A New Routine? Advice Requested...

I think you will be surprised at how well things will continue to run. I have 5 children, they are all different, yet there are things that have not changed about them because of how I parent. Meaning, they all have a bed time routine, they all sleep pretty well, and they each know what to expect at certain times. I would plan on continuing things as much as possible, esp. if that is what makes your house work. I am up and running pretty quickly after I have a baby, so I continue the little outings I was already taking my older children to. I work at ensuring that the things that are routine, stay routine. What changes, sometimes, is how I go about it. Sometimes, we only get a simple dinner of spaghetti and salad. But we still eat together. I may be holding a baby, but we are together. Sometimes, I cant get to the laundry at a certain time, but it gets done still. I have let go of how often I have to mop my floor, but not whether I read to my kids. SO, just spend some time prioritizing things and figure out how to make your "must have's" happen. You are going to love having another baby..it will all work itself out, I promise ~A.~

It is not a hard as you think it will be trust me my kids are only 11 months apart (15 months and 4 months). My 1st child is a very scheduled child and we had things set just right for us when my second was born so I know where you are coming from. My youngest jsut seemed to fit right into our schedule with no problems after the first couple weeks you just have to start it as soon as you get home from the hospital. My best tip is that if at all possible try to get them to take a nap (or since your son is older a "rest time") at the same time of day so you can get some quiet time and get some stuff done.

A.,
I think it will be easier than you think. The first child was sooooo much harder to adjust to for me. Sleep deprivation, etc... It's pretty much "self taught" for everyone, but now you have experience.

I remember sitting in the kitchen rocking my second child in the night all by myself. With the first child my main focus was staying awake, but with the second I could just enjoy the peace. I wasn't as nervous and I knew much more.

I believe you will too, but if not... Ask for help. Your husband, a sitter, a relative, a friend. Don't be shy.

P.

The best advice I can give you is to not get too hung up on a schedule. With two, trying to have too much of a routine will drive you crazy. We have a 33 month old and a 10 month son. With our first we did not have a schedule. With the second one, he was entirely different. I'm sure your two children will have different personalities etc. Our oldest hates to go to bed at night and cries when we make him wheras his little brother loves being in a routine and cries if we don't lay him down for bedtime. Your schedule will work itself out. Good luck and have fun.