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Yep, it's official, i'm exhausted! Juggling a toddler and new baby is definitely hard work. I laugh at statements I read in books like 'sleep when your baby is sleeping' and 'try to get as much rest as possible'. The problem with looking after two children of different ages is that they aren't in synch when it comes to sleep, which means no time off at all for mummy. I'm surviving by drinking loads of cups of tea - who knows what effect this has on breastmilk! I'm reading 'The Best Friends Guide to Motherhood', by Vicki Iovine, and she states that if a normal human being experienced that same sleep deprivation as a new mum, they would be verging on psychotic by now! Luckily, second time around, you're well used to it and you also realise that it doesn't last forever. The other issue is remembering to eat. The first time around when The Bean was born I remember being hungry all the time, but this time, possibly because i've got quite a lot on my hands, I keep forgetting to eat and have basically survived on cereal or finishing off The Bean's leftover sweetcorn. I'm going home to see my mum tomorrow so I'm looking forward to being pampered with food (mum already phoned me to ask whether i wanted a roast - Mmmmm) cups of tea and the ultimate luxury - a bath! My eyes are feeling heavy as i'm writing this and I know that even if I do fall asleep, i'll have to wake in a couple of hours to feed Pops, still, both my girls are fast asleep so i'll take advantage of the situation and get some shut eye, if only for 20 mins....
posted on Wednesday, June 18, 2008 11:21 PM

Comments

Heidi on 6/20/2008 2:51 PM

It is so lovely to read about someone coping with 2 children. I have just found out I'm pregnant and have a 20 month old, and have already started panicking about how I will cope(even though I am thrilled to be pregnant again)! Thanks for your honesty...it is refreshing.

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Jenny on 6/26/2008 12:08 PM

Reading your comments brought back many memories! I have a 3 year old (boy) and a 2 year old (girl) and it only seems 2 minutes since I had a newborn and a baby who was just learning to walk!!! Tired is not the word!! I somehow managed to get the three of us into a rountie where we would all have an afternoon nap at the same time! They both still have one now, unfortunately I'm at work so don't get one anymore!!
Seeing them play together now like the best of friends makes all the hard work worthwhile! - Even if they do only do it for 15 minutes!!
We do have a few issues around sharing and both wanting to keep their own toys to themselves! But am hoping this is something they will grow out of!
Congratulations and Good Luck!!

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Katharine Graves on 6/26/2008 12:19 PM

I remember feeling so grateful I was breast feeding my second baby because, when you breast feed, you have one hand free to hug a toddler while you balance a book on the feeding baby and read the toddler a story. That way you can give TLC to everyone at the same time.

Katharine Graves

Katharine Graves is a HypnoBirthing teacher in London

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Shelley on 6/26/2008 1:36 PM

I'm there!! I have a 20 month old and an 18 week old, my eyes are to the floor but it's already getting better and I just Love them SOOO MUCH!!!

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Ellie on 6/26/2008 6:14 PM

I know how you feel! My son was born in November & I've also got a little girl who was 2 in March! The sleep pattern has settled down for me, now I'm coping with tantrums & teething lol
Good Luck xx

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Etain on 6/27/2008 12:51 AM

I think it is something that you have to get on with. It's not actually that hard. I have 2 children, my youngest is 8 weeks and I have had to work over the past 3-4 weeks to meet deadlines (from home - while breast feeding). I don't really understand why looking after a baby would be so tiring if that were your only activity, unless they (a) cry all the time or (b) you are trying to force them into a sleep pattern that doesn't match yours.

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Claire foster on 6/30/2008 10:00 AM

Thanks for your honesty I am about to have twins (in next couple of weeks hopefully) and I have a 2 and half year old. Am already stressing about how I will cope but I am lucky enough to have a very willing mum around the corner who I know will give me tons of support as well as a great network of friends and my sister who are all really close by! I think the key is don't be afraid to ask for help, friends and family are all willing but often don't feel comfortable offering! Congratulations and good luck!

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