I am not sure if I can cope with a second child!

[emmyloo2]

Hi all. I have a 16 month old. I really want to have a second child as does my DH but I honestly don't know if I can cope with a baby again, as well as coping with a toddler. I really struggled with having a baby and even now, I find it stressful and tough. My 16 month old is lovely but very active and has issues with his sleep on and off. My DH and I both work full time in quite stressful jobs. He would like to start trying for a second middle of this year which would mean there would be about 2.5 years between the first and second.

I honestly just wish I could skip over the next couple of years so I don't have to cope with it all. Which is a terrible thing because you are meant to enjoy your babies growing up - not wish it away.

Is the second baby easier? I really found the first overwhelming and I got quite anxious about sleep patterns and routine etc etc. I did not enjoy it at all. Even now I still get quite anxious although I am starting to enjoy it more.

Everyone seems to go back for a second after about 2 years so is this a magical time when it gets easier??? [I am delusional I know]

Advice would be appreciated!

Thanks

2.5 years between my 2 DDs and things are fine, we are a 'go with the flow' kind of family. The early days were tough but it's fantastic now (DD2 just turned a year).

I was worried about how I would cope and my mum gave me some great words of encouragement- "Don't worry, they'll keep each other entertained. You know- like kittens."

I would like to add to that- get a decent sling, because there isn't so much lying around cuddling.