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I have "KIDS"

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So, I find myself tripping out at the thought that I now have 2 kids. I was completely freaking out before baby Jack arrived due to the fact that I feel like Emmi is a handful and I can't imagine doubling that work. To get myself to calm down I would just tell myself, "everyone does it, right?"

Well, to say the least it hasn't been a breeze so far. I am handling the baby fine. Yeah, some sleep deprivation, but Emmi has been a complete "2 year old" nightmare. I believe she is loving her baby brother, although she thinks that smothering, hitting, poking, jumping near his head, yelling in his ear, and collapsing to the floor everytime she doesn't get her way at that moment seems to be a good way to get attention. YIKES!!! My patience is wearing thin.

I would LOVE any advice on handling two kids and most importantly handling a 2 year old with a new sibling.


This is innocent Emmi loving her brother at the moment

Comments

camhoward said…
You have to show Emmi shaking
June 8, 2009 at 9:38 PM
Toini said…
Someone once told me that for a child to have a sibling can be just as hard as for you having your husband come home one day and introduce you to his new wife... It can take some time for her to get used to not being the only child. I'm sure you're already doing these things but here are some tips anyway: Try to include Emmi as much as possible in the care of her baby brother. When you nurse Jack, read her a story... Make sure that Brian or someone else can give her his undevided attention sometimes. Tell her what a GREAT big sister she is, even if all she is doing is NOT hitting or sitting on her brother... And last but not least: Believe in yourself! You can do it!
June 9, 2009 at 12:57 AM
Heather said…
Hey Angie, I totally know what you're going through! Jackson is doing great with the baby, but in regards to everything else, a meltdown is always just moments away! I never realized how hard parenting a two year old was. This baby thing is a breeze compared to the tantrums! If you get any great advice, please pass it on. Hope you're dong well!
June 9, 2009 at 8:41 AM
Sid said…
I am sure you are doing great! you are adjusting too. It is sort of trippy with 2 kids! But I know exactly what you mean with emmi flipping out for no reason. Ella did the same thing. I just always tried to have activities for her and to give her like 200% more attention than normal. But over time they get used to it and things get better. Just stick it out! I remember having a breakdown in my hallway thinking i can't do this! I wasn't meant to be a mom! but over time you get into the swing of things and all is well!
can't wait to meet that cute guy!
June 9, 2009 at 9:50 AM
Daryl and Ashley said…
I would have no advice! You are a great mom and I am sure that you will figure it all out! Hang in there!
June 9, 2009 at 10:11 AM
Porters said…
Well I don't have any advice...but I would be glad to take yours when this baby comes. But I hear you on the two year old antics. *Maybe* it's lucky Laneah is showing her extremes in temperment now- and is getting it out of the way before the baby? I love your blog and love the pictures of new baby Jack!
June 9, 2009 at 11:00 AM
Tracy Elder said…
Hi my name is Tracy. I came across your blog when I googled Ladybug Birthday. I just want to say your family is beautiful. Also, "Congratulations" and just know that there are other napless, strong willed little 2 year old girls out there, like mine. My daughter is turning 2 in a few weeks and she does the same things your daughter does when she is aroung little babies...AHHH!

Enjoy it though. Savor each moment. We are old so much longer than we are young :)
June 10, 2009 at 11:18 PM
Stacy said…
You need to figure out how to handle a 2 year old and a new born so that I can call you in a few months for help!!! If you don't have it figured out by then, maybe we'll just cry together. That always seems to help, knowing that someone else is struggling, too (that probably sounds terrible:)
June 11, 2009 at 2:26 PM
Anna said…
I can't offer any help with juggling two kids but I certainly can relate to the 2 year old struggles. Grant was a NIGHTMARE the few months before he turned three. But, it passed. The hardest part was riding it out because it was a phase. Emmi is probably having a rough phase compounded by the new baby. The collapsing, the hitting, is such a struggle because they really need to express themselves and can't do it in normal ways. Although Grant had his phases, we did sticker charts. It helped some. He would get a reward like going to the Children's Museum if he went three days with no hitting/biting/kicking/etc. I also tried a jar of beans that I would give him handfuls of beans when he was doing well and I would take them out when he was being naughty. Once he filled up the jar, we did a reward. Even with all our efforts, some of it just took time. Oh, and I had to follow-through with my threats. If I said we were going to leave somewhere if he acted up, I had to back it up and leave. That really made a difference. Sorry for the novel.
June 12, 2009 at 4:16 AM
Kristin said…
I can relate. . . the first thing Brady did when I brought Lauren home was slap her right on the face. It took a while and I definitely couldn't leave them alone for even a second, but it eventually gets better and they get more used to sharing time with their sib. Good luck;) I'm bummed I missed you today @ PCMC. Glad no pyloric stenosis.
June 12, 2009 at 8:10 PM
cara said…
Oh, I know how you are feeling! Give it a few months; it will get better! I know a few months sounds like a long time, but it will fly. Sienna has always been great with Dylan, but instead took it out on me (by kicking me, etc.). Try to get out with just Emmi, no baby, for an hour at the playground or whatever, but just you and Emmi. It's a difficult transition for everyone, especially a toddler who cannot express his/her feelings adequately. Hang in there! It will get better!
June 15, 2009 at 2:50 PM
Cambri Taylor and Macie Michele said…
So I have no great advice except that it does eventually pass. Macie did NOT like us bringing home another baby. She would try to bite and hit both me and Cambri all the time. One thing I did find that helped was making sure I found time for giving Macie my undivided attention and just played with her without Cambri being around. So 3 months later, she is much better and absolutely LOVES her little sister! Good luck, I'm sure you're doing great!
June 16, 2009 at 9:01 PM
the Ernest's said…
I've been meaning to email you for a WHILE! But, like you, juggling 2 has been a challenge. But I have the opposite problem. Taylor has been doing better than I expected - yes a few pokes in the eye, even biting little Molly's hands...and is it bad to say that I am pretty sure it's all out of love? But Molly on the other hand.....has been super high maintenance! Imagine me, super low maintenance, with a crying if not held high maintenance baby! Maybe its time I stick in that PURPLE DVD they make you take home. Anyway, I feel like I can't complain because they are both beautiful and healthy right?! Your kids are beautiful! I am so glad this pregnancy went longer/better and that Jack is here safe and sound! Bring him over anytime....we love BINGO!
June 18, 2009 at 1:03 PM
Mandy said…
Oh my gosh I love that picture of Emmi and Jack! I can't wait to see him again. He is absolutely adorable. I can't believe you are a mom of two either! Every day I get exhausted with Cutler I think "how can anyone have two?" But you are exactly right...people do it all the time. Before you know it it will be second nature. I can't wait to see you.
June 18, 2009 at 3:17 PM
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