Kellie, I have posted about this before, but I too shared your worries. Personally I think there must a special hormone pg that you get in subsequent pgs just for this exact type of guilt and worry. But having too close together, while definitely hard work, is very rewarding. From the day Tom was born my boys have been great mates, and nothing lifts my heart like watching the two of them playing and making each other laugh. Every photo I have of the two of them together has Jack with his arm around Tom, holding his hand or patting his head - and this isn't staged, it is just how they interact. I know without a doubt that anything Jack has missed out from me because of his sibling's arrival, he has gained at least twofold from having a brother.

The very best advice I can give you, is that the first few weeks with a newborn and toddler are probably going to be harder than you imagine. So prepare for this and do everything you can ahead of time to make it easier. Then, we you get there, remember that it passes really quickly and does get easier after that.

Also, make sure you talk to your DD about the new baby all the time. It's so hard to know what they understand at that age, but talk as if she does understand. Jack did (he was 19 months when Tom was born), so your DD well might too. And don't forget to also let her know that you will be away from home for a while when the baby arrives - we kind of missed explaining that one to Jack ahead of time and that was the only thing that upset him.

GL with it all Kellie. It has it's moments LOL, but is well worth it.