37 weeks and dealing with a 2 year old

[Allegrogirl]

I'm really struggling with my feisty 2.8 dd at the moment. I've got back and hip ache, the nausea is back, braxton hicks and a general crampy feeling.

I've just started mat leave and I'm lucky to have nursery for 2 1/2 days a weeks plus the GPs if needed. It's the mornings and bedtimes where I really struggle. I'm relying heavily on Beebies and Disney DVDs instead of the usual trips out as I can't walk far.

DD is really playing up at certain times and last night both me and DH (who had a hangover after a stag night, not normal behaviour for him) both ended up yelling at her for mucking about dangerously in the bath and running around when she should have have been getting ready for bed. DD got upset, me and DH were upset. How the hell am I going to cope with a newborn as well? I don't feel like a great mum at the moment.

Any tips to see me through the next few weeks?

[5DollarShake]

It is really tough - I am 39+5 and dealing with an 18 month old, but by all accounts (and God knows I am hoping this is true!!), it is actually easier to deal with a newborn and a toddler, than to be heavily pregnant and dealing with a toddler.

I obviously don't have any tips as I haven't been there yet myself, but all I'm saying is just remember that by the time the baby arrives, you will be feeling physically much more yourself and you won't be weighed down by all the pregnancy ailments. OK, sleep deprivation doesn't help, but at least you'll be able to go up stairs without having to sit down when you get to the top!

Good luck.

[SpecialPatrolGroup]

I agree with 5DollarShake

This was me last October - I actually look back on the worst day of my life as being the day before having my DD when I had spectacular bowel movements (Sorry if TMI), was having to lie in bed in between as I was too week to do anything else and very busy 21month old bounced next to me sometimes falling on me and sometimes being pushed off whilst I ran to the bathroom. I thought I was going to die and didn't make the connection that the clear out (as it were) was prep for impending labour.

I seem to remember that the TV did much of the parenting for a good couple of weeks before DD arrived.

Newborn and toddler was a walk in the park following that incident.

When you're heavily pregnant it's difficult to remember how much easier everything is when you're not - the end is nigh and you won't be in this phase forever - Good Luck

[Alicetheinvisible]

I feel your pain!

I am 39wks and DD is 2.9yrs.

She is generally very good to be fair, but she is still only a baby really.

Things i find are helping are:

Going to toddler groups/children's centre as DD is quite independant so runs off to do her own thing and i get to sit down and chat with other adults.

Producing new colouring books/crayons/magazines etc quite frequently.

Reading books to her whenever i can.

Putting music on for her to dance.

Asking for her help doing stuff - handing me pegs, putting the towels in the washing machine, putting toys away etc, just to keep her occupied

Cbeebies!

Have just got a DVD player and old portable telly put in our room so i can have a rest in the afternoons and she can snuggle up with me watching a DVD.

Frequent healthy snacks/drinks as she gets grumpy if hungry or thirsty and when i am tired and achy i tend to forget what the time is.

Hope that helps at all

Also, have you got any books about the new baby? We got There is a House in my Mummy, and Topsy & Tim and the new baby which she really likes.

[pinguina]

I am in a similar situation - 38 + 3 and DD1 will be 2 next week. She is very good in general but unavoidably feels a bit frustrated since I find it hard to walk (she's expecting me to run!) and wants to be picked up which I find increasingly hard. DH is helping much more with bathing times and putting her to bed, which is great, but there are moments when I just want to curl up and go to sleep... (age doesn't help - am 44 and I felt every single year this week!)
For me baby magazines are a godsend - she loves playing wit the stickers - and drawing in general keeps her occupied. Also, when it is warm, playing with water in the garden - which means having to dress/undress her a few times, but I can just sit and watch for a bit and she is happy. I met another mum at a toddlers' group who told me exactly what Special just pointed out - that everything is easier when you're not pregnant any more. I hope it is true...

[peppapighastakenovermylife]

Coping with a newborn and a toddler is much much easier than coping with a toddler when you are heavily pregnant I promise!

I am 38 weeks with a 4 yr old and 2 yr old and have them still in nursery full time (I work full time so its normal to them) as there is no way I would cope - am exhausted and can only just do mornings, pick up, tea and bed! So do not think you are not coping - its ridiculously hard.

When DD was born ,DS was 2.2 - it was as if a weight was lifted. I could walk, run after him...all just so much easier. Newborn DD seemed a doddle compared to a toddler and was the least of my problems. It is nowhere near as hard having your second baby - you just kind of get on with it and they slot in. On days DS went to nursery and I just had DD alone I wondered what I ever found so hard the first time.

So currently I am not coping - but cannot wait til this baby is out and things hopefully get easier again.

Ignore all the lovely people who tell you it is only going to get harder when the baby is born too

[Allegrogirl]

Thanks everyone. I'm hoping it's easier when the baby arrives but I'm worried about how my pfb will cope!

I am still getting to a toddler group and meeting friends. Actually made it to the park with a friend and her two toddlers today. It's mainly the mornings and evenings where I'm struggling. I'm clearly not alone in this though.

Only a few more weeks.