I know I am chiming in very late, but just for your reassurance, everything will be fine!
I have a daughter who just turned 4, another daughter who is 18mo. and am currently 7 months pregnant (with another little girl!). Although the anticipation of going from 2 to 3 has me a bit antsy, I can tell you from experience that the transition from 1 to 2 was a WONDERFUL and EASY experience. It is only natural to have a fear of the unknown, but try to focus on all of the positives. It really is all about the mindset, and remember that when there is a will there is a way.
My husband and I had learned SO much with our first daughter. From sleeping habits to nursing schedules. Everything went so smoothly right from the get-go because I knew what to expect and I knew how to handle it.
For example(s):
- I knew that I would lose some sleep during the first few weeks, but I also remembered that it was essential to nourish my body and rest when I could during the day to prevent exhaustion.
- Nursing went so smooth right from the moment she was born. It came completely natural because I had just finished nursing my daughter at the time I became pregnant again. There was no doubt in my mind that she wasn't getting enough, or that she wasn't latching on correctly.
- And her sleep schedule(something we still don't have with our first daughter!) is WONDERFUL and has been since being a few weeks old.
I could keep going and going about how easily everything will come to you. Yes it will be more work to run grocery shopping: you will have to prepare 2 children for the outing vs. 1. But honestly, even that was not a big deal. Maybe at first you and your husband can take turns running those errands while the other stays home.
Don't forget to allow your husband to help. We have no help besides the two of us, and I would try to take EVERYTHING on myself (still do to some extent). Even if you can just hand out simple tasks, you'll notice a difference. Now I let my husband run to Wegman's if needed, switch the laundry from washer to dryer, brush my daughters' teeth, etc.
I do not know you personally, but it sounds like you are a loving mother, and your expectations are not set too high. This will benefit you in so many ways. To some, motherhood may be a hard transition because they want to continue to do EVERYTHING they did before children. I know a woman who could not adjust to her childless friends going on to have fun without her. Keep in mind that she was 38 yrs old and was SO use to having her own identity aside from children. I however am 22 years old, and have accepted everything that comes along with motherhood. I know that children grow up too fast and I try to cherish everything (including midnight feedings and even the first "I hate you!", which hasn't happened yet :)
Sorry to ramble and ramble. I hope I helped some. Everything will work out the way it is supposed to, so stop adding worry to your life.
Good Luck and Congratulations!
A.