Second Time Around

Dinosaurs And Glitter - 28 Nov 16

You always want the best for your children, regardless of the order of their birth. However there are just some things with your second that you are a bit more ‘relaxed’ (socially acceptable language for ‘can’t be aresd’) about.

Clothes

With my first, I spent a small fortune on loads of little outfits for every eventuality; I would then lovingly wash and dry each outfit before I would let my baby boy anywhere near them.

This time round my little one is mostly in her brothers hand me downs (this makes for interesting conversations with strangers about what a ‘lovely little boy he is’) and when she does get something new then it’s a miracle if I remember to take the tags out, let alone wash it before she wears it.

I would also do an entire outfit change for even the slightest mark with number one; but this time round unless the stain is absolutely certifiably 100% poo the outfit stays on; there’s already too much washing in the pile.

Sleep

I was never a Gina Forder (though if that’s what works for you the I’m not in a position to judge); however with number one there was always some semblance of routine, with regular feeds and two naps a day.

Number two however is a different story as her sleep times are at the whim of her brother. Naps are often in the car seat, buggy and even sometimes on the cat as she is dragged around after her brother. This made for an interesting conversation with nursery when they asked me about her ‘routine’ and I drew a total blank.

Food

With number one I was determined that everything would be homemade and wholesome, and we would have a balance of purees and baby led weaning (I actually feel like a prize twat even typing that last sentence). In fact I don’t think that number one had any refined sugar until his first birthday, when he was allowed a bit of cake.

The second however is given pretty much whatever is to hand, which is normally an Ella’s pouch, and has already at seven months eaten at least four types of chocolate cake. I mean don’t get me wrong I have done some ‘homemade’ purees if you count mashing a banana with a fork as homemade.

Toys

Toys were all about aesthetics (i.e. not plastic tat) and educational value with the first. I had visions of my house looking like a Montessori nursery (Google it if your not sure).

With the second I’ve realised that the reason they make noisy plastic toys is because that’s what children actually want to play with; and the beautiful non tat wooden toys are either discarded or used by the older one to practice his throwing. I’ve also realised that you should always know where the mini screwdrivers are and have many an elaborate excuse for why the shop is out of batteries, because sometimes the lights and sounds can just be a bit too much. If for any reason your other half over hears you telling your toddler said elaborate excuses regarding the availability of batteries and ‘comes to the rescue’ with spare batteries from the kitchen drawer feel free to crack open the wine, gin or the other half’s head.

Going back to work

With the first one I spent most of my first day back in the toilet sobbing, and rang the nursery every hour to check how he was getting on. It was obvious when I showed up at nursery at the end of the day, with my slightly puffy face from all the crying, that he was fine and had actually had quite a fun day.

My first day back with the second was the polar opposite I practically skipped back in. Hot coffee, going to the toilet in peace and an opportunity to use my brain for something other than remembering all the verses to row, row, row your boat (there are so many!) might be a cliché but I was certainly pleased to be back.

So as you can see there are definitely a few changes in my parenting tactics with number two but it doesn’t mean I love her any less, I will however just have to hope she never asks to see her baby book!

Dinosaurs And Glitter

I am a mum of two adorable young children; trying to navigate the task of raising two small human beings and holding down a full time job whilst maintaining some form of sanity.

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