Need Support from Other Moms!

Same thing happened to me. #2 will be born one month before my #1's second birthday. I hear that having them that close together means they will be great friends. And you never really have to pack up those baby toys! ..or the crib!
It's going to be a lot of fun! :)

My boys are 17 months apart. I felt the same as you at first. But now I wouldnt trade it for the world. Talk about best friends. My boys are so close. Trust me when the new baby is about 2 you will smile it happened this way. I know I have.

My kids are now 17, 15, and 13 - and if I had it to do over again -- I'd do it the exact same way. Yes, the first six months after each birth were a little crazy -- but you get through it. Don't stress out. Enjoy!

We are women and we ROCK!! My first 2 are 16 months apart and now we are expecting a 3rd and I am very excited to say they will be 24 months apart! It's amazing how well kids adapt and LOVE their little brothers and sisters. Best thing I can say to do is make and keep a schedule. Kids will appreciate it and so will you!

My girls are 22 months apart and we planned it that way. They are now 6 and 8 and it may be crazy sometimes but it is wonderful. We planned it close so they could grow up together. My sister and i were 24 months apart and have always been best friends btu my husband and his sister are 10 years apart and they hardly speak and never really did. When he got older enought to enjoy her she moved off to college. So we knew we wanted our girls to be close. One big plus is that the baby stuff stays out until all are finished. We jsut moved ti from one room to the other. That also includes the car seats...first one moved up and the other moved in. We didn't ahve to worry about storing anything b/c when teh second was finished it was time to get rid of it. Another plus,right nwo you are use to lugging around extra clothes, diapers, stroller etc... And you haven't really gotten into that grab your purse and go phase yet...so this is the best time to just keep going. My sister had her boys 5 years apart and she was really enjoying sleeping in a little and the freedom of coming and going and then the whole family had to stop and basically back track to baby days. Honestly, i just love it. Now they play together...always have a freind, even if they want to pull each others hair out for a moment. They dress up, ride bikes, play soccer and 'spend the night' in each others rooms. Also...clothes are great. My 8 year old is small and they both wear the same size so i just go back and forth. I know you are nervous abotu the first few months of baby time but the oldest was great. She wanted to help and i always had a 'special time' for her and then hse had to take turns and it was 'special time' for baby (like nursing etc...) heck...you are already tired so one more year and then you are rolling along.....nothing better than the oldest getting up and giving her and her sister crackers for breakfast while they set up a huge doll land all over the living room while i sleep another hour!!!!!! Enjoy!!

Hi L.,

Congrats! I too am expecting baby #2. My daughter is now 16 months old so my kids will be 24 months apart. I'm excited. Don't feel disappointed about that IUD. I got one about 8 weeks after I had my daughter. 3 months later, I was begging my doctor to take it out. I gained so much weight and it had me going crazy (literally). I felt pregnant most of the time while on it and had horrible side effects as did several other women I know. I definitely wouldn't recommend and IUD, especially the Mirena. My husband was a little nervouse, but overall we were thrilled when we found out about baby #2....It's going to be a lot of work, but I'm excited about the idea of them being playmates and friends. Best of luck!

I have 2 that are 22 mos apart and #3 on the way that will be about 21 mos from my current youngest. Here are a few suggestions that worked for me. 1) Let your older one help out, getting diapers and what not for you and praise them for being a big helper. 2) do not push the older one away, if they want to climb in your lap while you are holding baby, let them. They need to bond with baby too. I started this in the hospital and my 2 are best friends (I am not saying it is this exact reason, but I try to curb the rivalry if I can). 3) spend time with the oldest when the baby is asleep and it is just you and them. These suggestions are for Just MOM, as your time will be taken mostly with baby, especially if you decide to nurse. Dad needs to take special time with the older one too so he/she won't feel left out. If you need anything else, let me know. Good luck, they can be best friends, especially since they are close in age. Also we let them share a room from the time the baby went into the crib until she was 1. We made a big deal about putting our Son in his big boy bed (we did this before she was born so we werent batteling the late night feedings and him changing beds.

Congratulations L.,

Your timing is great in my opinion. My daughter and son are just over 23 months apart. They get along great. I involved my daughter a lot with the care taking of her little brother. Just to let you know, there is a pretty big difference between 18 months and two years old. Your oldest will require your time, but not as much as is asked of you now.

The first 3 years (starting with the pregnacy year) will be the toughest on you, but not miserable. The joys will still far outweigh the down times. You will be tired because of the pregnacy with a toddler in tow, then the reduced sleep as the result of an infant plus a toddler. Get sleep and let the house go. That is what your husband is for. You will start to recover in the third year, then things really start to be fun. Your oldest will become even more independent and so eager to help. Your youngest will begin his/her independence too. They will start playing with each other which will free up time for you.

Enjoy every moment. They really do grow so fast. Mine are now 6 1/2 and 4 1/2. They get along very well. I believe it helps that they are so close in age.

Good luck,
B.

Oh dear i feel you. Im 47 and raising my tow grandchildren. Girls that are 2 and 3 years old. The catch they are only 8 months apart. The 2 year old was born 3 lmonths premature. Oh and i have a 7 and 16 year old that are mine. Between the two young girls it becomes a power struggle over attention, and who was sitting there first and who's toy it is!! At times it is hard no lie but wouldn't change it for nothing. Best advice i can give other than a phsyco doctor is start with discipline and stay with it noi matter what. Time outs putting there own things away and of course rewarding them. Strick discipline at a young age helps now and will mostly carry thru to the jolder years. Best of look to you mom #2

Hi... All 3 of my boys are age 5.5 and under but they are all 21 months exactly apart and we love it!

they were all planned so I know that's different but its going to be wonderful for your oldest to have a close sibling!

Good luck
A. J

Hi L., Congratulations ! What a blessing ! I had my first two daughters only 1 year apart. Yup, one was born in July of 91 and the other July of 92 and my last daughter was born in May of 95. You will be fine : ) Sure it's alot of hard work but sooo worth it. I had 3 daughters under the age of 4 by the time I was 21 and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. We are still so close and they bless my life everyday. Anyways I am now prego with # 4 a little boy due in March I have a expectant moms support group in Carrollton if you would like to join (see meetup.com) but it might be a little far for you so it might help ease your anxiety if you find a group close to you : )

Hi L.! My boys are 19 months apart. We didn't really expect to get pregnant with #2 so quickly and I was so anxious about them being so close together. I had a full blown anxiety attack the day I found out I was pregnant again. I had a horrible Post Partum Depression after the birth of my first one. But guess what, everything was fine. No depression, not even for one minute. And my older one is so much more helpful than I ever imagined. Now they are 2 and 8 months old, and they adore eachother!!!! In hindsight, I'm really glad that they are so close in age.

My kids are 26 months apart. They are great friends and my oldest was too young to have that period of resentment that I hear mom's talk about. Don't stress, you'll be fine. Congratulations!

I have just recently experienced the same thing...mine are 25 months apart. The past 7 weeks since my second son was born have been great. Not to say that things haven't been hectic, crazy at times, but I stay focused on all the positive things and have to let a lot of things just roll off my back. Laughing is key! Good Luck!

Hang in there! I'm in the same situation. I was planning on a 3 or 4 year age difference, but after one little accident, I'm also pregnant with number 2. She should arrive in the beginning of May, or 25 months after my son. Like you, I was pretty stressed at first ... and I cried when I got the results. I've just been so worried about how I can handle two small ones, and I've been worried about how it will affect my older one. I really had it all thought out about how 3-4 years would be best, financially, work-wise, spreading out the baby-joy, and in terms of having a little helper. So, as much as anything, I think I was grieving the loss of my plans.

BUT, the nice thing is that I'm a teacher, and so I have lots and lots of fellow parents I can speak with. I've been comforted think about all the fantastic kids I am teaching / have taught that have 2 years or less spacing between they and their siblings. I've also talked to a lot of parents with kids (now grade school or older, mostly) who have spaced their kids apart 2 years or less and so far every single one of them has loved the close spacing. Those parents say that yes, it was hard at first, but they love how close the siblings are and they like how they enjoy similar activities. One co-worker, whom I don't know well all at, approached me and said how happy she was for me, because having a second was, in her experience, just ten times more fun and less stressful than the first.

One other thing, if you can afford it, try to get some help for when the baby comes. I think that will take some pressure off and make the transition easier for you and your older child. We haven't figured out for sure what we are going to do, but I think I will either get some sort of "mother's helper" to come out for a couple hours a day or I will send my oldest to preschool for half a day,

Hope this helps!

Hi L.,

Congratulations! Mine are 24 months apart - almost exactly. March 25, 2004 and March 22, 2006.

The first year was the hardest for me, but I think that is the case no matter what the age of the other child. I reminded myself that my mother did it, with 4 children, all 2 years apart, and she had no help at all from my father. I also reminded myself how close I am to my brother and sisters now, and that was a big help.

If you don't have personal experience to rely on, I can share this with you. My daughter, the oldest, just loves her baby brother and my son completely adores his older sister. My son doesn't talk yet (sister more than makes up for his silence!), but my daughter is always saying the sweetest things about him. Here is an example:

Daughter said: "I love you so much."
Mom: "I love you, too, honey."
DD: "No, not you, Mommy. I was talking to Houston (her brother).
Houston, I love you so much.
Mommy, I love you just regular."

In a very short time, yours will be saying the same sweet things. In the meantime, have a wonderful pregnancy.

Peace and Joy,
M.

My children are 11 years apart so no help there but from a different perspective- my brother and I are 20 months apart. I have two other younger brothers but have always been closest to the one closest in age to me. We went through school together and hung out together. I even married his best friend. : )

Congrats! Mine are 26 months apart, and we do great. My son is an awesome big brother and just loves his little sister! It's hard having two in diapers and it definitely cuts back on certain places you can go without help, but I am certainly not wishing I had waited. I have a friend with two boys 15 months apart and she feels the same way!

Hey L.,
I just wanted to tell you that my children are 18 mths apart and I would have it no other way! They are so fun together and I have thought it was much easier this way. We are actually now expecting #3 and it will be 22 mths younger than my 2nd. I am very excited and cant wait to watch there years of playing, learning, and growing up together. It will all work out and I am sure you will love it! By the way Congrats!

My boys are 16 mo. apart and I wouldn't have it any other way. As the other moms who reponded have said, it is very stressful at times but worth it.

L.,
I went through a similar scenario. My oldest was only 7 mo old when we found out that we were expecting again. I was so worried that everything would be harder, and I wouldn't be able to give enough attention to each of my children. I was shocked at how much my oldest changed in the 9 months of my pregnancy! He and his brother play and get along great! I can't wait to see how close they become as they grow up together. You will be surprised at how much easier it is than you think it will be. :)

Good Luck!!

Hi L.,
I have an 8 week old and an 18 month old. It can be done :-) I just told myself over and over during my pregnancy that I was not the first woman to go through this, and beyond that, I know I am a very capable person! Everything has been just fine. My older son loves his baby brother and I can't wait to see them play together in a few months!
It will be wonderful, just picture all the wonderful times that are to come.
A.

You've gotten a lot of sweet responses, I wanted to add my experience.
I have two sons, 20 months apart and a daughter that is 23 months younger than her middle brother. We did not plan it this way, but I wouldn't change it for the world. They all play so well together, are interested in the same things, are pretty much on the same schedules with naps, bedtimes, etc. I am hopeful that as they grow they will remain as close as they are now.
Having said that - the first 4-6 month was very hard for me when it was the two boys, 20 months and newborn. I had some PPD, my husband was working horrible hours, DS #2 was somewhat collicky (is that a word <<smile>>) my 20 mo. old didn't understand when I had to give more attention to his brother than him. It was tough, but we adjusted and they absolutely loved each other & still do. I learned a few tricks; put ds #1 a safe amount of water in the bath and let him play while I put the baby down at night; give ds #1 a book to read or his own baby doll to feed while nursing the baby; put oldest in high-chair with colors, finger paint, play dough while nursing, etc; if anyone offers help TAKE IT - don't try to be a supermom; give your hubby a clear list of things he can do to help, you will need him. Even when my boys have their moments of sibling rivalry, I remind my oldest that God gave him a built in best friend. :) Number 3 was easier to add because the oldest two keep each other busy.
I hope this helps you. Congratulations on your blessing and here's hoping for a cool summer. :)
L.

L.,
You'll be ok! I had my first two kids 21 months apart. It was tiring at first, but we found a great Mother's Day Out program for the oldest one to go to two days a week so she could have "big kid" time. I also found some other moms with small kids to get together with at least once a week. If you don't have family to help, the mom support is even more vital. I know you're probably tired now with the pregnancy, but try to enjoy your first born as much as you can right now while he/she is the only one.
I'll be praying that you will not be nervous and have the wisdom to be a great mom to your kids.

My kids are teenagers (one turned 14 Nov 18 and the other will turn 16 Dec 17)--23 months apart exactly! I didn't plan it--planned for them to be about 3 years apart but it turned out just great. I planned to have the first one between semesters of grad school--ridiculously planned then laughed at myself for planning what was good for my schedule at that moment in my life only to give a Christmas-time birthday to a kid (not great for him!)! My point is, sometimes the best laid plans don't turn out so well and those surprises are just great sometimes. I won't lie to you--it was a little crazy having two 'babies' at the same time but it really was great for the most part. When kids are too far apart, it's harder to find things the whole family will enjoy at the same time etc. This way, everyone's on basically the same page. My kids (boy and girl) are pretty good friends and confidants now. My advice, embrace it--freaking out will only drain energy from you. Plan on making individual time for the older sibling on a regular basis (wish I'd done that more), small activities/gifts at the time the baby arrives and thereafter (special books, art supplies etc.). Expect the older child to regress some temporarily, be compassionate but reward and focus on age appropriate moves forward.

Every birth order/gap between kids has benefits and drawbacks--just keep focusing on the benefits of this and don't waste time focusing on the drawbacks.

Oh, one last thing-- involve the older child a bunch in the pregnancy--'talk' to the baby/belly, help prepare the space, etc.

Good luck and have fun!

My two girls are 22 months apart. And we have had so much fun so far! They are 2 and 1/2 and 9 months right now. I am so suprised at how good of friends they are already. My little one thinks that whatever her bigger sister does is the funniest thing in the world. Good luck and enjoy this wonderful blessing!

Hi, you will be totally fine! My 1st two (we now have 4 so it must not have been so bad!) were 16 months apart and I just cried when I found out! I was so worried like you but you know it really wasn't that bad. It was a little hard having 2 in diapers and 2 with similar needs at the same time but as they got older, they were able to play with one another (and sometimes fight!) and that is precious, having a built-in playmate. Now they are pretty close at 12 and 13.

You have the advantage of having your first child to help with your 2nd and kids love to help! Also, the 1st will most likely be out of diapers and sleeping through the night! Also, there's something to be said about having them all at once so you don't have time to get out of that "mommy" mode. Believe me, there is an 11 year old spread between my 1st and 4th and it is difficult to keep everyone in my house happy because they're all on different need levels. Good luck and enjoy!!

Congratulations!!! I have 3 kids and the first two are 3 yrs. apart and the second two 23 mos. apart and the second two are the best of friends...they play together all the time. It's a little difficult in the beginning but not impossible becuase you are doing a lot fo the same things for the both of them rather than different agendas. BTW, my third was a total surprise as well. My only suggestion, don't try to make your oldest do so much for the new baby, just let it come naturally and he/she will adjust so much better. We just told our DD #2 that here's our new baby, he loves her so much and then we continued to do for her as we always had and before long she was the BEST little helper. Just remember, this too shall pass and in the end you will love having them so close together. HTH

L.,

I had my 5 year old son on September 20th 2003 and my 3 year old September 21st 2005, so they are exactly 2 years and 1 day apart. They are VERY close with each other. I think its even better when sibblings are very close in age than if they were several years difference. They tend to be closer with each other. With my kids people always think they are twins because of how they are with each other. They Are even very close to same height and sizes so that makes it look more like they are twins :). Don't worry about it, this way is actually better than farther apart. You will enjoy it! You are so funny when you said you should have gotten the IUD! I said those words to!! But now I am greatful I had them close together. They are very sweet to each other but do still fight like sibblings. You will do good! So no worries:). If you have any questions you can private message me anytime! :-)

L., Congratulations! What a wonderful blessing! I know it will be hard, but you will get through it with kids that will be so close in age! I am five months pregnant with #2 and have a 15 month old! So mine will be 20 months apart! I was really stressed about it at first, even though this was planned! When it actually happened, we were excited but anxious! We just do what we have to do! Everything will work out when your baby is born, as it will for me! I am not saying it will be easy, but it will be worth it for your kids to be so close in age! They will have each other to lean on and will grow up so close! Good luck to you and hope this helps!

Hi, L....

Ours are similar (just over 24 months), and it was stressful but SO beautiful! To see our son adoring his baby sister and making her laugh when she was crying...it was such a beautiful sight to see. It still is. You can prepare your little one to be a big brother/sister simply by talking about it, reading children's books about it, role-playing, and encouraging them to ask questions about it. I don't know if all that brought my two to being best friends, but they are. They do everything together and just love each other so much. They take care of each other and help each other. It's amazing to watch their friendship growing. Yes, they have their squabbles, but mostly, they are the best of friends. :) Don't forget to let your older child know that babies take a lot of time but that, no matter what, you still love them the same.

Now, as for YOU preparing for two little ones, simplify things as much as possible. Teach your (older) child to do what they can by themselves. Teach them to be more independent so you will have more time to give your baby the help they need but also give encouraging words to your older one. :)

Ack...I almost forgot to congratulate you. Congratulations! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and best wishes on the pregnancy and preparations. :) Take care!

I have eight children. Some are as close as 20 months, so as spaced as 30 months. They are the best thing I've ever done in my life, next to marry my husband.

You will be busy and have your hands full. Full of wonderful things. You'll just need to remember that wiping snotty noses, changing diapers, making snacks, playing with Playdoh and other toys, fingerpainting, etc. are blessings. You will never have better days as a mother, than when they are little. My teens have been great and a lot of fun, but it is a little more taxing. When your children are completely innocent and don't question your authority or competence is a wonderful time.

Congratulations on your newest blessings. It was nobody's fault---you just got bonus blessings.

L.:

I am a doula in the area and I provide labor and emotional support to pregnant and pareting mommies. If you would like to talk about your situation, feel free to call me. I am doing some pro-bon doula work and may be able to support you as part of my service offer. You can reach me at ###-###-#### or ____@____.com. I have several references if you need references from me. Good luck and be blessed. God knows your plight. Don't fault yourself, just prepare for the opportunity to be a great mommy to this special blessing to come. You will be fine. Call me or email me if you'd like.

My kids are 27 months apart - it's almost perfect (completely accidental) spacing, IMO.

*hugs*
S.

L.,
There are people you are writing to that may be having trouble getting pregnant. God has just blessed you with another baby, be HAPPY. To make you feel better...one of my best friends has kids that are 11 months apart, my sister/best friend and I are 16 months apart...count your blessings.

Don't borrow trouble by worrying. Two children 23 months apart is not a problem I had 4 in 5 years and the first two were 17 months apart, #2 and #3 were two years apart and #3 and #4 were 19 months apart. The first two were girls and the #3 and #4 were boys. I don't mean to write in the past tense. They are all grown, 54, 52, 50 and 49 yrs. old now. It was great and they were such good kids.

Hi L.,

WOW, what can I say...My two are right at 16 months apart, I to stressed about having two in diapers, having to have to buy the formula. My children are now 15 yrs and 14 yrs old, and you know I enjoyed it so much I started again I now have a 1 yr old and am planning another one here soon. I love being a mom, YES sometimes it is very stressful BUT, it is worth every min...My older two grew up very close and are still close YES, they have their little spats but, I can see they love each other I sometimes wonder what if I would have waited what would they be like but, then I don't think they would be so close. My older son loves to tends to my 1 yr old son they are like buddies, my DD isn't all that excited about him but, she loves him. I think if they grow up with out a sibling they are missing out. I grew up with 4 other siblings but they were like 7 yrs between us and I felt like the only child because while I was playing with Barbie’s they were out dating and doing what ever and I never seen them. So I feel I missed out a lot. Now we are close as adults but we don't really have any memories of us together we compare what our parents were like. I don't want my children growing up like that. Yes the college thing is coming about IF we would have waited four years in-between we would be able to be financially secure but, I don't think they would have been this close. Personally I think its great 1 maybe 2 yrs apart. So Good Luck to you in the stressful times ahead, smile and say it’s worth it. Because your life ahead is going to be full of love and smiles I got 15 yrs of it... IT’S GREAT.

T.

Hey L.

You are not out there alone...if it makes you feel better my babies are 18 months apart and the kicker is my second was triplets. Yes a complete shock, no fertility and WOW were we anxious. So, you are not alone and if you ever need a friend, advice, someone to vent to I am here

R.
____@____.com

my boys are almost 22 months apart. I wont lie to you it is hard! Just going to the store takes on a whole new meaning but it will get easier and will become rutine. You will be fine!! good luck

Hey L.,

My husband and I went through 2 years of infertility treatments before having our first baby. After that we decided that should we get pregnant on our own, it was meant to be, and if we didn't then we wouldn't wait very long before returning to the specialists' office. When our first was 3 months old I discovered I was pregnant again. They are 1 year and 12 days apart in age and while it's not easy, I absolutely love it! My oldest loves her baby brother and dotes on him. He watches her constantly and reserves his biggest smiles for her. I also happen to be the oldest of six kids, and am only 22 months older than the twins. While we fight on occasion, we happen to be best friends because we are so close in age (we have a lot in common). I would recommend shorter age gaps to anyone as my experience has been so positive!

Good luck and Congratulations!

My kids are 16 months apart, and I couldn't be happier!

I, too, was freaked out a little when I found out I was pregnant with my second one. Afterall, we were barely getting by with ONE child, let alone TWO?! But, it all worked out wonderfully.

Now, they are the best of friends, and they are 11 and 12.

Good luck, and the happiness will come!

My kids are 21 months apart and they are best friends. We were trying for number 2 because we wanted our kids to be close in age. I think this will be a blessing in disguise. The first year will be a little hectic but so much fun! Congratulations!!!!

My older boys were a year and six days appart. It was hard but the good thing was they had each other to play with and to this day they are now 13 and 14, they are bored to death when the other one is not around. It was for the first couple of years but after that it was easier because they had each other to entertain themselves. Now I would not have it any other way.

Hi L.,

I know you are going to feel stressed...thats completley normal. I got pregnant with both my kids on the pill and they were unplanned and I was scared both times, but I wouldnt change it for the world. My kids are almost 30 months apart. I like that they are so close in age and will grow up close as well. It was hard at first but its great now!! I know you will do just fine :) I have to say though I do NOT reccomend the IUD. I got one after I had my daughter and within 1 1/2 months of having it I started having bad cramps and pains to where I couldnt even walk...Then a couple weeks later I went to ER because my stomach swelled and I looked 7 months pregnant. I had to have a CT Scan and they said that the IUD had come out and was floating around my abdomen, and also had caused a cyst. I had to have surgery 2 days later to have it removed...So now I am back on the pill, and taking a chance of having a 3rd child. I am too young to get my tubes tied because I may want another later on. Anyways my soon to be stepmom's daughter just went through the same thing 2 months ago with her IUD and had to have surgery too...so I dont think its a good birth control. Good Luck!!

J.

My kiddos are two years & five days apart. My oldest was a very spoiled mama's boy & I was very worried about having a second child (was like you - wasn't exactly planned), but it turned out wonderfully! Like most everyone here has said, it's a challenge sometimes - I would say the first two years are the most challenging - but it is also very rewarding & fun! The things I found the most challenging were: getting two kids in two different car seats, going anywhere with the two of them by myself, and managing my time between the two of them. Honestly, my son (my oldest) hated his little sister when we brought her home - he would pick her up off of the floor by her clothes & drop her - I learned really fast not to leave her in the floor to play unless I was right there. BUT this behavior disappeared quickly! By the time she started getting mobile, he decided she wasn't so bad & actually began to enjoy her! Now, they get along GREAT & ADORE each other! We even look back at the story of him picking her up & dropping her & we all laugh! They are very close friends & I wouldn't have it any other way! Plus, it was so neat when they were small together because they had this great bond...I often had to ask my son what my little girl was saying when she first started talking because he could understand her & I couldn't! You will find that having the kiddos this close together will be a challenge, but no matter when you have them, it's always challenging...but TOTALLY worth it! Best of luck!!!

I have survived this TWICE! Hee hee :o)

My sons are 16 & 14 birthdays are 12.12.92 & 11.14.94

then 9 years later my girls are 5,3 & 1 month
12.07.03, 10.28.05 & 10.27.08 ( cut that one close!)

So I have 5 kiddos 2 sets 2 years apart and the last 2 are 3 years apart almost to the day!

Its hectic when they are young, I used to pray Please Lord let me make it to 5 & 7 ...it was my mantra :o) But as they get older, they are each others friends and they are doing alot of the same activities and its easier.

YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!

K.
Birth Doula, Childbirth educator...mom to 5!

You will do fine. It is a little hard to get used to but get this. My children are less than 13 months apart. WHEW!!! i was tired. Their birthdays are 10.10.98 and 11.07.99. Talking about having a cow when i found out i was pregnant when my daughter was 4 months old. OMG!! But you will be fine. Mine love each other and love to play with each other. so good luck and congrats on expanding your family

My son had his second birthday party on my hospital bed the day after our daughter was born! They are now 14 & 16! (Time sure flies!) They have always been very close and played very well together. The only "caution" I have is that your first child doesn't really understand the baby isn't just a baby doll. But I'll tell you, it really made our daughter a very tough little girl! LOL You will have fun...and get some Duplos...that was one toy that they played with together until they were 6 or 7 I think.

Our two daughters are 19 months apart and it was and still is wonderful. We planned it this way so that our first daughter would have a playmate. A bonus was that our second daughter watched our oldest and basically potty-trained herself. We also had the hand-me-downs! I can't think of a down side to it. They are 14 and 13 now and great friends. Have fun and don't worry!

I understand! Mine will be 18 months apart! I have heard from EVERYONE that it will be wonderful in about 10 months...once they start interacting! HOWEVER, i have a very good friend who is now pregnant w/ #2 who HAD AN IUD!!! So take a while to process it, and I think you will find in the end that it will be a blessing.
Good to know that there is something bigger in control than us!! Especially when we fail! :0)
Best of luck. BTW, I am due in 4 weeks, so if you have any more questions, I can let you know in about a month!

My boys ended up being 20 months apart and it's the greatest thing. They are best friends and it is so fun. The first 4 months are the hardest when they are so little but then it gets easier and now it is awesome. Best of luck to you! You will be happy they are so close in age.

I know you've heard lots of these stories, but my oldest was just 5 months old when I found I was pregnant again. They are 14-and-a-half months a part. The hardest was probably the first couple of weeks but after that you get in to a routine and things work well. You'll be amazed at what a little helper your almost-two-year old will be!
On another note, after my second was born I got an IUD. It's been great - no problems or side-effects - and keeping baby #3 at bay for now :)I know some women experience side effects, but if you think its right for you (after talking with your dr) you should try it! I was pleasantly surprised. (I had bad ones with the Nuva Ring). Good luck and let me know if you need anymore help or advice!

My kiddos are 18 months apart. While we were not really "trying"; we were not preventing either. However, it was still a BIG surprise when I found out that I was pregnant for the second time. I felt like I had just gotten the hang of this thing! Anyway, we now have a 23 month old and 5 month old. It has been tough; I will not lie. However, I am so happy that we had them close together. I hear that it does get easier because they are close enough in age to really enjoy each other; and play together. Good luck! And congrats.

My two are 12months apart. The first year was tough but after that its just great! They adore each other and are very close. Just think how wonderful it will be to have a close friend/sibling for life. I would absolutely have the next two close again if I have any control in it.

Take naps when you can, let friends/family watch them once a month if you can. Its just a short season of tough, but it can be very enjoyable if you let it.

L.

You'll do fine, but I remember going through the same thing when we found out last year that our #3 was on the way. My 2nd and 3rd are only 17 months apart, and I remember saying to my hubby "we can't have another baby, we still have a baby". My little boy is so good with his baby sister and even tonight on the way home in the car was saying "shh shh shh don't cry Mallory it's going to be okay". It has its days that it can be tough but probably not any tougher than having them 3 years apart. Just remember this baby while a surprise was given to you at this time for a reason.

I have nine children, and soon it will be 10 when we get our foster baby adopted. Seven are biological, two and soon three are adopted.
My suggestion is just relax, and enjoy what God tell us are rewards and blessings! Most of my children are two to three years apart, my closest birthchildren are 25 months apart. But my adopted children are less than 13 months apart. Granted, we did't get the older one as a baby, she was two and a half when she came to live with us. They are now four and five, and they are as close as they can get and not be twins!
Just before we got the foster son we are adopting now, (who is our adopted daughters full sibling little brother), we had another foster daughter. When she came, it gave me a six month old, a one and a half year old, and a two and a half year old!! All their birthdays were with a month's time. Our adopted son was in the middle. I had that little girl for 20 months before she went to live with her great aunt and great grandma. I called them the three muskateers! I LOVED having them.
By the way, I'm 54 years old now, with a one year old baby! If I can do it, so can you!!