From what I have read, you are a mere week away from welcoming your second child. The world has watched your every move — and every stunning outfit — since you announced that you and Prince William are giving Prince George a sibling, anxiously looking for signals that you are having a boy or a girl based on the colors you wear, the comments you make, and your general shape.
And while there is plenty of speculation about the baby who will be fourth in line to the British throne, I'm nervous that you've missed out on some key pieces of advice that moms tend to impart on each other before they give birth to subsequent children. So without further adieu, here's some advice you'd be wise to heed as your family grows by one — because chances are your husband's grandmother isn't sharing it with you!
Remember the swarm of media that was camped outside your hospital as you awaited the arrival of Prince George? Don't expect that kind of reception this time around. Sure, there will be more than a few cameras aimed at the Lindo Wing at St. Mary's Hospital, but it won't be nearly the same size crowd that welcomed your firstborn. And they won't be quite as enthusiastic. You've been there and done that, and so have they. This time isn't quite as exciting for anyone but your immediate family.
When you emerged from St. Mary's Hospital in that polka-dot dress with your postpartum belly front and center for the world to see, moms everywhere breathed a sigh of relief. Yes, you are just like us. Your belly didn't magically disappear the moment you gave birth, like they do in the movies. You looked real. Unfortunately for you and moms everywhere, this reality lasts longer the second time around. Your muscles stretched out faster this time, and they need some extra time to go back.
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3You're Expected to Know What You're Doing This Time Around
Remember when your husband put Prince George in the car seat already swaddled and parents around the world gasped in horror (OK, maybe they chuckled rather than gasped). You all got a pass because it was your first time using a car seat. If it happens this time, you'll be vilified as bad parents, and if you lived in our world, someone would call Child Protective Services on you.
Though your intuition may tell you to spend more time with the baby, forget that idea and spend as much time with Prince George as you can. The baby doesn't know if you're there or not, but Prince George does. So when you're done nursing baby number two (and we're assuming you'll nurse him/her since you did the first time around), hand the baby off to the nanny and go play a game with George. That mommy time will mean more to him than you realize.
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5Your Husband Will Go Back to Work Sooner This Time
Yes, I know there isn't an office calling Prince William to return to work, but his royal duties will resume faster this time around; it's just a fact of life. The novelty of a new baby at home wears off faster the second time around, plus he knows that you can handle this. So don't get too upset when he's manning a reception line with his father as you're home watching the event on TV while nursing the new baby.
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6You Won't Take Such Long and Leisurely Walks This Time Around
Unless you're leaving Prince George with a nanny, your walks will be faster and more aggressive. With a toddler in tow, there's no such thing as a leisurely stroll. There's a lot more running and chasing, unfortunately — less time to just take everything in.
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7You Will Be Frustrated
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography
You'll think you've got this parenting thing down since you've done it before, but chances are your second child won't be quite the same as your first. The tricks that worked for one won't necessarily work for the other. You'll be tired — more tired than you ever thought was possible — because instead of just caring for one, you're chasing after the older one too. Just remember that this phase will pass. Your mother got through it, and you can get through it too.
I'm still not quite sure why this one rings true, but every mom I ask tells me that their mother wasn't quite as helpful the second time around. So don't plan on dropping the kids at Grandma's house for the weekend anytime soon.
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9Don't Worry About How You Can Love Baby #2 as Much as #1
It's a common concern and one that every parent of multiple children has thought. But believe me when I tell you that the rumors are true. Somehow your heart just expands when you have another child, and instead of having to share the love that's already in there, the amount of love you can show doubles so it can be equitable for each child.
