Home / Parenting The difference between baby #1, #2 and #3 Reading list for baby #3: How-to survive manuals. By Shanisty Ireland January 23, 2017 Rectangle When I was pregnant with my second child, I wrote about the difference between being pregnant the second time around. However, I’m quickly learning that was nothing…I mean, NOTHING compared to being pregnant with #3. Reading + preparing Baby #1: Reading every book on baby. Baby #2: Reading every article on siblings. Baby #3: Reading how-to survive manuals. Baby clothes Baby #1: Brand new, freshly cleaned outfits to bring baby home from hospital. Baby #2: Hospital bag was forgotten as we rushed out the door to the hospital. Husband has to bring random semi-clean outfit for baby. Baby #3: Those onesies the hospital provides are clean enough. Exercise timeline Baby #1: Prenatal yoga, walks, healthy eating! Baby #2: Running after first baby is exercise. Baby #3: Sitting on my big booty and waiting for my husband to come home—watching the seconds tick by is exhausting. Maternity clothes Baby #1: Maternity clothes are so fun! Baby #2: Even though I’m pregnant in a completely different season, I’m still gonna rock last pregnancy’s wardrobe. Baby #3: Can’t find old maternity clothes, so not even bothering. Stretching out normal clothes until they burst at the seams. Listening to advice Baby #1: Listening to everyone’s advice on what it’s like to be a mom. Baby #2: Listening to myself. Baby #3: Everyone shut up. Silence is a virtue. Their baby books Baby #1: Beautiful baby book already filled with fun pregnancy moments we’ve experienced during this journey. Baby #2: Beautiful empty baby book remains empty on child’s second birthday. Baby #3: The birth certificate provides a wealth of information. The nursery Baby #1: Nursery is perfect. Can’t wait to bring baby home to a beautiful room that they won’t even set foot into for 6 months-1 year. Baby #2: We moved baby #1 out of the crib and slapped on some new sheets. Baby #3: Pack ‘n play works just fine. What strangers say Baby #1: Strangers lovingly ask, “Is this your first? How precious!” Baby #2: Strangers say, “Awww- two will to be a handful!” Baby #3: Strangers don’t even talk anymore. Instead they look at the other two hood rats running wild through a crowded supermarket. They then stare at my big belly, look down, shake their heads and walk away. Dad situation Baby #1: Dad to be attends every doctor’s appointment. Baby #2: Dad attends 20 week ultrasound. Baby #3: Doctor asks, “Is there a father?” Amount of love Baby #1: Love with all your heart. Baby #2: Love with all your heart. Baby #3: Dear heart, please make room to love one more. This article was originally published on She’s Becoming Domestic. Tags: Mama, Play, Positive parenting, Preschool and beyond, Second child, Third year, week 27 Related articles Parenting 5 tips on teaching kids to stand up for themselves, according to a child psychologist September 7, 2024 Parenting Reading on digital devices doesn’t help kids’ reading comprehension, study finds August 5, 2024 Parenting Being a SAHM during the summer can be so hard—so I came up with a plan June 8, 2024 Viral & Trending This viral TikTok mom hack for bubbles is here to save your summer June 5, 2024 Viral & Trending Mom of three explains why she doesn’t ask her kids to ‘help’ around the house May 5, 2024