Help! I’m Having a Baby and I Still Have a Baby!

I’m not sure what it is but there is something so magical and special about having a baby and starting your own little family. There are of course highs and lows, but there is something so sweet and new to a new baby and the new promises and hope that fill your world. If you’re like me, it wasn’t long after having my first child that I decided we needed to start thinking about the next baby. Luckily, my husband was on board.

However, life doesn’t always go as planned. Now, I have three children. Each child is 2 years apart, give or take a month or so, of the others. They’re close in age, but not too close. But what do you do when you find out you’re expecting and you still are adjusting to having your first baby?

Ask for Help

This is a hard one for many women, including myself. But, if life finds you expecting while you have a small baby at home, get some help. Use your family to help support you. Get a trusted babysitter. Allow your spouse to take on new roles. Do whatever you have to do to get yourself some help. Find moms groups like MOPS that can help you, too. During the birth of my last two children, I received amazing baby gifts and meals from both of my MOPS groups. I appreciated help, since my family wasn’t close by. Once the baby comes, you will need help, too, and that’s okay. Try to set realistic goals for yourself and take some of the pressure off of your daily routines.

Focus on the Positive

My favorite part of having my children close together is that they are built-in best friends. I grew up without siblings in my home, but I always had cousins close in age to play with. My kids love each other and play together all day long. Today, my 4 year old was almost in tears when she learned the 2 year old wasn’t going with us to Walmart. They are the best of friends. Of course, there are the occasional spats and confrontations--they’re still siblings. But it is a huge blessing to be able to conceive twice close together, in my opinion. Many women--including myself at one time--would love to be in your shoes.

Plan Ahead

When you know what’s coming, you can plan ahead. For me, a reliable baby carrier is a necessity with multiple children. There are babywearing groups in your local area where you can find a lending library or try out carriers. My personal favorites are Boba and Tula. A double stroller is also something that comes in handy with two littles. I prefer my kids to be strapped in when we’re navigating the aisles of Target and a cup holder for my iced coffee doesn’t hurt either. The Babytrend Sit-and-Stand stroller is my favorite double stroller on the market, and it doesn’t break the bank. Find what works for you and your family. Maybe you need a new car seat? Maybe you can start saving for a larger vehicle? Take things one step at a time and plan ahead.

I’m not going to say it will be easy. For me, adjusting to three children has been super difficult, but I wouldn’t trade my kids for anything. I love each of them so much and I’m so thankful for the timing of their births and arrivals. However, just remember you are the perfect mom for your kids. Each season brings new challenges, but the smiles and giggles are so worth it. The baby snuggles and toddler hugs don’t hurt, either.

Karyn Meyerhoff is a mom of three in Arkansas where she will miss having a new baby around when her little ones are grown.