What you wish you'd known before having DC2

[Mommabear20]

Planning D.C. #2 and just wondering what you all wish you'd known before having your second.
What made life easier? What made life more difficult?

That a global pandemic was coming

It’s definitely been a challenge trying to entertain a baby and older child with no playgroups, no trips round friends’ houses, not even being able to let them hug grandparents or play with cousins.

It’s probably made life a bit easier that my eldest was potty trained and can feed himself etc. But he still wants a lot of attention so that’s been difficult. Having a second child has definitely made everything harder. Luckily she is a lovely sweet child which makes up for it.

That it was ok that the house was a mess, spending time together is more important. That babies don't nap at the same time, and plan how you will get around. I waited 6 weeks to get a double pram, if your first needs it buy it. Mine refused to use the buggy board i had brought. And that it is brilliant especially as they get older and can interact more, my oldest 2.5 years loves showing dd2 8 months new things.

That they'd be twins.
That we'd go into lockdown when they were 3 months old.

I wouldn't swap the twins, that would be like wishing away one of them but it would have been good to be mentally prepared.
I don't know if I'd have wanted them earlier or wanted to wait. I know home schooling with very young twins was incredibly harder and doing it pregnant would have been easier. But then I risk delivering alone / 3 days in hospital with twins alone

To not expect to much of my first born. He always seemed older to me than he was, but I wish I didn't expect so much of him when number two was born (he was only a toddler).

I think the best thing is to go with the flow. I've just had number three and the best thing I have done is to just go with the flow, and when shit hits the fan forget about it as soon as it's over. I used to always be like oh god this morning was so stressful and carry it around with me all day. Now it's like oh well shit happens does any one want a chocolate biscuit or the iPad? Oh and winter time is the best because if there's been carnage we chuck on our coats (so you can't see the weetavix and general wildness toddlers can create, or the fact they're dressed as a princess/dinosaur/superhero hybrid), jump in puddles or collect leaves, straight in the bath when we get home and then it's nearly bed time!