Two Under 2

I don't see a 3u3 board, so here I am (intro)

nicholssquared — Thu, 30 May 2013 21:21:37 GMT

Hey, Ladies. So, my DH and I just found out that we are (unexpectedly) expecting our third. We wanted to give a little more space between DS2 and #3, but now that we're expecting, I'm super excited about it. I was just looking for a board that seemed to most closely resemble my lifestyle to call home.

A little about me: I am a 22-year-old, married (2+ years), working mom (I'm an actuary, my degree's in Math). I have two sons, Nathanael (2) and Vincent (10 mos). They are 18 Months apart. Given how pregnant I (think I) am (My cycles have been over 60 days long since DS1), Vincent and the next LO should also be around 18 months apart. I breastfeed, and I am an advocate for natural birth. We are always team green.

So, yeah, hi! Also, as kinda an ice-breaker thingy, I could use some opinions on my baby names if you've got some time to kill. See my siggy for the link. Feel free to be brutal, I'm super hard to offend. Thanks so much, everyone!

Did you?

nicoleh55 — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 23:55:31 GMT

If you have 2u2, did you have a c section or vaginal for your first?

Was it planned or spontaneous?

Giving LO1 crib to LO2

mkarns — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 19:54:30 GMT

Hey there. I'm well on my way to having 2u2 (woo!) and I have a transition Q. DS will be 22 months when this baby is born and I'd really like to use his crib for the new baby and get him in a real bed. Has anyone had experience doing this? Is this a slap in the face to my sweet DS? Maybe it's just Mommy Guilt. How far in advance did you transition LO1 out of their crib before #2 started using it if you've done it?

Hiring Help?

michellepeanut — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:40:08 GMT

Hey Ladies,

My DD just turned 1 and I'm 8 weeks pregnant with #2. My family lives in another province, my DHs family spends the winter in another country (when we're expecting the baby) and my closest friend is due the month before me sooo we're a little short on free help.

I'm currently a SAHM and just can't wrap my head around daycares for her so young (around 19months) so we're looking at hiring a nanny to come and play with DD 3 mornings a week. Does this sound like a good plan, is there anything I'm missing or any advice you have? I live in the north so it'll be quite cold in January so they'll probably be mostly stuck in the house but I figured I could use the extra set of hands to try and do outings with 1 or both of them.

TIA

I need advise.

palm513 — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:54:59 GMT

My twins are 15 months but act way older, they are constantly competing to learn new things. So they can run, jump, stack up to 6 blocks, climb on anything, say 4 and even 5 word sentences, obey simple commands, somewhat put clothes on, they like to try to change their own diapers when their dirty, they know some animals, colors, shapes, the first 7 letters of the alphabet and can count to 3.

That being said they have not yet given up their bed time bottle(the only have it in bed and they are drinking it less and less but with out it they won't sleep). They can climb out of their cribs and pack and plays(even when covered), and when they need a diaper they will tell you go get a diaper and if you don't change them right away they will take of their dirty diaper and sit down on the new on attempting to put it on. They can also keep their diaper dry for over an hour.

They have recently(about 4 weeks ago) been moved to their own room and, have done wonderfully with the transition. I don't want to change to many things in their environment but I can't help but feeling that they are ready for a toddler bed, to start potty training, and to loose the night time bottle(if I give them a sippy cup at bed they will take it instead with no fuss but they want to lay down with it and it worries me, that the flow is to fast). Also, I am expecting a new baby in October, and know that that in its self will be a stressful transition for the boys.

Sorry, it is so long I just really don't want to wait to long to do things but I don't want to rush them either. Thanks for any advise.

How do you reach?

JulyMomma2U2 — Sun, 09 Jun 2013 23:24:13 GMT

DS has just started standing (and jumping!!) in the crib so we dropped it to the lowest setting.. Our crib only has 3 settings.. The middle one put the railing just below chest level when DS stood, so too close for comfort as far as center of gravity is concerned.. So, lowest setting it is... But, how the h*ll am I supposed to reach to put him in!! I tried to put him down for bed tonight and like half dropped him a good 2 inches because I couldn't get low enough.. I put a small step stool, but didn't feel confident holding DS and leaning over on that... DS is too little for me to just put him in standing/sitting and then tell him to lay down... So, what's the alternative? My belly is just too much in the way... Not to mention leaning over and putting the pressure on my belly made me half pee myself!! So, what did you do??

Older child acting out?

Michelin82 — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 20:24:49 GMT

Hi ladies - I'm new to this particular board, but not to the Bump. I've recently joined the 2u2 club. My second was just born 11 days ago, and my first is just now 15 months.

I'm hoping some of you can share your experiences with me. DS1 has always been a really mellow kid...very calm, gentle, and sweet. Since DS2's arrival, however, he has been acting out a lot. He's been very aggressive - pulling our hair, pushing kids at daycare, and banging his head HARD against hard surfaces to get our attention. It's breaking my heart to see him acting like this because it's so NOT him. We are doing everything in our power to give him a ton of our attention, so it's not like he's being ignored or neglected.

What's confusing to me is that there are also plenty of times where DS1 shows DS2 plenty of affection. He clearly thinks his little brother is great judging by those actions.

Did anyone else have an older child that reacted in this way? If so, how did you handle it? At 15 months old, it's very difficult to communicate and try to teach him how to act with other people. If you dealt with this, was it a phase that eventually ended? If so, how long did it last?

Any personal experiences you can share would be incredibly helpful and much appreciated!

Thanks!

stretch marks

lhgd1989 — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 14:14:22 GMT

I have some stretch marks from LO 1 and now that I'm pregnant with LO 2 I was wondering what, if any, stretch mark product worked for you when trying to prevent stretch marks? TIA

Surprise BFP.

chapstix7 — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 12:28:15 GMT

I tested and got a BFP this am. I am really happy, but also really freaked out. I know it will be crazy hard. Help me focus on the awesome, what's your favorite thing about having 2u2?

Strategies for managing two under 2

jd803 — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 14:14:34 GMT

My wife and I just had our second child so we now have a 1 year old son and a two week old daughter. Our son is "all boy" and almost walking, crawls everywhere, gets in to everything, and is fearless (not to mention tons of fun). Our daughter is a total mama's girl, completely adorable, wants to be held all the time (by her mom only), is breastfeeding, and obviously not sleeping through the night.

My wife's mom is staying with us for a few weeks to help out, but she'll soon head back home. We'll get some intermittent help from family, but for the most part my wife will be at home with the kids while I'm working. So..... what are some real life strategies for one person managing both kids?

Examples:

How can my wife breastfeed while my son is awake and exploring?

How can my wife feed our son while our daughter is awake and crying because she wants to be held?

How can we make sure my son gets time to play and lots of attention while Mom is caring for a newborn?

We have a few ideas on these but would like to hear from other's experiences. If there are already some good websites or postings please send the links!

Thanks!

Is this normal for a 22 month old

MrsNyberg09 — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 07:51:17 GMT

My ds will be 22 months old on the 19th and is not very verbal yet and tonight he got very frustrated at the fact that he was unable to communicate his needs to us so he has been hitting his head against things such as the bath tub and floor. Is this normal for his age?

Double stroller recommendations

mplesset23 — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 14:48:32 GMT

Good Morning Everyone!

I am not going to have 2 under 2, but I am going to have two that are a little over two years apart. I'm struggling to find a double stroller. I currently have the Graco Snugride 35 carseat and I was hoping to find a stroller that would work with that, but I'm finding it difficult. I regret buying such a big carseat in the frist place.

Anyways, anyone have any suggestions for a double stroller that would work with that carseat or another double stroller in general? Do your LO's prefer the side by side look or the one seat in front of the other? My oldest is pretty tiny. Sorry if this isn't the right board for this, but I figured you ladies would have the most experience with strollers for a toddler and an infant.

Any help/suggestions is greatly appreciated!! TIA!

Diaper Bag

Airmans Wife — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 05:34:09 GMT

Hi ladies sorry if this has been asked I'm mobile and went back a few pages and didn't see anything.

My kids will be 16 months apart, 2nd baby is due in November. As of right now I have a PPB Boxy Backpack and it's too small for just one so I know it won't work for 2 babies! I just can't decide which bag will be best for 2 kids? Any suggestions, what's your favorite?

Thanks ladies!

Back 2 school w/2u2

chelms0919 — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 19:39:51 GMT

So glad I've found this board. My babies will be 16 months apart. I'm supposed to start grad school (for Occupational Therapy) next August. DD will be 2 and the new LO will be 8 months.

HOW THE HECK AM I GOING TO DO THIS? All I can tell myself is "its just like a job."Class is 8-5. I'll have to drive 80 miles there and 80 miles back every day. So roughly 6:30AM-6:30PM M-F. Im not worried about that. I'll miss my babies but Im doing this for them. I'm worried about home work and studying with them. I just know Im never going to get to sleep. and Grad school alone is $60k. I don't even want to think how much child care for two is going to be.

I'm having myself a pity party and what I really need is to hear someone else say that they did it, and it was all worth it...Bc right now I feel like just staying home and raising babies forever would ok. But 6 years from now....when I look back and didn't accomplish all my dreams, will i feel like I let myself and my family down?

21 month sudden sleep issues since baby arrived

hargadom — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 16:46:01 GMT

My fantastic sleeper has turned into a mess since new baby has come home. It has been four weeks of issues going down for nap and at bedtime along with middle of the night wakings. Given the situation of having lost mommys full attention I have been trying to rub her back and stand in doorway until she falls asleep. This can take up to 45 minutes and I can't keep this up when it happens 3 times a night since baby needs me for feedings. Any suggestions or should I bite the bullet and let her cry it out at this point?

freaking out ( intro)

nikkks84 — Sun, 09 Jun 2013 18:51:04 GMT

DS will be one year in june end..i just found out i am pregnant again ..i think i am 4w4d right now... so they will be like 20months apart... i am freaking out.. we had unprotected sex just once and i am ebfing... i never thought i would get pregnant ...we have no problem financially...but the idea of two under two is freaking me out.. i am hyperventilating... please tell me everything will work out and i will love this baby as much as i love DS...

Do you have a "schedule" for entertaining the older while nursing?

arcook0307 — Tue, 14 May 2013 22:39:25 GMT

So I am stressing a little about how to keep my soon to be 19 month old entertained while I nurse my infant. I remember when DD1 was nursing in the beginning, it could take 30-45 minutes at a time. How am I going to keep her out of trouble for that long, multiple times a day?! My husband usually leaves early and gets home late so that's not really any help. If there are things I can do now to prepare her for those stretches of time without me being right on her, please share!

We have a P&P in the living room so I could use that some but definitely not every time I don't think if I'm being realistic. We also don't do TV except maybe when I get a shower....so maybe 15 minutes a day.

Do you find yourself on a "distraction routine" for your toddler with each nursing session? I want to plan ahead with some high interest stuff she'll like if I can.

bedrooms

BikiniMom — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 00:59:13 GMT

Hi everyone, I am planning on having another baby and would really like my kids to be close in age. I'm just wondering if I should have them share a room, or give them each their own room. I'd love to hear people's opinions.

Double Stroller recommendation pls for a toddler and newborn

BLESSEDQDAY — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 17:05:27 GMT

Ok these are the ones i've been looking at :

graco Ready2Grow Stand and Ride

britax b ready

City Select baby Jogger

BOB double stroller

any recs??

I need sleep!!!!! :

icoelho — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 15:08:39 GMT

By this time in my first pregnancy I was going to bed at 7 and waking up at 7 every day until 16 weeks. Now, with a 15 month old and working full time, I am lucky if I get 6 or 7 hours of uninterrupted sleep. Now my son is sick and is waking up every hour.
So frustrated I just want to cry.
I guess it will only get worse? When did you guys start sleeping again if ever?

This is actually happening then...

Sovello — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 15:52:11 GMT

I posted a month or so ago, mainly a post of shock and horror when I found out I was pregnant. I will be completely honest, I was hoping for something terrible like a blighted ovum or some mysterious fake-pregnancy cyst... I just had my scan today and it shows I am 8w5d, looked good, had arms and leg buds, and a 162 heartrate. Due date is January 15th and that makes the gap between them 18 months.

I feel like a monster. With DD we tried for a year to have her, she was all I wanted for so long and when I became pregnant it was the most amazing feeling it the world, I was just a cloud of joy floating around for the whole time.

But this, this is like the complete opposite, all I feel is sad and apprehensive and worried and depressed. I had PPD after DD for months, and to be honest it had just ended a month or so before I discovered this pregnancy. The thought of going through the post-partum depression again is just sheer horror to me. I just can't see the light.

Is 2u2 a good thing? is it something people actually try and aim for? Am I just a terrible mother if this isn't what I wanted? I love DD but since she was born it's confirmed what I've known my whole life- I'm not a maternal person. I kiss and hug her and everything but I don't particularly like babies in general, if that makes sense... I only like mine! lol. And somehow this new one doesn't feel like mine, it feels like an intruder almost. I know that is a horrible way of thinking, but I just can't help it. I guess that makes me a terrible person, but it doesn't change how I feel.
I worry now that somehow my dislike will be transferred and it will come out all sad and angry.... lol, such a silly way of thinking. It's just so hard to see any positives about this situation. DD was just getting to the point where she has some independence and I was loving being able to get back to my work, and leave her with people so me and DH could, you know, have a life. And now it's all back to square one.

I think of how sad I was when I was TTC and it didn't happen for so long. All those wonderful women who are TTC or infertile who want a pregnancy so badly, and here I am sulking over the same thing. It makes me feel like trash. If I could just transfer this to some woman who wanted it I would.

I guess, maybe, I just want to know that there is some benefit here, some sort of hope or reason why having two so close is a good thing. Otherwise I guess this is just me venting... I couldn't find an "unplanned" or "oops" or "oh sh*t" board. heh.

We're trying....but I'm REALLY nervous.

carrieandtim — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 18:23:31 GMT

Hi everyone!

We are officially trying for #2 and I'm scared out of my mind. If we are successful this cycle, and carry to term (a whole other nervous part of me), the baby will be born just 2 weeks before DD's 2nd birthday.

I need to hear encouragement and/or stories from those with experience - that'd be YOU! So if you have some time on your hands (HA!), please share anything to help calm my nerves.

TIA!

3u3 intro

MaineMama — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 03:23:37 GMT

Hello! My husband and I just found out yesterday that we'll be 3u3 in Feb! We want to have a large family so we are very happy. We are keeping it quiet untill we get our first ultrasound (my MD does a viability us) Telling family is going to be...intresting....

Our belief systems are very diffrent from any one in either of our familys, and yesterday while on a walk with my Mother she told me how she really didnt think we should have more, blah blah, *Way to be a buzz kill, ma!* BUT, since we are married adults and pay our own bills we'll stop once we get an ugly baby

12.5 months apart

mediagurl — Sat, 01 Jun 2013 02:14:22 GMT

My son will be 12.5 months when DS#2 is born. Anyone with similar experience? Will DS#1 even know what is going on?

Will I need help?

icoelho — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 13:45:38 GMT

Can you share your experience right after you gave birth? I'm pregnant with my second. I'm due a month before my son's second birthday.

A lot of people tell me how hard it is with two, etc. My parents live overseas and my MIL is an absolute disaster. I would really prefer to be alone with my husband for the first month and have time to bond with my new baby. It worked out last time but I am not sure how it would be with two. I had several people come visit and see the baby which I loved, but I was happy not to have to entertain a house guest staying overnight or for a whole week.

Thanks!