Two Too Many?

Hello… My name Is Andrew, and I am a Father. (Chorus says, “Hi Andrew”) I wave…Tired*

I have a Daughter that just turned 2. (Notice I didn’t say 25 months…) Hey, I am trying here. Her name is Olive Drew and yes she is a junior. I lost the battle to name her Drew outright. I also have another baby girl due to arrive in the next couple weeks. So If you’re keeping score that’s soon to be 3 to 1, my Wife, her lieutenant, and the new recruit… vs me.

Am I scared? Yea. Am I freaking out? YES, Okkk! Buttt, am I more excited than I have ever been in my life?? Yes! (and that includes the time I got asked to go to senior prom as a sophomore..) High School big Deal, what can I say?

But this excitement towers above all others. This a delusional excitement where, because I haven’t been to this particular war, I am unfamiliar with the horrors that await. It is fair to note that I felt and experienced this very thing when my wife and I had our first child. And while nothing may prepare me for the soul crushing feeling of having to soothe a toddler in full, top tier melt down after 36 hours of no sleep, I am at least trying to prepare. I've been turning to some seasoned veterans in this arena - parents who have survived and thrived in the transition from one child to two. Here are the things I’m reading, watching and listening to during basic training.

1. Books: "Siblings Without Rivalry" by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish, "Peaceful Parent, Happy Siblings" by Dr. Laura Markham. These provide practical, down-to-earth advice that doesn't just aim to survive the transition, but actually helps us thrive in it.

2. Podcasts: "The Longest Shortest Time" has an episode called "The Parents' Guide to Doing It." It talks about maintaining a relationship amidst the chaos of parenting multiple children. Also, "One Bad Mother" - a judgment-free space to laugh and share the grittier side of parenting. These podcasts are my refuge during late-night feedings and somehow make everything feel a little less daunting.

3. YouTube: Channels like "WhatsUpMoms" and "Tova Leigh - My Thoughts about stuff" provide practical advice, product reviews, and a much-needed comedic relief on the journey of parenting multiple children.

..Somewhere between my toddlers love/ hate relationship with blueberries (boobooberries), her shoes, and the sheer sight of me, I am going to have to try to maintain a small sliver of order. So here’s my-

Practical Tips of the Week:

• Get a whiteboard for the fridge and keep track of your older child's routine as well as the baby's. When things get chaotic (as they inevitably will), it will serve as your guidepost and sanity-saver.

• Involve Your Firstborn in Baby Care: You can help ease the transition by involving your older child in taking care of the baby. Let them fetch diapers, sing lullabies, or just sit and talk to the baby. This not only helps your firstborn feel included but also fosters a bond between the siblings. Plus, it gives you a little breather!

• Schedule Some One-on-One Time with Your Firstborn: After the new baby arrives, your firstborn might feel left out. Try to schedule some special time for just the two of you. This can be as simple as reading a book together while the baby naps or taking a short walk around the block. Your older child will appreciate this undivided attention and it can help reduce feelings of jealousy or resentment towards the new baby.

Moment of Zen

Having a second child is an adventure in its own right. Chaos is inevitable. Preparing your firstborn for the new arrival and maintaining their routine as much as possible can go a long way in helping them adjust.

• Read books about new siblings together.

• Let them be involved in preparing for the new baby.

Feature:

In the future we will be featuring Real Stories from Parents both joyful and challenging. So, I'm inviting all of you to share your parenting stories. How did you manage the leap from one child to two? What worked and what didn't? Hit reply and let me know, and we could feature your story in our next edition!

My child is currently knocking at my office door like I owe her money.. (which I suppose technically I do??)

So, my fellow villagers, here's to the journey from one to two, from man-to-man to zone defense. I'll share my progress, the victories and the stumbles, in the weeks to come. Because if parenting has taught me anything, it's that we're all figuring this out as we go along.

Speaking of figuring things out, we've got some fantastic content coming up for you in our next newsletter, including "Surviving Summer Break" and "When Siblings Fight." You won't want to miss it!

If you’re in need of some extra help around the house… If you’re losing yourself in laundry or boxes long overdue to be unpacked.. or if you can no longer see the back of your refrigerator. Our parent company Village provides on-demand assistance so you can focus on the things that are most important. Click the link to find out more! 😀 

Stay strong, laugh often, and hold on to the joy in this wild ride we call parenthood.

Your fellow villager, Andrew

CPO - Chief Parenting Officer

P.S. If you're finding 'Tripping Over Parenthood' useful, share it with a friend! They'll thank you for it... after they've had their coffee, of course.

Till next time!

Dad Joke: Why can’t you hear a pterodactyl going to the bathroom?

Because the “P” is silent.

You’re Welcome.