The ALL NEW 2 Under Two Thread..Follow me ladies!

[SuperGrrrl]

Here we go- new thread so we don't put off any newbies!

Hello Runtus- join us here

Hurray! I will be a newbie (I hope) in October, when DD will be 2 and DB2 is due. A couple of questions for the experienced out there:

I was planning to have DB2 in with us for the first 5 or 6 months and then put both DC into the same room. I don't know anyone in RL who has done this, but I remember really enjoying sharing with my DB and it will keep the spare room for visitors (we get a lot of family staying over). Am I nuts? Does it work if DB2 isn't a great sleeper?

I really really don't want to get a double buggy. They are just so big and heavy and I struggle sometimes to get a narrow single around the shops and pavements. Would a single and sling followed by a single and buggy boards work out OK?

Hi! Depends on the sling really. I feel the need for a free hand incase DS2 falls out by pushing himself up (i have a freedom sling) I've got a McClaren double, which is handy and not too heavy. If i'm just going locally though (park, playgroup) DS1 walks with a wrist restraint thingy on, which i loop over my wrist too.

I've got DS2 in with me at the moment, no idea when he can go in with DS1. Once he consistently sleeps through i spose.

i'm having a terrible day. i feel like going back to work, it's so much easier.

DS2 won't stop crying, and i feel like i'm going to lose it. They've both been up since 6am, neither has slept. DS1 just asked to go to bed for a nap, but he's up there trashing his cot. He's either going to conk out, or get bored and start hollering to come back down. Can only keep DS2 quiet with boob- but it's an hour at a time.

i feel like screaming.

Scream away, Supergrrrl. You have my sympathy. Everyone in our house (except ds, so far) has a horrible sickness bug thingy. BTW thanks for the sympathy at the end of the last thread, ladies -- made me feel better as poor DD threw up half the night and I had to keep her on the sofa with me. (Had already sent dp to bed and have done again today although I could kill a rest myself...)

But enough moaning: welcome Runtus and Mrstittlemouse

MrsT - I tried the sling and buggy for a while but it just got too much (occasionally both need to be strapped in and DD can't walk very far). Also, it's hard to deal with tantrums when you have lo in sling. Now I have cheap 2nd hand double which is great for occasional use (otherwise I'd end up taking the car for 1/2 mile journeys). But your DD will be older and lo might stay little for longer than mine, so you might be fine with a single.

Also, forgot in last post, someone asked about naps for the littlest in the day -- we did moses basket and stand to start off with. DD isn't too bothered though so DS sometimes sleeps in the buggy, on me, in the car seat (bad mummy!), on the table (really bad mummy, although only when we're next to him and not now he's rolling), in the bouncy chair... You get the idea (he's become an adaptable little guy). If you're worried, a travel cot might help. DD has gradually got used to him being awake on the mat (or asleep if she's in the high chair or something) and is quite good at not stepping on him It'll be worse once he starts moving though.

Evening all and welcome MrsTittleMouse

Thanks for starting new thread supergrrrl. And sorry about your shit day. Beliebe me, I agree that returning to work is easier then this. And I do admit to actually thinking abouyt going back to work when DD2 is 6 months old. But then imagine handing over my tiny girl who follows me around the room, and mews if she can't see me, and I melt and realise I can't do that. (I am saying this on a good day, of course this view changes)

I have a problem with DD1. She has a new thing. When she wakes from her nap (or bmaybe before she drops off to sleep? How would I know?) she strips naked. And I mean nappy off. Now, the potty training is very nearly complete and so far when she has done this, it's fine because she holds any weewees until potty/toilet but today, she did a MASSIVE wee in her cotbed and the mattress is soaked. I have told her in stern voice not to remove nappy but evidently, this is not working. What shall I try next??! HELP!!

Have DD2s injections tomorrow so wish me luck.

xxx

evenin ladies.
hi MrsT!
Gemy - pullups are harder to get off than side openers? Tights are really difficult to get off. But failing that, maybe try those bed mat things? She may well get the hang of night time dryness tho if you just grit your teeth - like just losing the nappy to potty train, getting wet a few times is what teaches them what they are aiming for....

Supergrrl and Chaotica - sounds sh*t, hope tomorrow is a better day for both of you. Reminds me of the time when DS was 7weeks old and DD scratched my eyeball while reading a book. Couldnt see, sleep or do anything, crying with agony, then DH got ill, DD got ill, DS cried all day with cold. I wanted to top myself.

DD is currently wailing in her cot. I have been up countless times since 7pm, she asks for a cuddle, I give it to her, she then babbles on quite happily until I try and put her down. No idea what is wrong with her, other than perhaps too long a nap this afternoon. REally pssed off as my evening is now a mere 1 hour long before DS wakes up for his 10pm feed. Really pssed off with DH waking me up last night to tell me that DD is awake and laughing at 4am you woke me for thaT??!?

Sitting in a pile of mess, tons of washing to do, need to empty and fill dishwasher, tidy living room, get ready for tomorrow. SO cant be arsed.

On a totally different note my poor brother had a visit from social services tonight on his doorstep as his 6yo daughter had a large bruise on her face from where she fell on the bed a week ago. She was out with auntie and they had to get her on phone and explain what had happened to social worker, poor niece. Angry at people who reported her, didnt even ask SIL how she got bruise.
And he got made redundant today

Chaotica - how awful. We went through WVS last year but it had the decency to get us one by one over the course of a week and leave my then 2 month old untouched. Its horrendous - If I'd only met you once in RL I'd be there helping you out knowing what I know on how shite it is.

Cazwa - DH deserves a slap for that When my eldest wouldn't settle long after bed time at that age I would take a book and sit in the hall where she could see my legs but not my head. And when she talked I'd say I'm reading, go to sleep. I could do what I wanted up to a point and she got bored and got dozy. As soooooooooon as she goes quiet, go. Even if she cries at that point, shes tired enough to sleep.

Supergrrl - ignore a trashed cot

I went back to work and didn't regret it and my kids have a lovely childminder who loves them as her own. They both make new connections that I couldnt offer them but cross referencing what they learn here with what someone else presents them with. I dont work full time and I miss my babies hugely but in a controlled way (5-6 hours max a day) But if even a tiny part of you thinks its actually wrong don't do it.

oh Cazwa! That's awful

I'm feeling better now. I am still looking forward to going back to work part time in the Summer though.

DS1 did go to sleep, but then woke up screaming. He wouldn't stop crying when i brought him down, i tried a drink, cuddle, toy, ignoring him..i'm ashamed to say i smacked his bum to try and snap him out of it because he was getting hysterical and he'd been like it for 20mins. It worked, but i felt disgusting afterwards

SIL coming over tomorrow and coming to playgroup with us, and then i have a driving lesson, which is sort of a break. Scared though, as is night lesson, and i only driven once at night with old instructor, who knocked my confidence.

how are you getting on with your new instructor supergrrl?

cazwa - horrified at your story. How dreadful to not even say anything to your family before putting something in an official file. Dreadful. Is it all ok now?

Hello eveyone!

MrsTittleMouse- I had ds and dd in seperate rooms until dd was about 8-9months when she moved in with ds who was just 2. DS is a really good sleeper but dd wasn't. Has worked really well for the most part- ds would just ignore her if she woke up and cried, though on one occasion when she was really doing all our heads in he crept into the spare room and went to sleep in the double bed! They are still only just about 3 and 19mths but they LOVE sharing. DD climbs onto DS's bed for a bedtime story then goes into her cot and they usually fall asleep pretty quickly. It also makes things a lot easier if we go on holiday/stay with friends as they are used to sharing. AND no.3 is due in 8wks and we have a spare room for baby because the other two share!

A word of encouragement to you all- at 2.9 and 19mths I am finding mine a lot easier now- there is light at the end of the tunnel (unless you're just about to have another and are a sucker for punishment!)

Hello eveyone!

MrsTittleMouse- I had ds and dd in seperate rooms until dd was about 8-9months when she moved in with ds who was just 2. DS is a really good sleeper but dd wasn't. Has worked really well for the most part- ds would just ignore her if she woke up and cried, though on one occasion when she was really doing all our heads in he crept into the spare room and went to sleep in the double bed! They are still only just about 3 and 19mths but they LOVE sharing. DD climbs onto DS's bed for a bedtime story then goes into her cot and they usually fall asleep pretty quickly. It also makes things a lot easier if we go on holiday/stay with friends as they are used to sharing. AND no.3 is due in 8wks and we have a spare room for baby because the other two share!

A word of encouragement to you all- at 2.9 and 19mths I am finding mine a lot easier now- there is light at the end of the tunnel (unless you're just about to have another and are a sucker for punishment!)

You're right Pad that the children wold benefit and enjoy childminder/nursery environment. I went back to work after having DD1 but employed my mum as a full time nanny. We had a proffessional arrangement and I paid the going rate, so it seemed alot easier. This time around (and on 1 wage - don't remind me) shelling out 2 lots of going rate nany time is just too much. But, I do want to use a childminder/nursery at least 1 day a week at some time (what do you think that time might be? Any recommendations?) just because I have a life too, and need to remember that!

Hi all. Can I join? DS's are maybe a bit old? DS1=2y10 DS2=1y2. They are still very hard work. Especially as DS2 is quite clingy and DS1 copies and pretends to be a baby (complete with gurgly noises). So I usually go about my day with a child hanging onto each leg...with identical dribble patches on each knee. Very difficult to get anything done.

Also sleep is very rare as they both wake each other up in the morning. This is usually between 5:30 and 6:10. The one who has been woken is usually very ratty- Roll on another 3 yrs when they can go downstairs and switch cbeebies on by themselves!!

This thread is fantastic. Now I know Im not the only one who knows by 10 o'clock that the whole day is a write off.

I work 1 to 2 days a week, when DH takes over. Now he really appreciates what I went through day in/day out for the last year. Working is a thousand times easier...even though Im a supply teacher and can be in charge of 25 5yr olds!!

Like you all, love my little ones to bits and they are just starting to interact properly with each other. Which is lovely.

Supergrrl - just learning to drive aswell. Have had 2 lessons with my friend in her ricketty old banger. Scariest part was when I changed gear (which I haven't got the hang of yet) and the top of it fell off and was rolling under the pedals! That and driving on the road for the 1st time (my 1st lesson was at 11:30 at night round an empty Tescos carpark). My friend is obviously full of confidence for my driving.

Hi soph - another one due in 8 weeks? WHAT is the matter with you? I'm just coming out the other side of this YOH (year of hell) !!! ha ha

In all seriousness, I've only just had enough time to look at my babies rather than just deal with my babies. I have woken up to realise I now have a toddler and a young girl and the babies disappeared somewhere in the sleep deprived fog! last time I looked I had a precious 14 month old and a 9 month old bump and worst of all I dont have the memories of dd2's baby days I want because dd1 was so demanding. Make some proper 1-1 time for dc2 girls - coo a bit. My second is just the most perfect bundle of fun and I hate it that it feels like she popped out of nowhere at 9 months

hi likklemum - I'm in your boat - maybe we should start a thread for 2 that were under 2 ?? ha ha i have a 14 month old and a 28 month old... its easier than it was but boy its not all bubble baths and chocolate.

Actually it is. But I'm getting none of it tho! Matey bubbles and buttons isn't what I meant

come to think of that would do me fine.

new instructor is lovely- really built my confidence. Can reverse round corner and do 3 point turn now

had hell of fright in the night- DS2 was in bed with us, and he sounded like he couldn't breathe. Then he seemed to stop, and his arms and legs were going like mad. I hissed at DH to put the lamp on, he, half asleep just went 'what?', then told me to chill out when i told him to put the f**king lamp on.

put him tummy down over my knee (not DH, obviously!) and rubbed his back, and he seemed ok then. I don't know if he has caught DS1's cold, and perhaps he was bunged up or what. I felt sick.

Hello All, another newbie here, again my two are a little older but more hardwork then when they were both under two!!!
Dd is 2.8 yrs and Ds is 15 months.
They share a bedroom but unfortunatly Ds is a terrible sleeper, waking 2-3 times a night which somehow doesn't wake Dd. The worse thing is that Dd is an early riser, getting up anywhere between 5.30 and 6.30am waking Ds at the same time!! and that's just the night time!!!
They are hard work but brilliant fun at the same time and totally adore each other which is lovely.
At the moment they are taking it in turns to spit their juice out all over the floor!!! i better get off MN and clear it up, thank god for leather sofa's and laminate flooring!!!

Hi, I have a lovely 18 month old daughter and another one on the way. My DD should be approaching 2 when the baby arrives.

We don't do routines and generally go with the flow. So I am trying to think what we will be doing in August when new baby arrives

My DD is currently in a cot but we might move her to a bed. Then we can sidecar the cot (with the side removed) to our bed for the new baby, so we can co-sleep with space.

I am planning to get my DD to walk more (which we are doing already) and carry a back up sling if she gets tired, she can ride on my back and a front pouch sling for the new baby. My DD was slung pretty much full time as a young baby.

DD is still nursing so we might end up tandem feeding but even so she won't feed as much or as long as the new baby. How will I keep DD entertained whilst I'm attached to the new baby ?

DD is pretty much dry/clean just the odd accident. Should I expect her to backslide when the new baby arrives ? I haven't decided whether to potty new baby from the start or not. If the baby is using a potty like my DD, that might discourage her from back sliding...maybe ?

Oh well, I think we'll just relax and go with the flow

Hi, can I join? Mine are similar ages to soph (3, 20 monhts adn one due in 9 weeks). I put my two in teh same room from DD2 being 6 months ( so DD1 wasn't 2 yet). DD1 was the troublesome sleeper. But luckily they don't seem to bother one another too much in the night - i.e. they sleep through the other one complaining. I can second the fact that it gets easier as they get older - one is potty trained now, the other one is having a good go at it (copying) and they play and chat together all day - little sweethearts. I work 4 days and they go to a childminder (3 year old to nursery 2 days of that).

Babies everywhere, a few friends at toddlers group tandem feed but they have said the bigger one gets all the good stuff and it's a struggle with the little one. They say they wish they had stopped a few months before new baby came (at least 3 so it's an established arrangement). Regarding potty training, wow- good on you attempting from birth. I would have seriously struggled to coordinate all that, espec while bf-ing too. But, there could be benefits as you outlined! Regarding entertaining elder one, it oudl amaze you how muhc you can do with one hand (whilst feeding, cuddling the baby).

Anyway, that's my introduction!

Thanks for the post, PP

Many I ask for more information on this bit
"they have said the bigger one gets all the good stuff and it's a struggle with the little one"

The bigger children takes more milk ? WHat kind of struggle with the little ones ?

If we are still nursing then I had planned to put baby on breast A and when I move baby to breast B, offer Breast A to toddler etc. So baby had first tibs of the milk at least for the first few weeks.

Or one child per breast, swap at next feed ?

How did your friends do it ?

I will ask - won't see them til friday so will post over the weekend hopefully. I know that the little ones weren't thriving, because the bigger one was getting all the hindmilk. One of them is a doctor, so I am sure she knows the mechanics of it all. It might be that the little one just isn't good at sucking though.....