2nd innings

One fine day I announced to my husband that we should have a second child. What followed was months-long discussions -why how when.

We didnt even have a trained helper for one child or the house!! My mum and husband tried to pitch in whenever possible.

The need to have a second baby, was to provide companionship to our elder one. For a lot of us this stems from our own upbringing in large joint families.
But it was easier said than done!!

I was again dealing with hyperemesis. This time I had more responsibilities other than my health.

The birth of my son coincided with my daughter's start at big school- it was all too emotionally overwhelming for her.

What helped-

A lot of talking and explaining to her about the new arrival, reading books on the topic, giving her lots and lots of extra attention even after delivery, getting her to help care for the new baby. It was an emotional roller coaster- but thats another story in itself.

But it worked.
For those planning a second, I strongly suggest that you get someone who can take over for your elder one- be there physically and emotionally, atleast for the first few months.

Do not under any circumstances, scold the elder child for any thing related to the newbaby. It will send wrong signals- your child will blame the newborn for everything.
But I'm glad that i took the leap of faith- I'm so happy to see the love and fights and games between my kids!