the second time around What to expect the By JILL DIGIOVANNI


Vanessa O’Keefe of Poughkeepsie, who is expecting her second in March, doesn’t have a whole lot of time to think about it with her 2- year-old son in tow. “Until I had a baby bump in the way, I would sometimes forget that I was even pregnant at all! My son needs me; I don’t have time to think about the pregnancy.” It’s so true; there just isn’t as much time to be obsessing about your second pregnancy.


W My circle of friends and


colleagues are in baby boom mode; many of us all have two-three year olds and have recently had or are expecting our second children. We are a living, breathing breadth of knowledge on this subject…so read up and let us bend your ear.


the second time around


The consensus is that there is less time to be concerned about being pregnant. We’ve been through it before and we are way less stressed about it. This time around the priorities have shifted – the time you had the first time around to nap, nest, shop and read is taken up caring for your child, family and yourself!


A big challenge for me was trying to fit in some R&R. Some- thing has to give. Unfortunately, in my case it usually ended up being my house. Cara Kubert of New Paltz


14 Hudson Valley Parent 


Big sister, Isabella, holds Mackenzie, just hours old. Says author, DiGiovanni, “the biggest challenge was trying to fit in some R & R.” photo courtesy Jill DiGiovanni


agrees, “I’ve prioritized my time differently. I am focused on spending time with my son and less worrying about chores. If I don’t get things done around the house, I accept it. And instead of cleaning at night, I go to sleep!” Vanessa O’Keefe has found success in taking mini-breaks


2012 Baby Guide


throughout the day even if it’s only 10 minutes. She’s also found relief through playgroups and activities for your toddler. “I have signed Cole up for very active classes and am always arranging play dates that allow him to be very active, which helps keep things calmer around the house.” I think we can


Priorities change


hat should you expect if you’re expecting the second time around?


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