Don’t Mind the Gap
When I found out I was pregnant with my second child, lots of people were shocked. I had only been back at work for four months after maternity leave with Kayleigh. She wasn’t even one yet. But the most shocking thing of all was people’s reaction – some were genuinely pleased for me, but some said I must be mad and went on about how much hard work it would be. What I don’t think they realised is that Ethan was planned, as was Kayleigh less than a year before. I was very fortunate that I conceived the first month after coming off the contraceptive pill, so although our second baby was planned, even I admit it was very quick!
I always knew I wanted a close age gap between my children. There was a big gap between my siblings and I – my sister is ten years older, my brother is seven years older and my other brother is six years younger than me, so I knew that when I had children, they would be close in age. I suppose deep down after having Kayleigh, I did sort of hope that I would have another little girl and they would be close and share things as they grew up, but I needn’t have worried. Kayleigh and Ethan are so close and love each other dearly.
I’m not saying they are best of friends all the time, there are days when they drive each other (and me) up the wall, but they miss each other so much when they are apart. If Ethan is crying, Kayleigh comfort’s him by saying “there, there Ethan don’t cry, I’m here”, which makes me well up every time! I hope when they grow up, even if they’re not best friends, that they are still at least close.
As for me, the stress of having two children under the age of three is nowhere near as bad as I thought it could be. Yes, there have been times I wanted to cry and did wonder what the hell I had done, but Kayleigh was a star. She loved looking after her little brother, helping where she could. Recovering from the c-section I had with Ethan made it harder, but we all came out the other side. Now I have two special children with that bond between them that I love and am proud of – it’s exactly what I had wanted them to have. When they giggle getting up to mischief together, my heart swells and despite the hard work, I know I’ve done the right thing. So, please, if you’ve got a close age gap between your children, or have fallen pregnant soon after you’ve given birth, be nervous! Be proud of your decision to bring another little one into the world – trust me, that a special moment your first born holds their little brother or sister makes it all worthwhile!
My son is 7 months and im 17 weeks pregnant now with my second child! my babies will be just over a year apart and i cant wait to have both of them to love and enjoy. Both pregnancies where planned which always is a shocker for people, i myself have siblings close in age and couldnt imagine having it any other way.
Your story sounds exactly the same as mine!!! I have a 15 month gap between my son and daughter. It is hard at times especially when they both wake at night or both want my attention! Our two was both planned, took4 years to fall pregnant with my son but only one cycle of clomid to fall for my daughter. Every day when were out I get told that I’m mad or that it must be such hard work. The best was yesterday thou when I was told by an old lady that the only reason I had them so close was for the money and that no one could possibly want 2 so close for any other reason! X
My two have exactly 12 months and 3 weeks between them and was planned that way . got the nappies , potty training all out of the way at the same time it was a lot easier x
Your children age gap must be same as my two
it is hard work especially in those first few months but it will be great having them grow up close in age and be there for each other xx
It is very hard the first few months but i’m really looking forward to them growing up together