Home · KOLNKGIN.com · Recipes · Schools · Recalls · Childcare · Licensing Index · WebMD
Mom to Mom with Serese Cole, April 17 Save Email Print
Lincoln, Neb.
Posted: 11:25 AM Apr 17, 2008
Last Updated: 11:25 AM Apr 17, 2008
Reporter: Serese Cole
Email Address: serese.cole@kolnkgin.com

A | A | A

Round two...

I know I've been through this before, but I must admit - I'm starting to get anxious.

Now that I'm in my third trimester, I've been thinking a lot about the baby's arrival.

Some of my concerns are probably a little silly...
Will my water break at an inconvenient location - like work or church?
How long will I be in labor this time around?
And how are we all going to fit in our house?

But then there are bigger issues ...
Will our baby be healthy?
Will the baby reach full term?
Will we ever agree on a name for our little guy?
And of course, one of my greatest concerns...
What is Tyler going to think about all of this?

I've been trying to talk to Tyler about his little brother and the fact that there's a baby in mommy's belly. This week, for the first time, it seemed like he understood. When I said, "There's a baby in there - your little brother is in there" as I pointed to my stomach - he began to gently rub my tummy. Then he laid his head on my tummy and kissed it. But once he got up..he gave my stomach a nice slap...OUCH! So much for tender moments!

I talked with Tyler's pediatrician about my concerns....

Her advice was to make sure when Tyler comes to the hospital to meet his new brother -- not to have the baby in the room with me and Todd. Instead, she suggested when Tyler arrives we should all walk to the nursery together to get "our" new baby. And of course... have some small gifts for him -- so he won't resent the baby for getting all the presents.

I also read in a parenting magazine that if you must decide between responding to your newborn's cry and your toddler's cry. Respond to your toddler first. Your baby won't hold the tears against you...your toddler might.

I thought it was all good advice. But I still wonder how it's going to turn out.

If you've got any suggestions on how to make the transition easier for baby number one -- I sure would appreciate hearing from you.

Or tell me what concerns you had during your pregnancy or as your raise your children.

*Update By the way, I've gained almost four pounds since I first told you about me "weight" dilemma!

Email  del.icio.us   Google   Yahoo  digg
More Stories
Mom to Mom with Serese Cole, May 19

Mom to Mom with Serese Cole: It's a Boy

Mom to Mom with Serese Cole, May 6

Mom to Mom with Serese Cole, April 25

Mom to Mom with Serese Cole, April 17

Mom to Mom with Serese Cole, April 5

Mom to Mom with Serese Cole, March 25

Mom to Mom with Serese Cole, March 12

Post Your Comments
First Name:
Location:
Enter Comments: characters left
Email (optional):
Email will not be displayed on site. For station contact purpose only.
Read Comments
Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.
Posted by: Lori Location: Lincoln on May 4, 2008 at 10:40 PM
With each of my children, I had the older ones help out with the new one, like getting the diaper, the wipes, even letting them pick out the clothes that the new one will wear. I even let them open the baby gifts. Remember to tell Tyler that you still love him and also let him hold the new one of course with your help. When you are feeding the new one with a bottle have Tyler help that way as well. I wish your family well.

Posted by: Gma L Location: Lincoln on Apr 24, 2008 at 02:24 PM
I had two boys that are 20 mos. apart. The thing I remember the most is always telling the older one that Mommy has room for both boys on her lap. Then I would point to each leg to make sure that neither one felt left out. The first time he met his brother, he actually kicked him in the head! That was terrible, but they learn quickly to love their little brother. There are bad times, but the good times far outweigh the bad, and I know that you are a great mother Serese. Just enjoy every minute - and please keep a journal at hand to write down all the precious memories. Enjoy!!

Posted by: Trish Location: Fairbury on Apr 23, 2008 at 08:54 PM
When I was due with our first one was going on three. We bought him a baby doll so he would have a baby to take care of just like mommy did. I think that kind of helped him adjust when I had the baby. He was always wanting to feed his new brother and hold him.

Posted by: Anonymous on Apr 22, 2008 at 04:14 PM
I am anxiously waiting for the arrival the new son. I pray all goes well and I know it will. Every mother has concerns about the birth of the next baby even if you are having your 10th baby. I wrote you when Tyler was born and it is so much fun to watch a family grow. You are so good on the news and I will miss you while you take your baby break. God bless all of you. Jerry Ptacnik of Bloomfield Ne

Posted by: Stacy Location: Lincoln on Apr 21, 2008 at 05:40 PM
Yes, I would have to agree with everyone else, have Tyler help out as much as possible to make him feel included. I had my daughter (now 20 mos) when my son was 2 and it is challenging at times, but try and set time out for just mommy & Tyler. During nap times is a great time to have "mommy time" they will love it when they have you to their selves. Also, at the hospital the small gifts are important and maybe tell Tyler one of them is from his baby brother! Best of Luck!

Posted by: Kathryn Location: Lincoln on Apr 21, 2008 at 04:16 PM
Go to the library and get "Hello Baby." I have a 8 week old and a 2 1/2 year old and I wish I would have picked up the book before Makayla came. The book really explains this well for a toddler. Also when any body new comes to see the baby, have them greet your toddler first and have him introduce the baby, so he feels important.

Posted by: Tia Location: Seward on Apr 21, 2008 at 01:22 AM
My daughter was 14 months old when her little sister was born. She didn't really understand the whole baby in mommy's belly idea. She thought I had named my belly button Lydia. She would have to show everyone. Then she thought all belly buttons were Lydias. So, she was really confused when baby Lydia made her appearance. She seemed standoffish in the hospital but as soon as we got her home she took to the new baby really well and loves to help mommy take care of her. You should try to get Tyler to help with the baby by bringing diapers or pacifiers to you. It will make him feel big and he will probably love the praise from you for helping. Good Luck with everything. I'm sure you will all adjust well.

Posted by: Shirley Location: Lincoln on Apr 20, 2008 at 10:25 PM
Let Tyler help with the baby as much as possible. Being included will help him from getting jealous.

Posted by: Jill Location: Lincoln on Apr 18, 2008 at 09:53 AM
I wish I'd known that info about walking to get the baby when I had my second baby. My daughter was 20 months when our son was born and she wanted nothing to do with him. For an entire week! She didn't act jealous or anything, she just went about playing as usual. Even when he cried, she never flinched. Only after about a week, did she come up to him and say "baby" and was interested in what he was doing. So my advice is to not worry. Every sibling out there has probably been a little jealous at first, but they get over it and then they just love them to pieces! Your boys will be best buds, I'm sure. Good luck!