https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Fri, 19 Jun 2026 08:48:18 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-it-really-like-going-from-one-child-to-two/page/2#post-2619873 Mon, 12 Sep 2016 05:42:48 +0000 brownepiano 2619873@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I never got baby fever, we just knew what wanted two and wanted to get the baby days behind us.<br /> The first two months were really rough. Lo 2 was gassy and fussy which probably wasn't bad if he had been our first but I also had a toddler getting in trouble. Now at 3 months I have started to feel like things are getting back to normal. </p> <p>Going from 0-1 was harder in getting used to doing things on a baby schedule. Going from 1-2 the harder part was that now nap times are rarely down time for me because i often have the other kid to take care of. Always being on is hard. My toddler also gets in trouble a lot more because I just can't watch him all the time now. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-it-really-like-going-from-one-child-to-two/page/2#post-2619870 Mon, 12 Sep 2016 05:03:01 +0000 Alba4 2619870@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@hellobeeboston: I agree with you 100%!</p> <p>Both my boys are mellow, good babies, but the adjustment was still hard. Splitting my attention between them both is the most challenging part. Luckily it's getting much easier now that I'm at the 12 week mark. (My boys are 34 months apart). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-it-really-like-going-from-one-child-to-two/page/2#post-2619860 Mon, 12 Sep 2016 00:38:32 +0000 turquoisemama 2619860@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@JCCovi: That's great to hear! I know the first year will be super hard but if we can get through that, I look forward to that awesome sibling bond.</p> <p>@2littlepumpkins: Yeah I definitely bubble wrapped DD too...I think I'll be better the second time around. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-it-really-like-going-from-one-child-to-two/page/2#post-2619846 Sun, 11 Sep 2016 22:53:15 +0000 2littlepumpkins 2619846@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@turquoisemama: honestly there have been some rough moments but ds hasn't had anything too bad yet. He was hospitalized for a fever at five weeks but it was standard for newborns with fevers and it was just a virus that honestly didn't seem to bother him all that much. And I'm sure it helps his immune system to be exposed. I bubble wrapped dd her first year or so! I worry a lot too but having two has forced me to reevaluate what is worth worrying about. Honestly I was in the same place as you and from the other side I'm so grateful to have two. I'd have another if I could handle pregnancy better and afford it. Watching them grow together is the best. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-it-really-like-going-from-one-child-to-two/page/2#post-2619826 Sun, 11 Sep 2016 21:26:35 +0000 JCCovi 2619826@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DD was an easy baby and the transition from 0 to 1 was seamless. The transition from 1-2 was like getting punched in the face, even though DS was still a good baby.</p> <p>Now with DD 3 and DS 19 months, having 2 seems much better then having one because they entertain each other a lot. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-it-really-like-going-from-one-child-to-two/page/2#post-2619259 Sat, 10 Sep 2016 09:19:44 +0000 AnnabelleG 2619259@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Also, even though I didn't have baby fever before I got pregnant, it developed while I was pregnant. And 9 months was a long time for my older one to grow up a bit. You got this! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-it-really-like-going-from-one-child-to-two/page/2#post-2619225 Sat, 10 Sep 2016 07:35:23 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2619225@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@turquoisemama: yes! It really was just the first 12-18 months. Then it got much easier and they play together. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-it-really-like-going-from-one-child-to-two/page/2#post-2619209 Sat, 10 Sep 2016 04:11:20 +0000 mrbee 2619209@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@turquoisemama: We definitely have more time now! But we don't have the childcare we need to take advantage of it... yet!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-it-really-like-going-from-one-child-to-two/page/2#post-2619206 Sat, 10 Sep 2016 03:40:52 +0000 turquoisemama 2619206@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thanks for all the great responses! I read every one and they have helped me a lot. I feel a lot more informed and prepared to make the decision. I'm not quite ready yet but we'll probably decide in the next couple months. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-it-really-like-going-from-one-child-to-two/page/2#post-2619205 Sat, 10 Sep 2016 03:38:40 +0000 turquoisemama 2619205@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@autumnleaves: Thankfully I SAH right now so we won't need full time daycare for a while if at all. I do think about that though, it's crazy expensive. If I did have to go back to work, all my income would go to that!</p> <p>@T.H.O.U.: That's what I'm wondering...about how it is after the first couple of years. I know it will be tough at first but I don't want to base my decision on the difficulty of having two very small children. So much to think about!</p> <p>@AnnabelleG: I don't feel the baby fever either,, but like you I had this vision for my family and it always included at least two kids. I don't want to wake up one day and wish I had more.</p> <p>@mrbee: Do you feel like since your kids are getting a little older that you have more time as a couple? One of my big fears is losing even more time with DH since it's so limited already. Most of our time together is him playing with DD and me doing chores.</p> <p>@Mrs. Cookie: I'm looking into the future and hoping we'll adjust to two like we have adjusted to one. I'm so scared of losing all my personal time but I'll have to make the time somewhere to keep my sanity.</p> <p>@2littlepumpkins: How was the preschool thing for the baby? Did your older child bring home a lot of illnesses? I worry about that. I worry a lot... :silly: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-it-really-like-going-from-one-child-to-two/page/2#post-2619182 Fri, 09 Sep 2016 23:42:17 +0000 2littlepumpkins 2619182@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We're 11 months in and it has actually been a wonderful year. I also went from SAHM to WOHM at 5m pp and honestly that helps a lot. The most difficult thing was having dd start preschool/center care for the first time in the fall weeks before ds was born. But ds has been a pretty easy baby as far as that goes and I didn't get PPD/A this time and it has been much better than 0-1. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-it-really-like-going-from-one-child-to-two/page/2#post-2619149 Fri, 09 Sep 2016 21:46:43 +0000 sweetooth 2619149@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We knew we wanted two kids from the get go. But I tell ya, if I could really control how things went down, and hadn't had to deal with infertility, I would have spaced them out a bit more. The 19 month gap between the two of them is SO challenging. The best part is the brother bond. It's strong and amazing to witness. But they both need us SO much for SO much. It's exhausting. I love them - but I'm exhausted! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-it-really-like-going-from-one-child-to-two/page/2#post-2618547 Fri, 09 Sep 2016 07:21:09 +0000 Mrs. Dolphin 2618547@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think it may depend on the kids' personalities. I had complicated pregnancies both times, but no morning sickness with the first one and tons of morning sickness the second time. Our first was very colicky, but we knew we wanted to have a second and wanted them to be close in age (they are 18 months apart). With our second, it was really a seamless transition and it seems like he fit right in. But, he is a VERY easy baby, slept for 20 hours a day for the first month, and even now is happy to play independently or have others around him, and never cries unless he's overtired. Our second is totally predictable whereas our first wasn't, plus we knew more the second time around. I blogged a little bit about our experience here (not necessarily specific to 2 under 2, with a lot about the transition to two): <a href="http://www.hellobee.com/2016/08/03/two-under-two-challenges-and-rewards/" rel="nofollow">http://www.hellobee.com/2016/08/03/two-under-two-challenges-and-rewards/</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-it-really-like-going-from-one-child-to-two/page/2#post-2618521 Fri, 09 Sep 2016 04:12:10 +0000 Mrs. Cookie 2618521@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Harder than I anticipated to have two for sure. But my second has been a terrible sleeper, but thankfully the sweetest baby. I think everything is harder when you're not sleeping. </p> <p>Also the loss of personal time again was tough. But that is improving. I think like all big changes, there's a transitional period. </p> <p>The great stuff? My family feels more complete. The sibling bond was amazing right from the start. I love having a baby and a toddler. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-it-really-like-going-from-one-child-to-two/page/2#post-2618518 Fri, 09 Sep 2016 03:32:10 +0000 mrbee 2618518@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>For us, having two kids made parenting more of a team effort... we had to divide and conquer, and it brought us a lot closer together! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-it-really-like-going-from-one-child-to-two/page/2#post-2618506 Fri, 09 Sep 2016 02:39:48 +0000 lamariniere 2618506@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Having a second was much easier. Not only did we have the first one under our belts, but my 2nd child was way more chilled out than the first. We could basically stick her in a bouncy chair in the living room and go on with our lives. My older LO had to be held constantly, was pretty fussy and didn't sleep much the first 6 months. Also, my older child was 3 when the younger one was born and he was pretty independent. He could talk very well, would listen and follow directions and, despite being a difficult baby, he was and still is an easygoing child. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-it-really-like-going-from-one-child-to-two/page/2#post-2618472 Thu, 08 Sep 2016 22:30:13 +0000 AnnabelleG 2618472@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What a great post- So many interesting responses! It's so interesting to see how different people's experiences are. For me, the overall life change of having one child was way harder and crazier than going from 1 to 2. (My sons are 22 months apart.) But it's definitely a lot more work. Sometimes I look back and think "How did I think I was so tired/overwhelmed with one?" but really, it's because being new at something was really hard. I had a lot more anxiety with my first.<br /> I didn't have baby fever at all when I got pregnant with number 2. But we made the choice based on our overall vision of our family: two kids, fairly close in age. It feels like the right decision for us, but now more than ever, I understand that different choices are right for different people. I don't think there's a wrong choice. Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-it-really-like-going-from-one-child-to-two/page/2#post-2618340 Thu, 08 Sep 2016 19:53:58 +0000 MrsADS 2618340@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Ms.Line glad to know you're in the same boat. I think DH would be happy if we decided to go for #2 now but omg. Becoming a parent has been a lot rougher on me than I thought. I am not sure I can handle another super difficult baby. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-it-really-like-going-from-one-child-to-two/page/2#post-2618282 Thu, 08 Sep 2016 18:56:32 +0000 autumnleaves 2618282@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrsrain: I feel the same way! I'm 4.5 months PP and my LOs have a 20 month age gap and though it was easier knowing what to expect with recovery, breastfeeding, etc. it is harder. I feel like I have lost my identity or am becoming a new me.<br /> I am so happy to have 2 little boys and I love mommyhood but miss being able to power nap or work out or spend quality time with DH. It doesn't help that I am swamped at work and we don't have family around who can help watch the LOs. I am hoping we hit a turning point later this year but fear it will become more challenging as LO2 becomes more mobile.</p> <p>Another thing to think about if you can plan having another one is daycare costs. LO1 is now only in daycare PT and LO2 stays home with DH. Eventually they'll both be in daycare and all our money will go to that. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-it-really-like-going-from-one-child-to-two/page/2#post-2618226 Thu, 08 Sep 2016 17:38:04 +0000 Mama Bird 2618226@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It's just different. First time - easy pregnancy, hard recovery. Second time - hard pregnancy, easy recovery. First time - easy baby, hellish work situation. Second time - difficult baby, awesome long maternity leave. I guess I'm lucky I didn't have all the hard bits thrown at me at once. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-it-really-like-going-from-one-child-to-two/page/2#post-2618193 Thu, 08 Sep 2016 17:19:05 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2618193@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I will say one of the hard things was that first year with number two. We went from being able to have down time /alone time /chore time while the other had LO1 to where all of our down/alone time was gone. That first year we were 100% pretty much tag teaming it. DH had one kid, I had the other kid and somehow chores got done. As they got older though it became much easier for one of us to be alone with both kids. However we had the luxury of splitting up because we were on the same schedule. I know some families that aren't on the same schedule and they had to manage 1 parent to 2 kids much earlier which is tough. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-it-really-like-going-from-one-child-to-two#post-2618177 Thu, 08 Sep 2016 16:42:31 +0000 pinkcupcake 2618177@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It's been really hard. </p> <p>#1 felt much easier - she was an easier pregnancy, slept through the night starting at 5 weeks, was generally cheerful and happy. Plus I was just so over the moon for her. I loved every single aspect of pregnancy and parenting and was just super obsessed with being a mom (I prob annoyed everyone around me). </p> <p>#2... He's been harder. A very challenging pregnancy (I had GD, insomnia, awful nausea ... Just everything about it was hard). His sleep is terrible. He's almost 10 wks old and still waking up every 2-3 hrs. He hasn't slept for more than a 4 hour stretch maybe 3x, max. He cries a lot more and is only happy if he's getting held. </p> <p>It's also hard not being able to give my 100% to either child. I'm so tired and sleep deprived; I'm not at my best for my 4 year old during the day. I know it'll get better once he starts sleeping more so I'm just waiting for that moment :/ </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-it-really-like-going-from-one-child-to-two#post-2618154 Thu, 08 Sep 2016 16:08:32 +0000 travelgirl1 2618154@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Two has been great, for the most part. Both pregnancies were hard and the sickness was very difficult with a toddler, but I love having two. I didn't have the whole "oh my gosh I have a baby, how do I look after them?" thing with my second, I knew what to do. Breastfeeding was easier, they slept about the same....the hardest bit was the logistics of leaving the house. That is still hard a year on, but everything else is great, very fulfilling. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-it-really-like-going-from-one-child-to-two#post-2618139 Thu, 08 Sep 2016 15:59:23 +0000 lovehoneybee 2618139@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DS is 4 and DD is almost 9 months, and it's been a challenging year. Objectively DD has been a harder baby, but it didn't feel like it...it felt very "been there, done that". I have a ton more confidence in my parenting ability. </p> <p>DS is potty-trained, and has been a big help with DD, but he went from being the center of my world (I was a SAHM for 18 months, then even when I went back to work DH works a different shift and doesn't get home late so it was always me and DS.) to having to share my attention with a needy infant. That's been the hardest part for me, I think. But he's never taken it out on Gracie, he's just extra clingy towards me. He adores her, and wants to play with her, and wants to cuddle and kiss her, and tells everyone how much he loves her. And she is just crazy about him. She follows him everywhere, and he can make her laugh easier than anyone else. That's everything for me. </p> <p>I was scared to try for a second, but you never know what your pregnancy and baby are going to be like. It might be easy-peasy! But that sibling bond I'm starting to see, that's worth all the difficulty in the world for me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-it-really-like-going-from-one-child-to-two#post-2618029 Thu, 08 Sep 2016 14:04:52 +0000 Mrsbells 2618029@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@turquoisemama: Number 2 is due next week. we had baby number 1 over 4 years ago. The pregnancies have been completely different so you might have a really good experience the 2nd time around. The fact that LO is over 4 years old makes things easier because she is full potty trained and no longer a baby and can communicate clearly, so its definitely not the same as having 2 children who are in diapers </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-it-really-like-going-from-one-child-to-two#post-2618027 Thu, 08 Sep 2016 14:02:10 +0000 turquoisemama 2618027@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@avivoca: @ValentineMommy: This is a huge fear! I can't imagine being more sick the second time around. I hope I can avoid gaining so much weight next time so maybe it will be easier on my body. I gained 50lbs and for a normally 115lb person, that's a lot!</p> <p>@travellingbee: @RonjaL7: @erinbaderin: @catomd00: @oliviaoblivia: @LuLu Mom: Okay you guys give me some hope that my imagination is just getting away from me. I have visions of just being miserable and living in regret...kinda like the newborn days of number one haha!</p> <p>@snowjewelz: This is what I was thinking, I told DH that if we do decide we want number two, I'll have my IUD taken out and still use the withdraw method for a while until maybe one time I'll just go "Okay do it!" Haha otherwise I think I'll be to scared to make the decision.</p> <p>@MrsADS: @GoGoSnoGirl: I'm glad someone is in the same boat as me. I literally think about this constantly! It doesn't help that my sister is TTC and my best friend just found out she's 6 weeks. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-it-really-like-going-from-one-child-to-two#post-2618020 Thu, 08 Sep 2016 13:57:59 +0000 ms.line 2618020@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsADS: I totally feel you! My husband is also 42 so I feel like we need to get the ball rolling on #2 soon if we are in fact going to have a second baby, but my daughter is only 6 months and was so so difficult (reflux, colic, not sleeping, etc) for the first 4-5 months that I truly can't imagine doing it again, especially with a toddler in tow. And I've considered that maybe #2 would be an easier baby, but just like you said, what if s/he is harder!?? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-it-really-like-going-from-one-child-to-two#post-2618005 Thu, 08 Sep 2016 13:39:54 +0000 avivoca 2618005@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@caterw: I am counting down the days until I deliver so I can actually act like a person again instead of a hormonal lump who pretty much lays around all day/night at home. I try to play, but it just hurts so much. I pulled something in my leg trying to run to H to pick her up when she fell at the playground and it was a good five minutes before I could walk without holding on to the fence. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-it-really-like-going-from-one-child-to-two#post-2617999 Thu, 08 Sep 2016 13:37:00 +0000 caterw 2617999@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@avivoca: Same- this pregnancy has sucked and it's super hard to parent while dying of morning sickness/ 3rd tri sickness and extreme back pain. It's been tough... I think it will actually be easier when the baby is here and my body is back in better condition. DD1 is sooooo excited about having a sister and we didn't want to raise an only child because we both have siblings and loved having another kid around. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-was-it-really-like-going-from-one-child-to-two#post-2617992 Thu, 08 Sep 2016 13:34:10 +0000 GoGoSnoGirl 2617992@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@turquoisemama: I can totally relate. :bummed: I think about whether I (we) want &amp; should try for #2 every single day. We're both "old", so don't have time to wait for a larger gap. LO is 15mos &amp; was a pretty good baby, but she's definitely needy, energetic &amp; a bit spirited at the moment, so I wonder if I can handle her while pregnant &amp; with a new baby. I solo parent a lot b/c DH works a lot &amp; will be job searching/starting his own company sometime in the next year, too. :bummed: This will be good for our family in the future, but it's a huge unknown for our family balance, along with our other worries. Funny thing is that he &amp; I worry about different things with adding #2. For him it's more about my &amp; baby's health and for me, it's more the day to day once baby's here. We may just leave it up to God &amp; if we are so blessed, then we'll make it happen. We can't shut the door, but we are too afraid just yet to dive in. :happy: </p>