Appreciating The Little Things in Life

Today I am 35 weeks pregnant. As I get closer to delivery, I am once again feeling anxious and excited to meet my baby. I also wish I could at times, hurry things up.

We are currently working on moving our two youngest, Kayla 1 and Hannah 2 into the same room together. Their sleeping schedules aren't quite matched yet, but I figured it may be best to give them a month or so before the baby comes to adjust to their new surroundings.

Every day I realize even more how much more blessed I am as a parent of closely spaced children. Today I learned some close friends of mine lost their baby. Exactly one year ago, around the time I expect to deliver, another good friend lost her baby a few short weeks after birth.

Such experiences often cause me much grief, but also remind me that even when things are most chaotic and hectic, I truly am blessed with my children. I am thankful for every tantrum, pout, spilled dinner and seemingly endless flow of diapers and at times, diarrhea.

Remember when you are feeling your most down, pressed for time or exhausted, no matter the situation, as parents of closely spaced kids we truly are blessed.

Older Siblings Sensitivity

I just had my 33 week visit. My baby is still lying sideways, but I assume has plenty of time yet to turn before delivery. My second daughter Kayla was also lying transverse for several weeks prior to delivery but flipped all her own.

There are some studies suggesting that greater uterine laxity may encourage babies to lie in a transverse position when you have closely spaced pregnancies. I might agree to this given my present situation. I will keep you posted as to whether the baby "flips" or not. Right now his head is lying against my right side.

My doctor also informed me I was having a very "large" baby with a big head, the prospect of which is a little frightening.

I have noticed of late my older daughter getting somewhat nervous at my growing and frequently moving abdomen. Older CSK's are sometimes sensitive to newer babies entering the family. While I am certain Hannah will welcome her brother with wide and open arms, there is also the possibility that she is just a little scared she will get that much less mommy time with 3 babies under 3.

It is important as a parent of closely spaced kids you recognize your children's sensitivity to new members of the family. While Kayla seems oblivious to the pending arrival of her brother, Hannah is definitely aware, and a little uncomfortable. Much like around the time Kayla was born, Hannah is regressing just a bit. She has started requesting a "binky" drinking from bottles and is throwing more frequent tantrums, I assume out of frustration.

The good news is you can take active steps to prepare your entire family for the arrival of the latest member of your family. Make sure you carve out a little extra time before baby arrives to cuddle up and snuggle with your other children. Make a point to tell them how much you love them, and how important they are in your life and the life of their newest sibling.

Most children approach a new arrival with a certain level of intrigue, mystery and trepidation. Remember that ultimately they just need the reassurance that you will always be there to hug, cuddle and snuggle with them no matter how many babies there are to share.

Do CSK's Share a Unique Form of Communication?

One of our readers shared a delightful story I'd like to share with you all. Last week she brought her three children to the doctor as her son needed vaccinations during his well visit. When the nurse approached him to give him a shot the oldest kicked her on the shin and yelled at her. This resulted in her middle child crying. The doctor said that her children were so close in age that they can communicate like twins. They have an "unspoken language" which no one will ever understand.

Children close in age DO share a unique bond, and this includes a bond for communicating. My oldest daughter, now two, will talk to me like an adult. But when she turns to her sister, she sometimes breaks out in "baby talk". She always manages however to bring a smile to her sisters face. Very often my oldest will bring a certain toy to her younger sister or babble something at her and then turn to me and say, "Mommy, Kayla needs sippy." I know the two of them share a unique bond I may never have the priviledge of fully understanding. They even talk with each other back and forth at night.

It makes perfect sense that younger children bond so closely and have an unspoken ability to communicate with one another. We should nurture that bond to the greatest extent possible while our children are young. Many children will grow into adults that share the same unique, close bond. It is lovely to watch and just one of the very perks and rewards of raising closely spaced children.

My very best wishes to you all, Anne