I can’t even believe I’m about to write a post about this. First of all, let me just say that I am over the moon excited about our sweet little baby on the way. I am really enjoying the pregnancy at this point and I am so excited to meet this precious little person that we have prayed for.
But I have a huge lump in my throat when I think about having to split my time between Hudson and the baby. And I know I’m not the first person to have more than one child and I won’t be the last. Mothers go through this every single day. So why when I think about sweet little Hudson, do I almost feel mournful for the days when he was an only child?
photo by Millie Holloman
I’ve always wanted a big family, so if we are able to have more children and decide we want to have more children, maybe I’ll experience this with every pregnancy. But, last week, I got weepy in the car because Hudson and I were riding along together, singing, talking, and laughing. In a few months, I know that on those drives I’ll be scattered and trying to tend to two of them while we drive. And I’ll probably be asking Hudson for my help with reaching a pacifier or a bottle.
Maybe my emotions are less about feeling sorry for Hudson, but I’m feeling sorry for myself. Because my baby will no longer be the baby. He’ll be the older brother and right now I don’t think he really knows that any of this is happening. We’ve told him and we talk to him about the baby, but I’m pretty sure he doesn’t totally get it. And he probably won’t get it for a while when he realizes that the screaming baby in our house is always going to be there. We’ll remind him that the sweet baby will grow up to be his best buddy in the world.
I was talking to my friend, Kim, the other day and she reminded me that the very first moment I look into this baby’s eyes will be just like the first moment I looked into Hudson’s eyes. The worry will be nonexistent and won’t even be a memory. The love will consume me and things like favoritism and feeling torn between two children won’t be a reality.
And I know that she is absolutely right. I want both of them to feel every single ounce of love I have to offer. And of course I want them to love each other. I know there will be hard days and I’m sure that all of my emotion has a whole lot to do with raging hormones.
I didn’t cry on Hudson’s first birthday. I’m the one who thinks that growing up is fun and part of the parenting process. But I get completely choked up when I think about the day the Hudson becomes a sibling. Maybe that’s the big “my baby is growing up” moment that sends me over the edge.
I am so grateful for this time with this precious boy. I have had 19 months to be with him almost every single day and I wouldn’t trade those for anything in the world. I am completely excited to see how Hudson and his baby brother will be similar and how they will be completely different. I will do everything I can and pray that I don’t compare them to each other and always remember that they have different needs, interests, and personalities.
I hope to spend the next four months making the most of this very special time with just Hudson. And my prayer is that taking care of a newborn will be much more relaxed the second time around. The Lord knows my heart and knows my fears and I know that He will help me through it. He will provide family and friends to care for and play with Hudson when I can’t. Or to hold and feed the baby so I can cuddle and laugh with my first born.
Funny enough, I am not at all worried about the sleep, the routine, or the feedings. I’m not worried about the crying. My worry is 100% about figuring out how to comfort them both when they’re both crying. Being the best mommy I can be to both of them. And getting these very special moments with both of them.
I’m not yet pregnant with baby #2, but my husband and I are getting ready to start trying. I think the change to 2 babies is going to be huge. I’ve heard it can be an even bigger change than having baby #1. I’m so thankful that you share your thoughts so honestly, and I’m looking forward to reading about your adventures with 2 little ones as I prepare for a second myself!
i think this is a totally normal response to having two kiddos…not that i know, but i wonder how i’ll be able to handle it when the time comes! i bet you’re going to be the best mommy to your two sweet ones when they are both here 🙂
I just love these pictures! They are so sweet.
I was the same way when I had my second one. I cried and cried the first week because I didn’t get to spend the same quality time with my little girl that I always had and we didn’t get to do the same routines. But eventually it all worked itself out and we have new routines that are just as special and we still get to have that 1-on-1 time when her little brother is napping. It will be different, but special in its own way.
This was like reading a post directly from my own brain! This past week I have been watching my little one sleep, thinking about how big she’s getting, and realizing she’s almost not a baby anymore – soon we’ll have a new baby and she’ll be the big sister. Reading this made me tear up but also was comforting to know everyone goes through this and that we will all adapt and not even be able to imagine life without these new additions. Hugs to you today!!
I’m so glad you decided to write about this, because as I am now expecting my second child, I am feeling very similarly. I love my time with my darling little girl, and become so sad at times to think that I’ll have to share my love and attention with another precious child someday soon. Its comforting to know that my feelings are shared by other moms out there!
As a much older than you, mother of three, it has been my experience that number 1 will always get the attention. Number 2 has to fit into the already established family. And surprisingly, they manage very well! Two children were really not a big change in our family. But number three upset the mix. It was like she knew the minute she was born that she might as well accept the fact that she had two brothers and that they would receive most of the attention. You will do great! And so will they!
Fran
Ahhh, Hudson is soooooo little in those top pictures. Ohmagosh! Erin, you will manage everything wonderfully, like you always do.
And I know Hudson will be an amazing big brother too!
xoxox
I really love this post, its honesty is so sweet. It’s easy to have people who’ve “done it before” tell you all the things you KNOW are true: that none of it will matter when #2 comes- but that’s not what you’re feeling right now, and that’s not necessarily the most encouraging thing to hear. I think it’s an important process you’re going through, one that really brings home the fact that things will change- for the better, of course- but change nonetheless. I’m personally not even ready to bring a second baby into my family. Both my husband and I really want to soak up every single minute of being with our son before we have to divide our attention, so I’m already getting those feelings, without even being pregnant yet!
You’ve always been one of my absolute favorite bloggers, your honesty and personality are just so sweet and welcoming- thanks for continuing to share with your readers– you make me feel like I’m not alone when I’m feeling things that a lot of people don’t have the guts to admit to.
I have followed you blog for a while and I love it. I totally relate to your worries and fears. The only thing I can say is, once the new baby is in your arms all the fear and worry will be gone. Suddenly your arms will be long enough for hugging two and your lap will be big enough for cuddles on the couch. All that love and attention you’ve showered on Hudson will have taught him to love his new brother. You’re going to be a pro! Just wanted to offer some encouragement!
Tara
I too, could have written the same post prior to my second baby’s birth. But I can say that giving your child a sibling is a a great gift and the compromises you’ll have to make with Hudson to take care of his brother will be worth that gift. On a practical note, a mom of two told me “if both babies are crying, soothe the older first because he’s the one who’ll remember!” I know that sounds harsh or cruel in some ways now, but in moments of crazy postpartum haze, at least it gave me a concrete plan!
I’m pregnant with our second and experiencing the exact same feelings. I didn’t cry when Maggie turned 1 and I’ve relished every milestone but I get weepy when I think my time with her, I just want it to always be special. So I get it.
Well I am sobbing right now. I too have always wanted a big family and I think part of the reason we havent started trying for number two yet is because I am so sad for Cate not to be the baby anymore. I can totally relate with you, even though I do not have a baby yet, but I can relate because I have the same worries as you. You will be the most amazing mommy to the new baby and be able to comfort and love both, equally! Love you!
I can relate to your post. It is hard to imagine life with 2 and balancing it all. I try to remind myself that I am giving my daughter a special gift. Something that no one else can give her.
I completely understand where you’re coming from and you will absolutely be able to mother both of your kids in just the way God intended. I had a different experience than your friend Kim, though. I ASSUMED that I would have that instant, overwhelming love for my second child the moment the doctor pulled him out…but it didn’t happen that way. It took me about 24 hours to feel the same way about him as I do my older son. I’m not sure why, and I still wonder to this day why things were different, but for me the two experiences were not the same. Of course I love both my boys fiercely and no differently today, but that “love flood” wasn’t there immediately.
I don’t have kids, so I can’t say that I know what you’re feeling or thinking. I did want to tell you though that in my life, the people I’ve known that have worried about taking care of their husbands, families or children are always the ones who are able to find a way to make it happen. Those that don’t worry tend to let those things fall by the wayside. I know that you and TC are going to have (at least) two little boys that are well aware of how loved they are.
First of all, these pictures are beautiful.
Second, I could have written this post. This is one of the reasons I don’t want to get pregnant w/my 2nd right now. The thought of sharing time with Amelia right now makes my heart hurt. I’m just not ready. I think it’s totally because I still want her to be my baby. Obviously it’s a normal feeling – so many have written above that they have felt the same way. I want a large family as well and I’m not getting any younger, so I just keep praying that God will give me peace about trying again when the time is right. No doubt, you knew it was time to try for your 2nd and even though there will probably be days that you feel like you didn’t “split your time” well enough – you have a heart to be the best Mother you can be and that’s what matters. You’re a wonderful Mama!
That sweet Hudson is going to be a great big brother…he already knows so much to teach baby #2!
this is a precious post, and your heart behind it makes me smile and tear up at the same time. God will give you exactly what you need, exactly when you need it! i’m sure you know that… but I just felt compelled to share. and hudson will be an awesome big brother!
Hi Erin,
I have just found your blog recently and feel like we share a great deal in common. I have a 2 1/2 year old and an 11 month old. I can completely relate to the emotions and concerns you have! Almost a year ago I remember trying to cuddle with my first born. She poked my growing belly and said, “Mommy, where is my place?” She was just complaint about not having enough room in my lap, but figuratively I never wanted her to feel her place in my heart had been taken by the new baby. As I smelled her sweet head that morning and prayed for the Lord to give me the strength and wisdom to be the mom I needed to both of my babies, I was reminded of the sweet words of my mother in-law. My husband is the third son of four boys. I grew up an only child. I always had the fear of “can I love another?” My mother in-law said, “Your love will not be divided by the two, but will be multiplied.” I can testify today that somehow the love just keeps growing and there is always room for them both. Enjoy these last few months with your first born. The next phase of your life will bring wonderful changes and increased love and laughter! It will be great! Congratulations and best wishes!
First of all, that last picture of him with his arms around you is SO sweet. I can feel my daughter giving me one of those hugs just looking at it:) We’re expecting number 2 also, and I had more of these feelings that you wrote about before I got pregnant. I haven’t had them as much since we found out! I keep thinking I’m going to have a moment where it overwhelms me, and it may still be coming as we get closer (I’m 14 weeks), but who knows. I think it sounds like you’ll be just fine, you know it’ll be hard, but you also seem to know it’ll be wonderful! What a ride, huh?! 🙂
I think what you are feeling is completely normal. You’ll do it…you’ll be a great mom to both kids. Everyone will adjust and more love (although I’m sure it seems impossible) will be added in your family.
As I read this post, all I could think was, Erin needs to go read Stephanie Howell’s blog. She is a mom to 4 sweet girls, a 4 year old, a 2 year old, and twin babies who were born in November. I am not even a mother yet and I understand what you’re saying and the thought has even crossed my mind. I am sure you feel it much more intensely than I do, but go read through some of her posts…the way she writes and documents about each girl amazes me. She isn’t just a mom…she is a mom of 4, and she clearly shows her love and devotion for all 4 girls in her blog posts.
Here’s her blog: http://stephaniehowell.typepad.com/my_weblog/
🙂 hope you enjoy this snow day and praying for you girl!!!!
There are so many times you write things and they are EXACTLY how I feel. I didn’t cry when Harper turned one and I’m not even sad she’s turning two – because I think it’s fun and exciting every step of the way. But I keep telling Scott – we don’t have much time left that it’s just Harper. I’m sad that my little girl who loves a LOT of attention will soon be sharing it with her sister – not just with us but with the grandparents who give her WAY too much attention. ha! It will be good for her but it’s still hard.
I’m not worried or nervous AT ALL this time around about Hollis – I’m just worried how I’ll take care of Harper and the baby. I just keep worrying about Harper in all of this.
Hey Erin-
I wasn’t sure if leaving a comment or email was better, but I know the same thoughts you are thinking with spending enough quality time with two babies. I just started trying for a second baby and my son just turned two in November, so those thoughts have crept up on me the minute we decided to add another baby to our brood. I too think of what it will be like to go from all of the one on one time with my son, to having to share that time with his sibling. But just as quickly as those thoughts come to mind, I too try to think of all the great things about having a second baby and the sibling that my son Ryder will get. It’s just the unknown of how much time will be left to divide to both babies, and I pray that God takes those worries away from you and that in time, it will all work itself out. I have followed your blog from the time you just found out you were pregnant and have gone through so many of the same things and feeling the same way as you! I worry now of the time I have left for myself and the time with my husband with just one child, and can’t help but worry with how it will be adding another baby.
Your friend is right though, once baby C #2 is born, all of those worries will melt away!
Hope you have a good rest of the week 🙂
Laura
laurasblondemoments.blogspot.com
I have a 2 year old boy and 10 month old boy, and I struggle every day to be the best for both of them. One day, it seems Ben gets all my attention. The next day, it’s Joseph. It all balances out. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself.
I smiled and reflected as I read your post. I do remember having similar feelings. I now have 3 children. The first two (girls) were born 21 months apart. It felt like a whirlwind and I remember strategizing on how I would share time. The good news is that it worked out wonderfully! I know you know that and can see it from families all around you, but God is good and he has perfect plans for all of you. Excited to hear what is next for your growing family.
What an honest post! I loved it….ldefinitely a place where all moms of 1+ kids have been….I am a lucky momma of 4, girl (just turned 3), twin boys (18 months), and baby boy (9 weeks) and my first will always be my baby, but it is amazing how the heart swells and loves so many! Obviousy one’s needs wll precede another at times, but it is the moments with each kiddo that I cherish. You will be great with 2 kiddos ( or many more even!) It all works out…we try to do a “date” night with the kids individually when we can…and really just enjoy the group interacting now!! So happy for your family!! God Bless!
You are going to do just great! As a mother of twin boys, I can say that you are about to embark on the “ride of your life”. It’s going to be so much fun, and it will all come naturally. Everything you write points to how seriously you take your role as a mother, and that is really what shows how wonderfully you will do in this new chapter. I think that all of your “ponderings” are completely normal. I frequently look at my two and wonder what it would have been like to experience each of them as an only child. *Neve*r would I wish one of them away, it’s just more of a “hmmm, what would it have been like?”
I am a classic overthinker, so I can totally relate to all of your writings. You are doing beautifully. Give yourself credit!!
I have been worrying about this a lot lately, too. I feel like I’m doing this TO BEAN without even asking him if he wants it. And I worry about making him grow up too fast. And I worry about missing those sweet quiet times alone with him, too. But then I think about how much I love my own sister and how important she is in my life and I find peace in that. Giving that gift to Bean is something that might be hard on both of us at first, but in the long run I know what kind of positive impact that will make on his life. Chin up, my friend! Hug that Hudson and know that the two of you are going to go through this change TOGETHER. 🙂
Hi Erin,
What a great post, gorgeous picutures too! I have 2 boys (3 and 1) and absolutley relate to how you are feeling. It is strange to simultaneously feel excited and (for me) heartbroken for the loss of “life as we know it”. After #2 arrived I was so excited for my husband to bring Witt to meet his brother but fearful of how he would respond to his new brother and to me. I will never forget that moment, the look on his sweet little face, his “hi mom”, and how he hopped right into bed with me to snuggle. I was choking back tears. We had Nash give Witt a small gift (a backhoe) that Witt still talks about today. Truth be told, I found the transition from one to two really difficult for a myriad of reasons. True, God does multiply your love for them, there is no splitting in that sense, but there have been many moments where we have all three been crying. Now, I know Witt does not remember his life without his brother and I am so thankful for the gift they are to eachother. That said, I am so grateful to be on “the other side” because it was so emotional for me too. I will pray God replaces any concerns or fears with his peace. He has greatly demonstrated “when I am weak He is strong” in all of this for me.
Well, I have so been where you are. I will say this, having two makes the moments that I have alone with each kid so special. Also, the anxiety that was nearly crippling with my first was barely a blip with my second, and I’m pretty hugh strung! I think trying to imagine how I would make it work was much harder than actually just doing it. That won’t stop you from worrying about it, but maybe it will give you some peace that it will all work out in the end.
What a heartfelt post! I can’t believe I missed the bullet where you announced your second pregnancy – I had to go back and find it!
Well, shucks! I’ve been out of the blogging world for several months & just got back in action. Thanks for the head’s up – I’ll go catch myself up now 🙂
This seriously almost made me cry. I’m nowhere near the point of thinking about a second child, but I’ve thought about this dynamic a lot. It terrifies me to think of E not getting all of my attention. But… I remember growing up with my little brother and he was my world. I loved every second (okay most) of having him around. He’s my best bud. And that’s how your boys will be. Plus, you’re an amazing mother. I think you’ll figure this out pretty quickly.
I had this exact same thought more than 20 years ago the day before my scheduled c-section with my second child. I was so excited for the new baby and yet so sad to think that my true one-on-one time with my son was about to come to an end. Your feelings reveal your wonderful instincts as a mother and your appreciation for your darling baby. Surely, once baby #2 is here, things will be entirely different. However, this doesn’t mean having “divided time” will be a negative thing. Try to remember that this new baby will be a significant learning experience for Hudson too. He will gain far more from having a sibling than he will “lose” because he will no longer have 100% of his mother’s attention. Believe me, this will be a positive for all (four) of you!
I think that’s normal. It was so bittersweet to bring my second child home, I absolutely mourned for all the things my oldest was losing. My oldest had more undivided attention than the second will ever get, though. I think once the second becomes a priority like the first is, all that goes away. For me, that didn’t happen instantly though. But it happened fast. Now they’re 3 and 1 1/2 and they have an awesome bond that I love to watch. You’re giving him a best friend for life 🙂
Hello Erin,
I loved absolutely everything about this post. Reading it almost made me think you have ghost written a whole blog for my sister, who just like you has two small little ones at home while she juggles being a stay at home mom. And believe me, she faced every difficulty you are facing now. My niece, Ava Grace, was only two and a half years old when Autumn Marie was born, and like you, Michelle prepared Ava as best as she could for a two year old that a new life would come into their household. I wish I could say Ava was pleased with the new arrival, but for the most part, I think she was just confused. She always had this look as if to say, “why are they holding this little baby doll all the time?… Can I hold it?… WHY ARE THEY ALWAYS HELPING ME HOLD IT?!” haha And soon, she too learned that this tiny “baby doll” could move, make sounds, and scream at all hours of the night. Just like any new mother, Ava learned how to adapt to the new situation too, and soon, she became what I think all big brothers/sisters become, and that’s Mom’s Number One Helper. She has always loved to feed Autumn, loved to help bath her, and even loves to change her diaper (we’ll see how long that one lasts…). And I think with the good hearted parenting I read in your posts, I’m positive Hudson will be the same. 🙂 Here’s to a happy and healthy rest of your pregnancy! 🙂
Don’t worry yourself one little bit. Your new sweet baby will stretch your heart in ways you never thought possible. As for the crying-one day you will turn around and your Hudson will be the comforter!
In a way, I wish I’d had these feelings before my second child was born. I didn’t worry at all during my pregnancy with her, so I was totally unprepared for the complete guilt I felt when I brought home this tiny newborn to disrupt the life of my then 19 month old son. I adored my new daughter (I had really, really wanted a girl), but her earliest days were fraught with me worrying about how all this was affecting my son. I think it would have been easier if I had had time to deal with these emotions before she was born rather than after, so in my opinion it is good that you are able to think about this now.
I didn’t get any of these feelings of guilt with my third child, either before or after she was born. This may be because my first two were a little older, so I felt I was able to prepare them better for the arrival of the new baby. Of course, it may be because I can now see how close my two eldest are and what a blessing it is to give your children siblings (my children are now 6, 4 and 17 months).
I’ve never commented before, but I felt compelled to because I wish with all my heart that someone had told me back then that these feelings were normal. I felt so guilty for feeling that way!
Kind regards,
Paula
hi erin-
there is no way to figure out how God provides you with all the ability to transition so easily! but he will…i remember feeling the same between #’s 1 & 2, now there are four little kiddos in my house and i cant even explain how it works, but it just does. they are all different and the love for all just comes….splitting time is hard, but will work out the way He has planned for it to!
I’m not even pregnant, and I worry about the same things! Whenever I think that I’m ready for number 2, I think about the time spent away from my son and how things will be different for him. I guess you just have to keep in mind how wonderful it will be for Hudson to have a little brother! I know I can’t imagine life without my little brother, and I hope that my son gets to (one day) have a sibling to experience how great it is! I know everything is going to be perfect for you and your family!
BTW, the photos are gorgeous!
My husband and I just recently got married and we haven’t started our family yet, but this is already something that I’ve thought about! I’m 8 years older than my sister, and my mom has told me about how worried she was the entire time she was pregnant with my sister. She worried that she was being selfish for wanting another child when she already had the perfect child (gee, thanks mom, now I know where I get that superiority complex!); she worried that she wouldn’t love the new baby as much as she loved me; she worried that she would neglect me because a baby would demand so much of her time; etc. She said that my Granny (her mom) told her not to worry because she knew three thing to be true:
A parent will always love their children with every fiber of their being, regardless of how many children that parent has; a loved child is always perfect in his parents’ eyes; and any child that is loved feels the warmth of affection and attention from his parents.
Granny backed up her theory by pointing out that God loves us as His children. No matter how many children He has, it does not diminish the amount of love He has for each one of us.
Also, on a more superficial level – Granny pointed out that asking the oldest child to help occasionally makes that child feel special because he is “mommy’s helper” while the youngest feels special because he has “extra” people helping him!
Since I’m not a mom I can’t tell you what I did or how I felt, but I am sure you will do wonderful with two. I’m praying for you, I can’t imagine it being easy, but I am sure it is rewarding.
You are such an amazing mom! You won’t even believe how much bigger and better your love is with each new baby. Hudson will love you forever and he will love how you take care of his baby brother. Trust me , it will be wonderful:)
I think I’ve said this before ….. but your first will always hold a little special place in your heart.
I’m only on my first, but we’re thinking about the second. I DO cry at the milestones, but not at the thought of a sibling, so I guess we’re opposite in that regard.
Hudson won’t lose any love from you, you’ll love him just as much, if not more, as you see him in his big brother role. In his little brother, he will gain a whole new person who also loves him with his whole heart. So, in the end, Hudson will end up with even more love than before!
Erin,
This post is so sweet- but I think that it is also SO normal! I have two little boys and felt a lot of the same things that you are feeling right now when I was pregnant with my #2. I was working at the time, and so I hated that I wasn’t getting as much time with my oldest as possible. I was supposed to have a scheduled C-Section with my second, so I planned on taking a week off work beforehand to spend with my son but it all got crazy because #2 came early and my “plans” were no longer.
The reason I tell you all of this is, because I remember being in Labor & Delivery crying and crying and saying to my husband, “but we didn’t have enough time with him (our oldest)… he doesn’t know what’s about to happen!” I was convinced that we should just stop the labor and go home so we could spend more time with him- but you know there’s no way to do that. In the end- our oldest ended up handling everything PERFECTLY and didn’t skip a beat! When our second son was born, it was like the love multiplied instantly, however bizarre that sounds. Just remember that your time will be divided, but your love won’t.
Someone gave me a good piece of advice after our second was born that I found helpful, maybe you will too. When they both are crying and needing you, always go to the oldest first- because he will remember at this point (while #2 is tiny anyways). I’m not saying neglect the baby, and obviously you will need to meet his needs too- but Hudson is going to be impressionable and you don’t want him to become resentful or jealous. A baby won’t remember if they cry for just a minute while you help big brother, but a big brother will. Does that make sense? I know it sounds a little crazy, and doesn’t always apply in every situation- but it did help me a lot of the time when I was overwhelmed and had to figure out who to help first.
Wishing you continued success as you continue through this process… two boys is a real adventure!
Much love from a Clemson Alpha Chi Omega!
Your concerns are so normal and I think every Mom has felt them when pregnant with her second child BUT your friend, Kim is right. This will be a distant memory and the new baby will seamlessly meld right into your little family and you will hardly remember a time when he wasn’t there. I do look back on that time with my first son very fondly and there is nothing like becoming a Mom for the first time but each of my 3 children holds an equally big chunk of my heart (and one is adopted and two are biological). You don’ t have to worry about it…it just happens.
I know I’m years from being a mom, but this is already something that I know I’ll struggle with. I wonder when I see friends with multiple kids “How did my own parents do that??” It amazes me. But you are a strong woman and your sweet baby boy will feel nothing but love from you and TC, even with an extra addition in the family!
XO
I had this conversation with my mom several times while I was pregnant the 2nd time. I knew I’d have to have another c-section & I had never been away from my oldest daughter for more than a night. The thought of being in the hospital for a few days broke my heart. Would she know my love for her hadn’t changed? Makes me a little teary while I write. Amazingly she was just in love with her little sister as I was. It’s wonderful to see them help you like they are so big themselves. 🙂 I believe that Marlee (oldest) really enjoyed her new “responsibilities” with Laken.
And you’re right. You’ll love both of them just the same…somehow it works. lol!
Love the pictures in this post! And I want your hair!!
Good luck throughout the remainder of this pregnancy.
I also love these pictures! I’m about to have my 7th baby – and I think with each one there is a bit of mourning over the lost ‘baby status’ of the one before. And, also, because the most recent one is so young – not yet two – it’s too hard to explain to them about the new baby and how much you’re going to love them both! I know, for me, going from one to two was the hardest of all! It seemed as if my firstborn kept looking at me like “what have you done to my life?” But, it gets easier and I love to see the interactions between all of the kids. I know they love their siblings and I think it’s one of the blessings of having a large family!