You've had baby number one, and you know that everything involving your little bundle of joy was a kind of learn-as-you-go experience. Now baby number two (or three or four) is on the way, or maybe they've already arrived, and you may notice a few contrasts in your attitude toward preparing for the baby and parenting once there are multiple kiddos. Maybe you haven't thrown caution to the wind completely; things are just . . . well . . . different.
How you announce your pregnancy:
First child: all of the bells and whistles from wrapped presents to specially made videos — anything to shock and surprise everyone.
Second Child: just blurt it out there so you can start eating tubs of ice cream in front of everyone without judgment.
The reactions of your friends and family:
First Child: "OH MY GOD THIS IS THE BEST NEWS WE'VE EVER HEARD EVER."
Second Child: "Oh another one? Congrats."
The gender reveal:
First child: you invite everyone you've ever met and the joy in the room is palpable.
Second child: this time around, maybe not so much excitement.
How you decorate the nursery:
First child: you choose paint colors, you get curtain swatches, artwork is ordered from Etsy, and it's all a great time.
Second child: hand-me-downs will be a thing, and that old floral wallpaper in the office will have to do.
Packing for the hospital:
First child: you might need a flashlight and some dishwasher detergent, who knows?!
Second child: yeah, you're good to go.
Bringing baby home and in the car for the first time:
First child: you probably want to sit with your child because you don't trust car seats. Even if you're both exhausted, at least you're near the baby.
Second child: I just want to get this kid home and get back to our Netflix binge.
(NOTE: Car seats should ALWAYS be strapped in according to instructions [1], not just placed on a seat as seen here!)
Letting people hold the baby:
First child: there is no doubt this will include lots and lots of hand sanitizer.
Second child: yes, please hold my child. Forever.
Changing diapers and the odor that accompanies it:
First child: have mercy! What is that smell?!
Second child: come at me, bro.
When the baby won't stop crying:
First child: make it stop! Make it stoppppppp!
Second child: yeah, just cry it out, kiddo.
Feeding your baby:
First child: everything is organic, baby doctor approved, and, most importantly, on a clean high chair that is sanitized between every use.
Second: yeah . . . at least the kid's eating.
Playing with the baby:
First child: you can't get enough, you want to hold them and coo at them and wave toys in front of them all day.
Second child: "go play with your toys in the playroom, mommy needs a break."