I won’t be addressing you by your official name just yet, as I harbor a bit of superstition about naming babies before their grand entrance. Besides, your older sibling might just have the final say—which could lead to a rather interesting salutation like “Dear Superhero” or something equally whimsical!
With your big debut just around the corner—less than two months to go!—it’s about time you got acquainted with your soon-to-be family and start preparing for life beyond the womb. Here’s the unvarnished truth: your sibling has already sapped much of our energy and patience, so your success will hinge on your ability to keep things low-key (and clean, too).
ABOUT YOUR FAMILY:
Mom: The one who has been your cozy home for the past 30 weeks. You might find me looking a bit more polished when we finally meet, though let’s face it, I probably won’t be at my best—just like you.
Dad: The one who isn’t equipped to provide that delicious breast milk you might have heard about. Don’t hold it against him; he’s actually pretty awesome. He loves to wrestle and has a knack for entertaining during bedtime stories. Just be warned: he’s not easily swayed like I am.
Big Sibling: Your predecessor, the one whose toys you’ll inherit, and who will both look out for you and test your patience at home. He’s also the one you’ll inevitably be compared to, but we promise to do our best to avoid damaging comparisons. (We might joke about saying, “Why can’t you be more like your brother?”—our humor can be a bit sharp, so brace yourself for that.)
The Furry Member: She was not thrilled about the arrival of your sibling and took her time warming up to him. Now, after two and a half years, she has developed a begrudging acceptance. I’m curious how she’ll react to your arrival, so some treats might be a good idea.
YOUR LIVING ARRANGEMENTS:
Initially, you’ll be sharing a space with your dad and me, but once you’re ready, you’ll transition to your very own room. Your crib is a chic, contemporary design made from pre-chewed wood, and the changing table is stocked with adorable clothes that have already seen some action.
OUR HOURS:
7 a.m. to 8 p.m. As the new kid on the block, we’ll ensure you’re fed and cared for during those late-night, middle-of-the-night, and early morning hours. However, we highly encourage you to adapt to our schedule as soon as possible. I might have been too soft on your sibling when it came to sleep training, but I’m ready to be a bit stricter this time (see the first entry under ‘Suggested Reading’).
SUGGESTED READING:
- Sleeping Through the Night: The Sooner You Do It, the More Your Parents Will Appreciate You
- Potty Training for the Soon-to-be-Infant
- Don’t Forget Mommy’s Fun Side
WHAT TO EXPECT AS THE SECOND CHILD:
Here’s the deal: you might not have a lot of new items, but honestly, material things are overrated, and you won’t even notice the difference for quite some time. Your nursery won’t have a theme, and I haven’t spent hours imagining your arrival because I’ve been busy managing your sibling’s needs. This doesn’t mean we’re not excited; it’s just a calm, grounded excitement.
Remember, being the first isn’t always the best. The first child gets all the initial attention and shiny new things, but they also face the dreaded First Pancake Syndrome—often a bit misshapen and sometimes undercooked. Look at your parents: I was the eldest of three and need heavy sedation to fly, while your dad, the youngest, rides motorcycles and says things like, “It is what it is.”
In summary, we will undoubtedly make mistakes with both you and your sibling, despite our best intentions. But know this: we will love you unconditionally—as long as you follow our lead.
See you soon!
Love,
Mom
P.S. If you’re curious about home insemination options, check out this excellent resource on fertility treatment for more information.
Keyphrase: second baby preparation
Tags: home insemination kit, home insemination syringe, self insemination