L.Z.
I actually made a request on this site a couple of weeks ago with a similar question about the transition for an almost-two-year old when a new baby comes home! My second daughter just came home from the hospital a week ago, and my oldest will be 2 in three weeks. To prepare her, we read books about being the big sister, played "gentle" with a doll to practice, and let her see the bassinet and other baby items set up ahead of time. She didn't know what to make of me in the hospital and not home at first, but after more time has passed, I can now say that she is really doing great, especially for a young child. She bonded with my husband while I was gone and has been a little clingy with him since then, but she asks about the baby first thing when she wakes up and gets home from day care, and she loves to talk to the baby, get her pacifier, etc. We have tried to involve her as a helper as well, asking her to get the baby's diaper or blanket. A two-year old is at a perfect age for that. Lastly, we praise her up and down when she is nice to the baby, or even just for good behavior in general. It can be hard to know what is normal two-year old behavior and what ia a reaction to the baby, but I think I can safely say now that she will make it through this adjustment fine! Kids are pretty resilient, more so than we are! Good luck and don't worry!