~ So you lost your mind during your first pregnancy. It seems like it had miraculously rejoined your body once the baby came along; but now that you are preggers again, your brain has probably vacated the premises. Enjoy being crazy, mama; at least you have an excuse for it now. (PS- your mind and brain are probably not going to be coming back anytime soon. Better stock up on sticky notes and download Evernote on your phone now, before you forget).
~ Already tired with the existing child and have no time for yourself? Check! You own more ponytail holders and yoga pants than the local sporting goods store? Check! Hope you didn’t think that was going to change anytime soon, because now that cuddle bug number two is baking, you aren’t going to find time to wear much else around the house. (Please don’t forget to get dressed for work; even if your work clothes have formula stains or grape jelly on them. It will help you feel better! I promise!)
~ Cleaning your house with a toddler is kind of like trying to hang clothes on the line during a tornado. Pointless. It gets worse the longer you are pregnant (Oh No!). But really, don’t worry about it. When baby comes, she isn’t going to care how tidy your house is. In fact, the only one that really cares about it is you. Try to find one little thing each day to pick up, just enough to help alleviate some of your anxiety about having a messy house. Remember, it isn’t messy- it is lived in!
~ Sleep now, as much as you possibly can (which, if you have a toddler terrorizing your house, is probably not going to be much). Take time for yourself when you can. It will help your morale later, if you are happy with yourself now.
~ Spend as much time with your pre-existing offspring as you do without her. It is hard, but maybe let Daddy do Daddy daycare once in a while. Trust him… he isn’t going to screw her up (too) much. This goes for daddy too- be sure to make time for just the two of you. After all, he liked you enough to get you pregnant, so you probably should show him more than just a little affection from time to time.
Once D-day comes, and you are finally ready for your sweet little second child to join your family, don’t forget to take care of yourself, first and foremost. Let the nurses bathe and take baby out of your room so you can sleep. Trust me, you will have lots of time to cuddle once you get home. Those few hours spent sleeping in a crappy hospital bed without interruption from your spouse or children will feel amazing. Most of all, remember to enjoy your new and improved family. There are going to be things that you will experience this time that you missed because you were so physically and emotionally drained after the first pregnancy. That’s the great part about the second time around; you probably made all the mistakes with the first kid, so now you get to enjoy the ride.
Best wishes to any pregnant and expecting mommy out there!
Until next time,
~ Richelle