Looking for Light at the End of the Tunnel

Hey there... My sister-in-law has two babies that are 11 months apart. She NEVER says no to any help from any of us in the family. Remember that... Always take any help that is offered to you!!! If any issues arise, ask me and I'll ask my sister-in-law how she handles it. Then, I'll get back to you... Good luck, and congratulations!!!

C.,
Don't sweat the small stuff. I am an older sister to four younger siblings and two older. My last sister and brother were born 9-11 of one year and my sis was born 11-24 the next so I know what you mean. Since I was 12 when the first one came I did most of the taking care of the them as both my parents worked. It really is like having twins at different ages. But the good thing is when the baby gets a little older if like my brother and sis they form this bond and actually spend a lot of time entertaining each other. My sister who was 6 at the time loved helping with them because she got to play dress up and house with real babies. She really was a big help having two that close together. Your stepdaughter is the right age to talk to and it will help you bond more with her if you explain about the two being so close and maybe she can help by being the big sister. Plus when you potty train they mock each other so its easier. The younger one will always want to do what the older one does. Just take lots of naps with them. There was seven of us and it was fun growing up together because we were never bored. We are now 54,52,49,45,40,37,36. Believe it or not I married and moved to Indiana when my youngest brother and sister were still young. I brought them here every summer to spend the summer with my husband and our children until they grew up. My brother who is 37 moved here a week after graduation and has been here by me every since. So there is a light at the end of the tunnel and when you get older you'll love all those visits from them and the grandkids. Good luck.

My sister and I are 14 months apart, and sorry to say, we fought horribly while we were growing up. It wasn't until I moved out that we started getting along. It just depends on the kids and the situation, I guess.

As far as your sanity goes, do you go to any kind of mom's group or get out regularly? And do you have friends or family that can watch the kids while you go out and take a break for a day? I think that'll be the key once baby #5 is here. Do NOT feel bad about asking for help. One baby is hard enough, but you are definitely going to need help with two so close together.

I used to babysit and it was the hardest thing I ever did. I would have gladly gone back to my teaching job after that had I not found a work from home opportunity. My daughter really had a VERY difficult time with sharing her home and her mom with other children day in day out. She got really mean and I would wonder if your child is bitter that these other children are in his home playing with his things and sharing his mommy. I would bet on it after seeing how much of a demon my sweet daughter could turn into!

Good luck

HEY C.

i only have one biological child but my step children are close,14 and 15, and only 8 months apart they get along great..my mother had my brothers 1 year apart to the day...they have always been bestfriends,
L.

I can't offer advice on the "how to manage 5 kiddos" end, but I can let you know that my brother and I were 13 months apart and we had an incredible bond throughout school. During difficult times it was great to have a shoulder to cry on and someone else who understood. I would expect that the two youngest will help to keep one another entertained and comforted as they grow up.

Good luck and keep that chin up!

I have 4 children of my own plus two step daughters. I feel that it was meant to be this way. The one thing that I always keep in mind is that the great GOD above doesn't give us anything that we can't handle.Stressing about it only makes you miserable. I am 37 and had my last baby at 35. I was not happy when I first found out but everything happens for a reason. Try to see the positive side of it and it makes it a better situation. God Bless You!
VickiG.

I am also pregnant with #5 but mine aren't that close in age all 2 years apart except this one who will be almost 4 years away from the littklest one I have.I am due feb.5.As time draws closer I am wanting to have the baby and bring him home to his sister and brothers but at the same time I am scared because I don't know how to handle 5 kids.I know it will come naturally I guess it's just the fear setting in since the baby can be here any day now.If you ever need to talk you can send me a message.Maybe I can be of a little more help once he is born.Good Luck.You'll be able to do it.

well listen it is not that bad ok b/c i know how it really is b/c i am a mom of 5. one that is 5 years old, 3 years old, twins that is almost 2 will be in march, and a just turn 5 month old. Yeah i know how you feel but i wanted one more but it was to soon for me. but if you ever want to know how i do it just ask me. email ____@____.com

I've got 2 kids that are 14mos apart & am also 90% raising my sister's 4 kids, the ages of all 6 are 8, 6, 5, 5, 4, & 4. I can tell you just take one day at a time & value any & all sleep & quiet moments you have :) I love all the kids to death but there are times that it gets so hectic & chaotic around here that I think I want to scream. but there's also plenty of times when its so full of love feeling that I can't picture life any other way. if you ever want to talk or anything just holler, my YIM's eaglesmaiden3 *hug*