For mothers of children close in age

Jennie726 · Jun 24, 2008

I'm wondering how you handled it LOL. Ours will only be 12 months and 3 weeks apart and I'm honestly worried if I'm going to be able to handle it or not. Also, how different were your children? Everyone keeps telling me Serenity will be nothing like Josiah was. Josiah was very colicky for about 5 months so I'm praying against it with her! But seriously, tell me how you did it. Was it easy for you? Or was it a challenge? I know this will be a challenge for me because Josiah still depends on me for so much. Just wanted to hear everyone's experiences with this.

Neenie1 · Jun 24, 2008

I don't have children close in age, but I do have 2 (a boy firstborn and girl youngest) and I will 2nd what other people have told you. This 2nd baby will probably be nothing like your first was. She may have colic, but just because your first had it, doesn't mean your 2nd will have it.

Birbitt · Jun 24, 2008

My boys are 16 months apart, and when they were little it was a bit tough at first trying to keep my toddler on schedule, and work with my infants schedule (which really was just what he wanted when he wanted it). After the first month or so it actually got really easy because my little one actually started to naturally follow the older one's schedule. Also I tried to let my older child help as much as possible so that he felt part of the baby's life instead of just watching from the sidelines so to speak. Now that they are older 3( 4 in another 2 months) and 5 they are just the best of friends...and really they hate to do anything without the other. Everyone asks if I have twins I tell them no, but they sure act like it most of the time. Hope that helps and if there are any other questions I can answer for you feel free to pm me if you'd like.

Jennie726 · Jun 25, 2008

Birbitt said:
My boys are 16 months apart, and when they were little it was a bit tough at first trying to keep my toddler on schedule, and work with my infants schedule (which really was just what he wanted when he wanted it). After the first month or so it actually got really easy because my little one actually started to naturally follow the older one's schedule. Also I tried to let my older child help as much as possible so that he felt part of the baby's life instead of just watching from the sidelines so to speak. Now that they are older 3( 4 in another 2 months) and 5 they are just the best of friends...and really they hate to do anything without the other. Everyone asks if I have twins I tell them no, but they sure act like it most of the time. Hope that helps and if there are any other questions I can answer for you feel free to pm me if you'd like.

Thanks, hun! That was helpful! Yeah, many have told me it's going to be like having twins LOL.

JulySheMustFly · Jun 25, 2008

I have 3 who are almost 3.5 years apart from oldest to youngest. My younger 2 are 13 months apart. Each child is different you can't really compare them. I think having two so close would have been easier if I did not have my oldest as well. I have two high needs children and one very sensitive child so the combination was/is a challenge each day but we take it one day at a time. I love that my children are so close in age. I know I didn't not handle the first year as the mom I'd like to have been but now that they are 6, 4 & 3 we are doing much better and they are great friends. I really hope it stays that way. The biggest thing I had to do that allowed me to meet the needs of my children was to lower my own expectations of what my home should look like and other things like that which just added to my own stress. I also had to learn that it is perfectly ok to ask for help. I didn't have to be super mom and do it all on my own. :hug:

Leanna · Jun 25, 2008

If your second exhibits the same symptoms, be sure to check into reflux. Reflux has been misdiagnosed as colic many times in the past while classic colic is supposed to clear up at 12 weeks not last for 5 months. If you have a refluxy baby, you are more likely to have a second one but you should be better prepared in what to expect.

My second and third are 14 months apart, and I find that the easy part. Of course you have to come to terms with some crying. Sometimes someone will be crying while you attend to the other. Expect it, and it won't surprise or upset you. I think the most challenging thing I am dealing with right now is keeping my oldest intellectually stimulated when he is stuck in the baby house. Also sibling stuff between him and my 16 month old because he wants to play with her but she is not old enough for proper cooperative play.

So yeah I think it will be fine.

marezee · Jun 25, 2008

my first two were 12 months and 2 weeks apart!! So i know what you are going through!!
It was difficult for me at first. I wasn't sure i could handle it. i had a lot of doubt.
The hardest part for me was the breastfeeding. It was difficult to keep a schedule for my toddler when i was trying to bf. but i did eventually get into a schedule. I think that is what saved my sanity! LOL!
once you are on a schedule...feeding, bathing, sleeping, eating, etc, it is not so bad.
Try like heck to get them both on the same sleeping and nap schedule. and sleep when they sleep!
also, try to get out of the house when you can. It tires them out, and it gives you some time in the sun--much needed vitamin D!!
I had a double stroller and went for walks at least twice a day...weather permitting.
another thing...if you have 2 floors, keep a diaper changing station on each floor (with not only diapers and wipes, but extra clothes as well). That way, you don't have to go up and down the stairs all day--saving yourself some energy!
and a video now and then for the toddler wouldn't be so bad! LOL!
if you have any specific questions, let me know.
My first son had acid reflux and threw up after meals quite often. My second son had colic.

Jennie726 · Jun 25, 2008

Thank you girls so much for the replies! I really appreciate them. I know it's going to have its difficult days but I am looking forward to having a son and a daughter so close!

Jennie726 · Jun 25, 2008

marezee said:
my first two were 12 months and 2 weeks apart!! So i know what you are going through!!
It was difficult for me at first. I wasn't sure i could handle it. i had a lot of doubt.
The hardest part for me was the breastfeeding. It was difficult to keep a schedule for my toddler when i was trying to bf. but i did eventually get into a schedule. I think that is what saved my sanity! LOL!
once you are on a schedule...feeding, bathing, sleeping, eating, etc, it is not so bad.
Try like heck to get them both on the same sleeping and nap schedule. and sleep when they sleep!
also, try to get out of the house when you can. It tires them out, and it gives you some time in the sun--much needed vitamin D!!
I had a double stroller and went for walks at least twice a day...weather permitting.
another thing...if you have 2 floors, keep a diaper changing station on each floor (with not only diapers and wipes, but extra clothes as well). That way, you don't have to go up and down the stairs all day--saving yourself some energy!
and a video now and then for the toddler wouldn't be so bad! LOL!
if you have any specific questions, let me know.
My first son had acid reflux and threw up after meals quite often. My second son had colic.

Thanks, hun! Were your 2 complete opposites as well? I'm really wondering how Serenity will be because Josiah was not a very happy newborn. Not only did he have colic, but he fought his sleep all the time. It was so hard trying to get him to sleep. I'm hoping she will want to sleep

.

marezee · Jun 26, 2008

Jennie726 said:
Thanks, hun! Were your 2 complete opposites as well? I'm really wondering how Serenity will be because Josiah was not a very happy newborn. Not only did he have colic, but he fought his sleep all the time. It was so hard trying to get him to sleep. I'm hoping she will want to sleep .

Oh yes! They were sooo different. I used to say that I was spoiled by my first child, because he took to a sleeping schedule very quickly. He loved his crib and sometimes he just lay there awake but happily playing.
Then my second child came along....and woah! He was colicy, and had a hard time sleeping on his back. It was soooo frustrating. He was up from 11pm until about 4am. Sometimes he would just cry and cry...no matter what i did. I tried swaddling, singing, swinging, massage, music, a mother's womb tape, you name it. I would finally fall asleep with him laying on my chest--on the couch sitting up! LOL! It lasted about a month....but it felt like a year! when i thought i would go absolutely insane, he finally slept for 5 hours one night! I couldn't believe it and kept checking on him to make sure he was breathing! LOL!
My first born is now 5 soon to be 6, and my second born is 4 soon to be 5. they are the best of friends. my third son is 2 1/2.
I survived and so did they. It just takes patience and lots of love. Some help from family and friends never hurt either! so solicit their help if you feel you need it! Don't think you are not a good mother because you ask for help every now and then. We are not super women! We need breaks too!
hugs and God bless!

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For mothers of children close in age

Jennie726

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