I’ll be honest with you, I feel like this pregnancy is creeping along. It’s a bit annoying because I know once he arrives the time will pass with incredible speed. I’m not sure how or why it works that way, but it does, I’ve been there and I know how quickly everything changes.
From newborn to infancy to toddlerhood. I feel like I merely blinked my eyes and life moved forward at an alarming rate.
But, time passing slowly isn’t a bad thing. Not at all. It’s nice to feel like time is dragging, I know our days as a family of three are limited. We’ve made it our goal for the new year to stay home more, enjoy more dinners at home, play in the playroom more often, we’ve adopted a more structured nightly routine. We’re all thriving in this environment, it seems to be just the thing we needed.
It’s easy to admit that I have a little fear moving forward. How will this enormous dynamic shift change our family? If I’m honest, I’m mostly worried about Braylen.
She’s never known anything other than this life as a family of three, she gets all of the attention, she is our focus. In just three short months, things are going to change in a major way for her and I don’t know that there is any way I can actually prepare her for what is to come.
I’m not worried about the tough infant stage. The late night feedings and sleep schedules. I’m worried about dividing my time between the two of them. Which seems silly, I know. But, it’s something that I’ve never had to do. It’s also something that she’s never experienced.
For the past four years she’s had us all to herself. She’s never been jealous or acted out to get our attention, because she’s never had to vie for our attention. It’s always been hers.
It is my hope that she falls into this role seamlessly, and she probably will. She’s smart and she loves to feel like she is helping with anything we do around the house. It’s up to me not to become completely consumed by this new role, but to embrace this change and make sure she feels included.
In reality, I know there will be times that require extra patience from her (and myself). Perhaps instead of worrying, I should look forward to those, because we could all use a little more patience. In the end, this is an enormous blessing for our family, and I know these feelings will subside once the baby arrives. The unknown is toughest part and the anticipation sometimes gets the best of me.
Apparently, my lesson in patience has already started. This is all normal, right? In the end, it’ll all work out, I’m certain. I’m also certain that seeing the two of them together may cause my heart to explode with love and gratitude. And for the reason, I can’t wait for that day.
I answered several questions about the nighttime routine and chore chart in the comments yesterday. I’ll also get a more detailed post together next week.
It is normal to be worried. After a few months Braylen will get used to living with her baby brother. After that they can’t remember or imagine their lives without their sibling. It happened to us. It requires patience as you said. Remember Braylen will need more attention, the baby won’t notice. One thing that helped us a little was to give our son gifts the day of the birth of her sister. We told him she had brought them for him. He was thrilled. Many people that came to visit us were so sweet to bring gifts for both of our children. Trust me you’ll be fine, you’re an amazing mommy!
I remember feeling this exact way! It is amazing to have your love grow! Before my son was born, I went to Build a Bear and made a special gift for my daughter, the soon to be big sister. It was waiting at home for her when we all came home from the hospital. It was from her little brother. My daughter, at five years old has never forgot that. That bear has been her favorite gift, she always has it! I remember when my son would nap, that is the time I would make just for my daughter. We would bake, play play doh or a game. Just something the two of us could do together. My husband would take her out on mini dates. She adjusted amazingly. How exciting for your family!
I was more terrified of bringing a second baby home then I was with bringing my first one home. I had the same concerns as you about my daughter. I was really hoping that she would adjust well. It took her about two weeks to acknowledge her new brother but when she finally did, it was amazing! she has taken on the big sister role and has done so well. In all honesty though, even after five months, I still don’t have it perfect rhythm. We have our good days and we have our bad days and we just have to go with it. Your daughter will adjust and you will find your rhythm and you will be an amazing family of four.
Isn’t it insane how fast the newborn to infancy to one year mark goes?! Aiden is turning 1 in a little over a month and I’m already teary about it!