Congratulations!!!

My DD1 and DS are a little over 12 months apart, and there is 15 months between DS and DD2. DD2 will be 16 months when our new baby arrives so as you can probably see, I think a small age gap is fantastic. I've never known it any other way though.

There are a lot of advantages of having kids close and it's really not as hard as most people think it might be. My best tip would be to get a baby capsule. It makes getting in and out of the car and house with 2 small children so much easier. You can put your bub to sleep in the capsule if you have to go out, you can leave your capsule on the footpath while you make sure that your toddler is securely in the car, you can bring the capsule inside and put it just inside the door if both your kids fall asleep in the car and your baby can stay there until your toddler is securely in their bed. It was a life saver for me.

I think the other really hard part is pregnancy. I was exhausted trying to pick up a baby and be pregnant at the same time. Just remember to take it easy and let other people, like your mum and partner, do as much for you as they are willing. Save your energy for spending it with your DD, don't waste it on other tasks unless necessary.

When your baby comes, try and have naps where they both sleep at least once every day. I usually wait for the baby to be tired which might mean leaving the older one awake for an extra half an hour or so and then putting them both to sleep about the same time. Having the down time each day makes a huge difference.

Anyway, DD2 just woke up from her nap and is crying. Better go.