Update 10/06 - Would you go alone with 2 kids?

[Gymbomom]

After my 1st child I was up and ready to go!!!! No problems!!! My 2nd I thought I would die from the after pains!!!

ITA!!!!! I had the WORST contractions after my 2nd child!!!

 

[staci]

WOW, congratulations on the baby but I guess I am with everyone else; I think it may end up being too soon after the birth for you to have all your energy back and be ready to enjoy yourself.

Have you considered waiting for your dd 3rd birthday? You could go right before it, have a great trip, still have her admission free, but the baby would be 5-6 months old and you would have recovered fully. Weather in late Feb. should be nice enough for the baby but not too warm. At 5-6 months old, the baby would get more enjoyment out of the trip too.

We did have a mom on our plane doing it alone with two kids about 4 and 1. She looked very much in control but very tired. The children were well behaved, but she had the stroller, the carryons, the 4 year old walking, ONE car seat, and other misc. stuff and it looked like an awful lot of work.

 

[Vijoge]

I wouldn't go alone with two kids unless they're both over 30. Two babies?? When pigs fly!!

 

[tjmw2727]

Hey, if any of you guys know any college aged kids willing to watch my kids, send them my way!

LOL - I am looking for someone myself as we are new to the area here in Delaware!

FWIW - We always take a fall trip to WDW, usually over Columbus day when my dds have extra time off from school. We are about 20 minutes from the NJ line, 5 minutes from the MD line and only about 30 mintues from Philly. Maybe we could coordinate something?? My dd's (11 and 9) and I could help lug the stuff for you and the girls would love to entertain your dd. They have lots of experience with their 2yo and 4yo cousins!

Honestly though I would not book anything that isn't refundable just in case.

TJ

 

[PrincessMommy2]

Congratulations! I have three kids (5, almost 3, and 4 months). As much as I am willing and able to take the three of them places alone, I would probably postpone this trip until the baby is a little older. I agree with previous posters about the after pains, they get worse with subsequent children - not fun! Plus, at just a month, you or the baby have not started to settle into a routine yet. We took the 4 month old to Disney when he was 8 weeks old. If I try to imagine what that trip would have been like alone with just the baby and my middle child, I don't think any of us would have had much fun! When they are that little, they really need ALL of your attention. If you had someone with you to help you, then that's a different story. But, you still may not be physically up to all the walking, carrying, etc.

Good luck with whatever you decide. If you do go, you will be my hero!

 

[Bird-Mom]

I would do it. I would be happier if I had a mother's helper, but I still would do it. Staying on the monorail and spending most of your time at the Magic Kingdom would be pretty easy. Do you have any nieces or cousins who might enjoy coming along? The travelling part would be difficult, but not impossible.

As a side note-were everyone's afterpains that bad that you had trouble for more than a few days? Mine were tough the first few days, but once my milk came in, they disappeared. There are herbals and homeopathics that you can take to make the pains less.

Congratulations on #2!

 

[justhat]

Thanks again everyone. Here's our problem with babysitters (though somewhat off topic). We live in downtown DC in a condo building where my daughter is the only child. Our neighbors are all in their 40s or older and are childless (not even adult kids, never had any). Our building isn't even really near other condos or apts, we've got the European Union on one side, a fire station and police station on the corners, and hotels everywhere else. Not exactly the ideal 'kid' area. My daughter's in a preschool nearby, but everyone has nannies there, so no one has babysitters. The few people I know who do have babysitters won't really give out their names for fear of losing them or not having them available when they need them. It's insane. We don't really go to church anymore, since they banned us from volunteering cause we lived together before marriage so we don't know anyone through there either. So that's why I say if you guys know anyone... We also don't live near either of our families, but most of the kids in our family are too little to help out anyway, they'd add to the kids I'd be watching! Like I said though, it's possible that my mom could make it, but not something I can count on far in advance cause her job is somewhat unpredictable.

But maybe I can go to the MVMCP instead. I wouldn't book anything till after this baby is born anyway and I never book anything with cancellations fees (well, besides our trip this Sunday, but the Best Rate was too good to pass up and we knew we'd definitely be going). The only reason we had planned on the MNSSHP was that we went this past year and my daughter loved it. I was alone with her for that and I managed fine. But again, that was with 1, not 2 kids. We got a towncar cause we flew in the day of the party and didn't want to risk ME getting us there late, but I guess I could always take ME next year if it would be easier.

Oh, and my daughter was far from an easy baby, so I definitely don't expect the next one to be any different. From the moment my daughter was born you could not put her down for 4 months. She literally had to be held all day. She wouldn't necessarily cry if you put her down (though sometimes she would) but she'd instantly wake up, stay awake till the next feeding when she'd nurse to sleep, then wake up again if I put her down. So with no sleep she'd be 1 very cranky newborn so we had a ver rough first few months. We also had a rough start breastfeeding, first cause my milk took forever to come in, then cause I got double mastitis. Madison lost a pound and had to be supplemented, and then I would pump, so we were on a cycle of bottle feeding, burping, changing, pumping every 2 hours (and no, my husband never fed her a bottle or woke up with her during the night so that was all me for weeks). Oh, and she's almsot 2 now and still doesn't sleep through the night, so I didn't even have that bonus!

The funny thing was though that once we got to WDW she was the best baby in the world. Everyone we were with (it was a huge extended family/friends trip) and everyone we ran into commented on how wonderful she was. She didn't cry once the whole week, and I think it was because she was held all day long, whereas at home I had to put her down sometimes to get things done. We brought her stroller with us but basically used it to carry the diaper bag and I wore her in the Baby Bjorn all day. It was late May so it was pretty hot, but she actually stayed cooler in the Bjorn cause I kept her shaded from the sun. Whenever she was in the stroller she'd sweat like crazy.

So I guess after having a somewhat challenging infant and surviving in Disney with her both at 2 months old and then also by myself at later ages I didn't think it was so absurd to take 2 kids along, but I'm starting to rethink that based on all the replies. Like Bird-Mom said though, I'd really just be hanging out at the MK so I wouldn't have to get involved with buses (we'd be skipping AK and if we did MGM we'd take the boat from Epcot only, no buses).

Oh, and yeah, I'm very interested in knowing how long these afterpains last. With Madison I had them for maybe a day, but they weren't that bad to me at all. Everyone said that while nursing they would be bad, but even then they didn't bother me. Is this something that goes on for months? I'm guessing it does since people have said that would affect me going on the trip and the baby would be 2 months by then. That's pretty scary! The things you don't know about when you sign up to have #2!

Anyway, thanks everyone and keep the thoughts coming. It's really helpful to see everyone's opinion.

 

[staci]

Oh, and yeah, I'm very interested in knowing how long these afterpains last.

Yeah me too!!! You guys are freaking me out! With ds I dont really remember ANY pains except for the pain of my stitches, which was HORRIBLE. How much worse is it the second time around!??!

 

[Nicolepa]

Another thing that you may or may not have considered is that 2 kids is actually 4x (at least) the work. Your older child may have issues sharing Mommies attention (mine didn't but you never know) etc. At 2 months is really when sibling issues start to pop up. I had a really, really hard time adjusting to 2 kids, some moms I know breezed into it, but most I've talked to have had a really hard time.

The first trip I took with both kids alone (and I'd traveled alone a lot with my daughter) they were 1 and 3. I flew to my inlaws and dh had met me a week later. The flight alone was so bad I blocked out the fact that I did it alone until about 6 months ago (dd is now 5.5) and I haven't done it since.

 

[Gymbomom]

I just wanted to post that you truly sound like a wonderful mother. And, your daughter sounds like a Disney baby!!!
Whenever people make comments about our kids going so often at a young age, I have to tell them it was wonderful every time....even when they were 4 months old!!!


I really hope you find someone. Hopefully you will meet up with someone on this board. I really would post on the homeschool thread as homeschoolers are GREAT babysitters. Every one that we have had, have actually paid attention to our kids and not their boyfriends on the phone!!! (Not that regular schooled kids can't be that way...we just have had great experience with homeschoolers.. )

If we were going at the same time, I would help you in a heartbeat!! I have major baby fever right now.

 

[justhat]

I just wanted to post that you truly sound like a wonderful mother. And, your daughter sounds like a Disney baby!!!
Whenever people make comments about our kids going so often at a young age, I have to tell them it was wonderful every time....even when they were 4 months old!!!


I really hope you find someone. Hopefully you will meet up with someone on this board. I really would post on the homeschool thread as homeschoolers are GREAT babysitters. Every one that we have had, have actually paid attention to our kids and not their boyfriends on the phone!!! (Not that regular schooled kids can't be that way...we just have had great experience with homeschoolers.. )

If we were going at the same time, I would help you in a heartbeat!! I have major baby fever right now.

Well thank you for the compliment! I wish you were going when I was too!

And we've gotten some comments about why we've taken her to Disney so often, but I have to admit a lot of the trips were planned long before Madison was. The trip was she was almost 3 months old was planned about a month before she conceived and for awhile we were not going to go, but since all of our family and friends were going they convinced us to wait awhile before deciding and eventually we decided to brave it and go and I'm glad we did. About 3 weeks after that trip we went back to WDW for our 'honeymoon'. That time we also went on the Disney cruise and in fact that was the only time we've left our daughter with anyone (other than my mom and MIL a handful of times when they visit). She stayed in Flounder's Reef when we went to dinner 1 night. And then at 6 months we went to DL with a convention. The other 3 trips I am responsible for, but those first 3 were planned before her so I can't take much credit!

Okay, now that you all know more than you care about....

Thanks again, I'm definitely going to check into homeschooled kids and read the thread. That sounds like a great option. We don't really have any public schools where we are since it's not really too residential so I never really thought about going that route. We do live near George Washington University and I thought about trying to get a babysitter from there, but then I thought "What am I gonna do, put an ad in the paper? What if it attracts nuts?" It would definitely be nice to have someone available to help out when this new baby comes for a little while. Last time my mom and in-laws came but they all had to leave 2 days after we got home from the hospital, my husband was in medical school and never took a day off so Madison and I were by ourselves from the start. This time around though I think that will be much harder as I'll still have a 2.5yo to take care of, plus I'll have to take her back to preschool only a few weeks after the new baby is born. Hmm, maybe I shoulda timed this birth better!

 

[wrldpossibility]

Darn it, I want to say go for it, but I just can't! I'm normally up for anything, and like you, I tend to decide to go fun places with the kids alone if DH is working. But this would be too much even for me. Is it doable? Yes. Will you have an enjoyable time? Your DD will, but you may not! The traveling will be hard, but also juggling two kids in the parks and resturants. Will your 2-year-old be able to wait patiently at Disney while her baby sibling is fed, changed, etc? You know how it is with an infant...you have to meet those need immediately. Your DD will be excited and less likely to wait patiently beside you, etc. The baby won't be mobile, but his/her needs will be constant. Plus you'll be tired from lack of sleep (even with an infant that sleeps well). I'm just picturing you juggling both their needs in resturants and parks and transportation.

One other thought: you don't know yet how your DD will adjust to a new baby. If she's resentful or upset, she may be more so in Disney where she can see the baby slowing her down, making her wait, etc. I have a friend who's DD wandered away every time her mom had to stop to feed the baby, just to annoy the mom. You don't want something like that at Disney.

Sorry to be a downer. I've taken my kids (6, 4, and 1) many, many places alone, including airplanes, but I wouldn't attempt this. However, if you can afford to take along one other helper (a neice, grandma, babysitter??) I'd go in a second!

 

[andromedaslove]

I would do it. I would be happier if I had a mother's helper, but I still would do it. Staying on the monorail and spending most of your time at the Magic Kingdom would be pretty easy. Do you have any nieces or cousins who might enjoy coming along? The travelling part would be difficult, but not impossible.

As a side note-were everyone's afterpains that bad that you had trouble for more than a few days? Mine were tough the first few days, but once my milk came in, they disappeared. There are herbals and homeopathics that you can take to make the pains less.

Congratulations on #2!

With my first I was perfectly fine, didn't even need an OTC pain reliever. There were complications with my second so I figured that is why I was in so much pain. Then with my third everything went fine but I was in so much pain. For almost a week every time I stood up I cramped horribly. I try to avoid taking anything for pain if I can ever help it, and since I don't know anything about herbals or homeopathics I avoid those too.

Dana

 

[Bird-Mom]

Justhat, try putting an ad in the school paper. You might be surprised. I was hired as a nanny in college by a woman who did that. Also, look at the DC craigslist.org. It is a free service, and I have also had luck with sitters from there (in my area). I almost never left my babies, and I am a little paranoid when it comes to caregivers, but you can screen them very well, ask for references, have them come over while you are home until you are comfortable, etc.

For after your baby is born, may I suggest a postpartum doula? They are awesome-a housekeeper, baby sitter, mama sitter, cook, laundry and errand person all in one. They specialize in taking care of families after birth. I had one with my second baby, and it was amazing. Let me know if you need more info or want help finding someone.

My afterpains with #2 lasted about 3 days. Almost 2 days really bad everytime I nursed, and then when my milk came in somewhere around 36 hours postpartum, the cramps were just a little annoying, which is how they were after baby #1.

 

[Diz-Mommy]

For after your baby is born, may I suggest a postpartum doula? They are awesome-a housekeeper, baby sitter, mama sitter, cook, laundry and errand person all in one. They specialize in taking care of families after birth. I had one with my second baby, and it was amazing. Let me know if you need more info or want help finding someone.

Never heard of a post partum doula before, but you make it sound absolutley wonderful! We can't afford that though, so I guess my post partum doula will be my hubby! Lucky him, right?

I still think traveling alone only one month after having a baby (help or no help) is a lot to put onto yourself. Even if you end up going alone next year, I think you and the kids would have more fun. Just my thoughts...

 

[kim_d]

My DH and I took our 2 children in January 2004 when our youngest was 3 month and our oldest just turned 2. I think once at Disney you would be fine, but getting there and home is a different story. We had trouble (even with 2 adults) to get all the stuff on and off the plane and through security- double stroller, 2 kids, diaper bag and 2 carseats. I couldn't imagine doing it myself with such a young baby and toddler in tow, too.

Also the other thing is are you planning on nursing? Newborns nurse so much in the beginning and without another adult you are stuck nursing your newborn and trying to keep an eye on your older DD (or you have to go back to the Child Care Center everytime which just wastes time).

Anyway, good luck with your decision.

 

[justhat]

So that's what postpartum doulas do! I have a friend (not a very close friend, but I know her through my daughter's friend) who is studying to be a postpartum doula and is a nanny right now. I wonder when she'll be done with her training? That's a really good suggestion. How long do they usually come for, day-wise I mean? Like do they come everyday for a week, or an as needed basis?

Yes, I do plan on breastfeeding this baby too. That might also sorta skew my opinion on the day cause my daughter nursed often, every 2 hours or so like most newborns, but she was totally finished in 7 minutes. If I didn't switch her to the other side by 5 minutes then she was full enough that she wouldn't nurse anymore. So in Disney when she was 2 months old, she was still nursing every 2 hours (though only about once per night, better than she sleeps now!) but I just nursed her wherever I was, in restaurants, on rides, etc. She was such a fast eater I didn't have to allow much time, but I did try to time it so that we were near shows or longer attractions around mealtimes. I actually just weaned her less than 2 weeks ago and was looking forward to not having anyone get nutrients from me for awhile, but I guess this baby decided that wasn't a good plan!

 

[crazywig]

going from one child to two is a LOT more difficult than you can imagine. i thought i was prepared (mine are 2yrs apart) but i wasn't.

we are DVC'ers and had a trip booked at 11m out when i got pregnant with #2. the baby would have been about 1.5m old if we went. we rebooked and went when she was 4 months. there were 2 of us, but it was our first time flying with 2 and even though we prepped and planned our airport plan of attack, it was still difficult.

mine are 3 and 15m now and i could take them on my own.....but the flying would be the big issue. just thinking about hauling my bags, the kids, the stroller and the carseats (i check one and dd1 uses hers on the plane) by myself gives me the heebeejeebies!

good luck with whatever you decide! and congrats on your pregnancy.

 

[PaulaSue]

Honestly I wouldn't by myself. If you do go have a great time!

 

[staci]

If you went, could dh take you to the airport and get you settled in there? The airport is the only part I am having a hard time envisioning. How could you get 2 car seats, carryons, and two kids onto the plane by yourself even if you could manuver it through the airport on the stroller?

I think I remember from previous posts that this wouldnt be something you would be comfortable with, but maybe if you went without the carseats it could be done? Wear the baby and push dd in the stroller, and put the carryons whereever they fit on the stroller? Then when they took the stroller at the gate, your dd could walk by you while you carried the baby and the carryons?

I would DEFINITELY consider ME if you decide to go. That will eliminate a lot of the luggage hassle. I would pick a participating airline so that you could check your luggage at your resort prior to coming home.

I think the actual parks would be the easy part.

Good luck in your decision!