New Baby Prep with Toddler in Tow
Posted on: December 9, 2011
We are looking forward to welcoming our new baby, and Borys and I know full well what to expect (at least we think we do…). We’re old pros by now, right?
But Little Niko, soon to be Big Brother Niko, may be in for a bit of a shocker. Just as Frasier our poodle got bumped to second fiddle when Niko was born, Niko will now have to share in the limelight of our love and affection. Note: I am not comparing Niko to my dog…exactly. He’s not going to be playing second fiddle. But all the time and attention that was once solely his, will now need to be shared.
Personally, I like to think of it as our love growing, not dividing, but I am not sure how to best impart this idea on the big-brother-to-be.
I’ve put a lot of thought (and a bit of research) into strategies for making this life-changing transition as smooth as possible.
1) I bought a couple of storybooks about welcoming a new baby. The focus being on all the big boy things Niko can do and what he’ll be able to help us with once the baby arrives: baths, etc.
So far these books have been his self-selected bedtime stories a grand total of ONE time. But sometimes I get to the pick the story…
2) We refer to the baby by name and he seems to get it.
Whether or not he thinks that’s just the name for my growing tummy as opposed to the actual person inside me, has yet to be seen.
3) He has been united with my old Cabbage Patch dolls: Suzy and Toby. We practice holding them properly, loving them and taking care of them. Sometimes he sits Suzy up against the wall and says: “Watch Suzy. Watch!” while he shoots hoops or races around in the basement.
Other times he just tosses her aside on her head.
4) He helped us paint the room for the new baby.
At least he got invited up for the last few minutes to help cover the last empty spot on the llast wall. He enjoyed it though.
So time is ticking toward our little girl’s due date (January 1), and only time will tell what his reactions will be toward this new family member. But I have a feeling he’s going to be a great big brother!
3 Responses to "New Baby Prep with Toddler in Tow"
December 22, 2011 at 9:36 am
[…] I framed a few of his paintings. But how many frames can I actually put up in my house? Right now, the limit on frames and toddler art is two. (Maybe that will change once Little Sister arrives…). […]
December 23, 2011 at 12:40 pm
[…] have been a few bumps along the road, at 38 weeks and 5 days pregnant, I am now full term and just awaiting the arrival of our little bambino. Having had a membrane sweep on Tuesday I’ve had a few false alarms due to the cramping […]
January 11, 2012 at 1:43 pm
[…] in them! A smaller room? A little bigger than half the size of Niko’s… (But to be fair, immaculately and freshly decorated though!) Fewer photos? Yet to be […]
December 21, 2011 at 10:23 am
[…] As mentioned before, I’ve been trying to figure out how best to introduce our little lady to her big brother. Since my previous post, I’ve been given a few more pointers: […]