It’s crazy to think in approx 5 weeks we will be a family of four. Well, you could say we already are. Baby boy is very well integrated into our lives as a bump. He certainly makes himself known with his crazy kicks and movements! Lamb is totally aware there there’s a baby in my belly, and thanks to his dolly knows that baby is going to be pretty small when he comes out.
I’ve been teaching Lamb about the new baby to prepare him for what’s to come. We’ve had a little chat about breastfeeding. His sleeping isn’t great and he still asks for a bottle in the night. Before you ask why my 3 year old still has a bottle, he has serious eating issues and we have continued his bottle for reassurance he is getting some protein and calories each day, and it’s also a huge comfort for him. I’ve told him mummy will be too busy feeding baby in the night to get him a bottle. I explained that the baby drinks his milk from mummy’s boobies to which he replied “your boobies?!!” And laughed! I told him that’s what boobies are for and special milk comes out to feed babies and it’s important mummy feeds him as much as he needs. He listened intently and seemed to take in what I was saying. I just want him to know that mummy may not be able to come to him everytime he calls me. If you read my post D is for Daddy you’ll know he’s very attached to mummy at the moment.
I also briefly talked about labour with him. Not the gruesome part, just the build up. This week I pumped up my birthing ball as I was advised by my health visitor to start bouncing on it now as it helps get the baby in a good position. Lamb of course needs to know its not a new giant ball for him to play with and mummy needs it to help the baby. I explained to him that when mummy goes into labour mummy will hurt a little and bouncing on the ball will help.
You never know when or where you will go into labour, how fast things will progress and who will be with you. If things move quickly for me (which they did with Lamb – I went from 1cm to 7cm in 2 hours!) and I’m at home with Lamb I don’t want him to be freaked out if I’m suddenly in a lot of pain and breathing heavily. Of course I don’t want to scare him, but he’s a clever little boy and he has an incredible memory and if I tell him a few things now to prepare him, I know he will remember them when things start to happen, like mummy hurting.
Once the baby is here I know it will take some adjusting for Lamb. He’s so loved and yes, we are a little soft on him, so to go from having our 100% attention to sharing us will be difficult for him. I really hope his sensitive side shines through and he embraces the newborn stage of having a brother. A little person so small and delicate can’t be a threat to him surely. I hope he sees that.
There’s still a lot we need to do to prepare for becoming a family of four. Lambs bedroom needs organising a little more to make room for baby’s stuff. Obviously baby boy will be in our room for a few months and we will be enjoying our SnuzPod for as long as he fits in it. However we have a small bedroom and no space for baby’s things, so all of his clothes and nappies etc will be kept in lambs room. I’ll be writing a post in collaboration with Boori next week about the boys sharing a room and how we will make space for their things. It’s going to be a squeeze but we will manage I’m sure!
Becoming a family of four is a little daunting, I’m not going to lie. The early months with Lamb weren’t easy for me. I have no idea how I will cope with 2, I’m just hoping the age gap between the boys will help. Now Lamb is 3 he’s suddenly gained this independence and loves to play with his toys by himself. He makes up little stories and you can hear him talking to his toys. Buying him his mid sleeper cabin bed for his birthday was the best thing we could of done, he loves playing on his little den underneath! It makes him feel more like the ‘big brother’ he will soon be!
We are definitely very excited to meet our second son and become a family of four. I feel like these last weeks are dragging now and we just want him here so we can begin our next family chapter. It’s going to be a rough ride, but an incredibly rewarding one too.
Baby boy you are already loved so much and we already see ourselves as a family of four…
Mummy x
Having just made the transition to a family of four, I relate to so much of this post! I struggled after the birth of my first but, in all honesty, I haven’t had time to dwell on anything this time around as I’m constantly in demand! Whether my eldest wants attention, the baby needs fed or changed or meals need made – it’s constant and I love it x
I can’t believe how quick your pregnancy has gone – love this A-Z series 🙂 being a family of Four is amazing – has it’s challenges but it’s highs are so so worth it xx
My daughter found it hilarious when I told her the baby would drink milk from my boobies too. She exclaimed, ‘Milk comes from cows not boobies!’ 🙂 Good luck with your new addition! xx
Oh Alex I’m so excited for you. You are and will be amazing. Sure look at you setting up a business, blogging and pregnant at once.
Eeeep things are getting so exciting for you, I’m sure Lamb will be a lovely brother. Looking forward to pics of him and baby. 🙂 xx
Wishing you all the very best, such an exciting time for you all! You’ll be settled as a family of four before you know it x
What an exciting time for you. I am sure everything will go well after the adjustment process though. Lamb will love the baby I am sure.
Good luck!!! I have a four year old and a two year old so I can really relate to how you’re feeling. It’s a big change going from one to two children and it takes some adjusting for everyone. I remember feeling horribly guilty that I sometimes had to choose who to go to first if they were both crying, it can be hard. It’s also amazing though and easier than the first in a lot of ways as you know what you’re doing a bit more second time around!
Hope all goes well with the birth and the adjustment, it will be hard at first, as everybody’s roles will need to shift but it will be great after a few months.xx