Week 36: Going from one to two

As the weeks tick down to the Robertson party of three becoming a party of four, I get more and more focused on my time left with my little 2-year-old tornado, sidekick and only child, Boone. Now, don’t get me wrong. It is not that I am not overjoyed to add another kiddo into our family—because I really am. I just know that life is about to change forever … again.

On the whole, I’m pretty good with change. Heck, my husband’s job moved us five times in six years, so even if I wasn’t good with it, I would have to learn to adapt, or I would just shrivel into the fetal position every time the moving trucks showed up. But I think when I have a lot of time to think about this new baby, I can’t help mourn the loss of my focus and attention being only on my firstborn and I begin to worry about how the change will hit him.
Ever since my baby boy arrived almost two and a half years ago, he’s been the center of our world. He was the one who made us parents. We entered into a big, unknown world with him as our test run. We learned a lot, tried really hard, did a lot of things wrong and loved (and worried) more than we really ever imagined we could. Through all that, we’ve become little Boone experts, and now we can hardly remember life before him.
So, as my time and attention is getting ready to be split very soon, I have to admit, I’ve taken him on a few more doughnut dates than I normally would, and I’ve spent a little extra time bouncing the basketball with him at the gym, even when I feel as achy as an 80-year-old woman. I just want to savor all the little moments with just him and me. Not because they will end, because in reality, I think all the fun moments will only multiply with another child, but never again will he be my only one. There will be more hands to hold, more boo-boos to kiss, more diapers to change and more smiles and giggles to share.
I know that while there may be a few growing pains for big brother when the new baby arrives, I have a sneaky suspicion he will be perfect in his new role. When he faithfully attends my doctor’s appointment each week (like he has a choice, really) and the doctor places the doppler wand on my belly causing the loud “whoosh, whoosh, whoosh” to echo through the room, Boone proudly announces “THAT’S MY BABY SISTER!” each and every time! I can already picture him helping me with so many things and constantly asking if he can supply her with plentiful hugs and kisses. Yet, I’m sure he will be ready and willing to instruct her on all the do’s and don’ts of life.
So, while I know life will be very different as we transition from an only child to two little ones, I’m going to savor all the moments I have left as a mom of just one and anxiously wait for the moment when my two little ones meet for the first time. I have a feeling it will be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
For all you mamas of multiple little ones, how did your older children handle the transition with a new baby? Any tips to make the change a little smoother?