My personal experience comes from having my youngest daughter just two months ago and getting to come home to a very active 19 month old daughter who, though she is excited about the new baby, has not missed a beat in her activity level and has realized that the baby takes me away from her. It was hard the first few days to get into the swing of things again but with time and diligence, I found that the best way for me to get the rest that I needed was to nap when they both did. I had forgotten how daunting the day can be when you have a newborn to care for. My older daughter seemed to demand my time more than ever and with her baby sister needing me too, I couldn't fathom how I would be able to get anything done other than spend time with them.

But as the week went by I discovered that my older daughter was not only wanting to spend more time with me, she was also looking for her place in the family with the baby's arrival. I never thought that a 19 month old could be helpful with household chores but she has prov en me wrong. She wants to help me do dishes and laundry. My older daughter enjoys spending "alone" time with me while the baby sleeps. She can help fold laundry, (and unfold it sometimes) and she loves to help put things away. She even helps with her sister in small ways. She talks to her sissy and will get a blanket for me when the baby needs to go to sleep.

If you take the time to look, you will find that your older child is not only growing up, but they are looking to you to show them what they should do to be a "big girl/boy".

It has been two weeks and I am able to get around a lot better and getting things done around the house is easier. I now have a helper in an unexpected little girl who has taught me that she is growing up to be a wonderful little person. And I found that I can really enjoy my time with the girls as long as I keep to a reasonable schedule.

Now I am trying to potty train the oldest and the baby is starting to interact with everyone. My oldest is still jealous but finds it interesting that her sister will smile at her when she talks to her. I try to keep my oldest involved so she won't think the baby is getting more attention.