We are expecting!!!!

Congratulations on your new addition to your family. I have three children myself and even though with every new child it is more responsibility it is so rewarding. With the three year old you can start off by talking to him about the baby in mommy's belly. have him kiss your belly, that will teach him to have love for the baby even before it arrives. When the baby is born include the toddler in helping with the baby so he/she won't feel left out. Here are some tips that you can use to help cut down on anxiety. Practice saying "no." Now's as good a time as any to get rid of the notion that you can do it all. You can't, so learn to let your superwoman ideals go. Make slowing down a priority, and get used to the idea of asking your friends and loved ones for help. • Cut back on chores — and use that time to put your feet up, nap, or read a book. • Take advantage of sick days or vacation whenever possible. Spending a day — or even an afternoon — resting at home will help you get through a tough week. • Try deep-breathing exercises, yoga, or stretching. • Get regular exercise such as swimming or walking. • Do your best to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet so you have the physical and emotional energy you need. • Go to bed early. Your body is working overtime to nourish your growing baby and needs all the sleep it can get.

Congratulations on your pregnancy. I advise you eat a healthy diet and do gentle exercise like walking. Swimming when pregnant can be relaxing. I suggest that you read some picture books to your three year old about mothers having a baby. I know a book called 'You'll Soon Grow Into Them Titch'. The illustrations show the lady's bump getting bigger and then the new baby comes home. You might enjoy looking at catalogs that sell goods for babies. Good luck in the rest of your pregnancy.

Congratulations on the new baby that will be here before you know it!!! I had my second child when my first was 22 months and she did really well with the transition. A lot better than I had expected. But, I would ask her to help me like put things down where they can reach them like the diapers & wipes for instance and ask them to help you out by getting them for you or "helping" you change the baby like by unfolding the diaper and handing it to you. To my daughter it made her feel great that she could help me out. Lots of words of encouragement for the older child also seemed to help. My daughter did really well with the new transition though. I hope your first child does just as well. Congratulations again.

Congratulations! My daughter was 3-1/2 when her sister was born. We kept her a part of everything that was going on. She went to doctor visits when i was scheduled for an ultrasound. She felt the baby move, she talked to the unborn baby and sang to it. We encouraged her to help pick out names, although some were really outrageous! She was there to see her baby sister after she was born and she held and rocked her. Just keep your 3 yr old a part of what's going on.

Congratulations, thats great news. you already now after having your first child that you should relaxe and take napps as offen as you can, that's not news to you. as for the other yougster how to break the news. i think its the easiest is that if you just tell him. you should explain him that his going to have abrother or sister with who he is going to play a lot. another pal is always great to have.

wow..congratulations... see initailly it will be difficult for u and ur baby to get used to this new life in ur life. he will not like u giving all the attention to the next child. ask ur husband to become a mothre to ur first child in first 2 months. after those few initial months are over and u are back to normal then ur kids will take u for a surprise..... have fun and take care :) all the very best and god bless :)

Hi tlb! Congratulations! I know how happy you and your husband must be! My brother and I were 3 years apart. I think your daughter will be thrilled to have a new baby brother or sister! She's at that age that she will want to "help" take care of her new sibling! Don't worry, she will be fine and so will you mommy! I'm sorry to hear that your husband is still laid off. You need to try to stay as stress free as possible and get your rest, (like you don't already know that)! I am just so happy for you!

Well, congrats for the one on the way. I have no children yet so I don't know what to advise on your case. But as I've seen it on some of my niece and nephews, they would start being curious about the bump in your tummy and that's when you will get them to understand that they will be a big sister or brother in months.

Hi tlb0822, Congratulations, how wonderful! Try to stay calm and enjoy your pregnancy. I know it will be difficult with financial worries, but try your best. Find out about the W.I.C. program (a federal program). They will help out with food for you and for the baby. See if you can join a parents group in your area for support and people to talk with about concerns, etc. Tell your three year old about the baby as soon as possible, so he or she has plenty of time to adjust to the idea and be thinking about it. Talk about what fun the baby will be and what a wonderful big sister or brother they will be. Best of luck to all four of you!