[amskillin]

Hello all,

We are adopting #2 and she is due literally any moment now. We are excited and a little nervous.

Our daughter, who is also adopted is 3 and seems to be taking it all in stride. We have made every effort to include her in the process (though she doesn't really understand) but she tells everyone she is going to be a big sister, which then means I have to explain that we are adopting because I get funny looks and questions like, When is your baby due? WOW! You look great for being pregnant!, ETC, ETC, ETC. In any case, What I am looking for here is some advice on bringing my daughter to the hospital when baby is born (she will be there for 2 days until the papers are signed) and bringing baby home. I plan to include Andrea (the older one) in as much as I can with Erica (our soon to be daughter), but I know she will be jelous. Does anyone have any "inside" info they could share?

Thanks to all of you!

[Gs_Mom]

We brought home baby #2 at the end of February and Baby #1 was 25 months old at the time. DH stayed home while I traveled (and come out for a couple of days).

I have to say my first son has taken it like a champ (despite his mommy taking off for 10 days and showing up with an attention stealer. From the moment he saw the baby he has been tickled by him.

Here are some of the things we try to do. Not sure what helps and what doesn't....

-- Spend one-on-one time with him alone. I may take him to the park, while dad stays home with the baby or vice versa.
-- Talk to the baby about what the older one is doing. "Look Baby F, G is coloring!" -- He LOVES this.
-- Talk to the older one about what a great big brother he is.
-- Ask for his help with diaper changes, etc. and praise him for his great help

I also read a suggestion that you don't say things like "YOU have to be quiet because the baby is sleeping." Rather say "WE all have to be quiet for the baby." This borders on the over the top, over sensitive for me. But, we are doing it.

I am feeling pretty good about how things are going. We'll see how well it goes when the baby is old enough to start grabbing toys

Good luck.

[McNally720]

It looks like we are in the same boat--MAM will be three in a month and baby #2 is dues any day now...I know it will seriously rock her world! I'm trying to enjoy this week--her last week of being an only child. She knows, "the baby's in J's tummy and I can't see it yet", and that she wants to name the baby Mulan if it's a girl!! (we don't know gender)

I've read a little about spending one-on-one time, and if there's a situation where they both need you and safety isn't an issue, go to the older child first--the baby won't know the difference, but the older child will.

Best of luck!!