After months of preparation, the due date for our second baby has finally arrived. Thus far, my wife is showing no signs of labour, but I know that could change at any moment.

So, in this period of calm before the chaos, let me share a few ways we have been preparing to become parents for two under two.

Teaching Our Toddler

Squish is still a little too young to comprehend how radically her world is about to change.

Even so, we’ve done our best to talk often about the baby, point out Mummy’s growing tummy, and explain that our family will soon be increasing from three of us to four.

We’ve also had many conversations about gentle touch, given Squish’s recent forays into hitting — a very typical developmental stage for a toddler.

The other way we have been preparing Squish is by ensuring her routines are as normal as possible, including quality time with both of us before bed. Importantly, we have resolved to give her periods of undivided attention even once the baby arrives. Though we will soon be a family of four, Squish will still need individual time with us, whether on walks, at the playground, or engaging in her favourite activities at home. Lots will change, but these special times with our toddler will continue.

Renovating with Time to Spare

We arrived back in Australia at the start of October to a house we bought several years ago with intentions to renovate.

We knew the house wouldn’t renovate itself — and life was only going to become more complex as our family grew — so we made the ambitious decision to enter project mode immediately.

In the months since, we have removed internal walls to make our living rooms open-plan, completely remodelled our bathroom, laundry and toilet, and made lots of other changes besides. Many nights have been spent painting or ordering supplies, and we’ve seen a constant stream of deliveries and tradespeople in that time.

While it has been a time of great upheaval, we have no regrets. We got the house ready with plenty of time to spare for the birth — including furnishing the nursery and stocking it with plenty of supplies.

If you don’t have to renovate before the next baby arrives, then don’t! But if you do, I recommend getting on to it sooner rather than later, and working to a strict timeline to make sure life feels settled for the birth!

Working from Home

One of the changes we made to our house is to add a home office. It’s nothing fancy, but it’s quiet, private, and the first time I’ve enjoyed this luxury since we got married.

Increasingly, workplaces offer work-from-home arrangements, even if for just a portion of the week. It’s comforting for both Angie and me that I will be around the place during the first few months of the baby’s life, with the flexibility to help out when needed.

Enlisting the Help of Family

My sisters are already organising a meal train for us — something that churches and community groups regularly offer to new parents as well.

We have also been blessed to have my wife’s parents visiting from the United States. They booked a whole month in Australia to coincide with Angie’s due date, which means Squish has dedicated care when we inevitably rush off to the hospital.

Everyone’s family looks different, but I encourage all expecting parents to lean on family, friends or neighbours for support. Welcoming a new baby is a big transition, and it’s one you don’t have to do alone.

What other advice would you suggest for the arrival of a new baby? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

___

Image courtesy of Unsplash.