If like me, you are almost at the end of your pregnancy, how do you cope looking after your first child ?

[Summerfruit]

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I have a 6 year gap with first two and am about to find out all about what an 18 month gap feels like... due in 10 days ish.

My 18 month old is picking up strong vibes of changing times at the moment, as did my eldest who was 6 when second was born.

Don't dread it, it might al be fine, on days when I struggle I often find that the more I can include my lo's in any jobs I am doing, the less they need me!
ie. come and help mummy do the washing.. 10 minutes of playing with piles of washing putting them n and out of the machine while I fold stuff and they are suddenly far more interested in playing with their train set rather that tuging at mums apron strings!

will be looking out for you on the announcement threads, good luck!

My 2 DDs were 15 months apart, the first year after DD2 was born was a complete nightmare (sorry). But having said that, they are now nearly 5 and 3 1/2 and both seem fairly ok, and I still have most of my sanity left....

Agree with the other posters, invite other kids over, go to others houses, Cbeebies, soft play was always a good break if you have a nice one near you.

Alternatively do what I did, practically hurl DC2 at DH as he comes through the door from work an lock yourself in your bedroom for an hour to recouperate

18 month gap here.
I actually found the end of pregnancy the hardest bit - once the baby was here it got easier, believe it or not.

I wasn't sleeping anyway in the pregnancy so nothing got worse there, and the hardest thing about being pregnant was the constant having to bend down or lift heavy toddler.

Once the baby came I found it incredible how quickly a synergy arose between them, with the toddler very entertained by the baby ('look at the baby!' is still the best distraction technique) and the baby happy to get attention from the toddler some of the time instead of me.

toys out and beebies on tv.

there was only 15 months between my first 2 and it was HELL. I hate being pregnant anyway, and by the last 6 weeks I give up.

there were quite a lot of days i didnt get dressed, and DH had to take Jessi out when he got home from work just so she got some fresh air!

THis time, im only 10 weeks so far, but DH is home as sick and being discharged from the army, so i know i will have a lot of help - he has already been a godsend with the whole early pregnancy tiredness!

I have DS who is 22mths and am 28wks pregnant and have been really struggling to keep up with him. I find some days the only way to get some peace is to actually take him out to feed the ducks and to the park - much less stressful than a day in the house trying to deal with his toddler boredom/naughtiness

...And I certainly don't feel guilty about putting cbeebies on at the moment!

I'm 36+3 and have an 18mnth old and a 3 year old.I feel too uncomfy now to take them out,thank goodness for playhouse disney!
It's hard not being able to rest in the afternoon,around 2-4 I feel like a zombie,good preparation for when the babys here I guess!

OMG what am I going to do when I get to the stage when I don't have the energy to leave the house?

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I had a 19month gap between my two and I really loved the last few weeks with just DD. I knew it was the last time she would have me all to herself, and wanted to make it a lovely special time for her, knowing that the new arrival would take a toll on her etc.

Little things like making a tea party on the living room floor with all her teddies. Going to the park for a run around and afternoon tea. Cuddling up on the sofa to watch a dvd(oops). We also went to visit my parents for a couple of weeks after I started my mat leave which was lovely too.

And of course she was still having an afternoon nap time and well, it would ahve been rude not to join her

No.1 is 3 years 2 months and has just started preschool 3 mornings a week which gives me a break and does her good too! I spend that time doing all the things you can't really do with a small child in tow such as grocery shopping, sorting cupboards, having hair done etc. or simply putting my feet up and reading a book! In the afternoons I try to encourage her to lie down for a rest while I do the same - that works about 50% of the time. If she doesn't want to rest she plays in her room while I lie down on the bed for half an hour or so. The worst thing is the tiredness but in my first pregnancy I got quite bored during the last few weeks. This time I haven't got time to be bored and the time passes quite quickly. I'm zonked by the time she goes to bed though. I plan lots of things to do in the evening and then can't be bothered!

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I'm nearly 35 weeks now with baby2. My dd will be 2 next week. I have coped mainly by having an excellent dh!
She goes to nursery for just one day a week but I am so glad we did this as it gives her and me a break. She gets to maintain a bit of her routine and have a day being raced about with other children and I get a day to lounge on the sofa and just relax
On the other days I try to go to a playgroup in the morning so she is still getting to burn off some energy but I can sit on the floor nearby (or a chair if she will let me). Most playgroups in my area run from 10 - 11.30 which uses up most of the morning! Only costs £1 too so a total bargain. Then afternoons we potter in the garden if it is nice or throw all the toys in the house onto the floor and I try to sit on the sofa for as long as possible.
Oh and cbeebies is on almost perpetually at the moment! If you do manageto have a day to yourself try to make the most of it by relaxing. I am a stupid and therefore often end up doing cleaning tasks first and am then exhausted...

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