Monday, October 20, 2008

Preparation

So for all of you who have at least 2 kids . . . . . . I want to know how to prepare the first for when #2 comes along??? I've heard all kinds of stories about kids reacting different ways to when you bring baby #2 home. Easton knows all about baby Mia in my tummy but when I ask if he is ready for baby Mia to come live with us he says "no mom, not yet." I really think he will do okay once he realizes the extent of the situation but does anyone have any last minute advice?

I just can't imagine loving another child as much as I love Easton but that is the capacity of a mother, enough heart to love them all. Easton has grown up too fast on me. He cracks me up with his cute little personality. His mind is like a sponge and if I ever start wondering where he picked something up from, I can guarantee it's from me or Scott. Little things we don't even realize we do or say. Incredible!

We recently got a home security system that beeps every time an exterior door is opened and it indicates which door it is (to help reduce my paranoia of Easton walking out of the house without me knowing). Quite often we will be going out through the garage to get into the car to run errands and a voice says "beep beep . . . garage door." Easton now responds by saying "O.K. lady!" It's hillarious! Also during sacrament meeting at church he has taken to saying things very loudly, determined to provide a little entertainment to those around us. There have been quite a few incidents but my favorite was a few weeks ago when he had a bit of a crusty booger hanging half way out of his nose. I did the motherly thing and tried to "remove" it. Right after my failed attempt (Easton is too quick) he gives me this look and yells "no mommy, stop pickin' my nose!" Needless to say my face turned a few more shades of red as half of the congregation turned to look at us. We still love him!

11 comments:

Phill, Allie, and kids said...

We have a security system that beeps everytime a door or window open and I LOVE it! Carson tried to escape one to many times! haha As for having 2... let Easton "help" with you and Mia as much as he wants. Carson loved getting Hannah's diapers, wetwipes, binkys, throwing diapers in the trash and all that. It was really alot easier than I thought it would be. And now he loves having a buddy to play with all day long. You will do great!

Kristen said...

I don't know that I'm the best person to give advice given that I have 4 and 5 years between my kids. Although, they never really understand how much their lives will change. I second the idea of having them help with things with the baby. It helps them see that it's "their" baby too. It might also help to get a stuffed animal that they can take care of while you take care of Mia. I'll never forget my girls trying to nurse their dolls. We quickly got bottles for them after that. One thing I also did that really helped was fill a basket with special things they could only do while I was nursing. A special toy, coloring book and crayons, even special snacks. That way when I couldn't physically play with them, they had a distraction. Good Luck!

Angie said...

Thanks for sharing some things Easton says. So funny! No advice from me about 2 kids...I'll be asking you in a few weeks.

Anonymous said...

Jess, I can't believe it's almost time. I too love what Easton said in church, that is so funny. Things that come out of their mouths are the best.
As for two kids, something that helped us a lot was when Archie was born, we had alot of people come over with gifts for him. We were always so grateful, but Vince had a hard time with the NEW BABY getting ALL the presents. Ater a couple of times of this happening, Jeriah ran to the store and bought a bunch of dollar store toys and wrapped them up so when someone brought something over for the new baby we also had a "present" to give to Vince. It made a world of difference, and then he got all gitty everytime someone brought over a present for the baby. This made the transition alot better since for a few weeks you get a lot of gifts and things from neighbors and stuff.
It taught me a valuable lesson too, everytime I take a baby gift to someone who has just one older sibling, I bring something small for them too. It has to be hard for the older child for this major change, but they do adjust and it is sooooooooooo great. Anything you can do to make it easier is awesome.
The fact that you're ahead of schedule even getting on top of this now, shows you are so ready for number too.... can't wait Jess, good luck with it all.

Mindy said...

He is a crack up! Enjoy the next week with just you and him, it will never be the same again. I can't believe it's almost time!
Carter really surprised us with how well he adjusted to Owen coming into our family. Just this afternoon he wanted Owen to lay by him before his nap. It surprises me to see how he really loves the baby and how he is so soft and careful. One thing I had to learn the first week after Scott went to work and I was alone with them was to stop and give Carter attention before he had to cry out for it by misbehaving. Easton will probably need to be reassured that mom and dad still love him too and that he is still special too. I agree with the suggestions to let him help as much as he wants... I bet he will surprise you with how well he adjusts... I hope it goes smoothly! Can't wait to see pictures of her!! Good luck!

Lisa said...

Easton is a hoot! He'll be like the kid sitting behind us in sacrament a few months ago . . . the speaker said "Looks like it's time for me to conclude . . ." and the boy shouted "YAY!!". It was hilarious. As for advice- I think it will go fine. Brian was so young when Clayton came along that he adjusted pretty fast. One thing I did that helped was make 'feeding time' for the baby 'reading time' with Brian. Every time I nursed I would grab a stack of books and have Brian snuggle with me. Anything that helps him feel special and included.

Erin said...

Easton is a crack-up! Love it! Baby number 2...hmmm...it is an adjustment but you will all be just fine. It just takes time. Mostly just keep paying lots of attention to Easton and involve him a lot in "helping" with the baby. He'll love the "big brother" role. Every time I'd nurse Addison, Ellie would have to sit on my lap too. Good times. :) They really do adjust quickly and before you know it they will be completely in love with each other which will melt your heart! Having two is the best! Good luck!

Frank, Heidi and Family said...

Jessica-
When Camberlyn was born we worried about Gavin, so we had her bring her brothers gifts (someone might have already said this, I didn't read everything above). When the boys came to visit at the hospital they had a special gift from her waiting for them. That way they liked her right off the bat. Also, he needs to understand the baby can wait sometimes for him. A parenting counselor answered the question, "If both children need you at the exact same time... who do you care for first." The answer, - the oldest one. They have more needs. (this all goes back to "Maslow's Heiarchy of Needs") The baby only has physical needs right now, but the older one has developed emotional needs and perhaps more, I just forgot which ones specifically. Easton has the capability of remembering if you ditch him to take care of the baby. Sorry this is so long. Good luck, it is much easier then you think it will be.

The Harrises said...

Hey Jess-
Oh! Good luck with the new baby. Easton, I'm sure will have a lot more to say once she arrives, so keep us posted.
I guess, I just went to the $1 store and wrapped up a bunch of toys so that Becket could be entertained with grandma. Nothing special, but it worked. Personalities are all different. Good Luck

Jen L said...

Hey jess...there is no good advise. But I do remember reading Emilie a book when Matt was born called "I'm a big sister now". She packed it around everywhere and knew that she was going to be big and the baby was coming...
Anyways, I have tagged you, check out my blog to see the rules.

Ryan and Kristie said...

You have seriously got the most exciting blog page. I get tired just reading all of the things you do. As far as baby #2 goes, well lets just say I have yet to see you experience anything and not be amazing at it. So quit worrying and own all your awesomeness! Your mommy mode will kick in and you will be just fine. Love you!