I haven't done the close gap yet, but DD2 will be 2 when no 3 arrives. I am dreading it tbh. DD1 was nearly 6 when DD2 arrived and it was wonderful to have a child that could amuse herself when I needed to look after the baby. She can get up in the morning, get herself dressed and make her own breakfast, follows instructions (mostly ) and can then put herself to bed at night. All the times when a baby needs the extra attention. She doesn't mind if I'm busy with baby/toddler and is happy to go and pick up a book for a while. And now DD2 is 18 mths, she plays with her whenever she's at home, which at least gives me some time to put my feet up!

The school pick ups and drop offs were a pain with DD2's naps, but then, she's such a dreadful napper that when she was tiny it was easier just to wear her in a wrap or a sling anyway. I just got a bit better at timing when she got older so I made sure she was down early enough (or I just gave up and lived with it LOL).

DP knows he's going to need to be more hands-on with DD2 when this one arrives, but luckily it's a quiet time of year for us (no school, no work, etc). I guess we'll get through - not much choice! Oh and the two in nappies thing - my washing machine is on notice!