L.C.
Congratulations B.! I'm expecting my 6th baby pretty soon and I'm "preparing" my 2 year old for the arrival of her sister. We pat my pregnant belly often and practice saying her name as well as watch shows of women having babies. I would say in the big picture, however, to make sure you establish a time in your day where your older child rests/naps for a set amount of time each day so that you can rest. Also, thinking through things that your older child can do to "help" with the baby so that she feels included, needed, and important. Also, have a special bag, backpack, or box that has new and special toys, books, activites she can do with minimal assistance that is only to be taken out when you feed your new baby, change the baby, or need to attend to the baby with few distractions from your daughter. (These are old memories for me becasue I have older children that can help with my 2 and 5 year old, but I remember those days.) What I'm currently thinking through, though, is a "gift" that the baby will have for each of my children. I plan to give all of my kids a special gift "from the baby" right when I arrive home from the hospital. What child wouldn't feel happy to welcome a new little person bearing gifts?! God bless your efforts and enjoy your little ones!