We are now within days or even hours from welcoming child number two. The home is being organized, the baby sitters called, the family on their way.

Last time, it was overwhelming. Questions plagued me, the change to our life consumed me. I asked: What would it be like? Could we handle it? Will we ever get a full night’s sleep again? Will our home ever be clean again? Is he breakable?

And now we go again. Let me answer a few questions:

1. It will be be great. Really. Oh at first, it is hard. The diapers are plentiful. The feedings are hard to get used to. But you get better every day and he gets calmer every day. And then you read him his first story. And you see his first smile. And he starts to hold his head up and laugh and, yeah, it’s nice.
2. You can handle it. Thousands of people less qualified and less loving than you have done it just fine. Enjoy your time. You will look back with love to this time.
3. Sleep is hard at first. But so was finals. And you can pass this test. Then the naps get longer. And your abilities get better. Before you know it, you have put him to bed and won’t be hearing from him for 6 - 8 hours. And then 10. Now, our son sleeps most nights through (12 hours).
4. Your home will be clean again. You will have more time to keep it tidy. And then he starts moving and it starts to seem like it will never be clean again. And then he starts helping you.
5. He isn’t breakable. But he still needs to be treated with love. Have patience, take a break if you’re stressed, and it’ll all work out. Oh yeah, he can only communicate by crying, so give him a break (and watch Happiest Baby on the Block—it is a lifesaver)