Thank you, everyone... and a question about how your oldest reacted to your new baby?

Question

Just wanted to say thanks for the second time... I've been part of this community since before the birth of my first daughter, and now our second has arrived. Allison Joy was born 3/23 at 9:54am. She was 9lbs 2oz, and 20" long. She had a few blood sugar issues at first - it's suspected I might have developed gestational diabetes late in my pregnancy and it wasn't caught. She also has a pretty moderate case of jaundice, but we think we'll have it under control without treatment. She is a mellow baby so far - wakes up and cries to eat, and pretty much sleeps the rest of the time! I am looking forward to seeing her pretty eyes open more often in the future. Overall, she is doing very well, as are the rest of us!
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e94/barbara_and_jay/Baby%20Stump/Allie.jpg

Real question: How did your older child react to your new baby? Our 2-year-old daughter completely surprised me, after months of worrying that she'd hate me or the baby (or both). The first thing she said was, "Get down, Allie!!" because she wanted to play with her. She has spent the last two days that we've been home together as a family kissing, checking on, and loving her baby sister. Needless to say, this is the best transition I could have hoped for! I am thrilled, and it has made the whole experience so much less stressful than I expected. Please share your experiences, and thanks again!

Answer 1

I had a similar experience at first. Once the newness wore off I started having issues. For a few months where the baby could do little more than smile, laugh and coo at her big sister, it was very disheartening for big sis. Once she started moving and really interacting with everyone it was amazing. My older daughter has a mood disorder and can be pretty unstable at times. When she's teetering on that edge, its often something the baby does that can bring her back. She might crawl up and smile at her, play with a toy my older daughter forgot about, or just laugh at something but usually it works. When she's stable, the two are like glue. They have to bathe together or the baby cries and my older daughter throws a fit, they love sharing a room (literally one night transition). Yes my older daughter gets jealous but as long as I spend the baby's nap time giving her undivided attention, even if it's helping me do the dishes, she's happy.

Just remember, siblings will have issues and it's ok. It'll all pass, they'll grow up and before you know it they'll be gossiping in their room or fighting over the car keys.

Answer 2

my son was the same way. I was so worried he would be jealous. (he was two also) But now i am worried he might squeeze him too hard when he hugs him, which he does all the time. He loves his little brother. I know how relieved you are, I was worried too. But kids will surprise you!!! Congrats on the new baby, and be sure to take good care of the new mommy!!!

Answer 3

that's great that your daughter is accepting the newest member. i haven't had this happen to me. i remember when i was 3 my little brother was born and we came to visit my grandma. i told my grandma to keep him. i was awful to him. i was always throwing toys in his crib. i feel so bad when i think back on it. my mom acted different once he was born though. i think that had a lot to do with why i acted that way. so as long as you don't do the favorite kid thing everything will be fine and you won't have to worry about a thing! congrats on your new baby!

Answer 4

I don't have children yet, but I can tell you that when my little brother was born, he got a lot of attention that I was used to getting, (we were 26 months apart) and I felt that it would be best to, "take him back!". This was a while before I dumped a pitcher of water on his head when he was playing with my birthday present. We never really got along, but that was because we were treated differently by our parents. I was the dainty girl who didn't want to be treated like a wall-flower, and he was "The Son" who was spoiled rotten.



I've seen siblings that get along great though! As long as the parents treat them equally, SHARING love, not distributing it, children will get along well.