[curiouscanadian]

<p>In order to stay home with DS I have taken on watching my friend's son A (15mo.) while she works. It's been an adjustment but for the most part we've found our rhythm. Now with this pregnancy I can't figure out what to do. When we were still working out the details of our arrangement they did ask what would happen if I got pregnant (they knew we were wanting more). Without really thinking it through I replied "Well, I'd still have to take care of DS, so I don't see why I wouldn't keep watching A too." <span><img alt="uhoh3.gif" height="15" src="http://files.mothering.com/images/smilies/uhoh3.gif" width="15"></span> What was I thinking?!!!! <span><img alt="banghead.gif" height="20" src="http://files.mothering.com/images/smilies/banghead.gif" width="25"></span></p>
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<p>We really could use the extra income, but part of the reason I only have the one extra child is that it still allows me the freedom to take the kids out whenever we want. We have a Honda Civic and it'll be a stretch to fit 3 across in there. Buying a bigger vehicle would cost as much as I would earn watching "A". "A" naps right now in the room that will become the baby's room. I don't even know where "A" would nap. I plan to babywear a lot anyway, but how do you even pick up another kid while you've got one wrapped? "A" is not small, he's 36lbs already at 15 mo; heavier than my almost 3yo.</p>
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<p>I guess I'm so worried about how I'm going to handle a newborn and a 3yo on my own, that the idea of those two PLUS a 1.5/almost 2yo really freaks me out. I realize there are mothers out there who have no choice but to deal with this situation (the age spread is possible) BUT is it fair to all of us to struggle through it if we don't have to? If I do keep "A" on, any tips on how to handle the first month or two? Aaaaah! Help!!! I'm pretty freaked out<span> right now. <span><img alt="yikes.gif" height="15" src="http://files.mothering.com/images/smilies/yikes.gif" width="15"></span></span></p>
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<p><span><span>(And I have to figure this out soon, as I'll have to tell them soon due to MW appointments and I know that will be one of their first questions. At least it would be if the situations were reversed.)</span></span></p>

 

[Jenni1894]

<p>I watched my nephew from about 6 ish wks till he was about a year.  I had a 5 yr old and a 18 mo ish .   I stopped watching him for a few mos, after I had the baby.   I then started watching him again when my baby was a couple mos old, and my other kids were 6 and 2 1/2.   There were also a few times I had an additional 6 yr old and a 1 yr old.   It got hectic!!! </p>
<p>I have a mini van so it was easy to get around w/4 kids.   By easy, I mean transporting them.  lol  Shopping with them all proved to be a little harder.  Especially with the baby carrier.  lol   Taking them places was fun.  I have a double stroller.  Sometimes I'd wear the baby and my nephew and ODD would ride.   My nephew napped in DS' room b/c he was at school and he doesn't nap.   In the pack and play.  They all napped at the same time.  That was important to me b/c I needed to recharge and clean up.  lol   I did things in shifts if necessary.   It was a little hard at first, but it was okay.  I'd do it again in heartbeat.   I miss my nephew.   But even if he wasn't my nephew, you grow attached to them and love them like your own. </p>
<p>Do you need, like really need the money?   My kids loved having another kid around...and almost a year later still ask if I'll watch him again.  </p>

 

[NolliesMama]

<p>I'm watching a 8 month old and my own 19mo old is in the house. I will only have the baby through August but these first few months are what have me worried. Not feeling up to par with an extra child! Right now though i carry both kids at once and it's doable. I +++wear one and hold the other on the side until we get to a shopping cart and such.</p>