I Have and 11-Month-old and One on the Way!!

My first 2 children are 20mos apart. We were military, and I was so grateful that I had them that close. Whenever we moved and had to start a new school, they were close enough in grades to be on the same bus. They had a playmate in every new neighborhood, cause they were so close. Today they are 19 and 17, and they are still very close. They are brother and sister, and have different interests, so the sibling rivalry really was never that intense.

Now, when they were baby and toddler, I sometimes felt overwhelmed, but it all really paid off well.

It's very hard, honestly. But, it can be fun at times since they usually like the same kind of things. I just hold on to the promises of others that it will be great when they are older. I hold on to that. Get organized now if you're not already! No major project will get done for a long while which makes everything worse (if you're doing a project). If your household is organized now, then all you have to pay attention to for the most part are your kids. Once your newborn become a toddler, things get a little easier.

Have things handy for your son. He needs to be able to get to his own diapers and wipes, shoes and socks, etc. He needs to be able to reach diapers/wipes for your newborn. That will be a great help when you need something that he will be able to get for you and bring to you. It will speed things up and he'll be pitching in. I would even have outfits put together. He could go get whatever he needed and at least bring it out to me to help him. Fold up his diaper (or in a bag) and teach him to throw his own diaper away. Once he knows where the trash is - it will help a lot. Keep bags for dirty diapers where he can get them for you as well.

Before you start breastfeeding or napping or something that you don't want to be interrupted in, make sure you set out a cup and snack for him in a reachable place, as well as toys. That way, when he is all of a sudden thirsty, all you have to say is where it is.

Enjoy the amazing bond between the two. It is sweet. Once they hit school - the relationship won't be so nice to savor.

At the beginning, use a baby carrier backback thing. I loved mine. I could go anywhere and the baby would just fall asleep on my chest. It leaves your hands free, at least one to hold the hand of the other child or push the cart or stroller. Once older, invest in a double stroller.

Enjoy!

NE OB/Gyn is excellent - Dr. Farhart, Theis, Murdock, King and others. Compassionate and professional and close to the hospital!

I have 5 kids, 4 of them were born less than 3 years apart, so I know your concerns. My gaps are 17 months between #2 and #3, 14 months between #3 and #4 and 15 months between #4 and #5. The biggest thing is to get them both into a routine, the same routine. Your toddler will be probably taking one afternoon nap, and the baby will start off with several. As soon as possible get them both on the same afternoon nap schedule, to give yourself some downtime. For your toddler, institute a mommy and me, or a a daddy and me time. We did that with all our kids (still do). It gives them some much needed one on one time.

Don't panic, your gap is fairly typical! Make sure you have a good double stroller, it will be your life-saver! The biggest thing is grocery shopping - I know I had to become adept at pushing a cart and pulling one behind me, one with groceries and one with kids. You can do it!!

Women Partners in OB/GYN is a really nice practice. I've heard bad things about Dr. Shows (bedside manner issues), but otherwise, I've never heard a bad thing about them, and I was happy.

Dr. Orlando Suris ddelivered my son in June, and he is great! Institute of Women's Health has a Stone Oak office and one downtown. Good Luck!

Congratulations! And good luck! I'm sure there will be challenges, but worth every minute! I have a 22 month old and am due with boy/girl twins in December. Both our families live in Dallas. I'm worried about finding help too!
As for the OB, I LOVE mine! Her name is Debra Williams, at Women Partners. Another in her practice, Dr. Vanover, is super nice and has helped us through a couple of scares. They are located at NE Baptist at 410 and Starcrest. Their number is ###-###-####.

My oldest 2 are 22 months apart. It was actually not too bad, you will be suprised how helpful the older one will be (fetching diapers, singing lullabies, etc) and you will still be in baby mode. The tough stuff is handling 2 at the grocery store and the like. The first few weeks (when recovering from delivery) are the toughest, but it all falls into place pretty fast. Just remember, your 11 month old will mature a lot in the next nine months so you will have a toddler and a new born (a challenge all its own).Also , you will see your toddler bonding more with Dad. Have fun!

I have to join the others in singing the praises of NE OB/GYN. Dr. Theis is my primary there but the other doctors are great as well.

Congratulations!! I have two that are two years apart..and the only time I truly panicked was the first time I saw them together at the same time. This was at the hospital and I almost asked to stay an extra day...lol. That being said it wasn't too bad...They are now 3 and 1...we have always just packed up and continued to go to our activities.

My oldest really did help with the baby and was/is very possessive of her...she is his baby. We talked about her a lot before she came and he helped get her room ready.

One thing that really helped me was finding a good Mother's Day Out program and putting my oldest in two days a week...then the second also as soon as she was old enough. Having two breaks during the week was a God send, sometimes I would drop them off, go home and sleep and then go pick them up.

I love love love Northeast OB/GYN at Stone Oak...I have seen the following doctors and like all of them, Theis, Farhart, King, and Murdock.

{{{{{hugs}}}}}

Congratulations!

My son was four months old when I found out that I was pregnant and I won't kid you: it was hard! My daughter is now 6 months old (my son 20 months) and they are thick as thieves. I have been reassured by many moms in our situation that they will be very close growing up and especially when the younger one can really play. My daughter chases my son around all day and laughs at anything he does. It's a joy to watch them. My son was thrilled when she came home, grew a little impatient when she didn't leave, and finally came around to love her to bits. Yours will have enough of an age difference that you can talk to him more, help him understand what is going on by the time your second one comes along.

I love my OB/GYN! Dr. Theis' office is in North Central Baptist Hospital so it's really convenient when you go into labor. It takes one minute for him to get from his office to Labor and Delivery! The number to his office is ###-###-#### and let them know you want the Stone Oak location. There are a few other doctors in the same office so if you need an unscheduled appointment and Dr. Theis is not available, someone else can usually see you.

Lastly, don't forget to get the rest that you need. You may remember what a strain pregnancy can put on your body so for the sake of yourself and both of your kids, take naps! Call on your nearby family now and then so you can have a little time/space to just be pregnant without chasing down your son. I'm over just off Thousand Oaks and Jones Maltsburger so if you want to get out of the house, have someone come and help out, or have any questions we can be there for you. Call anytime! ###-###-####

~S.

My middle 2 children are 19 months apart. I'm not going to lie, it was difficult at first. I felt like I had 2 babies. I love it now though. They are age 4 and 2 1/2 and are two peas in a pod. They play well together and take care of each other. Just remember that when you are feeling overwhelmed that they are only at this stage in life for a momentin time. It will and does get better.

I have 3 kids. A son- 10 and 2 daughters- 3 and 4. Having the girls 13 months apart was tough but at the same time easy. The kids will always have a playmate and someone to talk to. It's hard at first but it gets easier. My husband stayed home w/ me for 4 months after the 3rd baby. When he went back to work I cried for days but time goes on. And to tell you the truth when I look back it seems to me that time just flew by. Now my 4 y/o is in school next year the youngest will go to school. The only thing I have to say is it what you make of it. If you see your life as only a mommy and all you do it clean and take care of the babies that's ALL YOU WILL SEE. But if you make a point to know in your heart you can raise these babies and enjoy it, your life will be sooo rewarding. I don't know if this helped but I wish you all the best. If you want more info message me.
Congrats on the baby....

edit. Dr. Orlando Suris is a great doctor. He deliver all 3 of my children. gl