So Close Together..

It's CRAZY! lol. Obviously mine was unplanned they are a year and a day apart, but I wouldn't change it for the world! They are precious and it gets better as they grow :) So good luck and take care.

Our daughter was 6 months old when we conceived our little boy, unplanned. They are 15 months apart.

Pros: Our daughter slept through the night and in her own crib/toddler bed a couple of months before our son was born. Now are both on a set routine/schedule, take baths and eat meals together. They enjoy each other's company, although sibling rivlary often comes into play. Big sister (princess) loves her (papa boy) and is very protective of him. I so enjoy watching them grow together that my love for them grows stronger and stronger each and everyday to see such a close bond. Big family with a home filled with love and lots of nurturing. After first year, things get easier and more balanced out.

Cons: Diapers and food costs rise. Had to forcefully stop breastfeeding daughter at 13 months. It's sometimes difficult to pay attention to the older one, since the baby needs constant attention and holding. Not so easy to just get up and go, especially without help. Evenings are exhausting with little time or energy to connect with partner. First few months are very difficult to adjust with very little/no sleep. Household duties become less important and sometimes have to go undone and definately more laundry.

These are just a few pros/cons I can think of from the top of my head. Overall, I really enjoy experiencing our children growing up so close in age. It's such an amazing bond that I wouldn't trade for the world. I'm so grateful GOD blessed us in this manner, as I know we would have never planned this for us. GOD has given us this blessing that has united our family even tighter.

Hi N.:
I had my sons two years and 2 months apart,and it was ideal.My first son just got out of diapers,and was drinking out of a cup,when I brought the second one home.I think at least two years apart is great,because they weren't so close,that they got on each others nerves. They shared the same interest growing up,and got along well. I contribute that to one of them being 2 years more mature. I believe It wasn't nearly as frustrating as it would have been,dealing with two babies. My grandchildren,were born 11 months apart and there has always been a tremendous amount of sibling rivelry.My darlin Grandson,was still a baby himself when his sister arrived.It was so very obvious, he felt rejected.Personally,I feel it benificial to you and your kids,to at least have a two year gap.This gives you and your body a chance to recoup,and it permits your first-born to remain your baby,at least till hes a independant toddler. The very best to you Nahes.

I really wanted my children to be closer in age, but we couldn't afford two in childcare so we waited until my husband got a raise and they ended up just under three years apart. That said, I think having two close in age is wonderful. But, really take into account your baby girls personality. One of my daycare moms is beginning her maternity leave today. Her youngest is 18 months old. The 18 month-old only sleeps through the night about once a week and both her boys are up with the sun every morning. (She will have 3 boys under 5 in a week.) Meaning she get very little sleep. If your daughter is a great little sleeper then go for it, but if not, you might want to wait until she sleeps through the night consistently. Remember also that two this close in age will be on different nap schedules so mommy does not get a break during the day while both kids are napping. However, the value of a lifelong friend is invaluable! Best Wishes!

Hi Nashes Mom, it is good to have the first one out of diapers, before the next one comes. my husband and i have 3 great kids, we tried to have them no more that 2 years apart in age, our first born wa boy, when our second son was born, our first was 2 years and 5 months old, they were and still are very. close they played well together when they were little and hung together as they got older, and now at 24 and 21, they are as close as can be. When our 3rd child came a girl her and our second son were only 2 years and 3 months apart, and all 3 are close. one reason we wanted them at least 2 years apart, was so we could have that time, to devote to just them, before the next child came, it worked out great for us, I think no more than 2 years apart is good, it didn't work out exactly 2 years apart, but close to it.
they are now 24, 21 and 19, and love hanging out together. J.

I have three children. My oldest is 20 months older than my twins. He is now 3 and the twins are 18 months. The con is that it is incredibly difficult (and expensive) to balance three so little. The first year was insane. The plus is that already we see how close they are. They are starting to be able to play together well. Another plus is that their interests coincide well at this point. For instance, on car trips, they all like to watch the same kind of movies. They like the same kind of restaurants, playing in the kiddy pool, the same games and that sort of thing. They also generally like the same toys. For me, my preference would have been to space my children more like 3 years apart, but that is mainly due to my personality. The chaos of 3 babies and now 3 toddlers has at times been nearly too much for me. If you're a laid back, go with the flow kind of person, close spacing is awesome. Just expect the first couple of years to be difficult (but fun).

Nahes, having children close together is a good thing. I have two boys 1 year apart. My son was 3 months when I was pregnant again. I quit work when my second son was born and it was HARD financialy as well as physically. However, with time you forget and when they are older it is all worthwhile. While my boys were growing up they were always close and still are. Yes, there is always sibling rivalry, but that doesn't mean it won't happen when your children are more distant in age. While in high school and AYSO etc. My boys were on the same team and played the same sports, by choice! It was easy because my husband and I didn't have to split up or pick one sons game over the other. In high school they both played water polo and they loved it, as well and my husband and I. We carpooled with other parents and went to their games always. Now they are in different colleges and they invite each other to friends parties etc. I don't agree with them drinking, but one of the two is always the designated driver and I think I can trust them. However, it is also expensive when they are young teens in college. Two tuitions, yikes, care insurance double yikes. Good luck in whatever you decide!!! I love having my boys close together (It wasn't by choice, but I don't regret it)