Pregnancy – 1st time vs 2nd time (worlds apart…..)

(grainy iPhone selfie…)

There was a post on Cup of Jo a while back about Raising your first child vs. second child.  It was hilarious and SO TRUE.  Now that I’m nearly done my pregnancy, I thought back as to what was different during this pregnancy vs. my first and it was pretty different too…

Education

1st time
Diligently read two full pregnancy books.  Had at least three pregnancy apps so I could see photos of my developing fetus as well as comparisons to various sized fruits and vegetables.

2nd time
Downloaded a pregnancy app.  When it came time to upgrade so I could see beyond the first trimester I deleted it.

Exercise

1st time
Pre-natal aquasize classes at my local pool.  We gently bobbed in the water as we contemplated life with baby.

2nd time
Doing laundry and running after my toddler.

Name

1st time
Lists were made and books were consulted to confirm the meaning of the name.

2nd time
Short-list of three names.  First name used by a friend just before birth – went with second choice.  No debates.

Food

1st time
Made sure I always had a daily dose of omega 3’s and plenty of fruit and veg.  Convinced exposure to healthy food in the womb would create a healthy eater.

2nd time
Cheerios and chocolate milk.  Ice cream until the reflux made it a misery.  Haribo gummies.  Eating expectations substantially reduced.

Rest

1st time
Relaxing on the sofa, feet up.  Sleeping in on the weekends.  Soaks in the tub.

2nd time
Sleeping in means 7:05.  I go to bed early… because I fall asleep next to my toddler at 8:00.  This is closely followed by hours of insomnia at around 1am because I went to bed too early.  The cycle continues.  Rest is folding laundry while sitting on the couch.

Buying

1st time
My husbands motto – it’s a new baby, so he deserves new items.

2nd time
My husbands motto – can’t you borrow this from someone?

Preparations

1st time
Everything was in place at 32 weeks.  Just in case.  ‘Cause you never know.  Massive spreadsheet of things that needed to be bought/done.

2nd time
Realized we’d better install the car seat when I was beyond full term.  Think I’m ready.  If not will wing it.

Baby Book

1st time
Two books – one baby book lovingly filled out ahead of time and one scrapbook with photos.

2nd time
Still on the to do list.

Photos

1st time
Monthly photos, same outfit, same pony tail, same position and holding a card with the date.

2nd time
iPhone selfies.  Mostly grainy.

Delivery & Expectations

1st time
Anxiously awaiting the baby to come.  Would love if he came early.  Can’t wait to hold him and give cuddles.  Breastfeeding will be such a lovely quiet time.

2nd time
Desperately hope baby will at least wait until 39 weeks.  Excited to see his little face but all-nighters with a screaming, red faced newborn haunt my dreams.  Dread the chapped nipples and screaming pain.  Never thought I’d dread having huge boobs.

What about you guys?!

Also see posts on Newborn Essentials you Never Knew You Needed, Montreal Parent Resources, and Necessities for a New Baby