9 Month Old and Baby on the Way - Oh My!!

Lucky you!!! Seriously -- this is going to be so fun. I have three close together (spaced 17 mos and 18 mos apart) and it worked out so well. There are downsides -- for the brief period when we had three in diapers it was expensive; "three under five" can be exhausting; they each have to share... But the fun far outweighs the trials! Truly -- this is a good thing you've stumbled upon.

Here's what I love(d) most about it:

*They all play together!!! It's so cool -- built-in play dates!

*Everyone is close enough in developmental stages that we could classify most of the toys as 'the family's' and nix the 'propery rights' fights.

*Since we have 'family toys' it makes each child's 'personal toys' really special and it's easier to teach them how to care for their special things -- because there are fewer things.

*Watching my baby play with 'her' baby.

*Three in a row in highchairs -- it's so cute. In fact, everything's so cute with multiples.

*Watching each one discover his shadow. And telling the other two to shh -- let it be a surprise -- so that we all sat back conspiratorially waiting for the discovery. (Worked well, too, since one of mine got upset, thinking her shadow was out to get her; her slightly older brother was able to comfort her better than I because they had the same mindset.)

*The sound of tiny laughter in stereo! Tickle fights are tons more fun when the kids can tag-team ya!

*One baby on each hip -- fewer hands for the phone, but it's an evens out the weight distribution.

*Double-piggy back rides -- seeing how many kids we can pile on mom's back before we all topple. It's like human Jenga! (seriously, it's good for heaps of laughter.)

*Watching my toddler, who could barely walk, help the infant learn to roll. By demonstration. Clumsily. (Have camcorder ready.)

*The way even the smallest child automatically feels wiser than the baby. And the way Baby responds to him as if he were a hero. (Which he is!)

*Dog-pile hugs. Nothing better in the whole wide world. Bar none.

*Unity and trust -- the kids need each other's support. It's good for them to feel united against the common enemy (Growly Mom) as well as to share the good times with Fun Mom. They feel safe commiserating with each other, and everyone needs that. (Plus it's a crack-up to overhear. Occasionally, very eye-opening; but usually downright adorable.)

*Three kids in the same tub -- man, there's just no cuter picture than a bunch of tiny, chubby siblings lined up in a tub with bubble-beards!

*Loyalty -- my kids are a real team. Usually. They bicker and growl now and then, but boy, don't let anybody on the playground mess with one of them -- they'll be dealing with all three.

*Encouragement -- they all cheer each other on. We knew it might be hard for them to feel individual without competing, but somehow we lucked out. They all know that there's plenty of praise to go around and they all find ways to boost each other up. It's not a daily occurance; it happens unexpectedly, when I'm swamped with cooking and I can't give one the attention they need. Just when I think I'm a failure, here come one or two of the siblings, proud as can be to get to play the role of cheerleader and team captain all rolled into one. It makes me feel so blessed.

Listen, there are a lot of challenges, but you'll do fine. And you know the biggest miracle of all? After a year of having two (or however many) close together, you'll look back and be simply AMAZED at how you've grown. Every facet of what makes you a good mom will just blossom into this fuller, more adept persona. Personally, I think three-close-together is all I could ever handle -- but then again, I thought that when I had two and look how well it worked out!

Congratulations -- you're all going to have a blast!

CONGRATS!!! We were there... actually still are. We two sons, one just turned three, the middle son is 22 months and we have a beautiful 4 month old baby.

I will be honest with you. Through my experience the transition with the second child was the hardest because our oldest was used to being the only one. As hard as it is.. it gets better and is all worth it when you start to see their bond grow and hear them making eachother giggle in the back seats of the car.

Before the baby came we tried our best to transition our oldest son number one to sleep through the night (I was totally not interested in getting up for two babies) in addition to sleeping in a new toddler bed (The toddler bed thing didn't happen until about 1 month before the baby was going to arrive. at that time he was about 15months) We also transitioned him out of his bottle to a sippy cup. Just know that though you may prepare yourselves and your baby as much as possible, things never go to plan and be forgiving otherwise you will be adding more stress on your plate to an already stressful situation. Take a deep breath and take it one step at a time in the end it is all well worth it.

Good LUck to the three of you!

I breastfed through most of my second pregnancy, nurse as long as you can!

Congrats on your pregnancy!
M.

I am a mother of 3. My 2 oldest are 17 months apart and believe me we didnt plan it! they are now almost 14 and 12.5. It really wasnt that bad. My daughter wasnt old enough to be jealous of her new little brother and has always been motherly and proud of him. You will be fine. You just do what you have to do and take care of your family. There were a lot of diapers for a while. And the phase when the oldest was potty training and the younger one wanted to put everything in the toilet. Or the fact that my oldest didnt walk until the little one was a couple months old but you will survive and so will they. My kids are now in middle school and have stayed close. It has been good for them. Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.

Kiki, I have a 7 month old (tomorrow), and I just found out Saturday that I'm pregnant, probably about 7 weeks along! So, I wish I had advice, but I don't. But, I RELATE to the mix of emotions and overwhelmed and nervousness and joy and all the rest... We, too, TALKED about having more, but were in no way shape or form planning to have one so soon. I feel like I'm very content with my little girl, and we have our hands full as is. So, let's keep in touch as we're sure to relate as time goes on...

Oh my is right!

L..

I was begging to ahve another one at 6 months, but was convenced to wait until our son was 9 months. It will be fine. They are best of friends and almost twin like sometimes ( 21/2 and 1 yr old) You can breastfeed, but dont' be surprised if weening startes because your milk will change. I didn't do this, but I know people who did, you can nurse both of your kids even with the age difference.

Our 2nd was a surprise as well. My two are 14 months apart and I cried when I found out, but realized things happen for a reason and that is why we were blessed so quickly. Anyway it is tough, but you make do and take it one day at a time. My first was real easy(girl) and the second(boy) had some refulx when he was little-he was a challenge, along with PPD,but made it through it. Sometimes life throws us some punches which we just have to roll with, but it is worth it and will all work out.GOOD LUCK AND CONGRATS! :)

My daughter was 7 months old when I found out I was 6 weeks pregnant. My husband and I felt the same way...blessed but overwhelmed. I also was vomiting the whole 9 months with my first pregnancy so that added to both of our anxieties. Even though I was sick AGAIN the entire pregnancy, it was worth the extreme discomfort!!

It will be a bit overwhelming with the 2 of them in the beginning, but it gets much easier and you will develop your own routine.
My suggestions are be as present with each child as possible. Remember the oldest one is still a baby so be patient with him/her.
Sleep train the baby as early as possible (some say 4 months and 14lbs others say 5 months and 15lbs).
Get a nanny if you can afford it.
Ask family for help if possible.

The great thing about having children so close in age is that
they will always have a playmate (soon they will be able to play with each other).
Also, it was great not having to plan the perfect time to have a second and going through the ovulation kits and months of disappointment when I got my period.

Be grateful that it happened so easily for you guys (while others struggle to conceive) and get excited that you are going to have another beautiful baby to love and take care of.

I didn't think I could love anyone as much as I love my first child but I know now it is definitely possible. My little boy laughs all the time and warms my heart every time I see or think about him.

Congratulations and enjoy!!

Let me know if you ever have any specific questions and I will do my best to answer you.