I am currently pregnant with my second child and watching my almost two-year-old son sing and chase the cat around. I am constantly surprised how big he is and how little time has seemed to pass since he was born.
As a working mom, I am always continually aware of my time spent with family versus work. I do not have a ‘9 to 5’ job like many people. Instead, I work evenings and weekends. In one sense, it is so nice to not worry about daycare during the days and have a ‘stay at home mom’ type of morning and afternoon. Knowing my day is divided between home and work, I feel like I am not able to be as focused on my son as I used to be. Especially now being 5 months pregnant, my time left with only one is very limited.
It doesn’t matter if you are a working mom or a stay at home mom. I don’t think it gets any easier to look at your child, see how old they are, and realize how much they have grown. They seem to jump past each milestone so quickly that it is hard to take in each new phase. My son is starting to sense that there is a change coming in the family. He has started to become more clingy with me and wants my attention on him at all times. It breaks my heart that he may feel like he is being replaced when that is not the case at all.
I know this transition between one and two is going to be hard, but I didn’t realize it would start before the baby is even born. These next 4 months I will be soaking up every second with my son. Holding him a bit tighter, cuddling him a little more, and taking in every sweet little kiss. I know I will still get those times with him after the baby is born, but I know my time with the kids will be shared.
The best advice I have gotten for when my second baby arrives is to make sure visitors greet my firstborn before seeing the new baby. If they come in saying “Jude show me your baby brother,” he will feel helpful and proud to have a job. He will feel recognized instead of ignored.
Mom’s of 2+ children: write in the comments your best advice for transitioning into a growing family!
