Baby #2

Let’s just say baby #2 is a game changer, especially when you have a toddler at home.  While it’s been challenging I’m finding having a newborn the second time around so much easier than the first time!  I don’t know if it’s because Baby C is super chill or if I’m some sort of magical parenting expert or maybe a combination of both.  However, you throw in the toddler factor and all Hell breaks loose.  I’m mean what’s up with these two year olds?  Learn how to regulate your emotions already, my goodness.

Since I have a few moments with Baby C content in his newborn lounger (which his older brother never liked) I thought I would make a top 5 list of differences with my second baby since I love making lists so much.

#1 Less Anxiety

Brought to you by Lexapro, well yes but also as a second time mother I’ve done this before and have a healthy and most of the time happy two year old.  My second round of motherhood comes with a confidence I didn’t know I had when I had Soy Bean.  I’ve been pretty open about my struggles with postpartum depression, anxiety and OCD here and this was certainly a factor during my last pregnancy.  I advocated for myself and was open about how I was feeling plus I was at a different practice and received much better mental health care this time around.  With my second I know what I’m doing and that feeling is empowering.

#2 Recovery

I want to dive into this further in a separate post but the recovery after the birth of my second was so much easier than the first.  In my case I opted for a VBAC (vaginal birth after caesarian).  I pushed for a VBAC my entire pregnancy and again I’ll dive deeper into this in another post but the recovery from the deliveries were like night and day.  Anyone who ever says having a C section is the easy way out could not be more incorrect!  I felt like a million bucks after having this baby.  I feel so fortunate to have both birth experiences.

#3 The Stuff!

Bables come with a lot of accessories and stuff.  Carseats, strollers, adaptors, breast pumps, blankets, and so on.  The list is really endless.  However, with a second you know what you need and don’t need and most likely you already have what you need.  Most of the items I had to buy for Baby C were just because.  He is using the same crib, carseat, bath, etc.  I bought him some cute clothes and of course had to spring for a double stroller (thank you Facebook Marketplace) but besides what I WANTED to get him we already had everything we needed.

#4 It all Changes…

When I brought Soy Bean home from the hospital I thought I would never sleep again.  I thought I would never have another date night with my husband and I would spend the rest of my life changing diapers. It might seem that way when you bring your first baby home but trust me it all changes.  Time goes so fast and before you know it they are walking and talking.  With Baby C I am trying to soak everything up.  He’s not going to be so little forever.  He’s not going to fit perfectly on my chest for snuggles and sleep next to me in his bassinet forever.  I find that’s the toughest part about being a parent.  We lose some of ourselves when we give our lives to others but if we do our job right they don’t need us so much anymore.  Dylan and I have had one glorious date night dinner since we brought Baby C home and we always remind ourselves that all of this is only temporary and that we need to enjoy it.

#5 Love

My heart was already full with Soy Bean.  I loved Baby C from the moment I found he existed.  When you have an additional child never worry about how you are going to possibly love them because it’s there.