest for me was having #5 but I had ppd and didn't know it.

My closest brother is 5 yrs younger than me. I know it was really good for me when he was born. Really taught me a lot. I don't think it was too hard on my parents, not after having me LOL.

 

[Smithie]

"Going form 1 to 2 was a lot easier than going from 0 to 1 for me."

Ditto. Although I think almost anything would be easier than the 1st baby Twilight Zone period.

My elder two (turning 3 and 5 right around the time of the birth) are very bonded to each other, bed-sharing etc., so I think that adding #3 is not going to be all that traumatic. The amount of time they need with me, they'll still be getting. My dh is WAH and that will make a huge difference, I think, from the situation where I'd never be able to hand off the baby and focus on the elders even for 10 minutes during the day.

 

[JoyfulJaime]

I found going from 2 to 3 was way harder than 1 to 2. Granted, I have my 6 (almost 7) children spaced out by only a year or two at most so it's a bit different. I think the age difference between your children will make it MUCH easier.

My older children are a lot of help now... it was so much harder when there were just toddlers and a newborn!

 

[burm_keep]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RasJane Oh, and we spend those first few intense nursing months camped on the couch with water bottles and the Chronicles of Narnia. That, I'm sure, was a huge help too!

Fantastic! I'm writing this one down.