A Favor

Ok ya'll, I know it's a Friday and many of you are about to shut down your computers for the weekend, but I have a favor to ask. It occurs to me that our sweet little baby #2 is going to be here soon, as in very soon, and while I feel we have definitely tried to prepare Hannah for this major life change- I want to ask all of you mommies if you have any little gems of advice on this topic, or your mom, or your best friend, or whomever... any ideas on anything, (albeit last minute) that we should do to prepare our little Miss for her new brother?

So far we have:

• Talked a ton about our new baby brother (and I actually think she understands as well as she can for her age- 22 months)

• Been in brother's room, talked about the things in his room, looked through the baby clothes, etc.

• Read books about new babies, and becoming a big sister

• We have purchased a new baby doll (it's a boy!) for Hannah to have when brother comes home

• I have been stocking up on crafty projects that I feel will engage her, but also require limited supervision so she has fun big sister things to do while I am busy with the baby.

• I have stocked up on small surprises, treats, etc. to reward her helpfulness, sweet attitude towards brother, or serve as a distraction (or bribe- I can call an apple an apple).

• We also plan on bringing home cupcakes when we bring home the new baby so we can celebrate- and honestly, doesn't cake make everything better?

So any advice? I want this to be a happy time for Hannah and our family so ANY advice is greatly appreciated!!

Comments

[Jessi]

Our Josiah was just shy of 21 months when Laney rocked his world. Surprisingly, we have seen very little-to-no sibling envy (even while nursing). We just tried as much as we could to make sure he knew that this baby was his, too. We let him hold her and praised him when he gave her kisses/hugs, etc. And now that he's 2.5, he's a huge go-getter if I need wipes, diaper cream, paci, etc.

Try not to worry so much about how she'll take the change...Hannah will surprise you and do better than you ever expected. I really think that her motherly instinct will kick in and you'll have a "little momma" to help you out.

[Trisha]

I remember everyone wanting to take Hayes off my hands... but what I really wanted was someone to take the babies off my hands so I could spend some time with Hayes. Just make sure you schedule your one on one time with her.

Also, I stocked a big brother backpack with goodies for the hospital. Hayes got to open it up while we were waiting for Embry and Ellie to come. He was excited about the fun stuff and it kept him entertained.

I'm sure Hannah will be a wonderful little helper. Those little girls love their babies!

[dddd]

I randomly stumbled on your blog and I thought I might share some information.
Here is what I learned from my professor who is an expert on child development. You need to buy the older child a toy she will really like. Then you could give it to her a couple of days before the birth of the baby. In addition, when she goes to visit the baby, you need to make it all about her. And tell her “oh, look we were waiting for you, especially your brother.” And the idea with the doll is great; it definitely makes her feel in control by doing reverse role play. It also gives her chance to sooth her anxiety by expressing it on the doll. What they teach parents at the center is that it’s ok if their toddlers might seem “selfish” by not wanting to share and constantly be the center of attention. I know what they practice sounds strange. But, at 2 they need to have as much as possible and later on when they feel internally satisfied, they start sharing. They suggest that when the baby comes, the toddler will need extra attention to feel special, even by making sure parents involve the toddler in the daily activities. For example when you change the diapers, you could also give her room and place to change the diapers of her doll. I’m not a mother, so I don’t have that kind of experience, but that’s what I have learned from research on toddlers. Hope that helps, and sorry for the intrusion, just wanted to share the info. And if this helps, I am glad to share more info.
Good luck with the baby!

[Katie]

Our main trick was to never blame anything on the baby. We never told Jake we couldn't do something because the baby needed to be fed, changed, time for nap, etc. Hannah will do great!

[Dion]

I guess for us, Maddie didn't seem to care (or be affected) that much. We kept her schedule pretty much the same. We didn't encounter the rivalry until much later. Sounds like you're doing all that you can.

[randi]

Things will come together when the new babe arrives. Both you and Hannah will be making adjustments and finding out about the new person in the family. Since she is so young it is really hard to "prepare" her. When the time comes you will both make room in your hearts for someone new!

Congrats to you!

[Susannah]

I actually don't have any tips, but I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy your blog! It's uplifting, refreshing, and has helped me during some dreary evenings while my husband was on-call. Thank you for sharing and please keep spreading the joy. :)

Congrats, too, on the addition to your family! Hannah will be a wonderful big sister.

P.S. Dior mascara IS fabulous and I tried it thanks to you

[K]

Give Hanna a present from the baby!