#SecondKid: 5 Differences That'll Make You Laugh
My husband and I throw out #SecondKid quite a bit. Our boys are almost three years apart, and there have certainly been differences in raising our first son, versus the second. I remember reading articles about this when I was pregnant with our youngest. They were humorous then, but are even more so now that we are living it ourselves.
Here are five of our #secondkid moments:
Pregnancy Photos - The first pregnancy was documented almost weekly, with tons of belly photos and videos. The second kid has a handful of sonograms, and the preggo belly is seen in various family photos during that time. No “16 weeks, size of (insert appropriate fruit or vegetable” signs or social media posts.
The Nursery - The first kid had a color scheme, matching furniture, and crown molding all planned and completed months prior to his arrival. Second kid got his older brother’s chewed up crib, and a repurposed dresser. Each placed in his bedroom just in the nick of time.
Birth Announcements - First kid had custom announcements designed online, printed, hand addressed, and mailed to practically everyone we knew. Second kid was announced on the back of that years Christmas card. (My sweet mother-in-law called me in a panic one day, worried she had lost our youngest son’s announcement. She came across our nephew’s and our older son’s, but couldn’t find Levi’s. Not lost. The poor kid just doesn’t have one.)
The First Birthday - First kid had a huge themed party, with his whole extended family, friends, and neighbors. It was held at the park near our home, and it included decorations and special foods to match the theme. Second kid had a backyard BBQ with immediate family, and a couple balloons. He did at least get a smash cake like big bro had.
Hand-Me-Downs - First kid got tons of clothes, plus a new wardrobe every season. Second kid gets all of these hand-me-downs, and maybe the occasional new outfit for a matching photo opp.
Parenting after the first kid is a whole different ball game. Things that stressed you out the first time around, don’t even faze you now. Schedules and routines are much more fluid. And the second kid learns to adapt more quickly, because big brother has school, and soccer, and music lessons, etc. Screen time has far fewer restrictions. In fact, we let both of our kids watch the original Jumanji, and Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle recently. After watching Alan Parrish fight off a crocodile within his flooded home, I turned to Wes and said, “We just let our 2 year old watch this!?” Oh well. He’ll be more well-rounded due to his exposure to these films. Both boys also have a more advanced vocabulary now. Just waiting for the phone call from school on that one…
Some may read this and feel bad for our sweet #SecondKid. But, let me assure you, Levi is loved beyond belief. He is the final piece to our family’s puzzle. He has a presence unlike most two-and-a-half year old’s, and we absolutely adore him. The things listed above are not representations of our feelings towards our second born. They are funny lessons in parenting that demonstrate what’s truly important. We put so much pressure on ourselves as new parents. We get sucked into the Pinterest perfect nurseries, and creative announcements, and must-have baby gear. But, what really matters is a safe and loving home. A happy and healthy baby, and family. #SecondKids may not have the same beginnings as their older siblings. But, they get more experienced parents, and a built-in best friend. I’d say that’s cooler than a fresh new wardrobe.