When that second pink line appears a million things run through your head and the countdown begins to holding your little one outside your body for the first time. 

For first time moms, 9 month is often spent preparing for baby and for birth, registries, birth classes, interviewing doulas, midwives/OBs, and pediatricians.

For second time moms, it may be much the same, but the naps are fewer, the exertion is more, and the worry about managing and loving 2 kids is often forefront in their minds. 

By the time those lines showed up for my 6th pregnancy(the 4th that made it through the first trimester). I was more concerned about postpartum. My worries were not about having enough love or patience or breastmilk, but how on earth was I going to cope with yet more laundry, dirty dishes, and mouths that were always begging for a snack no matter what or when they'd last eaten. 

At 6, 4, and 2, was there really much I could expect? The short answer, YES. But it didn't and wouldn't happen overnight. It will take nine months of laying a foundation and preparing my family for those first weeks postpartum. Preparing them so that I can take care of myself and the new one and hopefully our lives will maintain motion amid the chaos. 

Preparation #1 - LAUNDRY
Hard enough in the best of times, a newborn and kids who need clothes for school --- ummm...sure. But guess what has been invented? Laundry pods! Not ideal for my crunchy leanings, but sometimes in life you have to take the convenient route for a little while. So simple, my 4 year old picked it up like nothing else, drag laundry to the washer, drop in a pod, press warm, press start. Move laundry to dryer. Press start. He and his older brother won't have the stamina to do the entire family's laundry, but if it's Sunday and no clean jeans for Monday? Guess who can help out?

Preparation #2 - DIRTY DISHES
Once again, not the most environmentally friendly, but disposable. Those first few weeks at home, disposable is my friend. To save on costs I keep an eye on sales and try and spread out the purchasing. Some stores even have compostable or environmentally friendly disposable tableware so that's something to look out for too. Guess what, they can get, use and clean up with out having to soak my kitchen washing dishes!

Preparation #3 - FOOD
This one is a little more tricky, but frozen meals can be put in a cold oven to minimize burns and cook times adjusted. Practice now. Snacks can be purchased individually packaged and a spigot-ed water dispenser placed in the fridge. If friends or family offer to bring you anything, accept! If they ask what you need, cut fresh fruit and veggies are always welcome here! We have also been learning how to use the microwave, so tossing in a bag of Steamables veggies to go with that frozen meal is a great option.

Preparation #4 - ENTERTAINMENT
I have to begin preparing pretty far out for this one. New crayons and coloring books go a long way, Playdough, sure. But mainly being ok with increased TV times. It's not forever, and yes, I'd love to be a screen free family, but in reality, I'm going to need a nap and if putting on Paw Patrol or Octonauts for an hour keeps me even slightly more rested then we'll all live through it. 

With the exception of entertainment, learning how to do some of these things takes time and an understanding mindset. They will make mistakes, messes will be made, but as they get used to new responsibilities and extra tasks they will excel and while it won't be perfect and will still be chaos, the first few weeks after the new one arrives might be just a little bit easier. 

~Heather

How do you cope with younger older kids during your first weeks postpartum? Did your reality look anything at all like your plans? Feel free to share stories, ideas, and advice below.