I’ve received a few questions in the past couple weeks via comments and email and thought it would be best to answer them all in one spot in case anyone else had the same question.
*edited to add- read through the comments, too! There are so many great questions from y’all and I’m answering them in the comments instead of in another post.
1. How is Hailey doing with the transition to big sister?
Really well. I think talking it up endlessly before Kaitlyn arrived was really helpful, along with having so many of her friends having new baby siblings lately too. She calls her Baby Kailtyn and loves to touch her, hold her and bring her toys. Sometimes it’s tough on me though to try and give her as much attention as I did before. I was given great advice by several people that I use daily. It’s to word things with focus on the older child since the baby doesn’t really understand. For example, I’ll say things like ‘Kaitlyn, you need to wait a few minutes because I’m busy reading and snuggling Hailey right now.’ Sure, I feel like a certified lunatic saying this to my 2 week old, but I really think it helps Hailey to feel like she is still very important (which she is!) when so much time is centered around the baby right now.
See more of the best advice I ever got for bringing home a second baby.
(picture by Ashley Hales Photography)
2. How are your emotions? Any baby blues?
I’m really doing well! The first week and a half I had moments that switched from I want her to stay this tiny always because newborns are the BEST to oh man it will be so much easier once she gets a little older- think of all we’ll be able to do. Now at 2.5 weeks postpartum, the emotions have evened out. Sleep has really helped, as has keeping up my vitamins (B12 is so important!). Though living life is 2.5 hour chunks (the time between day time feedings) has taken getting used to again, I know how quickly these new baby stages fly by so I’m really doing a pretty good job of enjoying this time for what it is.
3. Will you track your post-baby body journey again?
Yes! I know it’s controversial and I’ll put a note at the top of the posts so those that aren’t interested can skip it, but I really enjoyed watching my body transform during pregnancy and look forward to seeing what happens to it over the next couple months as I get back in the kitchen and back to exercising.
4. How is Hailey doing with potty training?
I wrote about what worked for us with potty training and then never mentioned it again- oops! So let me fill you in. We’ve never had any issues since with going #1 in the potty. She prefers her small potty to the one that fits on the toilet, but will use both. She will use pubic potties with no issues. She tells us when she needs to go and besides an accident here or there when she is too distracted, things are great on that front! However, #2 still eludes us. She just won’t go on the potty. She knows she is supposed to and talks about it, but I’m guessing it scares her because it just isn’t happening. It’s on my list of things to look into, but I’ve been a little busy lately. Any tips or advice on how to overcome this is welcomed!
5. What swim gear do you use for Hailey?
We use a puddle jumper for playing in the pool/lake and floating and on the boat we use an approved life vest with Dora the Explorer because Hailey loves her. My favorite bathing suits are from Target and being the practical over stylish mom that I am, I like the ones with a rash guard top with matching bottoms. I use California baby sunscreen or Alba Spray Sunscreen and hats when I can! Being that I have family history of melanoma, I’m very wary of sun exposure!
6. Are you pumping or giving a bottle yet?
Yes. Hailey never took well to a bottle, so I wanted to try earlier with Kaitlyn to have it be an option for us. At two weeks old I introduced the bottle at her last feeding before bed. I have the Dr. Brown bottles with the slowest flow nipple available. She took to it like a champ! Now I’m trying to pump each night before bed (it’s usually about 5 ounces) and use that milk to give her a bottle (she has been drinking about 2 ounces). I like this plan because it gives us some consistency and it empties my boobs out for a better night’s sleep. My engorgement is finally getting under control and I’d love to keep it that way!
7. Who does Kaitlyn look like?
I’m not always great at being able to tell, but I think she is going to look more like her daddy! She and Hailey seem to have the same nose and hair (at least it’s similar to how Hailey’s hair was at this age!), but their lips and eyes are different. I can’t wait to watch her grow and see who she turns into it. She has given us a smile here or there and it’s the most precious thing I’ve ever seen. I can’t wait until they happen more often!
If you have any other questions, ask in the comments and I’ll answer them there!
and feel free to leave any #2 training tips too 
Jaclyn @ Bumpsweat says
Looking good! I’ve heard of introducing the bottle causing baby to not fb as well. Have you noticed any difference?
Brittany Dixon says
Did you mean bf (breastfeed)? If so, yes that is the most talked abut concern with bottles (nipple confusion) and it’s recommended to wait until breastfeeding is well established. Because of that, I waited a while with H and she never really took to them (coincidence maybe?).
Since both my girls came out ready to eat and eat well, I felt breastfeeding was well established in the first week so I felt comfortable trying a bottle once a day at two weeks with Kaitlyn. So far, no issues going back and forth. She’s still nursing like a champ!
Ana says
Sorry to butt in 😉 but I have an almost 3 year old and 8 month old and EBF my first for a year and still going with my 8 month old. There are so many things you’re “warned” about when it comes to breastfeeding and I’m sure rightfully so because people have studied it but if your child is a pretty good eater and weight isn’t a concern, then I say try a bottle and if at the next feeding your little one struggles at the breast, then hold off on the next bottle. Try again in a week or 2. It’s not all or nothing.
I introduced a paci at birth in the hospital with both girls, bottles at 2 weeks with both girls and didn’t notice a problem with BF at all (great latchers and great supply). But I had been “warned and advised” so strongly about both that I was sobbing as I did both. Glad it turned out well for us!
Sarah says
Ah, that’s good to know. With mine, we waited 4 weeks to bottle feed, and she did great. We also waited about that long to offer a pacifier, and she wouldn’t take it! After some difficult nights, I vowed that any and all future children would be offered a pacifier at the hospital. 😉
Amy says
I’m a mom of 3, a girl (6) and two boys (4 & 2). My daughter was the exact same way with her potty training. She #1 trained in a day and was great at it…..but #2 was a struggle. She was almost 4 years old when she finally figured it out 🙁 We tried everything ….toy incentives…sitting on the potty too long…reading books there…nothing worked. And, actually it became really stressful for all of us. So my best advice is….don’t make a big deal out of it. Let her go #2 in diapers until she is ready for it on the potty. She will do it eventually when she’s ready. My 4 year old….he did both at about 2.75 years old. Every kid is different. Your daughters problem is super common….and I would just not worry about it. You don’t want her to get scared and start holding her poops.
Brittany Dixon says
That’s my biggest concern (making it a stressful thing) so I haven’t made a big deal out of it. It’s frustrating but I feel (like you said) that she will get it eventually. I just wish we didn’t have to throw away so many pairs of undies in the process 😉
Thanks for sharing your experience!
Kelly says
I agree 100% with what Amy said. My daughter was pee trained 2 weeks after her 2nd birthday. She didn’t go #2 on the potty until a month before she turned 4. Seriously, don’t stress about it! We did and it just made everyone feel miserable and like failures. She will go #2 on the potty when her body is ready. What I found worked for keeping her undies clean and getting rid of the power struggle was keeping a stack of pull-ups in the bathroom. I told her if she needed to go #2 she could just put on a pull-up and do her business. Keep up the great work! Your girls are so adorable!
Ana says
My daughter, as well, trained going #1 very easily (at about 2.5 years old) and for about a week we struggled with #2. BUT the good news is, having done nothing different, she started going #2 all by herself. I couldn’t find her one day and found her in the bathroom and when I walked in she yelled, “I did it! I pooped, Mommy!” I have NO IDEA what happened (I’m still in shock she made it onto the big potty by herself) but it’s literally like a switch turned in her head. So praying that will happen for you! Good luck!
Michelle G. says
We are in the same spot (or should I say “same pot”) with the #2 issue for potty training. I have taken many people’s advice similar to above posters and decided to stop stressing about it. My 2.5 year old poops pretty reliably when he has a diaper on, so we make sure to have diaper time for an hour or so a day around his regular “go” time.
For what it’s worth, I’m really glad you’re doing post-baby body updates!
Kristen says
The pictures of the girls are adorable. Where did you get Kaitlyn’s bow she is wearing in the post announcing her birth? I think it is too cute!
Brittany Dixon says
I wish I could tell you, but my photographer brought it. She had boxes of bows and blankets and other fun photo props which was great because I had nothing. I know she got most of them of Etsy, but I’m not sure which shops. I’m sorry!
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables says
I’m in love with your girls. I’m seeing a future wife for Baby D in that sweet face. 😉 Seriously, you have gorgeous babies friend!
Brittany Dixon says
I’m all about arranged marriages… when should we have them meet? 😉
Julie says
If you are OK with offering”rewards” to go #2 on the potty…my son was the exact same way. No problems going #1 on the potty but was opposed to anything else. We have a high shelf in our bathroom and one day I got the idea to put a reward on it. I took him shopping for a special “#2 toy “and told him that, once he went #2 on the potty, he could have it. We came home and I put the toy on the high shelf in the bathroom. It worked that very same day and after that he realized that nothing scary would happen if he went #2 in the potty and it was smooth sailing after that 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
I’m not totally against rewards and think your idea sounds really neat! I’m so impressed that it worked the same day! Did he want a treat or a toy when he went #2 after that? I think my only concern is that she’d expect a toy after every #2, which is why I’m hesitant, but it sounds like it worked so well for you so I’m very intrigued 🙂
Laura @ FitMamaLove says
Butting in to say that this worked well for a family I used to nanny for too!
Julie says
He picked out a toy truck 🙂 I think he just needed that one time to “go” in the potty to see that it wasn’t scary. He was so used to going #1 on the potty that, after the first time he went #2 on got the truck, it just clicked. That’s my guess anyway 🙂 But, no, we went shopping, he picked out the truck, I put it on the bathroom shelf, and later that day he went #2 on the potty and got his truck. After that he just continued using the potty each time, he didn’t expect another reward. I had friends try it, too, and they were also successful 🙂
Julie says
He picked out a toy truck 🙂 I think he just needed that one time to “go” in the potty to see that it wasn’t scary. He was so used to going #1 on the potty that, after the first time he went #2and got the truck, it just clicked. That’s my guess anyway 🙂 But, no, we went shopping, he picked out the truck, I put it on the bathroom shelf, and later that day he went #2 on the potty and got his truck. After that he just continued using the potty each time, he didn’t expect another reward. I had friends try it, too, and they were also successful 🙂
Steph says
#2 is much harder to train than #1! I’ve potty trained lots of kiddos as part of my job, and sometimes the readiness for #2 is just not there for a while. That said, don’t be too worried about using rewards, just have a plan for how you’ll fade. I’d say be prepared to reward with a tangible for 1 week, but always always always pair the tangible reward with a social reward – high five, praise, etc. As you go, you can make the tangible reward smaller until she’s happy just getting a high five.
katie says
I don’t have munchkins, so I don’t really have #2 tips, other than…maybe giving her raisins as a snack?
christina says
i love that picture of them!! they’re beautiful. 🙂
Maria says
The photo of the both of them…I’m sure it makes your heart explode into pieces. So adorable!
Do you guys have any summer plans or do you plan to lay low and enjoy the time at home?
Brittany Dixon says
We didn’t plan much for the summer which now I’m regretting. We’re talking about making it to the beach for a weekend late summer and trying to have some friends up to visit us. I wasn’t sure how it would be with two, but now that I know the answer (chaotic, but who cares ;)), I am really itching for a weekend away!
alex says
I am in live with the fact that you took pictures with your baby girl when she was awake!!! Those pictures are beyond precious!!
Kelly says
I have a little one the same age! How has nighttime sleep been going?
Brittany Dixon says
We’re really lucky and got another good sleeper. She typically wakes up once a night. Last night she went to bed at 9pm, woke up and ate at 2:45am and them woke up again at 7am. I credit good luck, a tight swaddle and filling up her tummy to the brim before bed!
Ashlee says
I’m expecting my second daughter next week (my first is 18 months!) and am really looking to your blog for advice and tips on navigating life with two. What kind of breast pump do you use and did you have to buy any new parts for this second time around? I’m not sure if I’m supposed to or not???
Brittany Dixon says
Ah- next week- SO exciting!! Good luck!!
For Hailey I had a hand-me-down pump Medela pump from a family member that worked decently,but was quite used. This time I found out my insurance covered the cost of a breast pump, so I have a new Medela pump (this one: http://www.medelabreastfeedingus.com/products/698/pump-in-style-advanced-breastpump-starter-set)
I have friends that have reused the same pumps and parts, only buying replacement membranes or tubes if they look like they needed it.
Kelli D. says
Did you have to purchase your breast pump through a medical supply company? My insurance will cover the cost of a pump but I have to purchase through a medical supply co and they only provide me with a long list of companies that may or may not carry pumps and it’s up to me to call of them to see if they have pumps and then I have to get a prescription from my midwife, etc. Such a hassle and I do not have that kind of time with a 2.5 year old son and a 2 month old daughter!
I am in the Raleigh area so I was just curious what supply Co you used if you had to use one 🙂
Thanks!!
Lindsay Ingalls (@NaturallyFamily) says
I think we are going to try bottles a little earlier with #2 because looking ahead it will probably be helpful so that I can do things alone with Edith (or just by myself). Edith never took a bottle very well and since I was ALWAYS with her with the exception of 2 date nights during the first 10 months of her life we never really needed a bottle.
Kimberly @ Healthy Strides says
I’ve heard from many of my friends with girls that the No. 2 on the potty thing eludes them – even after months of being good. It’s not necessarily helpful but maybe comforting? My child, the odd duck as he is, has been more the opposite.
Jen says
You look great! Glad the engorgement is going away – mine is too! It’s so wonderful not feeling like your boobs are going to explode any minute.
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
That picture of Hailey and Kaitlyn is absolutely beautiful! Congrats on two gorgeous little girls 🙂
Bobbie says
You had said picking kaitlyn’s name was difficult. How did you pick and what were some of the other name considerations ? I love both of your girl names 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
Thanks Bobbie 🙂
Other names I liked were Brooklyn, Emily, Hannah, Ainsley, Brianna and, well shoot, that’s all I can remember 🙂
We chose Kaitlyn because we love the name and it’s a bit of a namesake to David’s mom (Kaleen), which makes it extra special. Her middle name, Elizabeth, is my grandma’s name and she is really special to me!
Erica { EricaDHouse.com } says
That first photo is the cutest thing ever.
I’ve never understood why tracking post-baby body progress has been so controversial. I’m looking forward to seeing your updates!
Liz says
Glad everyone is doing so well! I was wondering if Hailey’s sleep has been effected any by hearing her sister cry and wake in the night? Also, do you just go about your normal Hailey routine but plug in baby feedings as needed and have Kaitlynn tag along for getting ready for nap, snack, etc? Are you hoping to sync nap schedules once Kaitlynn is a more regular sleeper so that you have some time where both are asleep? Are you trying to get one on one time with each girl? Sorry for all the questions but I am expecting my second in August and my first will be about Hailey’s age when he is born so your input is so helpful!
Brittany Dixon says
Hey Liz! Congrats on expecting your second! 🙂
1. We have another good sleeper, so Kaitlyn doesn’t wake up often (once a night right now) and doesn’t really cry- more so whines until I feed her. Also, she is in our room right now, which is a little ways away from Hailey’s room, so even if she did cry, I don’t think Hailey would be able to hear her very loudly. So luckily, no issues there right now at night!
2. Yes, I’m pretty much sticking to Hailey’s routine and plugging Kaitlyn in (poor second child!). I can already see habits forming for Kaitlyn, so it helps knowing that she will take a long, pretty consistent nap in the morning so I can wear her in the ergo while doing whatever with Hailey. The late afternoons are a bit more unpredictable, so those change daily!
3. I don’t want to jinx it, but right now Kaitlyn is going down at 1:00 just like Hailey. Hailey sleeps until about 3:30 and Kaitlyn will usually wake up around 2:45/3 ready to eat. I know things change weekly but I’m really hoping to keep nap times synced if possible!
4. Yes- one on one time with each is VERY important to me. I feel like I have a lot of it with Kaitlyn because I nurse so often, but I really make an effort with Hailey. If Kaitlyn is fed/content/sleeping, I’ll do the bath time routine with Hailey or try to be the one to read to her. I think it will only get easier as the girls get older and then I hope to have ‘dates’ with each.
Marjorie says
I love the sister pic! SO sweet. And you look great. I am sure a lot of that is due to your healthy habits that you stuck to throughout pregnancy.
Oh my 20 month old son is starting the first signs of being ready for potty training. He says tee-tee and points at the toilet. He asks to have his wet diaper changed. I am so not ready for this! I feel like I need to research and read up on tips before we start. LOL
I am glad you mentioned those sunscreens. My son’s school is having water play outside this week, and I have got to get on the ball and get him some good sunscreen!
Ancy says
So neat of you to have this Q&A. When you pump, do you feel she sleeps better at night? Is she waking up at night for feedings / are you waking her up? Do you pump any other time during the day? 5oz in one session is great!
Brittany Dixon says
I’m not 100% sure but I do feel like the pumped bottle at night might help fill her up a bit more. Regardless, it’s really beneficial to me (relieves engorgement!) so I plan to keep it up.
She is waking up once a night to eat. Last night she went down at 9, up at 2:45, then up at 7. She was a great eater from the start and gained weight quickly, so I never woke her to eat (except when my boobs hurt so badly the first week that I poked her and forced her to eat ;))
I’m only pumping that one time in the evening for now. I don’t want to aggravate my oversupply issues and I’m still able to save (freeze) some of the milk she doesn’t drink. And I was shocked when I pumped out 5 ounces last night, too!
Becky@TheSavedRunner says
Your baby girl is so cute! I love all of the pictures!
Gina says
I’m surprised Kaitlyn takes a bottle from you so well. Both my kids would know it was me and get upset (they would want the real deal) and refuse to take a bottle from me. Once they were a bit older it wasn’t a problem. Daddy just got to do all the bottle feedings when they were teeny tiny.
Katrina-Marie says
Your girls are precious! 🙂
I don’t have much to offer- I’m a ways away from being a momma! (Not yet!) 🙂 Generally speaking, I would try to mirror Hailey’s bathroom “schedule” (ie. Is there a consistent pattern? Does she tend to “go” first thing in the morning or after lunch etc?) I know way back when the littlest one I care for was in this phase, she developed a pattern over time as her #1 toilet training became successful. By taking advantage of the pattern, we made strides immediately. Best of luck!
Heather @ What Does She Do All Day? says
I know you didn’t want to go the reward route, but that was what we had to do for #2. She had no problem with #1 from the get go, but she was very hesitant with #2. We offered a reward one time for it, she did it, realized it wasn’t so bad and we were good to go from then on out!
Alex @ Get Big, Go To Work says
First, congratulations on the addition of baby Kaitlyn to your family. She is precious.
I was wondering how you added your blog title/stamp to all of your pictures. Thanks!
Brittany Dixon says
I use Windows Live Writer to blog and there is an option to add the watermark with every picture you add to the post. It’s the easiest way I’ve found! 🙂
Sarah says
Congrats, your girls are beautiful! I am curious, what is a puddle jumper? And what is a rash guard on a bathing suit? Thanks 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
We love our puddle jumper because it’s like floaties with another flotation across the chest. Here is an example: http://www.academy.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_10051_1061520_-1__?N=581132454&affcode=42&kwid=ps_cse&cid=PLA_026921775&gclid=CjkKEQjwqsCcBRDt7_Gts5a91YYBEiQAm-wYEfIRzH8w_zSiZHQRGgZF3QfdVi4vTrnUUzZDIUwlRkfw_wcB
And the rash guard is the tops that look like shirts and are usually high is spf like this one: http://factory.jcrew.com/girls-clothing/swim/rashguards/PRDOVR~A3092/A3092.jsp?color_name=Shocking-Pink-Dots&TCode=FAGGPF00001_99103332436&sisearchengine=197&siproduct=A3092&noPopUp=true&gclid=CjkKEQjwqsCcBRDt7_Gts5a91YYBEiQAm-wYEaiWKpAo8V5FIXCnB_CWicY48d85dgWTSjaMS67iZdXw_wcB
Love ’em 🙂
char eats greens says
I was going to say from the first picture of the two girls that Kaitlyn looks more like you! I STILL don’t know who Nia looks like. I get a mixture of both from people, so maybe that’s why I can’t figure it out! haha