Our current life as we know it is about to change. Baby #2 is due in about 3 1/2 weeks.

As much as I am excited to have our little family of 4 and meet this new little guy, I have been super emotional thinking about Jack and how he won’t have our undivided attention anymore. I’ve been trying to make the most of the last couple months and spend as much time with him as I can. Things are going to change and I want to make sure that he doesn’t feel left out and ignored and still feels all the love from not only his mommy and daddy but everyone else.

Some of our daily routines have change slightly so that when the baby arrives we don’t change things too much for him. It makes me sad that I am going to have to change our morning routine where Jack normally comes into bed with us and we cuddle and laugh and be silly but the baby will be sleeping in our room for the first few months. Sleeping baby and an early rising toddler won’t really mix. Hopefully we can go back to our routine eventually though because it has been a time I cherish!

I’ve been wondering about how to introduce Jack to the baby. I’ve heard bringing the baby in the room after Jack has already had some one on one time with me although that may not be possible in the hospital. I’ve heard buying a small gift from the baby to his big brother Jack is helpful. I Would love to hear tips that have worked for others especially when young children are involved who might not fully understand what’s happening.

I’ve also been thinking about what happens when the baby gets home and people come for visits. My line has been “the baby won’t know he’s being ignored but Jack will” so I’m hoping people will pay attention to Jack first, new baby second. I also want to have a few small gifts on hand so that if a baby gift comes that Jack also has something to open as well.

I know my attention will be divided when the baby arrives so making sure I carve out time for one on one Jack time is going to be super important. He is going to be at daycare during the day so in the morning and in the evening making sure he gets quality time with both Dave and I. I know there are going to be times when we can’t just do what he wants any more and hopefully he will understand that as soon as we are done attending to the baby that we can spend that time. I think the key is not just saying “I don’t have time right now” but letting him know that as soon as I’m done feeding, changing or getting the baby to sleep or whatever it is that we can read that book, play that game etc.

I want Jack to be our little helper with respect to the baby. I think having his involvement in various baby chores will make him feel like he is important to the process.

It’s going to be a transition no doubt. For us all. But I hope to lessen the impact by easing the change as much as possible.

I really feel like Jack is going to be a great big brother. I know there are going to be bumps in the road but my hope is that they grow up to not only be brothers but friends.