One of the hardest parts about being pregnant with a toddler is this final stretch. You’re so big and tired that it’s harder to lift them and run after them, and all you want to do is relax on the couch. But you also have a million things to do to prep for baby and prep your toddler for all their stuff, and then there’s the guilt. You know you’re about to rock their world, so you want to get in as much special time with them before and be as present as possible while you don’t have a newborn consuming your every waking minute.
It’s been hard and I’m not going to lie, there’s been more screen time than I’d care to admit, and I’ve certainly lost my patience more than I’d care to admit as well. But I’m really trying to make the most of the time I do have with James and as a family of three, especially on weekends when we’re all together.
While we’ve snuck in as many adventures as we can to the zoo, new parks, and other fun spots, during this final stretch, I’ve found that spending lots of time at the pool has been the perfect way for too beat the heat and bond as a family. James loves being in the pool, it’s the one place where my feet don’t hurt and my muscles can relax, and I can cool off. And it’s contained so it’s easy for us to watch him and get his energy out without having to constantly chase after him.
It’s become our ritual in these last weeks to get up on weekend mornings, make breakfast and walk Dakota as a family and then pack up and jump in the car and head to the pool. We swim for a few hours, let James run around in the grass, eat lunch, and then head home in time to put James down for his nap. It’s the perfect set-up as long as he doesn’t fall asleep in the car. We can relax (and even nap, or more likely, get through the ten million to-dos) while he naps, he gets to be outside, be active, and enjoy one on one time with mom and dad, and we feel like we did something, so I don’t feel as guilty if post-nap we end up watching How to Train Your Dragon again and ordering takeout… again.
What about you? Any secrets for transitioning a toddler to a new sibling and getting through the last weeks of pregnancy with a toddler at home?
On Me: Dress (similar here and here); Sandals; Bag
3 comments
My kids are 13 and 15 now. I want to reassure you that going from one child to two is much much easier than you may think. In the beginning, in particular. You’re already up the steep learning curve from the first and when number two arrives it’s actually pretty manageable. A newborn baby sleeps a lot and gives everyone time to acclimate as they integrate gradually into family life. Feeding times are great opportunities to bond with both kids at once (readied, snuggling, helping you) and for the older to get used to the baby.
Part 2: also remember, babies are super transportable. James will still get to do all of his favorite things — you can just toss #2 in the car/stroller and be off. The last thing I’ll say is to include James as much as possible in everything and don’t feel like you need to “protect” the baby from him. Babies are pretty sturdy and can easily withstand lots of hugs and pokes and explorations. You’ll see, I promise — it will evolve very naturally. Good luck and ENJOY!
Thank you so much! This makes me feel so much better and is such great advice. I’ve been so stressed about it, and I’m feeling 100 percent better.